African Mohair + Yarn Market News Conference

I've been quiet for some time since all my creative energy was devoted to coordinating this year's Yarn Market News Conference. It was well worth every late night in the office!! Enthusiastic crowd, killer sponsorship from my favorite yarn and accessory companies (Eucalan, Classic Elite Yarn, Namaste Bags) and relevant, business savvy speakers. I met the most wonderful group of yarn store owners, designers and manufactures. How did I get so lucky as to land this job?!

One of the best parts of the Conference was connecting with Nadine Curtis of Be Sweet. Be Sweet is based on a socially responsible philosophy of creating jobs in South Africa while developing beautiful, unique yarn and accessories. Nadine works with traditional Xhosa women to design and knit mohair scarves and shawls, recycled t-shirt tote bags, and she's even created a market for oversized felt rocks. The end result is global gypsy meets California chic. Here's some of my favorites:

Poppy Scarf made from recycled t-shirts

Shelley Big Bag, a hooked rug tote made from recycled t-shirt material in any of the above colors

Fiber Necklace made from silk and felt scraps