The Knit & Crochet Show

March 18, 2008

News Release

Media Contact:
KnitandCrochetShow.com
740-452-4541

EMPHASIS ON CHILDREN AND LEARNING
AT 2008 SUMMER KNIT & CROCHET SHOW,
JULY 25-27, MANCHESTER, NH

"Children who accompany adults to the 2008 Summer Knit & Crochet Show, July 25-27, at the Radisson Hotel Center of New Hampshire in Manchester, can now register for classes designed with youngsters in mind," says Event Manager Penny Sitler. "So many children are learning to crochet and knit in school, at home or in organizations such as Girl Scouts that the Crochet Guild of America (CGOA) and The Knitting Guild Association (TKGA), which co-sponsor the Knit & Crochet Show, want to encourage and grow their interest."

Youngsters can sign up for "All the Cool Kids Do It!" with Myra Wood. "Kids of any age will have a blast crocheting their own unique creation, a belt, purse or crocheted jewelry. It.s a crochet party!" says Wood. The class is from 1:30-3:30 on Saturday, July 26. A one-hour class, "Born to Hand-Jive",is offered on Sunday with Dee Stanziano. "Hand-jive" is finger weaving - crocheting without needles. Students will learn how they can make beautiful and unique purse handles, scarves or trim with just their fingers. A full selection of 89 classes for all ages (including children who are accomplished crocheters and/or knitters) can be viewed online at www.KnitandCrochetShow.com. Teachers include nationally-renowned names: Lily Chin, Joan A. Davis, Valentina Devine, Edie Eckman, Drew Emborsky, Darla Fanton, Margaret Fisher, Jennifer Hansen, Arenda Holladay, Margaret Hubert, Galina Khmeleva, Jenny King, Karen Klemp, Marty Miller, Nancy Nehring, Dora Ohrenstein, Joan Schrouder, Dee Stanziano, Karen Whooley, Nancy Wiseman, Myra Wood and Joyce Wyatt. Classes sell out quickly; pre-registration is strongly encouraged.

Children and adults who do not yet know how to crochet or knit (or who know one art but not the other) are invited to take free 75-minute Teach Me 2 Crochet® or Teach Me to Knit® lessons from yarn manufacturer Coats & Clark in the Activities Area on the Show floor on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Don.t have needles, hooks or yarn? No problem! Coats & Clark provides each student with a complimentary starter kit. Or you can purchase some from approximately 100 booths by vendors offering crochet and knit supplies for sale from 10-6 Friday and Saturday and 10-3 Sunday.

The shopping floor will feature high-end yarns, pattern books, accessories and more. Meet favorite authors/designers at booth-side book signings. While on the shopping floor, conference-goers can view Crochet Design Contest winning garments - and place their People's Choice ballot. Bids on Helping Hands Mittens and Gloves Silent Auction items will help provide youngsters across the country with mentors and learning opportunities through the Helping Hands Foundation Inc.'s Needle Arts Mentoring Program(SM). Everyone can: catch some inspiration at the Friday Fashion Parade that features vendor fashions on the Show floor runway, participate in Time Trials to see if they qualify for further competition in the World.s Fastest Crocheter/Knitter Competition, meet and share their designs and ideas with top crochet and knit publishers during Designer Meet & Greet, and visit the CGOA and TKGA booth to learn how to become part of these national associations dedicated to
crochet and knitting.

The action doesn't stop once the Show floor closes! On Friday evening everyone is invited to attend the CGOA Chain Link Annual Member Meeting or the TKGA Mini Member Meeting - both are sponsored by Caron International. CGOA Chapter representatives are encouraged to register to come for updates and idea exchanges at the CGOA Chapter Coffee at 9 pm on Friday night sponsored by Clover Needlecraft Inc. The Knit & Crochet Show gala event is Saturday evening, with the Chic Street Banquet, Fashion Show and Silent Auction Finale. The Fashion Show emcee is Drew
Emborsky, The Crochet Dude.

Pre-Show events begin on Wednesday, July 23, with CGOA Professional Development Day. This information-packed, day-long event sponsored by Lion Brand Yarns is open for registration to knitters as well as crocheters and includes a morning panel discussion by Rita Weiss and Jean Leinhauser called "The Dollars and Sense of Being a Published Author", a lunch topic called "How You Can Participate in Crochetville" by Amy Shelton, and afternoon round table sessions by Vashti Braha,
Robyn Chacula, Lily Chin, Edie Eckman, Jennifer Hansen, Susan Lowman, Sharon Mann, Mary Beth Temple, Myra Wood, Vicki Blizzard and Kathleen Sams.

