Thanks to late season snow this weekend, I was able to completely indulge in being back home! I read a delightful new book that I had bought right before we left for Europe. I didn't have time to start reading it before the trip and decided to leave it behind. So, Saturday morning, I started the fire in the fireplace, made a cup of tea, grabbed a heating pad to keep my toes toasty warm and started knitting a baby blanket for my niece, Seana. She loves sunflowers and seems to be subconsciously transfering that preference to her choice of colors for her new baby. Since my favorite Moderne Baby Blanket is just knit in garter stitch, I'm able to read and knit at the same time! What a perfect weekend!
The trade show in Cologne was an overwhelming success!! I took many, many photos which is why it has taken several days to get everything organized. Rather than overwhelm you with the whole thing at once, I plan on spreading the experience out over a few blogs.
We arrived in Cologne on Tuesday, April 1st. Lufthansa flies directly from Portland, Oregon to Frankfurt so all we had to do was catch a train to Cologne.
It turns out that socks were the perfect choice for this trip. I spent most of the flight listening to Pillars of the Earth while I knit round and round and round. And, of course, asked the flight attendant for more water every chance I got.
Our hotel in Cologne was literally just across the cathedral square from the train station. Talk about convenient. We took some time unpack because I knew the surge of "arrival" energy would disappear quickly and we would crash. After a short walk, Bob and I took a nap and then met Roop, Rashme and Ashok for a simple dinner.
Roop is the owner of the company that makes our Options needles, Rashme is his friend and Ashok is Roop's cousin. Ashok has lived in Germany for over forty years so he was extremly helpful. And, he had a car to shuttle us back and forth between the hotel and the convention center.
Wednesday morning we woke up around 8:00 and headed down for breakfast. What I love most about traveling in Northern Europe are the breakfasts. Sturdy, filling food that really gets you through the morning. Which was a good thing because we had to get the booth set up and ready for the show to start on Thursday. My favorite breakfast items are the hearty breads.
Then, we were off to the Convention Center!
This was my first trade show so I was ridiculously excited and very worried about how the Options Needles would be received. The booth certainly looked bare when we arrived!!
Time to get to work! Ashok unpacked the display units for the needles. Rashme and I set up the "knitting" tables. Bob and Roop got all the yarns, needles and handouts organized.
The plan was to have a nice place for knitter's to sit down and try out the Options needles for themselves. We would have several 24" needles all ready with yarn. I shipped some Wool of the Andes worsted and some Cadena so we could show how easy it was to switch from small needles to bigger needles depending on the yarn. My tactical error was that I forgot Cadena comes in skeins rather than balls. So Rashme and I had to spend a chunk of time balling up a couple of skeins to be ready for Thursday.
Roop and Rashme brought Bob and I gifts. I received a lovely silk shawl and matching purse. Bob got a Nehru style vest that actually turned out to be very useful since the weather was cold in Cologne. I think he looks very good in his vest!
After three hours, we were satisfied with the booth. Time for some food! I had a craving for apple streudal and Bob and I had seen a very nice cafe on our walk Tuesday afternoon. Ashok explained that apple streudal was even better slathered with warm custard sauce. With a cup of hot tea, I had a perfect lunch!
With full tummies, we headed off to visit a local knitting shop that carries the Options needles. Oh, I can't tell you how nice it felt to walk into a fiber haven complete with a comfy sofa! Daniela (on the left) said we could stay as long as we wanted but I didn't think she really wanted a snoring, jet-lagged American stretched out in the middle of her shop. So, we headed back to the hotel for a much needed nap! Whew, that was a busy day!
Welcome home. It sounds like you had a lovely time.
Posted by: Lisa C | April 21, 2008 at 01:53 PM
Welcome back! I've been waiting to hear about your adventures. I know it must be exhausting but so much fun- not even like work. Hope it was all a smashing success.
