The 'To-Do' List, a photo essay...

When I go to the Crochet Guild of America's conferences, the Knit and Crochet Shows, I come home with MONTHS worth of work. There are many ways to measure the "success" of a show. Who I got to hang out with, who I met, what I learned, what yarn and goodies I discovered. The bottom line though is.... Did I earn/contract out MORE than what I SPENT (on the trip).  The first year, no, back in 2006 the first one I went to I didn't come home with commitments that earned more than my travel expenses. After that though... it builds. Since then I have always brought home commitments and contacts that add up to more than what I spent. Sometimes it takes a few to several weeks after the trip to see it all shake-down. Sometimes the conversations I've had at the conferences lead to work later in the year as the conversation continues.

With that said, my to-do list is now making me feel like I'm up in a truck lift stranded without power....

(this actually happened to the Captain this summer, luckily, he was smart enough to bring his cell phone with him.)

And when the to-do list hits like a ton of bricks, I admit it makes me want to "hunker down" ....

(at Ft. Sumter in Charleston....)

When I look at my to-do list, I think I'd better get out the BIG GUNS....and look to my talents and assets to help get things done.

(Canons at Ft. Sumter)

and I'd better get my priorities in hand.... and work on the things that are due first... first.

(Cool hand chairs at the The Tides Hotel, Folly Beach, SC)

So, when I look at my to-do list, I often feel like hiding with a bag over my head...

But I know the only really solution is to peck away at the list little by little....

Make it a productive day everyone!

Chain Link 2013 More Recap!

 At the Knit and Crochet Show, it's easy to find unique yarn from independent vendors. Often these are small family-owned companies. Here I am with the owner of Cestari yarns, Francis Chester. Francis and his wife, Diane, operate their farm in Virginia and sell the yarn all over the United States, Canada, and more exotic places like Brazil.

 This is the Super-Bulky wool yarn from the Cozy Collection that I chose to take home :)

Here are my pals, Donna Stinson from Red Heart Yarns, and Tech Editor, (and one of my Ravelry helpers) Haley Z!

If you missed all the fun in Indianapolis, you have another shot for Knit and Crochet fun in Concord, NC in October.  (Don't miss it twice!) Also, if you are interested in becoming a CROCHET PROFESSIONAL... you NEED to get to this October event and attend Professional Development Day. It is the smartest way to get the fastest boost at learning "the ropes".  The Design Competition, classes, and fashion show will all also be held at this event.

Chain Link 2013!

The Knit and Crochet Show in Indianapolis just wrapped up! Festivities started on Wednesday with Professional Development Day. Classes offered by the Crochet Guild of America were all weekend long. Events, fashion shows and meet-ups were all weekend long while the market floor offered a wide variety of yarns and products.

Here are a few photos I took during the packed weekend.  I didn't seem to get any photos of me doing the book signing at the Crochetville booth on Saturday or the Meet & Greet at the Annie's booth.

 Here are L-R Bobbie Matela from Red Heart, Jenny King (author and designer), Tammy Hildebrand (author and designer), and Amy Shelton, the co-owner of Crochetville.

 Here I am with the lovely Kimberly McAlindin. She is wearing an innovative yet simple Hairpin Lace top. It seems we've both taken up running and managed to get in 9 miles together during the weekend.  (I know she got in more than me before I arrived!) Thanks for running with me!

L-R, My roomie and Tech Editor extraordinaire, Haley Zimmerman, designer and CGOA Mentor coordinator, Renee Rodgers, and me!

More details to come as I unpack and re-group!