Adding value to just "being there" are the many free items donated by various industry headliners. The first 500 people who pre-register for the Knit & Crochet Show and conference activities will receive a product-filled goody bag from Coats & Clark. An additional number of ready-to-fill shopping bags have been donated by South West Trading Company. Door prizes galore have been provided by vendors and various industry wholesalers and manufacturers - to be handed out at various events
throughout the Show.

With so much going on, there’s a need to catch your breath once in awhile. The Knit & Crochet Show Lounge will be open 24/7 for gathering with friends, thanks to sponsor Tahki Stacy Charles. The Knit & Crochet Café will be open on the Show floor for relaxation and the purchase of concession items.

Visit www.KnitandCrochetShow.com for further details, including travel and hotel information. Knit and Crochet Show staff can also be contacted at KnitandCrochetShow@Offinger.com, or by phoning 740-452-4541 or faxing 740-452-2552 or writing Knit & Crochet Show, 1100-H Brandywine Blvd, ZanesvilleOH43701-7303.

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Co-sponsored by the Crochet Guild of America (CGOA - www.crochet.org ) and The Knitting Guild Association (TKGA - www.TKGA.com ).

The Knit & Crochet Shows are produced by Offinger Management Company, one of the nation's leaders in show and association management. Established in 1930 and dedicated to providing service excellence, Offinger is a member of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events and holds dual professional accreditation by the Association Management Company Institute and the American Society of Association Executives. For more information, visit offinger.com.

____________________________________________________

Attn: Calendar Editor

Date: January 3, 2008
Media Contact: Debby Johnston
740-452-4541

Dear Editor,

Thank you for posting the following 2008 event dates in your upcoming issues.

Sincerely,
Debby Johnston

2008 SUMMER KNIT & CROCHET SHOW
CGOA & TKGA Conferences, Plus CGOA Chain Link Special Annual Events
July 25-27, 2008 (Fri., Sat., Sun.)
Radisson Hotel Manchester at The Center of New Hampshire
Manchester, NH
Open to Public: Classes, Events, Shopping for Supplies Sponsored by CGOA (Crochet Guild of America) and TKGA (The Knitting Guild Association)
www.KnitandCrochetShow.com

2008 FALL KNIT & CROCHET SHOW TKGA & CGOA Conferences, Plus TKGA Special Annual Events
September 12-14, 2008 (Fri., Sat., Sun.)
Oregon Convention Center
Portland, OR
Open to Public: Classes, Events, Shopping for Supplies Sponsored by TKGA (The Knitting Guild Association) and CGOA (Crochet Guild of America)
www.KnitandCrochetShow.com

____________________________________________________

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE PUBLICATION
Date: October 25, 2007
Media Contact: Debby Johnston
Phone: 740-452-4541, ext. 3116
E-mail: djohnston@offinger.com

CONFERENCE ACTIVITIES MADE THE
2007 FALL KNIT & CROCHET SHOW IN OAKLAND
MEMORABLE FOR ATTENDEES

“Many of the more than 2300 show-goers at the recent 2007 Fall Knit & Crochet Show in Oakland, CA, who filled out an event evaluation gave high marks for the classes offered and all of the special events that marked three energy-filled days,” said Event Manager Penny Sitler. “Comments ranged from ’very enjoyable’ to ‘best classes I have had in several years’ to ‘fashion show was great!’ to ‘auction was excellent’ to ‘we need more market hours’.

The Show was co-sponsored by The Knitting Guild Association (TKGA – www.TKGA.com) and the Crochet Guild of America (CGOA – www.Crochet.org). Other show sponsors included: Bernat/Patons, Caron International, Clif Bar & Co./Luna, Coats & Clark, Lion Brand, South West Trading Co., Tahki Stacy Charles and Westminster Fibers. Caron International sponsored member meetings for TKGA and the CGOA. Coats & Clark provided Teach Me2 Crochet/Knit™ sessions throughout Show hours for anyone wishing to learn. Tahki Stacy Charles sponsored the 24/7 Knit & Crochet Lounge, and Westminister Fibers sponsored the Fashion Shows. Laura Bryant of Prism Yarns coordinated and emceed a Friday Vendor Fashion Parade on the Show Floor and a Member and Designer Fashion Show at the Saturday evening banquet. Nancie Wiseman joined Bryant as fashion show emcee on Saturday.

