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Hello from Anaheim.
I got here last night at about 7, and the computers at the Hilton were not working, so didn’t actually get IN the room until about 10. My booth time wasn’t till 9:30 this morning, so it was ok. But you know how it is when you travel…all day is focused on just getting to the hotel. At frist, it was just a bunch of people in line. Then, they brought out drinks. Then a buffet. Then CHAIRS. When they brought out the chairs, everyone sort of gave up hope. I’m glad I had a book to read!
I’m reading “Running with Scissors.” If you need a book that isn’t stupid, but still makes you laugh…give it a try. I forgot my booK (”Women in Love” D.H. Lawrence) at home on the nightstand, so bought this in the airport. I was so relieved to see it among the Stephen Kings and all the Romances. It’s really compelling.
This is the view from my hotel room. That’s Disneyland…or Disneyworld…(I’m not a fan)…at night.
CHA is a lot bigger than TNNA. Walking around the show floor, it looks like all of the little displays at Michaels or Hobby Lobby blew up to jumbo size. This is where the craft shops come to order stuff to stock their shelves.
It’s interesting, as a crafy gal, because I get to see all this stuff and watch demos…but I’m not really into very many of these crafts. There’s a whole lot of scrap-booking stuff. Probably more than any other craft. I mean, I make books, and keep tickets to shows and art exhibitions, and put photos in there…but I don’t have a bunch of pre-made gear for it…I guess I’m pretty low-fi.
I’m sitting in the F&W booth for an hour and half every day, talking to passersby about my book.
After my ‘demo’ today, I stopped by the booth of a particular company that makes knitting needles and other fibery equipment. I specifically told the guy who came over to talk to me that I’m not a buyer, I’m just gawking at new stuff while I’m in between book-promo stints at the booth. (I don’t want anyone to waste time going through their whole spiel when I’m definitely NOT going to place the $1000 minimum order.) He asked me for my card, and asked me about me book, and then gave me a catalog and told me to contact them for samples to use, etc.. Then…as I was walking away, I heard his colleague say, “If she’s a designer, she’s not even supposed to BE at this show!” Huh. News to ME. I’m not walking around trying to get free stuff…just killing time, looking at pretty things. Oh well. Some people are just natural ‘enforcers.’
I *did* see/touch the new Organic Cotton yarn from Lion Brand. It’s really nice! They had a few garments knit up, and it really looks good and has a nice hand. The new Lion Cotton Ease colors are nice, too.