 WHAT'S
NEW?October 2000
Knit-Out Goes International
Knitters of the World, Unite” is not just a slogan anymore: The Third Annual Knit-Out, Crochet 2000 surpassed even the hopes of its sponsors, the Craft Yarn Council of America, with 32 events
across the United States and the first international Knit-Outs: one in Edmonton, Canada, and one in Ramat Aviv, Israel! The week of knitting/crocheting events was kicked off on Sunday,
September 24, with the Knit-Out in New York City’s Union Square Park. Upwards of 12,000
people from the city and surrounding areas—one group drove all the way from Virginia—braved threatening skies with such enthusiasm
that even the sun couldn’t resist putting in an appearance. Young
and old alike lined up for lessons in knitting and crocheting. Experts demonstrated
special techniques and crafts. A special kids’ area was filled with hands-on creative
fun with yarn. A “Sweater Doctor” was available to help with projects gone awry. Yarn companies (including Lion Brand), craft publications, and craft clubs and guilds were
there with plenty of information, samples, and free patterns. Everyone where you looked,
people were sitting, standing, talking about, and doing knit and crochet. And the fashions! Fashion shows fell into three categories: fashions
featured in leading magazines, such as Vogue Knitting, Knitter’s, Family Circle Easy Knitting
and Crochet, Interweave, Cast On, and Knit’N Style; “Show and Tell” fashions and
projects created and shared by both beginners and accomplished crafters present; and the most fun of all, the pet fashion show, with a
Hollywood theme. Dogs appeared dressed as various movie stars in signature roles,
including a wonderful version of Scarlet O’Hara’s famous “drapes” dress and hat knitted in Forest Green Lion Brand Chenille
Thick & Quick with gold Lamé trim (before you ask, no, the dog’s owners did not provide patterns. Sorry.). The finale featured dogs of all sizes and shapes dressed in spotted sweaters
representing “101 Dalmations”. New York City Parks and
Recreation Commissioner Henry Stern (and his dog, Boomer, who watched the pet fashion show with interest) attended, and Commissioner
Stern read an official proclamation declaring Sunday, September 24 “Craft Yarn Council of America Day” in New York. The Commissioner was presented with a Stars and Stripes red, white, and blue afghan for his
and/or Boomer’s use. There was a serious, side, too, showing knitters’ commitment to the wider community. One of the numerous groups present was “Warm Up, America!”, which provides afghans for the
needy nationwide through organizations such as Red Cross, homeless shelters, hospices, etc. Many
attendees brought 7" x 9" sections to donate, and volunteers helped stitch them together into afghans all day. [For more information on the Craft Yarn Council of America and/or Warm Up, America!, see their
website: www.knitandcrochet.com As they say, a grand time was had by all. What’s next for Knit-Out
2001? It seems the sky’s the limit—or maybe not, if there really is life on Mars,
maybe there’ll be a Knit-Out there, too! WHAT’S NEW AT LION
BRAND: IMPROVED PATTERNS!
You asked, and we listened:
Lion Brand is pleased to announce a new, improved format for our patterns. Starting with patterns appearing in our new catalogue (Vol. IX) and in future catalogues, patterns will feature an improved format,
including large color photos on front and a sturdier, more durable paper stock—all this for the same price as before: $2.50 per pattern. |
