| TNNA Presents Fashions for Autumn/Winter 2009 |
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| Written by Deborah Knight |
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Photos left: Pavane & Minuet by Twisted Sisters
It is here that new styles are presented, accessories are introduced, new techniques are learned, experiences are shared, relationships are forged, and the upcoming fashion season’s yarns are purchased for shops throughout North America.
KnitchMagazine was there to speak to attendees about what they foresaw for the busy autumn season, and to enjoy presentations of the new yarns, books, accessories and patterns.
What we heard from most of the yarn shops is that business has slowed down a bit as a result of the economy, but that knitters are still enthusiastic about their craft. Yes, many are now whittling down their stashes to save money, but many can’t resist the lure of fabulous new yarns and patterns. They’re just being a bit more deliberate in their purchases – which we think is a great idea.
Photo left: Manufacturers display their new fibers and patterns for the season.
Virtually every major company features an eye-catching display – Gedifra from Germany, Rowan from England, AslanTrends from Brazil, Noro from Japan, Anny Blatt from France. And, of course, the most popular American and Canadian brands are present, too: Berroco, Crystal Palace, Tahki Stacy Charles and Jacques Cartier…just to name a few.
Walking through the bustling exhibit area is exciting because you not only are struck by what’s going to be new for the season, you also catch a glimpse of industry dignitaries who have come to speak to the attendees. Many are there to promote new pattern books, such as Norah Gaughan with her new Volume 5, Iris Schreier with her Reversible Knits, and Louisa Harding with Bizoo Bizu #21. Long line-ups crowd the aisles as excited attendees wait to get their copy autographed by the authors.
The highlight of the event for many is the fashion show that, this year, presented over one hundred designs – from cosy coats to pretty, flirty dresses. The ballroom was packed with shop owners, the media, and designers as we were presented with one of the most exciting line-ups we’ve seen in a number of years.
Photo right: Laura Bryant in her Prism booth wearing one of her newest creations.
Another hit of the show were patterns by the amazingly talented Jane Slicer Smith. A born-Brit who is currently commuting between Sydney and Tokyo, she brings a fun new perspective to knitted fashions. We loved the Metro A-Line Coat with its blocks of colors with bright red accents. Jane’s Lava Drape was another hit of the show, and we look forward to seeing more of her imaginative styles in the future.
We’re convinced that when you see the fibers and designs that were introduced for this fashion season, you’ll be inspired to create something new and gorgeous.
Below is a photo pictorial of the fashions we loved most with links to Yarnmarket and other sites so you can find information about the patterns.
Pavane & Minuet
Hairpin Lace Jacket
Muskoka Stroller
Mariotte Short Coat
Locus Dress
Cormorant Cardigan and Grebe Bag
Orange Cabled Dress
Kelly Pullover
Autumn Embers
Rib and Random Cable Cardigan
Padma Pashmina Wrap
Tonalita Fustion and Merino 8 Striped Suit
Swing, Swagger, Drape
Metro A-Line Coat
Lava Drape
Want more? The Yarn Group's YouTube channel has live videos of the Fall/Winter 2009 TNNA show! |
Every June, representatives from yarn shops gather at the Convention Center in Columbus, OH to see what’s going to be in fashion for the autumn/winter season. This is the biggest of the TNNA (The National NeedleArts Association) shows throughout the year, and to many, the most important.
Manufacturers we spoke to were very optimistic about the upcoming season, and had a wonderful array of new products to present to shop owners. Representatives come from all over the world to display their yarns, books and accessories at this TNNA show because they realize that this is where most of the big decisions are made. 
We particularly loved the Muskoka Stroller in Fur Yarn by Paula Lishman. (Muskoka, for those of you who are not familiar with it, is a particularly beautiful area in Northern Ontario that attracts Hollywood stars to their cottages in the summer, and skiers to resorts in the winter.)
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