Professional Development Day

The day was a whirlwind starting at 8:00 this morning.  At the Registration Booth it was like an instant family reunion -- it was so great getting to see people, fiberholics just like me, that I haven't seen since the last Conference.  I picked up my "Goodie Bag" and Commemorative crochet hook and headed off to attend what is known as Professional Day.

For those unfamiliar with Professional Day, it's a day set aside for people interested in earning a living (or at least breaking even to support their yarn addictions) with the fiber art they love.  The room was filled with crocheters and knitters, all there to soak up as much information as possible.

The morning session started with a panel of experts:  Rita Weiss (pictured on the right), Carol Alexander of Crochet! magazine, Susan Sullivan of Leisure Arts, Kim Werker of Interweave Crochet, and Jean Leinhauser.  Missing was Kathleen Sams from Coats & Clark (she was having airline problems; many other attendees reported the same troubles. Reportedly Delta airline employees are going on strike) (see image below on left)

The morning presentation was a look at how various publications view design proposals.  Would they buy the pattern, and if so -- why, and if not -- then why not.  It was very informative!   I also got to meet my "Mentee" Lory!  {{Hi Lory!}}  As we listened to the presentation many decided to work on squares for Warm Up America.  I completed two (see image at very top right; I didn't follow a pattern; just "doodled" with some of my favorite stitches).

I was also signed up for the Professional Development lunch.  It's a fabulous experience as you get to "rub elbows" with the who's who of the crochet world.  While eating lunch, the ever great Lily Chin did a fabulous presentation on "Who's You're Daddy" -- knowing your market.  I took a lot of notes!

After lunch we returned for the second half of Professional Development Day.  This time they had "break away" sessions where you could sit with the professional of choice and learn from their experiences.  I chose to sit with Lily Chin about getting cozy with the press; with Darla Fanton about why attending Trade Shows is important; and with Jennifer Hansen about self publishing.  Again, lots of notes -- lots of great information. 

In the evening a group of us went to The Shaskeen, an Irish Pub and Restaurant and had some delicious food & a fun time! (I had no clue Margaret Hubert knew a magic trick!  Be sure to ask her to show you!)  I can't think of a better way to end such a great day!