Knit & Crochet Show 2015

Many people are confused, let me try to explain. The Crochet Guild of America (CGOA) used to have a convention that they called "Chain Link".  People some times refer to this current event as "Chain Link" but that is just an affectionate nickname at this point.

Several years ago, the CGOA and TKGA (The Knit Guild of America) both hired a management company to help with all their business stuff. The management company suggested that CGOA and TKGA create a show that benefits both guilds... hence THE KNIT AND CROCHET SHOW (consumer show) was born. (Not to be confused with Knit and Crochet Now!, the tv show).

At this annual event, the CGOA and TKGA hold (independently) their membership annual meetings, classes, banquets, fashion shows, competitions, etc) But both knitters and crocheters may attend classes for both and we all share the vendor market.

This year's Knit and Crochet Show was in San Diego!  (whoohoo!  I had never been to San Diego so this was fun!) Thursday night was the big market preview! We get a crack at all the vendors before the general public. Above is me with designer/author Tammy Hildebrand and designer/author/writer Brenda Bourg. (I can't wait to see Brenda's new book!)

 Here I am with designer, Kristin Lynn.  If you don't recognize her name, pay attention to it and tuck it in your mind for later.

 Again, here I am with Brenda.  I have learned from experience that I should get as many photos as possible from the very first night because it only gets more busy from there. I designed the top I am wearing a few years ago and never wrote it down. It's made of Southwest Trading Company yarn.

A little selfie with designer/author Karen McKenna and designer April Garwood.  So much talent these ladies have!

And of course, me with super-pal, Marly Bird. Her description is too long: designer/author/podcaster/personality/spokesperson/design director, etc... I'm sure I missed something awesome that she does... oh! teacher! 

More tomorrow!

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!