Kitchener-Waterloo Knitters' Guild Newsletterruary
Kitchener-Waterloo Knitters’ Guild Newsletterruary
Meeting: March 10, 2015 First United Church William & King Streets, Waterloo 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Knit and Chat 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Guild Meeting
A Word from the President
Kitt Fisher KWKG Executive 2014-2015: These are the people who volunteer to make your Guild the best it can be
Mohair. My first encounters with this yarn were not the best. My mother had a favourite afghan that she loved because it was so warm and light. I found it warm - but scratchy. Later I was given a mohair scarf as a gift by a favourite aunt - one whom I saw often, so I was expected to wear the scarf. It was warm - but scratchy. I could not understand why people liked and even loved mohair. I got my answer at last month's meeting when Donna Hancock, owner of Wellington Fibres, told us about the goats that produce mohair, how mohair is sorted, graded, blended and spun. Donna also brought samples of the shorn mohair locks from her goats, after washing and ready for spinning. I could not believe how wonderfully soft and silky they were - not scratchy at all. What had I been feeling and wearing in past? That answer came when a member asked if there was any mohair fleece from Donna's goat's that could not be used. Her answer was no. You just had to understand the nature of each fleece and what purpose it could best be blended, spun and used for. There was no poor mohair, just the wrong choice for how to use it. It seems that perhaps there is a life lesson there too. As this record breaking cold winter continues, I hope that each of you is enjoying a warm - non scratchy - afghan while knitting more warm cosy items. Stay warm. I look forward to seeing you at our next meeting.
Carol
President: Carol Moogk-Soulis, [email protected] Vice President: [email protected] Past President: Dee-Anne Shillinglaw, [email protected] Membership: Iris Levine [email protected] Treasurer: Elaine Rendle, [email protected] Secretary: Kim McLean, [email protected] Programme: Stephanie Trotter, [email protected] Goodwill: [email protected] Library: Toni Peter, [email protected] Volunteer Coordinator: Erin McKee, [email protected] Adjudicated Show: Heather Adams, Erin Wilk, [email protected] Newsletter: Ellen Lovell, [email protected] Communications: Johanna Botari, [email protected] Fair Coordinator: Jennifer Dellow, [email protected] Website: Caroline Simpson, [email protected] Non-Executive Volunteers: Raffle Table: Alfie Galda & Melissa Keith Yarn Table: Laurie Blaikie, Leah McKeen, Selina Siu & Tabi Ferguson Charity: Kate Seely
Program Update: This month we are trying something new. We will discuss the newest speaker that we have coming this month along with a recap of last month’s speaker.
Last Month: Donna Hancock Wellington Fibres Last month we had Donna Hancock in to talk about her knitting history, about the history of mohair and to give a visual tour of the fiber mill. It was a very informative talk and she also brought some of the yarn that is made in the mill. She answered some question about goats and the annual open house is in April when the goats are to have kids. She was well received and we are very happy that she was able to come and talk. If you wanted to know more about Donna her website would definitely help http://wellingtonfibres.on.ca/ Donna suggested that if anyone wanted to come out, and we are all welcome to, that we call ahead to make sure that the store is open and able to receive visitors.
March Speaker: Kitt Fisher This up coming month we have the Fantastic Kitt Fisher. Known most for her weaving, Kitt has been spinning and dyeing since she was a teenager. Kitt will be talking about her knitting history and how knitting has shaped her life from a young age to now. In addition to knitting, she plans to talk about spinning and natural dyeing. We hope she is going to show some of her wonderful knitting projects and fiber projects. She is also hopefully going to talk about her plans for a book about hand spun yarn. We look forward to hearing her talk and learning more about knitting from Kitt.
Stephanie
2
Charity Table:
The history of this table goes back more than 10 years. At that time people were making and donating things on their own and using their own yarn to do it. The executive thought that if they didn’t have to use up their own stash (OK put a little dent in it) then more people might lend their hands to knitting for others. I have also heard, but haven’t actually seen, that some people don’t have a stash. (!?) So the Charity Table came about. There was a large yarn donation and some members took zip-lock bags and filled them with patterns and enough yarn to complete them. The idea is that members will come and take a bag from the table, knit the item and bring it back to the Charity Table when it is finished. These are passed on to various charities. Right now they are going to Canadian Food for Children who ship items all over the world and are completely volunteer and donation driven, There are no administrative costs at all. However, you contribution can go to any charity that you wish. You can drop it off yourselves and either return the copy of the pattern or pick up more yarn and knit more. There is no watchdog, no requirement to check in and you can give your item away where ever you wish. We trust that the giving hearts and hands of the Guild will pass along the items as needed.
If you hear or know of anyone with yarn to donate (from one ball to one garbage bag full) the Charity Table is always pleased to accept it.
