Knitch Magazine

The Vogue Knitting booth was a hive of activity during VK Live.On the weekend of September 23, 2011, Vogue Knitting magazine hosted a live event where knitters from throughout America, and as far away as Australia, congregated to learn more about their craft and to see the sensational styles for fall. The Hyatt Regency Century Plaza in Los Angeles had a celebratory atmosphere as knitters and knitting illuminati gathered for three days of classes, camaraderie, fashion shows and the beginning of many new friendships.

The setting had all the elegance you'd expect of a hotel that caters to the Hollywood crowd: brass, glass and marble gleamed. Hospitality workers wished guests a good morning as they passed by. Just steps away were shops with windows that displayed exquisite Louis Vuitton purses, Hugo Boss suits, Prada shoes. Out on the street, a bored chauffeur stood beside a Rolls Royce while his employers enjoyed dinner at RockSugar Pan Asian Kitchen. Such is the lifestyle of Hollywood stars and movie moguls.

An unexpected thrill awaited VK Live guests when a fleet of Ferraris congregated outside the hotel door These sleek, sexy European sports machines were lined up in a breathtaking display after participating in the annual FOG (Ferrari Owners Group) fundraising event. Their owners sipped cocktails in the outdoor lounge near the hotel pool while impressed onlookers peeked through the windows of cars they rarely get to admire up close.

If you think these look good, you should hear the engines roar!The hotel facilities were gorgeous, the location luxurious, and the atmosphere absolutely electric. Best of all, the VK Live event was ideal for any enthusiastic knitter, of any level, who wanted to learn more about the craft.

The activities began early on Friday morning with classes held throughout the day. It was obvious that the talented event planners at Vogue Knitting had pulled out all the stops to ensure that the elite of the industry were there to teach and inspire their readers. Well-known designers like Barry Klein, Amy Singer, Clara Parkes and Cookie A were on hand to share their knowledge about knitting and design.

Iris Shreier's class about Reversible Cables was so popular that additional seats were added to accommodate more participants. Laura Bryant's Color Workshop was a big hit with those who admire Laura's special skills. And, of course, Nicky Epstein's presentations were extremely popular with everyone -- especially her hour-long lecture on The Importance of Shapes, Stitches, Edgings and Embellishments. (See Knitch reviews for a look at her newest book.)

The Rowan Fashion Show started with the Holly pullover.Everywhere you looked you saw someone else you recognized: Vickie Howell on her way to teaching beginner classes, Trisha Malcolm signing autographs on copies of Vogue Knitting, Stacy Charles meeting knitters who are thrilled to meet the man behind so many successful yarns.

When participants were not enjoying classes or runway fashion shows, they relaxed by the poolside or attended the Market where an array of shops and manufacturers displayed their newest items. Bonnie Kellogg displayed her new invention, Fix-A-Stitch, and demonstrated how quickly knitters can pick up dropped stitches using her ingenious tool. Becca Smith of The Bagsmith showed how easily knitters can block projects using her new Block 'n Roll blocking mat. Becca's Mom was by her side showing fascinated onlookers how to use her outrageously large Big Stitch size 50 knitting needles.

The floor buzzed with excitement as knitters gasped over the magnificent designs of Iris Schreier of Artyarns, Steven B of Yarn Garage, and the legendary Kaffe Fassett, who was also featured at a glamorous Saturday evening dinner event.

Knitters enjoyed shopping for yarns, needles, patterns, books, tools and accessories.From the nuts and bolts learning activities of the classrooms and demonstrations to the sophisticated celebrations at champagne parties and dressy dinners, this event was a magnificent celebration of everything knitters love: color, texture, style, and relationships.

The people at Vogue Knitting presented a magnificent weekend for knitters that participants will fondly remember for years to come. If you weren't able to attend this event, you might want to start planning for the next one. We're certain that if VK Live in New York this January is anything like the one in LA, it's going to be a weekend you won't want to miss.