Sunday, October 14, 2007

Crochet Revolution

Friendly. Down to earth. Energetic. Enthusiastic. These are a few words to describe my first impressions of Kim Werker. I had the most fantastic day today celebrating the launching of Kim Werker's new book Crochet Me. I made the two and a half hour drive out to Northampton, Massachusetts to Webs America's Yarn Store for the launch. I was also way excited because it was my first time at the yarn store. And what a yarn store it is. That is an absolute understatement! More on that later. O.k...so, it seems that I misunderstood Kathy Elkins, owner of Webs, and thought the store opened at 12:00 P.M., two hours before the event. Hmmmmm, I was wrong. I arrived at Webs around 11:30 A.M.....and quickly found out that the store was going to open around 1:30 P.M. What is a girl supposed to do you ask? Crochet of course! I started on the Tiramisu Baby Blanket for a new baby girl named Eva. But, that only lasted for about 45 minutes and decided that I better go into town and find a bite to eat. I found this nice little cafe and ordered an apple cinnamon muffin and a mowhawk chocolate chai tea. It was super busy, so I took it to go and back with me to Webs and enjoyed it as I waited in the parking lot.


I met a very nice woman named Sharon from Connecticut. She was also waiting to get into the store. We chatted a bit about crochet and yarn. It is nice to meet an actual fiber friend that understands the craft. As an aside, I was eating dinner with my sister in law and some family last night and was trying to explain where I was going on Sunday and why. They all gave me an odd look and replied, "You are driving 2 1/2 hours to look at yarn and buy a crochet book?" They just don't get it. My 6 year old son even asked me, "How can there be a book on crochet?" But he was genuine and really did not get it. I explained to him that there are crochet patterns in a book that tells you how to make something sort of like a recipe tells you how to make dinner. I think he got it more than my in-laws..haha!


Finally around 1:15 we were allowed to come in and look around while Kim set up. It was a trunk show and tell show, and many items in the new book was on display. Also displayed was The Larger than Life Bag from Spring 2007 Interweave Crochet and the famous Babett Blanket from the Spring 2006 Interweave Crochet.


As I asked Kim if I could take her picture of her for her for my blog...she asked what is the name of my blog. Crochet Creations...and she said that she read this log before. NO FREAKING WAY....how thrilling is that. The crochet goddess Kim Werker has checked out my blog. Oh, my...I felt famous for a second!! LOL.


Kim did a wonderful presentation on the different contributors and designers of the book...discussed their creations, and talked about different stitches used in each project, gauge and drape. And then the real fun began...hehhehehehehe. I got to shopping! Truth be told, I was a bit overwhelmed by my surroundings. There was yarn, yarn, and more yarn. The front room was set up like your typical yarn store....but with a lot of space :) And then there was the warehouse with all the close out deals.....





Well...of course I did not go home empty handed. But, since I did not have a certain project in mind, buying yarn was not that easy. I did not want to buy just to buy so, I bought 4 skeins of Valley Yarns in Colrain (50 % Merino, 50 % Tencel). 2 Skeins in majestic blue and 2 skeins in mauve. I bought The Spring 2006 issue of Interweave Crochet, a Addi Skacel G hook, an afghan J hook, and Eucalan wool wash. I also bought the Crochet Me book and had Kim sign it. I also got a chance to introduce myself to Kathy Elkins the owner and let her know how I listen to her every Sunday night and really enjoy her podcast. I say it was a trip well worth the effort and expense to get to participate in the Crochet Revolution with Kim Werker!!



4 comments:

MelissaKnits said...

That was a great party, complete with broken wine glasses and spilled champagne!

And you never forget your first visit to the warehouse.

I am about to be a grandmother - I think I need to go take a closer look at that tiramisu blanket...

Needles said...

Hi Gina. Webs? Webs? 2.5 hours away? Can I come visit? Haha. Its so far I could cry.

I've been waiting for this book. I like the way Kim thinks, and I really liked what I saw on the internet pre publication. Is it as yummy a book as I think?

Anonymous said...

The project photos from that book are really making me want to resurrect my long-dormant crochet skills. :)

Alicia said...

It looks like you had a GREAT time!!