Horton Plaza Got Yarnbombed!

So, I was walking from my hotel down to Comic Con International in San Diego and stopped by Jimbo's Naturally in Horton Plaza for breakfast. This is what I saw.

A crocheted granny square yarnbomb.

Rainbow seems to be a theme. I don't know how long they were up, but the Pride Festival was the week before.

I love the exuberance.

Yarnbombing in my own backyard. They were very neatly executed. One was even signed:

What fun!

And the con was fun, and profitable, too. I sold four of my little hats, in addition to lots of steampunk accessories. Possibly the best year ever. And soon, my feet won't hurt and I'll get my energy back. All signed up for next year, too.

Next week I'll give you a taste of my book in process, "Miniature Millinery: Making Little Felted Hats."

Have a fabulous week!

Saddlerock Yarnbomb

And now, for the yarn bomb of the week:

https://www.facebook.com/events/209332805857050/  Saddlerock Yarnbomb near Santa Barbara, CA. It may be old news, but it is still a colorful example of fun public art.

Over the weeks I'll share some of the best examples of yarn-bombing, knitting, crocheting, and other fiber fun. Expect some alpacas, too.

For the last few weeks I have been focused on getting ready for Comic-Con. There is a marvelous energy to it. The con-goers are excited to be there. They want to see everything. They want to buy treasures that you can't find anywhere else. They want to see presentations about their favorite comic books, shows and movies. Even when they are exhausted, sore, and shuffling along, they keep going. It's a fun- and eye-candy-filled 4.5 days and I look forward to it all year.

My preparations are almost done. Tuesday I lay the flooring and the first load to the booth for set up. To help the massage therapists at The Massage Booth survive helping the con-goers survive, I lay down the cushy puzzle-piece flooring over the existing booth carpet, then lay an oriental run over that. It helps create the relaxing atmosphere and a more comfortable floor for everybody.

The doll hats/fascinators are all ready. The steampunk products are packed into their boxes and arranged for easy loading into the wonderfully spacious Prius. All that’s left is adding 9 hats to the Etsy shop, Etsy.com/shop/NancyHay. At least the hat portraits are done already. 

I intend to show shoppers what is available on my Etsy shop, in addition to what is there in front of their eyes. Let's hope there is a good signal for my Kindle to pick up. It’s amazing how many little things need to get done before the big show.

Every year I try a couple of new products to add to the steampunk accessories line. This year I’ve added adjustable decorative hat bands to add to an existing hat, some lovely pins to add to clothing, hats, or whatever. I also picked up some bags of gears and some medals to try. We’ll see if any of these catch on.

When the sore feet feel better, the accounting is completed, and the remaining products are put away, then I will get back to writing my book, Miniature Millinery: Making Little Felted Hats. I have the majority of it drafted, but learned after talking with my mentor, the amazing Dawn Devine, that I have a long way to go to make it the outstanding book that knitters and hat-makers will want to buy and use. Watch this space for progress.

New adventures ahead

Today is the birthing day a new blog. My intention is to entertain you with stories and pictures about knitting, felting, and hats, plus whatever strikes my fancy.

Comic-Con is coming up fast! I've been making little felted hats for sale at the biggest annual event in San Diego, California. It's also the biggest comic book and popular arts convention on this continent.

I'll be the Madam at The Massage Booth, where three ladies in cute costumes will massage the tired shoulders, backs, and necks of the attendees. While clients are waiting, they have the opportunity to see some affordable steampunk accessories, plus my little felted hats. It is a very busy 4.5 days.

The people-watching is fabulous! I've seen folks dressed as Marty McFly, from each of the 3 films, plus Iron Man, Thor, Captain Jack Sparrow, a really good Joker, and lots of fans who like to show off their handiwork. When your feet hurt from standing all day, these folks are a great way to take attention away from the tootsies.

Back now to the preparations!