Posted by: MaggieO | April 21, 2008 at 02:45 PM
I live in a country club community in a colege town in Florida...........we have people who are here for the University and the Med School, both as students....but mostly teachers. One of my favorite families is from Koln and I plan to show her your pictures. As always, I love KnitPicks and your podcasts and blogs.......LeeAnn
Posted by: LeeAnn Walser | April 21, 2008 at 05:31 PM
Welcome home----- I am enjoying your pics and story of your trip---- keep them coming Kelley!
Posted by: tina | April 21, 2008 at 06:00 PM
Those books are such fun! I hope you enjoy it. Its no great work of fiction but its a nice, quick weekend read.
Posted by: Alyssa | April 21, 2008 at 06:02 PM
So glad you are back! Can't wait to listen to you podcast. I loved the photos, post more if you have time, loved seeing your booth, the knit shop, the strudel, Bob in his new vest. . . your new pink shawl with a perfect shawl pin.
Welcome home!
Denise
Posted by: Denise | April 21, 2008 at 07:29 PM
Welcome back! I've really missed Yarn Rambles and am anxious to hear about what the Europeans thought of the Harmony Woods!
And the podcast was definitely missed as well. Can't wait to hear all the details of the trip.
I bet Xena is happy now that you are back!!
Posted by: Aileen Arrieta | April 22, 2008 at 12:16 AM
Welcome back Kelly; Sounds like the trip was a huge success - I cannot believe that the options needles wouldn't be a big hit - they're so beautiful and unusual as well as the perfect fit! I'm reading (really listening - bless those iPods!) Pillars of the Earth as well and thoroughly enjoying the time spent with needles in hand - nice to have you back.
Posted by: Tora in Chagrin Falls, OH | April 22, 2008 at 05:48 AM
Welcome back Kelly; Sounds like the trip was a huge success - I cannot believe that the options needles wouldn't be a big hit - they're so beautiful and unusual as well as the perfect fit! I'm reading (really listening - bless those iPods!) Pillars of the Earth as well and thoroughly enjoying the time spent with needles in hand - nice to have you back.
Posted by: Tora in Chagrin Falls, OH | April 22, 2008 at 05:49 AM
wonderful pictures. The vest looks very nice on Bob. Very distinguished. I have never been to Europe. I'm sure it was an adventure. I will live vicariously through you! :)
Posted by: Michele | April 22, 2008 at 06:24 AM
It's great to see the pictures and hear about your trip. The booth looks very nice and your pink shawl is beautiful. So, no troubles traveling to Europe with knitting needles? I have heard that they take them away there! Can't wait to read more of your adventures.
Posted by: Brenda | April 22, 2008 at 10:19 AM
Yea!!!! Your back!
Your trip sounded wonderful.
Posted by: allie | April 22, 2008 at 11:14 AM
Welcome back! I'm glad your trip got off to such a good start! It's funny - I took pictures of the breakfast too when I was in Switzerland! I can't wait to hear all the details and see the pictures. Hope the jet lag wasn't too bad - it does make for a very long day coming back. I am thrilled that you are back in the driver's seat!
Posted by: Katherine | April 22, 2008 at 12:37 PM
Welcome back! Looking forward to hearing more podcasts!
Posted by: Jessica Star | April 22, 2008 at 02:55 PM
Welcome back! Can't wait to hear more about your trip. With 2 small children, my travel days are slow in coming and definitely not abroad(yet...). But your knitting yarns, needles and supplies keep me happily busy at home;)
Posted by: Mary Jane | April 23, 2008 at 09:39 AM
Welcome back! I'm so glad you are back safe and sound. YOu are one of my first internet stops when I come to work and so look forward to reading you blog every day. I lived in Germany for 6 years and am so envious that you got to go!!!! I absolutely loved it there and would hop at the chance of going back. I hope you had some wonderful brochen and schnitzel and got to sight see a little. Am looking forward to seeing all of your pics! Nat Alea from OK
Posted by: Nat Alea in OK | April 23, 2008 at 10:57 AM
Welcome back!! I think it's so unfair that you went to Cologne-Berlin is where you need to come! ;-) Particularly because there are some really wonderful knitters here and we would love to have you. :-) It looks like you had a wonderful trip nonetheless.
Posted by: Kimberly | May 03, 2008 at 02:44 AM