Countdown: My Top 25 Memorable Moments of the Knit & Crochet Show

Well, I'm back home from another very memorable Crochet & Knit Show (yes, I deliberately changed that order in the title and will campaign in the future to make this the permanent name - knitters beware!) and I've been reflecting on the amazing time in Concord/Charlotte, NC.  My list is far from complete, but I managed to whittle it down to my top 25 moments and/or reasons that I am giving thanks for the conference. My hope is that this will encourage you to consider attending a CGOA Conference in the future. Here they are in ascending order:

25. Being able to just go downstairs and eat a wonderful, hot breakfast which included Krispy Kreme donuts as an option

24. Having a wonderful hotel room that is quiet and comfortable enough to actually sleep

23. Attending Professional Development Day and learning from the best

22. Hearing Jack Bloomenthal (Lion Brand Yarn owner) personally tell me his funny cat story

21. Hands on fun at Red Heart's "Make and Take" table using their new products

Margaret at Red Heart's "Take and Make" table

20. Being able to have my very first book signing 

Dubonet Poncho by Bonnie

19. Finding my Dubonet Poncho on display in the Crochetville/Red Heart booth

18. Winning free yarn

17. Sitting under the instruction of top crochet instructors/designers Jennifer Hanson and Vashti Braha

16. Being south of the Mason Dixon line and enjoying the warm Southern hospitality

Yarn that looks almost yummy enough to eat!

15. Shopping for yarn and finding new fibers in the market place

14. Having the honor of photographing all the models and the beautiful crocheted designs for the fashion show in a room that actually had adequate lighting

13. Lunch with my sweet friend and designer Carlotta Craig

12. Getting to have my chocolate cake (and eat it too!) at the CGOA Dinner & Fashion Show

11. Meeting crochet designer Dora Ohrenstein for the very first time

10. Reconnecting with some of the best crochet designers on the planet

9. Finally getting to meet Sara Meyer (from Annie's) and Terri Geck (from Coats & Clark)

Diane Irving and Becky Barker

8. Visiting with my friend and glass designer Diane Irving and buying some of her marvelous buttons (Diirvine.com)

7. A late night, delicious dinner in a local, family-owned, Mexican restaurant called "Cinco de Mayo"; and an afternoon burger at Five Guys with Becky

Bonnie trys her hand at the pit crew challenge...

6. Visiting the NASCAR Hall of Fame Museum and being able to beat my daughter's time by 2 seconds in the "Pit Crew Challenge"

Margaret Hubert & Bonnie Barker

5. Getting some words of wisdom from Margaret Hubert, CGOA Hall of Fame inductee, and hear her tell the "Clog Blog Story"

4. Meeting new crocheter friends from all over the United States, and a few from Canada

Doris Chan and Becky Barker and their sonic screwdrivers...

3. Hanging out with Doris Chan and finding out we share the same love for all things Sci-Fi, including "Doctor Who"

2. Receiving some timely, encouraging words from crochet publisher/designer/friend Michele Maks

1. Spending some unforgettable, and often hilarious, quality time with my daughter Becky.