We're tucked into the Coastal Condo waiting for Donn and Andi, Dick's brother and sister-in-law to arrive. That will be for another post. Last weekend I attended my first P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization) convention and it was a grand experience. My good friend Janet McDowell and I went together. We were roomies and she led me through my responsibilities as a delegate. As a relatively new member of this international organization which supports women to be the best they can be, I was looking forward to learning more about my new found sisterhood. I learned about P.E.O. but I also made new knitting friends. How, may you ask, can you make knitting friends at a conference that at first blush has nothing to do with knitting? Do you recognize Stripe Study Shawl using Twisted Fiber Art Evolution in Juicy? I tucked it into my suitcase. I really don't know why because Michigan's weather last weekend was beautiful. After about 10 minutes in the hotel conference room, I knew why I brought it. It was FREEZING! If you remember, I am a hot person. I AM NEVER COLD. But here I was freezing but I had Stripe Study in my suitcase. I put it on and almost immediately, people started asking me about it. It's almost like taking Tess for a walk when everyone stops us and tells us how beautiful she is. Today is Tess's 1st birthday and this is her birthday picture. Let's get back to my knitting story but isn't she adorable! I've always loved this shawl. In fact I love it so much I couldn't give it away at Christmas. When P.E.O. sisters asked me about my shawl, I was excited to say, "I knit it" and would give them Knitting: A Love Story's address. I am so excited because I have already received one comment from a conference attendee. What a great surprise! Not only do I think Stripe Study is amazing but other people do too!!! I was thrilled. I was sitting in one of the early sessions, observing all of the happy, upbeat women, supporting each other and enjoying themselves. All of a sudden I thought of my friend Debbie Krause. Remember how I ran into her at the Fiber Expo. Debbie is one of the most upbeat women I've ever met. I could just picture Debbie being a P.E.O. She would so fit it! On Saturday morning, who did I run into? DEBBIE KRAUSE! She is a P.E.O.!!!! She was with a couple of women and Debbie said, "This is Jan Parson who writes Knitting: A Love Story." This one woman used the word "inspirational" and I was in 7th Heaven!!! Convention was 2 days of happiness, joy and friendship. It was great. It was special being there with Janet McDowell. All of a sudden the thought hit me like a ton of bricks, a bolt of lighting, a visit from Santa Clause. I have to give Strip Study to Janet for all of the help and support she has provided me in P.E.O. Let me introduce to you my friend Janet McDowell wearing her new shawl Stripe Study. I think the Juicy colorway looks stunning with Janet's beautiful white hair. Needles to say, she was very surprised. She loved it. My first P.E.O. convention was wonderful. I learned lots, met many wonderful, strong, joyful women and got to talk knitting in an unexpected place. It left little doubt in my mind that knitting is a universal language of the sisterhood of knitters. Would you like to join?
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
jan parsonThis blog is dedicated to Mary Helen Growt my first knitting teacher and the woman who changed my life. The mission of Knitting: A Love Story is to preserve, share and promote the love of knitting. Archives
April 2021
Categories |