Friday, November 06, 2009

Lakeside Fibers Getaway

Hi Knitters,
I am on the road now but my first event was a hometown affair. I packed up my trunk show and The Collector and we headed off to the ever-beautiful Lakeside Fibers. I didn't get any good photos during the event because it was a busy signing, which is a good thing. The Collector and I took a few photos at the very end when things were winding down.

The two ladies sitting behind me were so incredibly cute. They got to the event right at the start and we chatted and I signed their books. Then they sat right behind me and the entire time they went page by page through the book and discussed every project and what yarn they were going to use. The woman on the left used her iphone and looked up all of the yarns and their availability. Every once in awhile I would chime into their conversation. I got a big kick out of them.
I did snap this shot earlier. This little guy loved the toys. I glanced over and saw that he had quietly placed the Finger Foods on his fingers and was just loving it. I loved that he did that on his own like that. I asked his mom if I could take his picture and then he looked a little worried when I snapped the shot but he had a good time. I enjoyed seeing kids come by and place their toy orders as they went down the table.

I always have a good time at Lakeside. The Collector ordered dinner and we always get the lemonade at Lakeside. It is so yummy and tart and fizzy. You have to try it. The ladies sitting behind The Collector were funny. One didn't knit (but she places knitting orders to her friends:) and the other was having trouble with her double-pointed needles. I did a brief demonstration for her and gave her a couple of tips but she didn't seem convinced. Really it just boils down to practicing, that's my biggest tip. They came along with my friend Ramona, who I just love. She is so supportive and fun and it was really good to see her. She sends me fun emails with links all the time. Keep it coming!
Lots more long-time friends and knitting acquaintances showed up. I am so appreciative of their effort to come and visit me. These are the knitters who show up at every local event I have and it is touching.

This little sweetheart has a wonderful knitting mother who I've known for years. In fact, I hosted a knitting baby shower for her at the shop I used to work at (everyone knit squares and then I sewed them into a blanket for her) and then she went into labor later that same day. Five years later here she is at my knitting event. I loved how she is holding the book in her bag. Her mom emailed me later that she has placed her orders for about every toy in the book. Get busy, Renee! Christmas is right around the corner. Renee sends me great emails with cool links, too. Gotta love friends like that.
I was honored to have two famous Madison-based knitters attend the event. Carol Rududu is a fabulous knitter and she brought her fantastic version of The Chubby Bunny (pattern in Itty-Bitty Nursery) which I had seen on Ravelry. I was happy to see it in person. I love how the toys take on different personalities. She pointed out how little ones love to put their fingers in the rings. She won a Bobby award on Ravelry for her fair-isle leggings/tights. You have to jump over (click on her name above) and check those out and the rest of her projects. You will be impressed by her knitting. The leggings are really incredible.

Along with Carol was TECHknitter and the two of them are Madison knitting friends. She was fun to meet and so interested and genuine. She is in the Ravelry Hall of Fame for most educational knitter and most educational Ravelry member. That's quite impressive. Her Ravelry page is here and her fantastic technique blog is here. Check them both out.

They were friendly and warm and fun and it was great to meet and chat with these women in person.
The Collector was worn out by the end of the night. See, we really enjoyed that lemonade. She had a lot of people asking if she was The Collector. She always looks down and says yes. It's cute.
This is the most fun trunk show to bring along because it is an interactive toy-laden table. Everyone smiles and touches and tries everything.
That woman standing at the table asked The Collector for her autograph, too, very sweet. I am glad I got to witness her first book signing:) This same woman was so fun, she just fell in love with the toys. In fact, I think she was just at the shop and stumbled upon my event. The toys won her over.

Anyway, I am deeming this event a good and fun success. Thank you, as always, to Lakeside Fibers for hosting me. Make sure you stop by this Madison treat of a yarn shop and cafe. There is nothing else like it anywhere.

I'll check back in soon, Knitters.
best, susie

12 comments:

coffeechris said...

Congratulations on your first kick-off event for Itty Bitty Toys. I loved reading your recap, the next best thing if one cannot attend. It's nice to see and hear more of your warm bunch of "groupies". You mentioned the knitter with dpns angst, I was wondering if you might be up for a motivational tutorial on working on dpns. So many of your patterns use them, I gotta be honest I struggle with liking that part of my knitting (when I have to move the hat from circulars to dpns it is never the fun part)- thinking one of your great tutorials would help. Safe travels and have fun.

Kar said...

So glad to hear you both had a great time! Wish I could have been there. I'm hoping I get your book for Christmas. It's on my list! Can't wait to flip through the pages myself and start a list of "to do's". :) Thanks for all your creativity!

Have a great weekend!
xxxx

ErikaC said...

Looks like a lot of fun - I wish you were coming out my way! :) Also, that giraffe is soooo cute - I must make it!

peaknits said...

What a great book signing!! I hope to sneak into your meet n greet at Sow's Ear if I can. Those toys are so sweet - my sister is expecting and I think "little Jack" needs some of your darling toys!

Tiphanie said...

What fun! It looks like a great success... I'm so jealous, I wish you were coming to Northern California so I could attend one of your trunk shows. But thank you so much for posting these pictures and giving such detailed descriptions of all that was happening... it's the next best thing to being there. :)

TECHknitter said...

Susan--it was a lot of fun to meet you, too! Your books are lovely, as are your toys. Really really clever, really really nice knitting. Congratulations on your new book, also.

--TK

Rae Lynne said...

I think your new book is amazing...and I just started teaching myself to knit! I decided about 2 weeks ago I was going to learn, and when I went to the bookstore to pick out my books, there was "Itty Bitty Toys" sitting on the table. I picked it up and fell in love! I can't wait to start a project - any of them! The book inspired me to check out your other 2 books. :) I wish you were coming closer to where I live, but it's great to see your blog.

BeyondStitches said...

Wow! What fun! Love reading the recap
and I love the fact that you took the Collector with you and she had her little moment of fame. Love her smile!

Anonymous said...

Thanks so much for the sweet mention--I feel so special and honored. It was so good to see you and admire your beautiful collection--and daughter. I will make sure Angie reads this post. She will be shocked to see her photo on the blog. Conquering double points will be my 2010 resolution. --Best wishes for continued success, Ramona

Stefanie said...

I found it awesome how The Collector went along with you and got to see you in action. What a bonding event for the two of you and tickled pink she must've been getting asked for her first autograph.

Anna said...

That was my little boy! He was absolutely entranced by all the toys. He wanted to play with everything! His name is Henry, and he's 2.5 years old

(The first thing he fell in love with was the giraffe. He's still talking about how we went to the coffee shop with yarn that had all the toys.)

Kate (KnitsInClass) said...

That looks like fun! My mom and I are excited to see you at Shepherd's Choice on the 14th -