Our Super Fabulous Day The (Almost) Full Scoop

Oh my gosh?! Where do I start? First, I feel I must clarify the day. Most of the sweaters we modeled were designed by the super amazing and talented Cirilia Rose for an upcoming Berroco pattern book with a few of Norah's designs modeled by the wee ones for an upcoming Berroco baby book. It was such a gift to be able to watch both of these ladies at work. Oh my. The instinct, the talent, the organization and the stamina it takes to get all of this together is quite remarkable. Really.

The day began promptly at 8am when Norah and Cheyenne (the makeup artist/hair stylist) arrived at our house followed by Chris (the photographer) along with his assistants, Kris and John, and then Cirilia. I am the happiest when my house is full with guests so I have to say I was feeling really at ease. Although at one point I just touched Norah's shoulder and said "Norah Gaughan is in my house". This was probably not the most comfortable moment for her during the day but I just had to be sure she was real :) I felt like such a dork! My dad had come up the day before to help us with the kids and "shoot the shoot" for us. Karin also came by to hang out and she generously allowed us each to choose a skein of her yarn as well.

(Cirilia organizing the wardrobe and Simonne running off with a cute dress!)

'Wardrobe' and 'Makeup' were quickly unpacked and before we knew it there was a digital darkroom set up in our garage and the locations had been scouted! I wish I could start our mornings this efficiently! It seems harder to just get Jorn off to school :)  I was instructed to start the process of make up with Cheyenne since that would take a while. It's not an easy feat to get a mom of three not looking tired, you know. I must say it was really relaxing. I really don't use makeup and the extent of my hair care involves shampoo and conditioner so it felt like a real luxury. Cool Fact: Cheyenne does the makeup for Aaron Ruell who was Kip, Napoleon's brother, in Napoleon Dynamite who we love so much we actually happened to have a magnet of him on our fridge! (Which was then promptly gifted to Cheyenne)

(Look at all that makeup!)

I was in 'makeup' for a while while Simonne, Jorn and Greg started modeling the sweaters. Sorry folks. I can't show you and details until the book comes out sometime in January so these will have to do for now.

(Even our chickens got to model!)

I was so glad my dad was taking these pictures of the shoot because I had no idea what was going on outside. There was a lot of giggling, laughing and smiles. They were all having SO much fun. A friend of mine came by with her baby daughter to shoot a few pictures too and we also got to meet the adorable baby in these photos who also came to our house to model some more knits as well.

The morning flew by! Vaughn was sleeping the entire time so both he and I "worked" (can you call it that when you are having ridiculous amounts of fun?) mostly in the afternoon. Naps were taken by the other baby models and lunch was eaten. I had made a big pot of butternut squash and pumpkin soup for everyone the night before along with a cheesecake for afternoon 'pick me up' I anticipated us all needing. 

(We quickly learned sure fire ways of getting Vaughn to smile, which isn't too hard but he can be a serious fellow at times)

(Norah looks on as we shoot the last sweater of the day)

Cheyenne stayed nearby me whenever I was 'on set' for quick touch ups of makeup or for when I accidentally pulled out (like a million times) the bobby pins that were in my hair (sorry about that Cheyenne!)

It was frightening how easily I felt I could get used to having someone there to help me with my hair and makeup all day. I don't consider myself a glamor girl but it was really so much fun! Cheyenne made it so easy though. She was so laid back and fun to be around. I was nervous about how I'd feel with heavy makeup on. It doesn't look heavy in the photos but it felt heavy since I am not used to wearing any at all. I was afraid of feeling unnatural and then looking unnatural in the photos but it wasn't that way at all.

It was amazing watching the kids work. They are so natural and don't have any of the insecurities or inhibition we have as adults so they just go into it with authenticity and joy which seems almost impossible not to capture with a camera, that is as long as you can get them to stand still.  But Chris, the photographer was a joy to work with and such a huge help for me and Greg. His direction was clear but the best part is that he is so playful! He knew just what to say to help us relax our faces and loosen up. Some of the outtakes are priceless, only, you'll have to wait until January to see them...

Great fun was had and I hope we gave Norah and Cirilia , Chris and the crew what they needed to make great pattern books for Berroco. What they gave us was priceless. This experience was unbelievable, fun, educational and just so special for our entire family.  To be able to do this all together was a wonderful gift that I could never thank them enough for.

The Amazing Crew

(From left to right John, Kris, Norah, Cirilia, Cheyenne and Chris (laying down) )

Let me just say too that they sweaters were all a delight to wear and Cirilia put together the most amazing outfits for us. Oh, I wish I could tell you more about the sweaters. Knitters, get ready to knit this January! There was one that I thought they were going to have to pry off of me but then the lure of the next sweater and outfit combo was enough to make me comply on my own ;)

I know I will have a lot more to share come January, pictures, thoughts etc. and the whole experience is still sinking in honestly. You can check out a few more photos on Flickr in the meantime. Really, it was a knitter's Dream Day.

Comments

[Renee]

What an amazing day! Thank for sharing (as much as you were able). I can hardly wait for January now to hear and see more.

Beyond exciting!

[Kathy]

What a truly fabulous day! I'll be waiting for both books to come out and see all those healthy VT knit models! Thank you for sharing. *and the chickens made it in to the shoots!*

[Jennifer]

Abi, what an incredible experience for you and your family. I love the fiber community; you never know what's going to happen! I can't wait to see those sweaters!!

[karin]

Duh, of course you can photoshop over them. Hehe. Yes the whole day was a blast and I fest so honored to be there. Did I tell you I took about 175 pictures? I'm not good at editing them so you will have to slog through them. ;)

Greg is so funny, the kids were great, you were just fabulous!

[karin]

"Felt so honored" sorry 'bout that.

[Leah]

hurray. i am glad to hear it was a success. can't wait to see the final product.

[Andrea]

I'm so excited to see these booklets when they get released...

[Kara]

So stinkin' fun!

[nova]

How cool is that? What a fun day! And you (and the fam) will get to relive it with the pattern book!