Kate
3
Membership Update: This month's door prize is one skein of Lacey Lamb in a dark teal-blue, paired with a tube of silver-lined beads. This would be the perfect pairing for a new spring shawl. Challenge yourself, you might just knit a winner for next year's Adjudicated Show!
Iris
4
Library Update It's March already, and even though it still feels like winter will never be over, we're not far from the end of the Guild year. That means its time to take a look for any books you may have missed returning to the Guild library. I will be sending out reminder emails before the April meeting so you have two chances to make returns. It's also time to think about how you might like to contribute to the Guild next year. The library table relies heavily on volunteers to help it run. This includes, assisting members, opening and closing up, and shelving returns to name a few duties. New help is always welcome! If you are interested in learning more about how the library works please come by the library table and we can show you around. Cheers!
What's new?
Toni
One + One: Wraps, Cowls & Capelets: 29 Projects From Just Two Skeins
Knitting Fresh Brioche: Creating Two-Color Twists & Turns
Norwegian Knits with a Twist: Socks, Sweaters, Mittens, Hats, Pillows, Blankets, and a Whole Lot More
Knitting Wizardry: 27 Spellbinding Projects
Swedish Knits: Classic and Modern Designs in the Scandinavian Tradition
http://www.librarything.com/profile/KWKGLib 5
Yarn Table
Volunteer Corner
The yarn table is a great way to get rid of any yarns you don't want to make room for new stash. Just set prices and bring a list of your yarns/quantities/prices with your name on it. Bring your change and don’t forget to scope out the yarn table for new-to-you bargains, too!
Volunteering is a great way to meet fellow members. Opportunities arise from time to time for helping out at a particular meeting or event.
Other Stuff
The Guild keeps 10% of sales. The Guild and volunteers are not responsible for lost or damaged items. Please check the website for additional information.
The website team is working on a members-only section of the website. In this section, you will be able to find executive meeting minutes, budgets, and year end reports. This information will also be available in a binder at the library. It is important for the members to have access this information, but it is not information that needs to be posted for the general public. All of the information that you are used to seeing on the website—newsletters, meeting information, etc.—will still be publically available.
If you are able to help out, please contact Erin McKee, the volunteer coordinator, during a meeting or at [email protected].
Erin
Caroline
Newsletter Have you ever wanted to submit a piece to be published in the newsletter? Send any inquiries or entries to [email protected]. All entries must be submitted by 2 weeks before the next Guild meeting date. The next submission deadline will be for the April Newsletter: March 24, 2015. Every time you send something in to be printed in the newsletter, you get a chance to win a gift certificate in May.
Ellen 6
Goodwill Do you know of a Guild member with recent news, good or bad? The Guild would like to hear about them, to send our congratulations or our condolences. Please email [email protected] or speak to any member of the executive with the news of the Guild.
Raffle Notes
February Meeting – Raffle Winners Lina Forner
Project Bag
Frieda Steiger
Journal
Jeanette McCabe
Patternfish Pin
Marion Smith
Wallet with notions
Cornelia Cunningham
Crochet hook
Wendy Boose
Project Bag
Barbara Weiner
Sheep Pencil
Chelsey
First Knits Book
Chris Roberts
Knitter’s Safety Pins
The speaker or a volunteer draws the first winner, then each winner will draw the next name until all the prizes are drawn. Purchase three tickets for $1.
7
Show and Tell Bring in an item or two and tell us all about it! We’re always excited to hear about your firsts for projects! What did you learn making your items? What funny stories can you tell us about the items you are showing us? Get the praise and attention you deserve for all your hard work!
February Meeting Caitlin Hertig
Vintage Knits (Romantic Knits cami)
Erin Wilk
Heart rainbow socks
Jen Richardson
Cell stitch cowl (Cascades) Baby Blanket (pattern from Main St. Yarns)
Barbara Kerr
Sole Train socks Iron Bridge socks Rockin’ Sock Backlog Travellin’ socks & transition point Sweet Nectar Mitts Sea Skye Hat Imagine When Shawl by Joji – Mrs. Crosby Satchel Yarn Flight of the Bumblebees socks (aka Killerbees socks) Glitter Scarf / mitts / hat
Johanna Botari Teresa Cornwell Mary Haight Leah McKeen
Leslie Montgomery Kate Seely
8
3 colour wrap
Words from your Local Yarn Stores (LYS)
Knit and Chats
Alpaca Acres welcomes visitors to our farm and store. Call 519-625-1064 or visit www.alpacaacres.ca
Tuesday 4th Tuesday evening of the month from 7 pm to 9 pm at the Region of Waterloo Public Health and Social Services Building in room 210/211 located on the second floor. Diehard chatters meet every week. Knit Night at Chapters Waterloo, 2nd Tuesday of every month in the store at Chapters. Knit & Chat in Cambridge at the Java Garden from 7 – 9pm every Tuesday night. The Java Garden is at 2 Queen Street East. Parking is free: either on the street or in parking lots. For more information, contact Wendy at Millpond Records & Books 519658-9641. All Strung Out 6-9 pm at 36 Quebec St., Guelph .