Seventy-seven booths presented knitting and crochet-related products during exhibit hours, and there were 78 classes. Exhibitor Gita Sturm of Gita Maria, Gold Beach, OR, shared: “The Fall Knit & Crochet Show was my most profitable show of the year. It was worth flying to and making a weekend out of it. It’s a lovely show!”

Goody bags for pre-registered attendees and free shopping bags were provided by Coats & Clark, Lion Brand, Bernat/Patons and South West Trading. Author book signings were held throughout the Show floor. World’s Fastest Crocheter and Knitter Time Trials were sponsored by the Craft Yarn Council of America. Door prizes from vendors and a host of manufacturers were lavishly bestowed throughout exhibit hours, at member meetings and at the Saturday evening banquet/fashion show. The Helping Handbags Silent Auction drew more than $600 in bids in support of the non-profit Needle Arts Mentoring ProgramSM (www.needleartsmentoring.org), a nationwide project of the Helping Hands Foundation, Inc. to teach needle arts to children across the country. Designers and vendors who donated handbags for the auction included: Sandra Benward, Continental Stitch, Colleen Davis, Margaret Hubert, International Freeform Crochet Guild, Nancy Nehring, Pluckings, Sheep City USA, Dragon Lady Designs, PlayingwithString.com, Carol Ventura, Karen Whooley, Y2Knit and The Yarn Place.

As part of the TKGA National Conference, TKGA members celebrated special guild anniversaries with prizes and cake. In “Recognition of Guilds that Represent the Best of TKGA,” certificates were awarded for 22 years with TKGA to representatives from the Valley Needlers Guild (CA) and the Knitting Artists of Northern Virginia (VA). Certificates were also awarded to the North Coast Knitters (CA) for 19 years as part of the Association, and the Camellia City Stockin’ettes (CA) for 17 years of affiliation. The Knitting Guild Association, which was founded in 1984, currently boasts approximately 10,000 members and more than 270 local guilds. A TKGA Honorary Lifetime Membership award was bestowed on Barbara Scott for her years of varied service to the Association and most recently as long-time instructor of the TKGA Basics, Basics, Basics knitting correspondence course. As Scott retires from teaching the popular lessons, Arenda Holladay has stepped in to take over the student load and keep the knitting course going strong.

A pin and the coveted title “Master Knitter” was conferred on Saturday evening on TKGA members Lori Lober, Cheryl Mason, Susan Schroeder, Dawn Seymour and Doreen Stacy. Nineteen other TKGA knitters have achieved the same status since last year’s national conference but were unable to attend; they will receive their pins by mail. A total of 183 hand and seven machine knitters have completed all three Masters levels to earn the TKGA Master Knitting Program’s “Master Knitter” designation since the program began in 1985.

Dozens of Precious Pals (www.tkga.com/preciouspals.shtm) - stuffed animals in knitted and crocheted outfits - were donated for presentation by TKGA to children in crisis. This year’s Precious Pals are designated for Beanies for Baghdad to aid U.S. troops in cheering children in Iraq and Afghanistan, many of whom are orphaned by current crises or otherwise have virtually nothing. Last year’s Precious Pals were distributed by Volunteers of America to young Katrina victims.

The next Knit & Crochet Show is the 2008 Summer Knit & Crochet Show in Manchester, NH, July 25-27. It will feature the CGOA National Chain Link Conference and TKGA Regional Conference. Look for details as they develop at www.KnitandCrochetShow.com. The Show’s producer is Offinger Management Company (Offinger.com). Those interested in exhibiting in 2008 can contact KnitandCrochetShow@Offinger.com or write: The Knit & Crochet Show, 1100-H Brandywine Blvd, Zanesville OH 43701-7303.

