Knit Out 2008

The second annual Knit Out and Crochet event in Minneapolis was this weekend, again at the Mall of America. It was a smaller event this year, with fewer vender booths, but it was just as crowded as last year. A number of vendors again had give-aways -- the coveted large black canvas Lion Brand tote bags, knitting needles, crochet hooks, magazines, patterns, gauge measuring tools, yarn, etc. A long line snaked through the mall as people went from booth to booth collecting freebies, and many people were knitting or crocheting while shuffling along. The Learn to Knit and Learn to Crochet areas were combined into one. The demonstrations were off to one end instead of in the rotunda, but there were more demonstration tables. Maybe by next year they'll figure out that the demonstrators need microphones; there's just too much ambient noise inside a large mall for anyone not sitting in the first row to hear well.

Isela Phelps did the loom knitting demonstrations this year. She gave a fine presentation, showing a couple different cast on methods, binding off, and knit, purl and cable stitch techniques. She also gave out 10-peg keychain looms along with a headband pattern so people could practice what she was demonstrating. She was promoting (and autographing) her Loom Knitting Primer book as well as the Loom Knitting Pattern Book coming out in May with projects from various designers. Many of the beautiful cabled projects from her book were on display.

Not only did I get to meet Isela and Sam, but also Carrie Putzier. Carrie helped me a lot when I was first getting started with the looms. She lives in MN too, but this is the first time we've met in person.

Carrie, Isela and me

There were so many knit and crochet samples on display to inspire us, but this Sock Monkey dress in the Knitting Machine Guild's booth was the most unique. Each monkey was named!



I'll have more to share in upcoming days as I experiment with some of the tools and techniques I saw and learned at the Knit Out.