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Knit-Out and Crochet 2009 Photos

Feb 18, 2009 by KD Sandi

 
 
The Main Stage in the mall rotunda where the fashion shows were held. See the orange stage covering? That is a crocheted water tower cover! The enormous gold cloth was later cut into afghan squares for Warm Up America.
Debbie Macomber, author of the yarn shop on Blossom Street books, speaking to us about her books and her work with Warm Up America.
 
 
 

 

 
 
The models for the kid's fashion show.
The audience is packed--and everyone is knitting or crocheting!
 
 
 
 

 
 
Two of the dog models wait their turn onstage for the Dog-Gone Cute Fashion Show.
 Then it was on to the vendor booths!
 
 






 
FREEBIES! There were giveaways at many of the booths--free yarn, free patterns, and other nifty goodies.
Mr. Lion was a big hit with everyone!
 
 
 
 

 
 
There was a kid's crafting corner with kid-friendly hooks, needles, and yarn.
The Yarn Doctors were "IN" so if you had a project question, you could ask the experts for help.
 
 
 
 

 
 
Here's the place to go if you (or a friend) wanted to learn to knit or crochet.
Patient teachers were there to explain every step.
 
 
 
 

 
 
There were free classes and demos by expert teachers. Here, Edie Eckman, one of our Interweave Crochet designers, is teaching a class on joining crocheted motifs.
Kathleen Sams from Coats and Clark shows her class how to work cables with ease.
 
 
 
 

 
 
The Warm Up America booth collected squares for their charity afghans.
One of the Warm Up America afghans on display.
 
 
 
 

 
 
There was so much to see....
...and do, and learn...
 
 
 
 

 
 
