The New Guy Goes to TNNA

Hello everyone!  My name is Chuck, and I am the new Skacel employee.  For those of you who are wondering – no, I am not Karin’s husband – that position was already taken!  I am, however, the Director of New Product Research and Development.  It is my job to help Skacel determine what yarns and products fiber enthusiasts want to buy and which will sell best for local yarn shops.  This new position combines my two passions – knitting and research.  I have been an avid knitter for almost four years, and I have been working in the research industry for over twelve.  I am very fortunate to be able to say this truly is my dream job!

To make a great first week on the job even better, at the end of last week I got to attend TNNA in Long Beach, California.  TNNA is The National NeedleArts Association, and one of the many things this organization does is put on trade shows for yarn shop owners to see what’s new in the needlearts world.  Everyone in the industry attends – so it was amazing to see and meet so many famous knitters!

I got to meet celebrated designers like Cat Bordhi, Lily Chin, Nicky Epstein, Sandi Prosser and Mary Beth Temple.  I met editors of magazines I love to read – Kara Gott Warner (Creative Knitting), Eunny Jang (Interweave Knits), Renee Lorion (Vogue Knitting), Rick Mondragon (Knitter’s), Carla Scott (Vogue Knitting), Erin Slonaker (YMN) and Penelope Taylor (Knit ‘n Style).  And what an honor to meet the Ravelry folks – thank you Jessica, Casey, Mary-Heather and Sarah for creating and running such an amazing knitting resource and source of inspiration! 

Me (in the tan shirt) and some great knitting ladies – L to R: Lorajean (aka KnittedWit), Deb (aka Stitchy McYarnpants), Mary-Heather (aka RainyDayGoods), Anna, Erin (aka MintyFreshFlavor), Caro (aka SplitYarn), Laura, Kristi, Ysolda, Jessica (aka Frecklegirl), Amanda, me and Deb.

Cliff Haack (aka Vogue), a Skacel sales rep, models a HiKoo Simplicity sweater in the TNNA fashion show.

 Ingrid and Hans Skacel ride the carousel with Rob.

I also loved seeing yarn shop owners that I had met previously when shopping in their stores.  I can’t travel anywhere without checking out a LYS or two!  I also had the pleasure of meeting many of the yarn shop owners from all over the country that supply knitters with great Skacel products.

It’s been a great first few days on the job, and I am really looking forward to shaping the yarns and products that come out in the near future! 

The first person to read this and email me will get their choice of a free addi circular needle!  Just email me at chuck@skacelknitting.com and put welcome in the subject line.    

Knit on!

Chuck

Happy 100th Issue Knitter’s!

Knitter's Zinio Download

Hello All,

skacel would like to wish Knitter’s Magazine a very “Happy 100th Issue”. As one of the premiere knitting and needle arts related magazines in the industry, Knitter’s provides its readers with a continuous supply of patterns, ideas, new techniques, cutting-edge products, and more.

During the STITCHES East 2010 show, Knitter’s Magazine unveiled their newly redesigned collector’s edition of Knitter’s Magazine (issue #K100).  And along with their new look, Knitter’s also went digital! Partnering with Zinio, a global leader in the digital magazine newsstand market, Knitter’s is now able to bring their magazine directly to digital media such as Mac, PC, and iPad, which is great for those tech-savvy knitters.  And if that wasn’t enough, as a “thank you” to their adoring fans, Knitter’s is offering this first digital collector’s issue at no cost!

skacel is proud to be a part of this milestone issue, with two exciting designs featuring skacel yarns.  First up is the playful Trifecta pullover, designed by Kathy Zimmerman.  To quote Kathy, this design “[hits] the jackpot with a fabric that combines three colors and three stitch patterns.  The wide collar and cotton/wool blend yarn make for comfortable year round dressing”.  Trifecta is worked out of Schulana’s Merino Cotton 90, a wonderful cotton/wool blend.

The second design is an awe inspiring Purple Reign vest, designed by Penny Ollman.  Penny notes that, “regal coloring and shaping define this vest.  The fine gauge and fancy stitch-work make this an investment piece, worthy of any wardrobe style”.  Purple Reign is worked out of Zitron’s Lifestyle.  Lifestyle is a solid, yet soft, 100% wool creation and a staple in our collection.

To take advantage of this monstrous issue and all of the patterns available to you, simply download the digital edition of #K100 and the Zinio reader service by clicking here.

Don’t delay … log on, log in, and enjoy this exciting new issue today!

Happy Knitting!