USA Team Olympic Cardigan Comes to the Festival!

View online | Subscribe | Visit us online | Archives

March 14, 15, 16, 2014

USA Team Olympic Cardigan Comes to the Festival!

One week to go … details, details, details and big announcements, including:

The cardigan sweater that was worn by U.S. Olympic team members at the 2014 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony in Sochi is coming to the Festival! Kraemer Textiles of Nazareth, PA, spun the wool into yarn that was used to make the sweaters. Eleanor Swogger, one of our teachers, is a designer for Kraemer Textiles and Yarns, who is one of our sponsors. They have graciously agreed to let Eleanor bring the sweater. She will bring the sweater with her to the Festival, along with the hat and scarf that was designed to go with it.

The sweater, hat and scarf will be on display all weekend during show hours at Kathy’s Kreations, Kathy Zimmerman’s Booth Nos. 2 and 3, in the main ballroom.

There were only 650 sweaters made, with only 300 for sale to the public. They have been selling for more than $4,000 on some sites online. This one is not for sale, it is for display only. Stop by and take a photo next to the sweater (sorry, no one may try it on). THANK YOU, Kraemer Yarns!

We are also pleased to announce another “international element” for our 10-year anniversary:
A Mohair, South Africa representative is stopping in to visit us. She will be at StevenBe’s booth on Friday. Steven invited her to attend; he does quite a lot of work with this non-profit organization. She will take the stage with Steven at the PJ Party on Friday night, tell you a little about her company and have some gifts for us.

Last but not least, Bryson Distributing, Gizmos & Gadgets for Needlearts: knitting, crochet, quilting & needlework, is sending surprises for the goody bags for the Private Luncheon and Private Dinner with Debbie. I can’t wait to see what they are sending. We have such beautiful gifts donated by all of our sponsors. Each of the “goody bags” for all three Special Events has an estimated retail value of more than $50, wow!

Getting the gifts from our sponsors is like having a birthday when they arrive, even though they are not for me!

With Warm Regards,

Barb

Just some reminders …

Advanced mail-in registration is now closed. The last day to register in advance online for any classes or admission is March 10. Please be sure to check the website to see whether the class is marked FULL. If it is, please do not send money for it.
After March 10, all payments for classes and admission must be made at the door. Please note, all remaining class prices onsite will be an additional $5, so check it out and send it in this week.
Online registration for any of the Special Events Packages will also stay open until March 10, with limited spaces available at the door.
We do not send out any confirmations unless there is a problem with your registration. You may pick up all tickets and registration information at the registration tables when you arrive.
If you have purchased a Nicky Epstein “Kick off the Weekend” Luncheon and Fashion show package, you may arrive at 11:30 a.m. on Friday at the registration table to pick up your tickets. Otherwise, registration officially opens at 12:30 pm. The market opens at 1 p.m. You will receive a class assignment sheet along with your event program when you arrive. Check it to see where your class/es are. All class times are listed online.
Please be sure to check New York Times #1 Best Selling Author Debbie Macomber’s book signing schedule. This is her public appearance schedule. If you did not purchase a ticket to the Private Luncheon or Private Dinner with Debbie, this will be your opportunity to meet Debbie in person and get her autograph.

Festival parking made easy

The Four Points by Sheraton Pittsburgh North has graciously made arrangements should its parking lots become full, offering both offsite parking and regular shuttles as overflow options.

The hotel will run shuttles every half hour after its lots fill up. The offsite overflow parking is located at the U.S. Post Office (300 Brush Creek Rd., Warrendale 15905).

Parking will be available during the Festival hours, and shuttles will run through the evening events as well. The overflow parking lot is the first lot on the left. There will be signage at the lot for parking and pick-ups. Please note: The USPS is not responsible for damage or thefts.

Field Guide winner

Field Guide

In last week’s Festival Update, we offered one copy of Interweave’s book about fiber, The Field Guide to Fleece, as our Sweepstakes prize. Authored by Deborah Robson and Carol Ekarius, it’s an indispensable reference for all fiber enthusiasts.

Our randomly drawn winner was Anita Joslyn, Edinboro, PA. Congratulations, Anita, please pick up the book at the Festival at the Stramba Farm and Fiber Mill booth in the Connections area.

2014 Festival Sponsors