Last weekend was the TNNA Market that happens twice a year. TNNA stands for The National Needlearts Association, and we’ve been a member of that since the summer of 2006, when we officially opened our doors for The Loopy Ewe. Attending market is important for all kinds of reasons, and I’m always glad to go. There are classes for learning new things, meeting up with old friends and making new ones, seeing upcoming trends and products, ordering new lines for the shop, and eating Jeni’s ice cream. (Oh, wait. Jeni’s is only available at the summer TNNA in Columbus, OH. That makes attendance even more desirable at the summer market.)
I took a class with these two interesting guys. They are former fashion designers, turned knitting designers. They live in Norway and their class was a lot of fun. If you’re local, we’ll be teaching this class in the fall and will have the books soon for in-store purchase. If you’re not
local and are interested, you can find their book on Amazon – Knitted Dolls. Isn’t it great how the dolls look just like them? They were entertaining and the book made us all want to knit ourselves into dolls. I haven’t been much of a toy knitter (like never) and am currently working through a cute brontosaurus which I’m not enjoying as much as I thought. But these dolls? Very very fun to work on.
I had Jeni’s ice cream twice, which frankly, was showing remarkable restraint given the fact that I was in town for four days. 🙂 It’s not unusual for people to wander over to North Market twice a day for ice cream. There are just too many awesome flavor combos, waiting to be tried. (My new favorite, which displaces former-favorite Salty Caramel, is Brown Butter Almond Brittle. Heavenly. Check out the list of flavors on their website.) There is typically a line of 20-40 people, and everyone just waits. It’s always worth it. You can find her cookbook on her website, which does include the recipe for their number one bestseller, the Salty Caramel. I need to try making it.
Standing in line with hundreds of shop owners for Sample It on Friday night, I had a “small world” experience. The person in front of me turned around and said, “I know you! The last time I saw you was in Pffafenhofen, Germany!” While Knitting Daughter and I were there visiting Claudia two years ago, we got to spend a couple of days hanging out in the Wollmeise shop. On one of those days, a gal from the States arrived to shop and we ended up going out for lunch together. It was so fun to see her again! And she had on this beautiful shawl, knit with 2 different colors of Kauni. She said it’s a simple triangle pattern – just increase on each end and do the {YO,K,YO} for increasing in the middle. You knit down and back with one color, then down and back with the other, just like Jared’s Striped Scarf, but with increases added in for a shawl.
Last but not least, I did find some fun things to add in to the shop. New lines, new bases in beloved current lines, new accessories, new kits, and more. We have these scheduled to arrive between now and the fall, and will be sharing them as they come in. It’s going to be fun! And busy!
Sheri hopingyouallhaveagreatweekendaheadofyou
P.S. Still far enough away from all fires that they are not a danger to us. But others are not so fortunate, so thanks for all of your continued thoughts and prayers for Colorado!
Flad to hear you had fun at TNNA. Also glad to hear you’re still far enough away from the fires. What did you decide for Camp Loopy Project Two? Let us in on your secret!
Oops! GLAD, not Flad!
I’m glad that you are aOK in Colorado. So many people I know are not doing so well or grew up there and are heartbroken seeing what is happening to their old home.
I make a ton of ice cream, so I really want to get to Jeni’s. I wonder if there are any non-industry events that I could attend. Always need an excuse, after all!
Glad to hear you’re still ok. I have read about many others eho are not. So terrible. TNNA sounds like fun. Who can go wrong with ice cream wherever you are!!! Looking forward to seeing bunches of new products! Have a great weekend!
Small world, isn’t it.
I should have a few more FSB points – enough to shop with abandon.
Positive Thoughts for the entire American West/Southwest
hugs
Don’t you love that “small world shrinking every day” thing? 😀 Those dolls are fantastic! Adding that book to my list!
I live on the north end of Columbus where there is also a Jeni’s (as well as in Dublin). Graeter’s is another favorite around here and we also like Rita’s (italian ice layered with iced custard). There’s a great open space next to the one in Westerville if you’re ever looking for another shop space!
Thank you, Sheri, for all the work you do to make TLE a success. I was just thinking back about the first time I heard about you and TLE on the Lime and Violet podcast (I miss them) some five years ago. Luckily for me , I have vicariously lived the dream of starting a successful yarn business through being one of your customers, but not having to do all the hard work! Not to mention getting to go to the first Spring Fling (I cried when I got the email that I got a spot that first year) then wonder of wonders you and the store moved to Colorado! I still have some yarn in my stash from those first couple of years, and now I even got to come see the new store on the official opening! Hope you had loads of fun at TNNA and I want to come up for that doll class!
Sheri-Thank you for the fabulous customer service you provide. Everything I have ordered from you arrives with excellent condition and packed with much care! This is my first year in Camp Loopy and I am having so much fun. Thank you so much for all you do. The only thing that makes me a little sad is that I live in the St. Louis area and didn’t discover The Loopy Ewe until after you had moved to Colorado. I was driving early this week and saw the sign where your shop used to be. Thanks again! Have a great weekend
OMG, Jeni’s!!!! Last year, while I was in Chicago, and I was eating dairy (I’m completely vegan now), Adrienne and I found Jenni’s in the supermarket and got it to have with our dinner that night. Goat Chees with Red Cherries. It was to die for, so yummy!!!!
So glad the fires are far enough away and continued prayers for those that are in its path.
Sheri, definitely glad y’all are okay. My heart is heavy for the fire victims. I hope the situation improves soon.
I can’t wait to see the goodies that are coming to TLE from your TNNA trip….and looking forward to a trip to see y’all IRL in October!!
Love that you found neat stuff for us to knit with! It will be hard to wait!
I also want to thank you for the excellent customer service and variety of products you offer. Almost makes me want to move to Colorado so you can really be my LYS (not that I don’t want to move there as it is…love the Rockies). I’m also having a blast with Camp Loopy and will be joining in on your quarterly challenges from now on.
My LYS is just ok. They overcharge on some things and don’t have the variety I look for. I did pop in there today and was pleased to finally see some locally produced yarns and rovings, so maybe they are coming around.
I can’t wait to see the new things you discovered at TNNA! I am getting a promotion at work and will triple my current income so I expect more yarn buying in my future. 🙂
I agree with Jen. There is a nice little space available in Westerville, Ohio if you are looking for a 2nd location. 😛
Jeni’s Brown Butter Almond Brittle is one of my absolute flavors. I am particularly fond of the Juniper and Lemon Curd right now.
I look forward to seeing what new things you found at TNNA this year!
We have a local store that carries Jeni’s–the Brown Butter Almond Brittle is so good! But I think it’s beaten out by the maple with the salty nuts (we have the book and have made it). I also like the Goat Cheese with Cherries-it’s like cherry cheesecake (and not really goat-y).