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Read the press release here.

'Extreme Knitting' Coming to Times Square for Yarn Convention

By Maya Rajamani | January 8, 2016 12:09pm
 Jacqueline Fink of Little Dandelion demonstrates
Jacqueline Fink of Little Dandelion demonstrates "extreme knitting."
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Courtesy of Vogue Knitting Magazine

TIMES SQUARE — Crafters used to knitting solo will have a chance to get out and mingle with the “knitterati” in Times Square next weekend.

From Jan. 15 to 17, Vogue Knitting magazine will host an event for “yarn enthusiasts” at the Marriot Marquis Hotel at 1535 Broadway, where knitters and crocheters can take part in a range of yarn-centric events. These include classes and lectures like “Socks 101: Toe Up Socks” and “Get Over Your Fear of Seaming and Finishing — Beginner Bootcamp” taught by experts from the crafting world.

The three-day convention will include a gala dinner featuring a knitting symphony that combines classical music with the sounds of clacking knitting needles, a “Knitting ‘Jeopardy’” tournament where a knowledge of the facts found in “Knitting Ephemera” will come in handy, and several fashion shows featuring the latest “knit couture,” modeled by Vogue Knitting readers.

Knitters will also be able to try knitting with gigantic yarn and knitting needles — a technique known in the knitting community as “extreme knitting” — shop for new crafting materials, and win yarn and needles by playing a “yarn claw” arcade game, with the proceeds going go to charity, a statement from the organizers said. 

“World’s fastest knitter” Hazel Tindall and Scandinavian knitters Arne Nerjordet and Carlos Zachrison will also be in attendance.

Tindall will be demonstrating her “speedy knitting” techniques at the event, the statement said.

In addition, the event will showcase crafted pieces like a 6-foot forest dragon knitted by hand, “whimsical needle felted gnomes” and crocheted street art in a gallery on display at the hotel.

Knitters, crocheters and “those simply curious about anything fiber” can buy tickets online or at the door.

Children under 12 get free admission, and students get 50 percent off their tickets and $15 off the event’s classes by showing their student IDs.