Crocheters, The weekend began with a mishap as Nathan accidentally knocked over our neighbor's display of candles. Apologetic and wanting to make amends, we gladly compensated our neighbor for the broken candles. Then on Saturday on the way to Spookala, Marissa's car experienced a dead battery. Therefore we had to call for roadside assistance, and Marissa waited 90 minutes for a jump and Nathan caught an Uber to the show. The saying goes, the "show must go on". However, these little incidents didn't dampen our spirits for what was to come at Spookala Tampa. As owners of Little Luvin Stitches, we were about to embark on a thrilling adventure filled with cosplay, crochet creations, horror con treasures, and unforgettable moments.
Trading Up with Michael: The Heart of Spookala
One of the highlights of our time at Spookala was reconnecting with our good friend Michael. We first met him at Spookala back in December 2022, and ever since then, he has become an integral part of our convention experiences. Michael possesses a unique talent for trading items and always manages to find something special in return.
On Friday, we made our first trade with Michael – a caterpillar for a Jack Skellington Foreverkin. This carved pumpkin decoration from Michael's instantly captured Nathan's imagination. Our anticipation grew even more when Marissa from Little Luvin Stitches suggested that Nathan check out her shop. It seemed like there was something waiting just for him. Sure enough there was, which turned out to be a Sally carved pumpkin (the same size as Jack), and he ordered a larger foreverkin of Michael Myers.
We made an agreement with Michael that if the caterpillar trade didn't work out for him, he could come back to us for another option. True to his word, he returned on Saturday morning and exchanged the caterpillar for one of the adorable axolotls we created.
But the trading didn't stop there! Later in the day, Michael surprised us with a candle from our neighbor that smelled exactly like Fruit Loops – a nostalgic blast from the past. In exchange for this delightful find, he received one of our Mystery Bags filled with crochet surprises worth over $30! We couldn't have been happier for him.
A Coveted Michael Myers Collection
Nathan, always on the lookout for unique additions to his collection, asked Michael to see if he could trade on his behalf for some items related to his favorite horror icon – Michael Myers. Armed with a $5 pumpkin, a ghost, and a little baby frog, Michael set off on his quest.
To our delight, Michael returned on Sunday with not one but two incredible finds. He proudly presented us with a Michael Myers/Dr. Loomis license plate and a 1/7" Scale Michael Myers set collectible – both valued at over $50! Nathan couldn't contain his excitement as he added these precious pieces to his ever-growing collection displayed in his office.
Reconnecting with Familiar Faces
Spookala Tampa was not just about trading and acquiring treasures; it was also an opportunity to reconnect with familiar faces – our beloved repeat customers. Throughout the weekend, we were overjoyed to see so many of our friends from previous conventions. The shared love for all things spooky and the warm camaraderie made Spookala feel like a home away from home.
In fact, we even made plans with some of our fellow enthusiasts to meet up again at the upcoming Spooky Empire event in Orlando from October 27th-29th. It's events like these that truly make the convention community feel like an extended family.
Unveiling Original Art: A Special Touch
While immersed in the vibrant atmosphere of Spookala Tampa, we also had the pleasure of securing a few pieces of original art. These unique creations added an extra layer of excitement and individuality to our growing collection. Each piece offered its own distinct story and became a cherished part of our convention experience.
As we bid farewell to Spookala Tampa, we couldn't help but be grateful for the incredible time we had exploring this world of cosplay, crochet, and horror con wonders. The memories created, the treasures acquired, and the connections made with fellow enthusiasts will forever hold a special place in our hearts.
So if you ever find yourself captivated by the allure of Spookala Tampa, we highly recommend embracing the experience. From trading adventures with friends like Michael to reconnecting with familiar faces and discovering hidden gems, this convention is a true celebration of all things spooky and extraordinary.
We will see you back at Spookala Tampa in April 2024!
Love,
Nathan, Rissa, and Spike