OUT AND ABOUT - Helena at Broad Ripples, Indianapolis

I was really fortunate to be invited to visit Broad Ripples yarn store in Indianapolis for my very first trunk show appearance in the US! Having been at TNNA, it was a treat to be able to relax with some passionate knitters, and with Karin, the store owner who was so welcoming and friendly - and runs a truly beautiful shop!

As you will know, MillaMia is distributed in the US by Classic Elite Yarns and I was also very lucky to be accompanied by Joan, the local CEY rep. She was a such a help to me, not only in organising everything but I had a small disaster just before the store visit - I managed to drop my mobile/cell phone into a sink of water 20 minutes before we were due to leave! In the car on the way to the store the screen went from 50% blurred to 100% dead and it was emitting a lot of heat. Joan rushed out and got me an emergency bag of rice - which I have to say, saved the day (and my phone!) - thanks Joan!

It was immediately evident to me that Broad Ripples is set in the middle of a thriving crafting community, with lots of loyal customers and an incredibly friendly knitting group. After making me feel at ease, I started to talk a bit about my design process and the samples I had brought with me. The trunk show consisted of garments from Little Rascals which went down really well, but I also chatted with the knitters and offered some advice on projects and colour choices.

The ladies had lots of great ideas about colour - I love the fact people feel they can be a bit more daring with colour and not just for kids items either. There was an Emma Boatneck in progress in Midnight and Lime which looked fantastic- I really hope the lovely knitter who is making this will share some pictures of her Emma when it's finished. Also there was a fair amount of brokering going on over the yarns which were low in stock - for example, I heard a conversation between two ladies -  "If you let me have your Storm I will let you have my Plum, so we can both start our most important projects till the delivery comes in next week"!

I can't possibly write about this lovely visit without mentioning the delicious food that Karin provided. The most yummy homemade lemonade and chocolate brownies made with a Hershey's bar baked in the middle might just be the best thing I have ever eaten!

Lastly, a special thanks to Joan - the rice worked and after 4 days of drying out my phone is now working again :)

(posted by Helena)