Has it really been five years since we rolled out the first edition of the new Yarn Market News? The time has flown by, and it’s all happened during an exciting and transformative period for our industry.

Back in May 2005, the yarn business—and the American economy in general—was experiencing relative boom times. The Internet, though it had been around for a while, was becoming a significant factor in how knitters communicate and conduct business. To celebrate five years of YMN, Daryl Brower, in her article “Take Five” (page 60), takes a look back at this and other game changers that have shaped our industry over the past half decade.

Those who remember the original Yarn Market News will especially enjoy the interview with Jeane Hutchins, the second editor in chief of the first YMN and now editor of one of my favorite fiber magazines, PieceWork. It was by referring to the original YMN that we got the inspiration for many of the features we still include, such as the Market Report section and the Company Profile.

I continue to be impressed by how relevant so many of the articles published back then are today.

I have to confess that when we were ramping up to relaunch the title, I was afraid we would have a difficult time coming up with enough news and topics of interest to LYS owners to fill five issues a year. How wrong I was! Issue after issue, we learn more about the subjects that are important to yarn retailers. And if you think we’re missing something, please let me know what you’d like us to cover by e-mailing me directly at Karin@yarnmarketnews.com.

One topic I’ve wanted to write about for a while now is knitting and health. Most stitchers are well aware of the therapeutic qualities of their craft. But a few years back, when I was researching the book Never Too Old to Knit, I tried to find more than anecdotal evidence about the healing powers of knitting. I couldn’t find much then, but that’s changing. Leslie Petrovski has dug up the latest research and discovered several programs that are utilizing the curative powers of the needlearts. Read “Got Fiber?” on page 64 for the particulars.

We are thrilled with the success of the YMN Smart Business Conference in Seattle in March, our largest yet, and wish each and every one of our readers could have been there. To give those of you who weren’t able to attend a taste of the event, we’ve included a photo montage of some highlights (page 36). We’ll be announcing plans for 2011 at TNNA, so stay tuned.

Speaking of TNNA, please come by our booth (#938) to help us celebrate our fifth anniversary and to enter “The Great Yarn Market News Giveaway.” Talk about good swag! (See page 22 for a list of all the participating companies.) We’ll also be offering some of our favorite covers as posters and note cards—something you have been requesting for some time. I look forward to seeing you in Columbus.