All Strung Out 36 Quebec St., Guelph 226-820-3766 www.allstrungout.ca Shall We Knit? 11 Willow St., Waterloo www.shallweknit.com Needle Beetle - For original colourwork, intarsia, lace & texture knitting patterns www.needlebeetle.com Woolverine, downtown Kitchener 93 King Street West, 2nd floor www.woolverine.ca DocKnits 651 Goderich Street Port Elgin, ON www.docknits.ca
Monday All Strung Out 6-9 pm at 36 Quebec St., Guelph .
Wednesday All Strung Out 11 am to 4 pm at 36 Quebec St., Guelph Downtownknitmob: informal meetings, 6:30-9pm, Queen St. Commons in Kitchener. See Ravelry for details. Thursday Uptownknitmob: informal meetings, 6-9 pm, in various Uptown Waterloo locations. See Ravelry for details. Knitting Nonchalantly: We are just a small group of people who like to socialize with knitting needles in hand. We are a group that has lots of fun and never takes itself too seriously! We meet every Thursday from 4-6pm at 7 Shores in Waterloo (on Regina), though to be honest, we are often gone by 520pm. We are a diverse group welcoming of all abilities, walks of life and interests. None among us are master knitters/crocheters, but anything we do know, we are happy to share with someone who asks. We value that it is a small, quiet group and like that there is an openness to people just sitting and chatting. Not everyone feels like knitting for the entire time - or at all! We would encourage anyone interested in joining our group to stop by and check it out! Friday Shall We Knit? from early afternoon until closing in Waterloo. Saturday All Strung Out 1-4 pm at 36 Quebec St., Guelph
9
Meeting: March 10, 2015 First United Church William & King Streets, Waterloo 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Knit and Chat 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Guild Meeting
A Word from the President
Kitt Fisher KWKG Executive 2014-2015: These are the people who volunteer to make your Guild the best it can be
Mohair. My first encounters with this yarn were not the best. My mother had a favourite afghan that she loved because it was so warm and light. I found it warm - but scratchy. Later I was given a mohair scarf as a gift by a favourite aunt - one whom I saw often, so I was expected to wear the scarf. It was warm - but scratchy. I could not understand why people liked and even loved mohair. I got my answer at last month's meeting when Donna Hancock, owner of Wellington Fibres, told us about the goats that produce mohair, how mohair is sorted, graded, blended and spun. Donna also brought samples of the shorn mohair locks from her goats, after washing and ready for spinning. I could not believe how wonderfully soft and silky they were - not scratchy at all. What had I been feeling and wearing in past? That answer came when a member asked if there was any mohair fleece from Donna's goat's that could not be used. Her answer was no. You just had to understand the nature of each fleece and what purpose it could best be blended, spun and used for. There was no poor mohair, just the wrong choice for how to use it. It seems that perhaps there is a life lesson there too. As this record breaking cold winter continues, I hope that each of you is enjoying a warm - non scratchy - afghan while knitting more warm cosy items. Stay warm. I look forward to seeing you at our next meeting.
Carol
President: Carol Moogk-Soulis, [email protected] Vice President: [email protected] Past President: Dee-Anne Shillinglaw, [email protected] Membership: Iris Levine [email protected] Treasurer: Elaine Rendle, [email protected] Secretary: Kim McLean, [email protected] Programme: Stephanie Trotter, [email protected] Goodwill: [email protected] Library: Toni Peter, [email protected] Volunteer Coordinator: Erin McKee, [email protected] Adjudicated Show: Heather Adams, Erin Wilk, [email protected] Newsletter: Ellen Lovell, [email protected] Communications: Johanna Botari, [email protected] Fair Coordinator: Jennifer Dellow, [email protected] Website: Caroline Simpson, [email protected] Non-Executive Volunteers: Raffle Table: Alfie Galda & Melissa Keith Yarn Table: Laurie Blaikie, Leah McKeen, Selina Siu & Tabi Ferguson Charity: Kate Seely
Program Update: This month we are trying something new. We will discuss the newest speaker that we have coming this month along with a recap of last month’s speaker.
Last Month: Donna Hancock Wellington Fibres Last month we had Donna Hancock in to talk about her knitting history, about the history of mohair and to give a visual tour of the fiber mill. It was a very informative talk and she also brought some of the yarn that is made in the mill. She answered some question about goats and the annual open house is in April when the goats are to have kids. She was well received and we are very happy that she was able to come and talk. If you wanted to know more about Donna her website would definitely help http://wellingtonfibres.on.ca/ Donna suggested that if anyone wanted to come out, and we are all welcome to, that we call ahead to make sure that the store is open and able to receive visitors.
