TNNA Markets to 'Makers'

For Immediate Release
October 30, 2012

Media Contact: Heather Gooch, Gooch & Gooch LLC
330-723-3539, heather@goochandgooch.com
Photos and interviews available upon request

TNNA Markets to ‘Makers’
The National NeedleArts Association spreads the fiber enthusiasm at the New York Maker Faire.  

ZANESVILLE, OH — The National NeedleArts Association (TNNA) recently exhibited at the Maker Faire New York, also known as the "World Maker Faire.” The two-day Faire, which took place at the New York Hall of Science, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens, N.Y., is said to have attracted more than 55,000 attendees. Produced by MAKE Magazine and O'Reilly Media, the Faire is described as "part playground, part science fair, part welding shop, part county fair and 100 percent unique.”  

"New York was great,” notes Frederikka Payne, owner of Aurora Yarns in Moss Beach, Calif., who has helped coordinate the TNNA booth at Maker Faire events in New York, Detroit and San Mateo, Calif., for the last four years. "We have a regular classroom where we’ve been two years running. Since it was pouring rain the first day we — along with all the indoor Makers — were slammed. The rain let up on Sunday, but even at closing time we had a full house.”  

Despite the inclement weather keeping all the kids who attended for Education Day in close quarters indoors, Payne says the volunteer teachers and students were all having fun. She estimates nearly 1,000 attendees tried their hand at least one needlearts project during the event. Many people learned several!  

"One of the fun things is watching the volunteer teachers learn new needlearts from one another during the occasional slow moments,” she adds. "Lots of people who already do needlearts wander in to see what we’re doing. Many of them give us their names as potential volunteers for next year. Some of them even just sit down and start teaching.”  

Payne is appreciative of all TNNA members who have volunteered their time and/or supplies for this and other Maker Faire events. There are too many to name, she notes, but two in particular went above and beyond the call at this year’s New York Faire: The Yarn Co.’s Amy Tyszkiewicz, Manhattan, and Michelle Cook-Lopez, third-generation owner of Cook’s Arts & Craft Shoppe in Glendale, N.Y.  

"If not for Amy volunteering both days, our fledgling teaching of spinning would have been non-existent on Sunday,” Payne points out, "and Michelle not only taught all day Sunday. but helped tear down and pack up the display.”  

In addition, Bryson Distributing "came through with a huge number of knitting needles so I could breathe easy,” she adds.  

"We believe that these events showcase TNNA members’ passion for and dedication to growing and expanding the future of the needlearts industry,” says TNNA Executive Director Patty Parrish. "People who attend these events are looking to explore different skills and ideas, and many of them see creative possibilities open up to them with a simple crochet hook and some yarn, or a needle and canvas.”  

"Mini Faires” (not sponsored by MAKE Magazine and O’Reilly Media) are cropping up around the country, and Payne says it would be fantastic if TNNA members want to pick up the torch at a local venue. The next Maker Faire at which TNNA will officially exhibit takes place in May 2013 in San Mateo, Calif. Donations and volunteers are always welcome, Payne says.  

"Our biggest need right now is at least 10 yds. of 12-point needlepoint canvas so our painter volunteer can create a canvas of the Maker Faire robot logo from DJ Designs,” she says. "The logo was charted by Debbie Rowley and Cathe Ray, and DJ Designs donated canvases last year. They were such a hit last year.  

"Other needlepoint canvases that are small and simple are always needed,” Payne continues. "At TNNA’s Baltimore NeedleArts Market, several vendors brought me a wonderful selection of small canvases, perfect for teaching, and we can always use more.”  

Simple cross-stitch charts — especially those with subject matter like cars, trains and dinosaurs would be welcome. "You would be amazed at the number of 6- to 12-year-old boys we teach,” Payne says.  

Any type of light to medium-colored smooth yarns, DK to bulky weights, are on Payne’s teaching wish list — solid or multi-color doesn’t matter, but she does ask that they are wound as balls. Hooks, needles and yarn often go home with the students, so a replenishment in a variety of styles and sizes are always in demand.  

Hand-dyed, specialty, and novelty yarns, specialty needles and hooks and other tools are great additions for volunteer gift bags, as are needlepoint and cross-stitch books, charts, canvases and specialty fibers.  

To volunteer, donate or for more information, please contact Payne at tnnamaker@gmail.com or by phone at 415-279-2092.  

About TNNA

TNNA is a non-profit trade organization established in 1974 and is dedicated to the advancement and promotion of needle arts, through trade shows, educational seminars, special events, public relations and professional programs that continue to meet the needs of the industry. For more information, visit www.tnna.org.

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