NEWSLETTER:  My Trip to TNNA



Last week I attended The National NeedleArts Association ("TNNA") trade show in Columbus, OH. Here's a quick recap, and some goodies just for you!
What is TNNA?
TNNA stands for The National NeedleArts Association
TNNA was established in 1975 as an international trade organization representing retailers, manufacturers, distributors, designers, manufacturers' representatives, publishers, teachers and wholesalers of products and supplies for the specialty needlearts market.

And "needlearts" refers not just to yarn crafts, such as knitting and crocheting, but also weaving and spinning, as well as thread crafts such as counted thread, embroidery, and needlepoint.   
What happens at TNNA?
At the show, exhibitors display new products (yarn, thread, tools, supplies, buttons, notions, patterns, spinning wheels, weaving looms) while owners of local stores place wholesale orders. Designers, teachers, and other related consultants network with both "sides" and each other. There are also all kinds of crafty classes attendees can take, as well as a "building your business" series that includes classes about marketing, managing cash flow, and technology.

One of the vendors at TNNA was  Happy Fuzzy Yarn. Her hand-dyed yarn is so scrumptious!


 

What I Did at TNNA 
I participated in the Teacher "Meet & Greet" event...
This event gives local yarn store owners an opportunity to chat with us about the possibility of teaching at their store. Thanks again to my students in Edgewater who allowed me to use them as models for my brochure!  

 

I hung out with friends . . . 
I finally got to meet fellow crafty friends IRL ("in real life"). We are all members of the "Starship," an online small-business community lead by Tara Swiger, who helps makers grow their businesses.

. . . and gathered some Goodies!

Join me at Michaels classes next weekend (June 20-21) to have a chance to take home some of these goodies!
I also scouted for new patterns for my students...  
Stitch Sprouts TNNA Booth
Stitch Sprouts is a company that represents many designers.
Mindy Wilkes Designs 
Mindy Wilkes Designs
Andrea Rangel Knits 
Andrea Rangel Knits
(Photos courtesy of Heather Zoppetti)

I'll share some of my favorite patterns from these designers in next week's newsletter! Stay tuned! 
 
Come join me on Ravelry and let's knit together!
 
Lisa M. Barnes

LMB Designs (and "LMBDesigns" on Ravelry!) 
    
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