Knitch Magazine

Models strut on the runway at TNNAThe room dimmed as an eager audience buzzed with excited anticipation. Poised with cameras and writing pads, we whispered enthusiastically as we eagerly awaited the highlight of the show — the kickoff of the Conference — the TNNA’s semi-annual presentation of fashion.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” Doreen announced, “TNNA presents the Spring and Summer Fashion show!”

What had they designed for the season? Who would present the most dramatic, most innovative fashion? What colors will everyone want to wear? As we watched a parade of leggy young models strutting and bouncing before us, we were treated to over 80 fantastic new styles.

Artistic Turtleneck designed by Melissa Leapman for Love of Knitting Bewitching Hooded Scarf designed by Nicky Epstein for Aslan Trends Estonian Tunic desined by Brooke Nico for Vogue Knitting Sizzling Summer Tank from Knit 'n Style

This summer’s presentation included everything from crafty, creative handbags and hats to intricate laces that floated in the air, and long luxurious coats of many brilliant colors. All the top yarn brands were represented in fashions designed by industry icons.

Nicky Epstein created original designs for Aslan Trends, including one particularly striking piece knit in Artesenal yarn and trimmed with a flourish of fur.

For Knit ‘n Style, the brilliant Sandi Prosser crafted two summery tops including one pretty tunic in Hot Rod yarn by Conjoined Creations, and another that was featured on a recent issue cover.

Norah Gaughan’s inimitable style was seen in her Schwaan Pullover knitted in new Linsey yarn for Berroco.

Love of Knitting Magazine offered two designs by the fabulous Melissa Leapman who designed a pretty summery shell and a cozy looking turtleneck.

Many in the audience were excited by Great Adirondack Yarn Company’s coat and shawl that blazed with a multitude of colors. This manufacturer is known for its designs that use several different yarns to create interest in color, texture and fiber.

Bohemia Swing Tunic & Scarf designed by Barry Klein of Trendsetter Schwaan Pullover designed by Norah Gaughan of Berroco Layers Duo designed by Laura Bryant of Prism Eyelet Wrap Vest designed by Theresa Schabes for Vogue Knitting

One very interesting piece was presented by Interweave Knits. Designed by Tram Nguyen using Elsebeth Lavold Silky Wool, the Tunisian Crochet Cardigan brilliantly presented fabulous style in a craft that is gaining in popularity as new and improved Tunisian hooks become available in the market.

Helene Rush once again demonstrated her design skill in gorgeous designs for Knit One, Crochet Too: a Mermaid Tee and Dragon Scale Socks, Yoga Shrug and Socks and a delightful Stadium Cardi with Market Bag.

Therese Chynoweth, another very gifted designer, did a fabulous piece for Himalaya Yarn –- the Tibet Raglan Shrug – created in eco-friendly Recycled Silk.

For a lovely, lacy look, Berta Karapetyan developed a beautiful Lily of the Valley Shawl in Karabella’s Supercashmere Fine. This is a shawl many of us will want to create for cool summer evenings and elegant dinner parties.

Doreen Conner of Vogue serves as one of the hosts of the TNNA Fashion ShowLaura Bryant, whose use of color and texture is second to none, gave the audience a treat with her Layers Duo using Prism Tencel Tape and Rapport. Her gorgeous Diva Tank and Skirt required six different yarns to create truly original fashion art.

Laura’s good friend and oftentimes a collaborator, Barry Klein, gave us a moment in Spain with his fantastic Bohemia Swing Tunic and Scarf, Mitred Tango Vest and Flamenco and Venus Chanel Cardigan and Swing Skirt.

The end to the evening were three entries from Vogue Magazine: an Estonian Tunic byBrooke Nico, a Lace Wrap by Shiri Mor and an Eyelet Wrap Vest by Theresa Schabes.

Throughout the pageant, Doreen and Kathy provided descriptive commentary that identified the finer attributes of the garments. Shop owners from throughout North America happily applauded the new creations brought alive by young, gamine models who posed, pranced and pirouetted this January at the TNNA’s Summer/Spring Fashion Show in Long Beach.