TKGA Event is a big hit in Portland

In May, I was delighted to attend the TKGA Knit and Crochet Show in Portland, Oregon. What a great show that is! I had a wonderful time meeting knitters from all over the country. And what was really astounding was the skill level of these attendees.

TKGA is The Knitting Guild Association and has guilds throughout the world. They charge a very reasonable annual fee to be a member, and membership provides some terrific benefits like a subscription to Cast On, their quarterly magazine, plus free patterns, lessons and eligibility to participate in the Master Knitter program.

The event in Oregon was just packed with Master Knitters or Master-Knitters-In-Training. Everywhere I looked, ladies were displaying their creative masterpieces and sharing information with others. And, as expert as they were, they were in Portland to learn even more about the craft. Dozens of classes featured industry dignitaries like Lily Chin giving instructions on a variety of interesting topics.

One of the highlights of my visit to the Knit and Crochet Show was the chance to meet some truly wonderful people who run afghans for Afghans. We sponsored a booth for them so they could attend the event to increase awareness of their organization. Founded by Ann Rubin, an amazingly energetic woman, the group supports humanitarian and educational projects, and knits and crochets wool blankets and garments for the people of Afghanistan as a gesture of friendship and respect. They sold raffle tickets for baskets and a $100 Yarnmarket Gift Certificate.

I had a wonderful time at the show and am looking forward the the upcoming event in Buffalo, NY. Check out the site because if you're in the area, you'll want to be sure to attend. There will be some terrific classes, great shopping in the Exhibit Hall and lots of knitters who share your enthusiasm for the hobby.

Photo shows Chris Motley, Maye Thompson, Barbara Levin and Franny Heald (who baked cookies using a recipe from Afghanistan.)

If you'd like to read more about TKGA and other interesting events be sure to subscribe to KnitchMagazine, the online magazine for knitters.