But perhaps the best part was getting to meet other knitters and crocheters...
...and make wonderful friendships!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Linda K. wrote
on Feb 24, 2009 1:15 AM
and yet alas...there isn't a single store at the huge MOA where a dedicated knitter can find some yarn or even a pattern to work on! If anyone wants to open up a place put it next to a starbucks or a caribou and I'll be there for hours!
Elizabeth@6 wrote
on Feb 22, 2009 5:47 PM
Just want to thank you for sharing the pictures. It's GREAT to see what others are doing. Elizabeth from California
dolphinrose wrote
on Feb 21, 2009 3:16 PM
Wow! I wish I could have attended, it looks like it was a lot of fun as well as informative.
ckb wrote
on Feb 20, 2009 8:48 AM
My DH and I enjoyed the entire event. We planned it as a Valentine wknd. Is he pretty cool or what? We drove from Rantoul, IL(think Champaign area or E. Central, IL) which is about 8 hrs. on Friday and left Sunday AM. The Country Inn & Suites was wonderful. The MOA was easily accessible walking if you didn't want to take the shuttle. The offerings for demos were fabulous. I took four: the crocheted socks with Kathleen Sam, the cable w/the Leisure Arts folks, the 2 needle socks and 4 needle socks with Svetlana. DH waited in the Bernat line for over an hour just to get me a goodie bag while I was in a demo class. Then when my new friend, Patty (Hi, Patty--didn't get your e-mail--write me!!) was going to stay for a class w/me, he went back & stood in line for her! Suggestions: could we get the demo schedules, map to the booths & other similar items before the day it starts. That would have been really helpful. I think I stayed awake wondering what all there was going to be--I was so excited. Another venue would be fine. There was a nominal fee for two fo the seminars. Possibly asking for registration for the demo classes &/OR a nominal fee ($5) would eliminate some of the congestion/limited resources such as in Svetlana's class. Again, not complaining! Just some experience attending other consumer needlework shows. Looking forward to going again next year only coming a day earlier or leaving a day later so that we can see more of the MOA &/OR do a little yarn store shop hop! ckb
Denise Lee wrote
on Feb 20, 2009 7:02 AM
A friend and I went to the Knit Out on Saturday. It was fun sitting and learning some new things and getting free stuff. But this was my first Knit Out and I thought I'd be able to buy yarn at the event. A kind booth person explained they couldn't sell because other kiosk owners at MOA rent their selling space. So I'd like to suggest that in the future the event be held in a bigger venue like the Mpls Convention Center or St. Paul RiverCenter. This would allow retailers to be able to sell products, hopefully eliminate the ridiculuously long lines to view the tables, and still have room for workshops and demonstrations. I know it sounds like I'm complaining, but I trying to offer constructive criticism. I was inspired by the event and have been knitting and crocheting non-stop since the weekend!
MartheL wrote
on Feb 20, 2009 6:54 AM
It is so heartwarming to see this.Is there any going to be in the New Jersey greater New York area or Vermont in the summer?
DebraS wrote
on Feb 19, 2009 4:33 PM
Actually, all the LYS's were handing out the flyers for the Knit Out & Crochet for a least the last month. Went on Sunday with my knitting daughter and had a good time. We have been going for the last 3 years. We must be blessed as we also attended the Bohus Exhibit durng the opening weekend last month at the American Swedish Institute in Mpls. Have been in knitting heaven
Martha@2 wrote
on Feb 19, 2009 4:29 PM
Charlotte is a great convention destination too! I just can't justify the expense of flying to MI plus the hotel and meals. I would LOVE to attend something like this!
jlarkin wrote
on Feb 19, 2009 12:52 PM
What?! You told me about this AFTER it happened! I live 20 minutes from the Mall of America, and this really ticks me off!
AndreaW@2 wrote
on Feb 19, 2009 12:41 PM
Yes, indeed!! Come to Memphis!! I will help you and invite all my yarny friends!!
Purlgirl wrote
on Feb 19, 2009 11:17 AM
This looks like paradise! Is there ever an event in the Birmingham, Alabama area?
Phyllis V.E wrote
on Feb 19, 2009 11:14 AM
Kudos to the organizers!! Events of this magnitude come about ONLY because dedicated people put forth the effort. This includes You Sandi, for getting the photos posted for folks uanble to be there in person could cyber visit. NEPA reader
AliceS wrote
on Feb 19, 2009 11:09 AM
Please have one in Philly, I live in Maryland but would stay with a sister-in-law in Whitehall and attend.I might even be able to make it a day trip for the Tour Operator here in Md. I travel with to the Phial. Flower Show. I belong to a knitting group that could travel.
Wilma wrote
on Feb 19, 2009 10:56 AM
Thanks for the Knit-Out and Crochet photo gallery, Sandi. Wish I could have been there. I know I would have oohed and aahed over everything. It's good to know that knitting and crocheting are still very much alive in the U.S. I hope many of our young ones attended and were inspired by what they saw. Are we ever going to have one in California? Thanks so much again for sharing. Ruby G. from Santa Barbara, CA
LdG wrote
on Feb 19, 2009 6:01 AM
Sandi, I am one of the yarn drs., see you must have been close to our booth, but we seem to have missed you. Perhaps next year we will get to meet you. I am glad you had an enjoyable time, everyone always seems to have a wonderful time. You are correct, the Craft Yarn Council Members (vendors) are too, too great and provide for us very well. Mary C. and Mary R. out of NYC do an excellent organizational job. Isn't our MOA the perfect place for this event? It is very worth the effort, everyone try to join us 2010!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LindaC@7 wrote
on Feb 19, 2009 4:14 AM
Why oh why can't we have a Knit-Out in Philly???
NANA wrote
on Feb 19, 2009 4:07 AM
How can we get some knitters and crocheters to participate in a Knit-Out and Crochet here in San Antonio Texas
DeniseB@3 wrote
on Feb 19, 2009 3:59 AM
This makes me soooo homesick. I live in China now, but Mpls is my hometown! I attended two years ago, so this brought back lots of fun memories!!
LindaC@3 wrote
on Feb 19, 2009 2:50 AM
Sometimes I just wish that I live in the United States..........I went to knit out in Ontario in 2004 at Mary Maxim but to my knowledge it was the one and only time they made a knit out.
helen@5 wrote
on Feb 18, 2009 10:24 PM
It is an awesome weekend. I am thankful I live close by in Wisc. Gathering at the hotel is also a great time to make new friends and meet others that knit and crochet and to see what everyone is creating. And to share tips.