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____________________________________________________

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE PUBLICATION

Date: July 31, 2007

Media Contact: Debby Johnston

Phone: 740-452-4541, ext. 3116

E-mail: djohnston@offinger.com

THE MOST EVER: MOST EXHIBITORS,

MOST FULL-TIME PARTICIPANTS, MOST FUN
AT RECENT 2007 SUMMER KNIT & CROCHET SHOW,
MANCHESTER, NH

“I am pleased to announce that at the recent 2007 Summer Knit & Crochet Show in Manchester, NH, we had more exhibitors, more full-time participants and, from reports, more fun than at any previous show!” said Event Manager Penny Sitler. “It is exciting to see participation climb steadily each year. This event, sponsored by the Crochet Guild of America (CGOA) and The Knitting Guild Association (TKGA) has traditionally been ‘cozy’, but is beginning to expand nicely without losing that connected feeling.”

Ninety-eight booths represented by 74 companies supplied a wide variety of shopping opportunities for 2,528 knit and crochet enthusiasts. “We were most excited that 565 people (more than ever before) signed up as full-time participants throughout the event – taking classes and engaging in the Show’s special activities. Most of these are members of CGOA and TKGA from across the country and look forward to the Show each year,” added Sitler. “More than 2000 tickets were sold for classes taught by top crochet and knit designers and instructors.”

Attendee excitement was reflected in written comments on blind surveys. “Too much temptation! Great vendors,” said one. “Fun, full of inspiration!” said another. And one wrote: “Wonderful! Amazing! My first show, though I’ve been knitting and crocheting for 40 years. I’ve learned so much and met so many great people – ideas and concepts, contacts and friends – I’ll keep a lifetime.” Designer Doris Chan, who was among a dozen authors who participated in book signings and other activities, said, “Quite a party. The energy was scintillating. For designers this was heaven.” Janet Johnson Stephens who taught a teacher’s workshop said of the Show, “People really enjoyed their experience. Even the banquet was good – no cardboard chicken. We had steak!”

Show sponsors included: Caron International, Coats & Clark, Crochet Lites, South West Trading Co., Tahki Stacy Charles and Westminster Fibers. Coats & Clark provided Teach Me 2 Crochet/Knit™ sessions throughout Show hours for anyone wishing to learn.

The CGOA national “Chain Link” conference held in conjunction with the Show reported high attendance for Professional Development Day, Keynote Address (by Cari Clement of Caron International), Annual CGOA Member Meeting and the brand-new Chapter Coffee. Donated crocheted and knitted handbags to the Show’s Silent Auction garnered $2,376 in final bids to support the non-profit Needle Arts Mentoring ProgramSM (www.needleartsmentoring.org), a nationwide project of the Helping Hands Foundation, Inc. The mentoring program currently teaches needle arts to boys and girls in more than 140 communities across the country. Silent Auction handbag contributors included Prudence Mapstone, Vashti Braha, Westminster Fibers, Pam Shore, Carol Ventura, Nancy Nehring, Fibertrends/Quiltessentials, International Freeform Group, Gene Alberts, Paula A. Linton-Allison, Diane Moyer, Bendy Carter, Stitch N Frame Shop, Margaret Fultz, Dee Stanziano, Margaret Hubert, Maria Cook/Coats & Clark, Yvette Jiggetts, Carol V. Moore, Sudha Mehta, Gail Bird, Colleen Davis, Ironstone, Karen Drouin, and Charlie Cirigliano/Nantucket Bagg. As part of the Silent Auction fun, shoppers could vote for their favorite handbag. People’s choice winners were a crochet freeform-in-blues bag by Prudence Mapstone (first place), a glamour red-and-black granny square crocheted clutch by Dee Stanziano (second place), and a black felted bag with felted rose by Margaret Hubert (third place).

Other activities included: door prize drawings, Designer Meet & Greet for designers and publishers, World’s Fastest Crocheter and Knitter Time Trials by the Craft Yarn Council of America, Chic Street Fashion Show (including entries by the Show’s exhibitors and instructors as well as members of CGOA and TKGA), and a 24/7 Knit & Crochet Lounge.

The next Knit & Crochet Show is the 2007 Fall Knit & Crochet Show in Oakland, CA. For 2008 the Summer Knit & Crochet Show will return to Manchester, NH July 23-27. Details to date for 2007 and 2008 can be found at www.KnitandCrochetShow.com. The Show’s producer is Offinger Management Company (Offinger.com) of Zanesville, Ohio. Those interested in exhibiting in 2007 or 2008 can contact KnitandCrochetShow@Offinger.com or write: The Knit & Crochet Show, 1100-H Brandywine Blvd, Zanesville OH 43701-7303.

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