My book-signing/trunk show at the Lion Brand Yarn Studio in New York was wonderful--really enjoyable. Having been there in October 2009 when Tunisian Crochet first came out, I knew everything would go smoothly. What a wonderful staff and facility! As you can see from the window display, creativity practically oozes from the walls.
I braved the extremely cold temperatures to walk around the area for a while before my event. Had lunch at a Thai place I found by accident. It turned out to be just my style. http://www.restauranti.com/restaurant.php
Contemporary decor, pleasant service, excellent value for great food on the lunch special.
On my way back to the Studio, I spotted this interesting creation outside a florist's shop. Anyone wearing something similar for Valentine's Day? Nothing like a Fun Fur skirt to attract attention.
Then it was back to 34 W. 15th St. The Studio staff moved around chairs and tables to set everything up. Store manager Patty and I sat down for a
"Talks from the Yarniverse" chat (to be available on YouTube at some point--I'll let you know). Patty is on jury duty and I am really grateful that she made it back in time. She has been a strong supporter of my work, but until yesterday we had never met. Thank you for everything, Patty! If you visit Lion Brand Yarn Studio's website you will see a lot of Patty's handiwork.
Aren't these little sheep adorable? They are on the shelf in the office.
Guests started to arrive around 5:45. One of them was my Dad's cousin Florine, for whom I named the Florine Empire Waist Shell that I designed for Louet. It was great to see her. She is a writer and former editor. Her encouragement was very important to me when I got started.
The talk itself went great--it's so rewarding to talk to people who are really into fiber arts! I had brought most of the pillows from Crochet Pillows with Tunisian and Traditional Techniques, so I explained the stitch patterns and construction and passed the sample around. People had a lot of good questions, mostly about Tunisian crochet.
I was glad to hear that the master class I'm teaching at the Studio on Sunday, "More Techniques in Tunisian Crochet," already has 13 students signed up. Today I'm making some extra swatches and going over my handouts so I'll be prepared for class. I'll try to get to New York well before the 2 p.m. start time--it's supposed to be in the 40s, so I'm looking forward to doing some more walking in the city.