Different kind of needles

Every Friday I join a knitting group in my favorite local coffee shop Oribs Caffe.  It began when I went to finish a project that I had started. I stayed because besides being a lovely group of ladies, they don't mind that I bead while they knit.  I love to see the new projects they are working on and sharing what I am doing.  Yesterday, after meeting them, I popped on the light rail and headed downtown to the convention center for the Pittsburgh Creative Arts Festival - Knit, Crochet, Quilt, Create.  I was hoping to meet Jenny Tabrum of KnittenJen's Beads who I met and knew only through social media. 

Before I found her, I had a blast looking for her in the exhibit hall.  One of the vendors was selling vintage Singer sewing machines.  I saw one that was looked remarkably like the one I learned to sew on.  It was the youngest machine of the bunch, all of which are still fully operational.  Besides the vendors, the show offered and array of textile exhibits, including some fabulous quilting and interesting felting.  

After wandering around for a bit, I found Jenny and her knitted beads.  They were even more impressive in person than on line.  Somethings have to be experienced to be truly appreciated.  She introduced me to her neighbor Kitty, also from Pittsburgh and also a bead maker.  Kitty uses hand-printed paper and showed me how to make a rolled paper bead there on the floor of the convention center.  Both women are passionate and enthusiastic about what they do.  It was a joy meeting and talking with them.

Finally, and much to my surprise, I discovered that a local bead shops was set up as an vendor.
The Queen's Beads had a wide range of beads and findings.  I can't pass Czech beads with out buying, so I came home the knit, crochet and quilt show with beads.

The Festival runs through Sunday, April 8.

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