Posts Tagged ‘students’

Our very own Dr. Teena Jennings-Rentenaar (University of Akron), a world traveler herself, has arranged an awesome fiber arts tour to Italy for students next year, and wanted to be sure all our PiPN interns and alumnae had first knowledge of this opportunity.

Here are the trip details.

• Dates: May 13, 2012 through May 24, 2012
• Itinerary:
  • Tour begins in Cleveland OH, with first stop in Milan
  • Next stop — Como to visit the Ratti Museum and Silk Manufacturing
  • Then to Venice.  (Dr. Jennings encourages you to book the lagoon boat ride to Burrano Island to see the lace workers and museum.)  If time allows, a visit to the Fortuny Museum.
  • Off to see the sites in Florence and visit a silkscreening and batik studio.
  • Then to Rome and a visit to a papermaking atelier, among others
  • Back to Cleveland
• Costs include airfare.

• The program is being organized by Dr. Jennings through EF College Study Tours,

• Information pertaining to costs and fees can be found at www.efcollegestudytours.com.  Once on the site, fill in tour # 1045590 in the appropriate box.  (If a pop-up happens, ignore it.)

If you’re interested, don’t delay.  Prices may go up Aug. 31st by another $100 or so, unless they have 5 registrants by that time.  Then they hold fast.

This is certain to be a trip of a lifetime.  It would also be a great opportunity to get together with past PiPN interns to compare notes, network and do a little needlework at the same time.

Personally, I’d love to go.  Maybe I’ll see you in Florence in 2012!

Just a quick update . . . the PiPN internship applications have been coming in, with more students having applied this year . . . by this time . . . than ever before.  But, this year, we have more positions than ever before . . . So if you haven’t registered yet, there’s still time.

I’m also happy to announce three new opportunities posted just a few days ago.  Y2Knit, an amazing yarn company located in both Funkstown MD and San Francisco CA is offering a great internship for someone looking to eventually have a full time job. (Who isn’t looking for a full time job!) This company is run by two sisters who have more talent than I can even begin to describe.  They’re looking for help with marketing, as well as design . . .

I’ve also just posted two positions with Misti Alpaca in, of all places, Peru!  They’re offering room and board (but you do have to get there yourself . . .)  These positions require skills in knitting and crochet, as well as a good grasp of Spanish.  The interns who were placed there a few years ago had an incredible experience.  I’m sure this year will be no different.

So, again, if you already haven’t registered . . . or if you have and one of these positions appeals to you, let us know.  We’re getting close to our match date (early April) so you have no time to waste.

If positions aren’t filled after that date, we will continue to accept applications, but you may not be able to get the placement of your choice.

Summer is in full swing, and we have come to mid-way point of the PiPN 2010 internships.   Sherry and I have been very excited to hear from the participants about their experiences thus far and what they have been learning in their placements. 

This year’s turnout was fantastic, and it felt very rewarding to see the entire process through.  It was no easy task to get to this point.  There were ups and downs, but I can say I positively learned so much and feel great about what was accomplished. 

It took time to get information out there to students and graduates about the PiPN program and what it has to offer.  I’m continually impressed by the number of people who are so passionate about fiber and needlearts, and how many were so excited to learn this program was available.   This year the number of applicants quadrupled compared to years before and we were able to place twenty-one students (twice last year’s numbers) from around the country.  It has been wonderful to see the improvements in the program and also the success of changes from years past. 

A great benefit of the program is the Alumnae Group.  PiPN students who satisfactorily complete the program attain alumnae status.  This allows them to attend trade shows and stay in the loop with TNNA and the PiPN program for two years past their internships.

I’m looking forward to keeping the alumnae a tight nit group and to keep them active in TNNA and the PiPN program.  This summer, I personally was able to reconnect with a friend I met while participating in PiPN at The University of Akron.   It had been a year since I had seen her, so it was great to be able to catch up.  The PiPN Alumnae Group made it all possible.

The weekend during the trade show in Columbus was also a blast.  The PiPN group met at the convention center downtown Friday evening for the fashion show.  This was my third show, and I’ve enjoyed the fashion show each time.  There are always a couple great standout pieces.  The collection also featured a former PiPN Student Design Competition Winner as well as a former Project Runway winner!! 

The actual trade show Saturday and Sunday was outstanding.  I am always impressed by the time and energy the exhibitors put into their booths.  I enjoy walking around to each and seeing the great displays of merchandise and products.  The energy at the shows is always a pleasure to be around.  There is an excitement and buzz in the room, which I see each time.

I’m excited and looking forward to what is next for the PiPN program.  In the last couple years I’ve been a part of it, the program has continued to develop and grow.  Exciting opportunities are just around the corner.  I’m also looking forward to hearing back from our summer participants, and we will be posting their blogs on the website for everyone to enjoy.

Until next time,
Kristi Schwechheimer
PiPN Alumnae Coordinator