Have you ever wondered what it’s like to own a yarn business and to go shopping at industry trade shows? Well wonder no more! I recently returned from San Diego and The National NeedleArts Association (TNNA)’s trade show. Take a sneak peek behind the scenes and find out what I saw, what trends are hot, and what new items we’ll be carrying.

These shows are a great opportunity do in-person all the things that are difficult to do from the office – I get to fondle gorgeous yarns, connect face-to-face with suppliers, find out what’s new in the market, and reconnect with friends I’ve made along this 35-year journey in the business. And you know what they say about all work and no play – we had to fit a few zany photo opportunities into the mix!

So what’s looking hot for 2014?

LACE

Lace continues to be a big crowd-pleaser – quick and easy lace shawls, gorgeous sweaters, and airy wraps dominated the show floor.

BABIES

There are some wonderful new fiber combinations from Berroco, Classic Elite and Tahki Stacy Charles on the way that are perfect for baby projects. Some are of my favorites:

• silk/cotton/rayon blend
• cotton/alpaca yarn (an experiment for us adding an animal fiber)
• A 100% USA-made organic cotton yarn from Appalachian Baby Designs. This was my absolute favorite yarn of the whole show – the softest cotton I’ve seen in a long time!

COLOR

Get ready for bold! Clear and intense pastels are mixing with ethnic-inspired curry tones. Pairing soft shades with vivid brights in the same project creates unexpected and exciting color possibilities! Inspired by a mixture of blooming flowers, travels abroad, and strong, confident women (that’s us!), designers are using color to refresh, revive, and defy conventional color wisdom.

COMING SOON AT COTTON CLOUDS

You’ll be seeing these trends in full force as we put together the new 2014 items in the Cotton Clouds shop. New yarns, new knit and crochet kits, and of course our continued emphasis on weaving and spinning. We’ll be keeping out social media channels updated as we add new things, so check in with us on Facebook and Ravelry for all the latest news.

Looking forward to a happy spring 2014 – thanks for making us your place for all that’s warm and good in the natural fiber world!