eveneve wrote
on Feb 18, 2009 8:29 PM
oh, that sounds like it was awesome... wish i could have gone.
JudyA wrote
on Feb 18, 2009 8:14 PM
My 3rd time also. I was there on Saturday, Valentines Day, the place was packed. There is always far too much to do and see. You didn't mention Steven the Glitter Knitter and his style show. He wore an asymmetric sweater knitted with old cassette tapes of BonJovi and Rod Stewart or so he said. He found knitters who were wearing their creations and invited them on stage as well as pointing them out in the audience (I was one in the audience). All ordinary people who love knitting and crocheting. Some very creative/original and some with versions of basic patterns--lots of scarves, socks and sweaters. There also was a demonstration on making things out of plastic bags. Sorry I didn't get to see you Sandy--hope you come again next year. I believe there is a knitting event happening in Chicago in April but I am not sure who sponsors it.
Teresa C.Odom wrote
on Feb 18, 2009 7:56 PM
We need something in the South. We have knitters here as well! New Orleans, or Memphis? Maybe Atlanta? I would drive six hours to attend!
EmilyK wrote
on Feb 18, 2009 7:36 PM
Come to San Francisco, please. Emily K
GeorgeneJ wrote
on Feb 18, 2009 7:22 PM
This was my first year at the MOA for the Knit-Out event. WOW, WOW and WOW. What a blast. I took my sister-in-law and two girls (8 and 10). The girls took a learn-to-knit class and were absolutely thrilled to be able to take the yarn and needles home to practice. The vendors were so generous - what a treat. Now we're starting to make blocks and scarfs and hats to donate so we can participate even more next year. Thanks so much to all the people that made this possible!!!
JannaC wrote
on Feb 18, 2009 6:36 PM
How fun is this!!! Thank you for sharing! Would have been awesome to attend! Glad you had such a great time!!
Jane@5 wrote
on Feb 18, 2009 5:55 PM
I wish there was one on the east coast. Up here in Downeast Maine we knit all the time and would love to participate in something like this.
StephanieR@5 wrote
on Feb 18, 2009 5:23 PM
God I how wish i lived in the States, just to attend this awesome events and to actually pursue knitting to it's fullest. I live in PR and well the weather it's not the best for knitting.
Kelly@4 wrote
on Feb 18, 2009 3:25 PM
This was my second year attending the Knit-Out and I am hooked! See you next year!
StephanieA wrote
on Feb 18, 2009 1:44 PM
I wich I had gone as well. Just have to say that the MOA is on the west side of the Mississippi, even if only by a few miles.
ArleneT wrote
on Feb 18, 2009 1:30 PM
I wish I had gone ! It looked fabulous, down to earth and completely fun. I could have stayed with my sister!! -- a former midwesterner who lives in CA but still misses alot of things from back there.
Riv wrote
on Feb 18, 2009 1:29 PM
I'd love to attend, but .... too far to drive in unreliable midwest winter weather. How about Chicago? It's closer for the NYC fiber folk and we have a huge mall here too: Woodfield Mall. I'd love to attend. Riva/Chicago
YvonneR wrote
on Feb 18, 2009 1:29 PM
I really miss the Knit Out Crochet event they use to put on in New York. I used to attend every year. Maybe one day I'll make it to the Mall of America.
MarqueL wrote
on Feb 18, 2009 1:25 PM
I just wish there would be a Knit Crochet out in Portland on the other coast! Seems like all these events are held east of the Mississippi. Bah humbug!
RosieLovesYarns wrote
on Feb 18, 2009 1:11 PM
The 1st on I attended was back in 2006 in NYC. I am from NYC, when is it going to be over here the other side of the rainbow. Remember, us crocheters & knitters from NYC....The big Apple...The city that never sleeps.....LOL :0)....Rosie
karen@3 wrote
on Feb 18, 2009 1:08 PM
If this had been in New York City I'd have been there!
noia wrote
on Feb 18, 2009 1:05 PM
If you came to Chicago, let me know . I love to go "Knit out and crochet"
MicheleV wrote
on Feb 18, 2009 1:04 PM
Hehe! That's a picture of me and my friend April!! Bottom right corner! We had a great time meeting you Sandi! Hope your flight home was a good one!
JillK wrote
on Feb 18, 2009 12:45 PM
This was my first visit to the KnitOut at MOA. It was really a pick-me-up to have the event here in Minnesota. Thanks - let's do it again! Jill PS: I am not a fan of mall shopping - and this event is a very good reason to visit 'the mall'!
Cecily Beierle wrote
on Feb 18, 2009 12:37 PM
I demonstrated spinning with a spindle at the Textile Center booth, representing the Weavers Guild of Minnesota. I had a lovely time sharing fiber joy! What fun to share tips and receive tips about anything fiber-related. I went last year, and explored and filled bag with goodies, and didn't have time to that this year. I enjoyed the event, and I hope it keeps on coming to the MOA! ~Cecily
KraftyAnne wrote
on Feb 18, 2009 12:13 PM
This was my 3rd year attending also. Looked for Sandy, but didn't find her. I didn't see the Lion from Lions Brand yarns this year, he must have been there on Sat. Had to go only on Sunday as I had to work. Missed getting my picture taken with him. I love meeting and talking to new knitters. I learn a new trick each year. Thanks to all the volunteers.
thefrenchchick wrote
on Feb 18, 2009 12:05 PM
This was my third year attending also. I love having a Knit Out in my state. Meeting other stitchers is the best part.
beelighted wrote
on Feb 18, 2009 11:54 AM
This was my first year and my goodie bag was stuffed and very heavy!!! Thank you vendors, I had a blast :) Next year I will be sure to sign up for a few workshops. The stacks of patterns, information, ideas, yarn and fancy light up needles will keep my quite busy until next year. :)
LindaN@2 wrote
on Feb 18, 2009 11:48 AM
This is my third time at the Knit-Out at MOA and this time I brought two first-timers with me. What a joy to watch their faces and listen to them. Lots of beautiful handmades on the people walking around to see the booths and the demos. Everyone is happy to share. Hope you all will come next year. My friends want to go both day's next year
PainterT wrote
on Feb 18, 2009 11:47 AM
I live by the MOA (Mall of America) and I went on Sunday as I had to work on Saturday. I tried to find you but -alas- you were not to be found. But I am glad you enjoyed yourself. This is my 3rd year attending and I always have fun! Tish
Maryanne wrote
on Feb 18, 2009 11:39 AM
When and where is the next one?!
JaniceB wrote
on Feb 18, 2009 11:37 AM
What a fun weekend, I know all of you were smiling and happy and spending money and touching all of the yarn. I know I would have
SharonV wrote
on Feb 18, 2009 11:35 AM
I wish I had gone to the Knit Out! It looks like every fiber event I've ever been to - FUN! And the 'skunk' doggie is adorable!
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