Thursday, January 27, 2011

Vogue Live...and I'm Alive!

Hey gang. Vogue Live has nudged me into writing. Despite the hideously cold weather, it was warm in the New York Hilton and I managed to hobble my butt into the city because I couldn't miss this event. Never mind that my back is now shot to hell.



So, was it good? Yeah, past good. Spectacular. As a born-in-Manhattan kid, I swear Vogue couldn't have picked a better location. And a better faculty. I was impressed with the organization and the wonderful horde of volunteers, who deserve cookin' kudos for standing all day helping people find their way.

As you know,  I'm not a big lover of classes. However, in August I decided to give Vogue Live a shot. After all, it's important to be open to new info, even though I've been knitting for 38+ years and have mastered knitting to the point where I don't need help. That remains true--I didn't learn anything at Vogue Live. That said, I would highly recommend it to knitters who want to try new techniques. You can't beat the discipline of sitting in a class with an experienced instructor and doing something you've never attempted before.

What Vogue Live did for me was give me the opportunity to meet readers, meet new people, and meet designers/writers whom I've always admired. Meeting Deborah Newton, who was one of my early inspirations, along with Kristin Nicholas, was wonderful. (Kristin, sorry I missed you.) Deb's a real person, no knitting diva. Ran into Franklin briefly, met his significant other, and we had a few yucks. Haven't seen him in two years, so it was good to give him a hug and kiss. I heard from people that his classes were outstanding.  And then there were people like Vinnie and Monique, who I hung with at the cocktail party. My kind of people.

The marketplace was expansive--two floors of vendors. The lighting wasn't great but that didn't stop people flooding in. One of my friends, who is a yarn rep, told me that the vendors made tons of bucks. I didn't buy anything, since I'm basically broke and have a houseful of yarn anyway. What I liked about the marketplace was that Vogue allowed yarn companies to display their goods. That was always my bitch about Stitches--no yarn companies. I don't go to TNNA, so I want an opportunity to check out the yarn companies' lines. Universal Yarn and Blue Heron, two of my faves, were there, along with Lion Brand, whose new line is impressive.

Vogue is doing this again in LA next September. If you can afford it, do it. Even if you just go to the market and hang out, it's worth it.

So, next post over the weekend, I'll fill you in about the past three months. Writer's block is gone. Plus, readers have been poking me to write. So going to Vogue Live got me back into writing action.

Later, skanks.

12 comments:

Deb from Southern Maryland said...

YAY, you are back!! Thanks for the Vogue Live report. Am quite envious. Just finished some fingerless mitts from Lion Brand's wool-cashmere-nylon blend that were well-received. Take care of your back and let me know if you want some exercises. Hugs!

Sharon said...

Thanks for checking in, Mar, you know I worry. And for the info about Vogue Live in L.A. this fall! It might actually be doable for me.

Kristin Nicholas said...

Missed you too! XO

Anonymous said...

I'm glad you're back. I enjoy your sense of humor and common sense! Hope your back feels better! Blogless Mary Lou

Strickmuse said...

Hi, I was looking forward to a new entry and am glad to read you. Hearing that Vogue will be in LA next September sounds great, that will give us on the Westcoast a chance to visit. Take care.

spiffypaws said...

Missed you!!!

Anonymous said...

Missed you, glad you're ok, I was worried!

I wonder if you've seen the last few magazines, I could hear your views in my mind on more than a few.

A. Warped, knitter said...

So glad that you are back posting.

anne marie in philly said...

YAYZ, the bitch is back (said lovingly and respectfully)! :-)

looking forward to reading more of your snark.

Barb B. said...

good to hear from you once more. Hey... are those lace knee-highs finished yet??? As for more blogging... poke, poke poke.

Carin in NJ said...

Coming out from lurking to say it is good to have you back I always enjoy your posts!

Anonymous said...

You actually agreed with me! I loved Vogue Knitting Live and was wondering what your take on it would be. It was a blizzard of knittery, wasn't it, even on the elevators, and the faculty was the best!