Evil Eye

Sara has posted the Bobmas Eve celebrations taking place in Chicago over on our YarnCon Blog, so please stop by and check it out. It looks like it will be a lot of fun, and I hope I can make it to a few of the events that evening.

This week Yarn Market News held its first conference, and Sara and I were given the opportunity to attend, and moderate a panel on e-commerce. Shannon Okey was scheduled to be the moderator, but was unable to make it, and we were able to step in for her. On the panel were Rob from ThreadBear Fiber Arts Studio, and Betsy Perry from Classic Elite Yarns. It was interesting to hear their thoughts on how they use the internet to promote their respective businesses, and the relationships they build through the use of e-newsletters. In neither case do they have online stores, yet both make good use of their web-pages and newsletters to promote their businesses and keep people informed of what they have to offer. I have never even been to ThreadBear, but I have been well aware of their store for years. There is no store in the case of Classic Elite Yarns, but again, I am familiar with their collections. We had to opportunity to speak about YarnCon, and how most of the connections we have made with vendors and the people who attended happened via the internet.

The show itself was very well run, and I would not have guessed it was their first conference. The panel discussions were great, as was the interaction with the audience. Sara and I came away with all kinds of ideas and plans for YarnCon, and many new contacts. I can’t thank Shannon Okey enough for thinking to ask us when she was looking for someone to cover for her, and Karin Strom of Yarn Market News for asking us to stay for the rest of the panels.

We also ran into the always charming Franklin again during the conference. We also saw him the previous week at the Windy City Knitting Guild meeting, where he was taking pictures for his 1000 Knitters Project. He took his 500th picture that night! How exciting! He was at it again during the conference. I always love the chance to talk to Franklin, and I can’t wait to see the results of this project. I love the pictures I have seen on his blog so far.

On another topic, still relating to yarn, I thought I would give props to Lantern Moon for great customer service. I have a set of size 2 double pointed needles in rosewood that I really like. And I sat and one and broke it. I was sad, but since it was my fault, I didn’t think to do anything about it for a while. I read on Ravelry that someone contacted Lantern Moon about replacing a broken needle, and they did right away at no additional cost. I emailed them, and right away they got back to me and said to either exchange it at the store, or if I could not get to the store easily, to give them my address and they would send me a new set. Wow! I now have a full set of the DPNs again, thanks Lantern Moon! (I actually sat next to the president of Lantern Moon on Tuesday, and had to smile when I pulled out the little Lantern Moon bag I carry my knitting in, honestly, it was like being around yarny rock stars sometimes.)

Goodness, I have neglected blogging this month. But, you get into a routine, and there is not as much to write about. Or, you do want to comment on things going on, but are busy with said routine and don’t get around to it. Such is the state of this blog.

But it’s not all just routine, there are Monday nights at the Stitch n’ Bitch, 33.3rd birthday parties to attend, seeds to plant in hope of Spring, and a fabulous birthday dinner at Alinea last night for Scott’s 35th birthday.

Last weekend we helped stage a very successful surprise party for our dear friend, Dan. Brandy did an amazing job putting it together, all we did was carry out the plan.

How is that for a cool looking cake?

On Sunday I started most of my seedlings, and have been meaning to get the rest started this week. It was good to start playing with dirt again, not that I can see dirt outside anymore underneath the snow. Phooey.

The birthday fun continued this week with Scott’s 35th birthday celebration at Alinea last night. We had the tour menu. I don’t care how small the portions are, that was a lot of food! It was an accomplishment to eat it all, and it took 5 hours. The fastest 5 hours I have ever experienced! Time just flew by as we had a most entertaining and delicious meal. Each serving came with an explanation, as did the wine pairings. The wait staff were wonderful, and I think we entertained them as much as they entertained us. It was truly a dining experience.

I’ve been busy in the yarn front as well, but not just knitting and spinning. Sara and I have been coordinating Bobmas Eve celebrations with Chicago’s local yarn stores. What? Why, Bobmas Eve of course! If you are a knitter or crocheter, I am guessing you have heard of Ravelry by now. Well, on April 11 it will have been one year since Ravelry was conceived. Bob is the creators’ pet, and Ravelry mascot. Therefore, April 10th has been declared Bobmas Eve, and cities all over are planning celebrations. Here in Chicago we are talking to yarn stores, and many of them (I’ll have a list for you soon) will be open that evening for your yarn enjoyment. Each one will be celebrating in its own way, and we urge you to visit your local yarn store that night, or more than one, and meet fellow Ravelry members, or go find out what the fuss is all about. I’ll keep you posted here, and at the YarnCon Blog with more information soon. (Hey, did I mention we are taking applications for YarnCon? Well, what are you waiting for?)

We are also already making plans for World Wide Knit in Public (WWKiP) day on June 14, 2008 in Millennium Park here in Chicago. Mark you calendars!