New York city is in many way’s the knitter’s Mecca. With stores such as Habu Textiles on 29th, Purl Soho on Broome and Brooklyn General Store across the river, a knitter can surely be endlessly inspired and spend days (weeks, months… probably) just browsing the wonderful colors and fibers. I taught my Little Lopapeysa class in Purl and BGS and met a bunch of wonderful knitters in both places. Like many fiber enthusiasts I also like to roll around in trimmings and fabrics, so I decided to spend an afternoon in the garment district. I really recommend a visit there – and a word of advice: the less attractive the shops look on the outside the more treasures they tend to hold inside. So don’t be discouraged even if some of them look less than glamorous.

In spite of what they say about New Yorkers, knitters are the same everywhere – such warm, lovely and inspiring people. If everyone would knit we would probably have less troubles in the world! Oh, and this city has definitely the best pizzas in the world (and yes I’ve been to Italy).

Another purpose of my trip was to attend Vogue Knitting Live. The first knitting convention organized by  Trisha Malcolm and her team at Vogue Knitting magazine. The program was VERY impressive with all the brightest stars of the knitting world in numerous lectures and classes – the classes filled up really quickly – so if you’re thinking of going the next time you should definitely book right away when they open. A contest in designing garments out of mohair was held in cooperation with Magic of Mohair – the South African non-profit organization promoting the mohair industry in South Africa. The finalists were shown at the gala dinner on Saturday night – and WOW… such talent. There were hand painted coats, lovely dresses, beautiful pieces all together. I was so impressed. The winner of the contest was Laura Zukaite with an exquisite halter dress. All in all it was a great event to attend and of course provided super networking opportunities for someone running a knitting business:) The next one is happening in LA September 23-25 2011, so stay tuned!

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