March Speaker: Kitt Fisher This up coming month we have the Fantastic Kitt Fisher. Known most for her weaving, Kitt has been spinning and dyeing since she was a teenager. Kitt will be talking about her knitting history and how knitting has shaped her life from a young age to now. In addition to knitting, she plans to talk about spinning and natural dyeing. We hope she is going to show some of her wonderful knitting projects and fiber projects. She is also hopefully going to talk about her plans for a book about hand spun yarn. We look forward to hearing her talk and learning more about knitting from Kitt.
Stephanie
2
Charity Table:
The history of this table goes back more than 10 years. At that time people were making and donating things on their own and using their own yarn to do it. The executive thought that if they didn’t have to use up their own stash (OK put a little dent in it) then more people might lend their hands to knitting for others. I have also heard, but haven’t actually seen, that some people don’t have a stash. (!?) So the Charity Table came about. There was a large yarn donation and some members took zip-lock bags and filled them with patterns and enough yarn to complete them. The idea is that members will come and take a bag from the table, knit the item and bring it back to the Charity Table when it is finished. These are passed on to various charities. Right now they are going to Canadian Food for Children who ship items all over the world and are completely volunteer and donation driven, There are no administrative costs at all. However, you contribution can go to any charity that you wish. You can drop it off yourselves and either return the copy of the pattern or pick up more yarn and knit more. There is no watchdog, no requirement to check in and you can give your item away where ever you wish. We trust that the giving hearts and hands of the Guild will pass along the items as needed.
If you hear or know of anyone with yarn to donate (from one ball to one garbage bag full) the Charity Table is always pleased to accept it.
Kate
3
Membership Update: This month's door prize is one skein of Lacey Lamb in a dark teal-blue, paired with a tube of silver-lined beads. This would be the perfect pairing for a new spring shawl. Challenge yourself, you might just knit a winner for next year's Adjudicated Show!
Iris
4
Library Update It's March already, and even though it still feels like winter will never be over, we're not far from the end of the Guild year. That means its time to take a look for any books you may have missed returning to the Guild library. I will be sending out reminder emails before the April meeting so you have two chances to make returns. It's also time to think about how you might like to contribute to the Guild next year. The library table relies heavily on volunteers to help it run. This includes, assisting members, opening and closing up, and shelving returns to name a few duties. New help is always welcome! If you are interested in learning more about how the library works please come by the library table and we can show you around. Cheers!
What's new?
Toni
One + One: Wraps, Cowls & Capelets: 29 Projects From Just Two Skeins
Knitting Fresh Brioche: Creating Two-Color Twists & Turns
Norwegian Knits with a Twist: Socks, Sweaters, Mittens, Hats, Pillows, Blankets, and a Whole Lot More
Knitting Wizardry: 27 Spellbinding Projects
Swedish Knits: Classic and Modern Designs in the Scandinavian Tradition
http://www.librarything.com/profile/KWKGLib 5
Yarn Table
Volunteer Corner
The yarn table is a great way to get rid of any yarns you don't want to make room for new stash. Just set prices and bring a list of your yarns/quantities/prices with your name on it. Bring your change and don’t forget to scope out the yarn table for new-to-you bargains, too!
Volunteering is a great way to meet fellow members. Opportunities arise from time to time for helping out at a particular meeting or event.
Other Stuff
The Guild keeps 10% of sales. The Guild and volunteers are not responsible for lost or damaged items. Please check the website for additional information.
The website team is working on a members-only section of the website. In this section, you will be able to find executive meeting minutes, budgets, and year end reports. This information will also be available in a binder at the library. It is important for the members to have access this information, but it is not information that needs to be posted for the general public. All of the information that you are used to seeing on the website—newsletters, meeting information, etc.—will still be publically available.
If you are able to help out, please contact Erin McKee, the volunteer coordinator, during a meeting or at [email protected].
Erin
Caroline
Newsletter Have you ever wanted to submit a piece to be published in the newsletter? Send any inquiries or entries to [email protected]. All entries must be submitted by 2 weeks before the next Guild meeting date. The next submission deadline will be for the April Newsletter: March 24, 2015. Every time you send something in to be printed in the newsletter, you get a chance to win a gift certificate in May.
Ellen 6
Goodwill Do you know of a Guild member with recent news, good or bad? The Guild would like to hear about them, to send our congratulations or our condolences. Please email [email protected] or speak to any member of the executive with the news of the Guild.
Raffle Notes
February Meeting – Raffle Winners Lina Forner
Project Bag
Frieda Steiger
Journal
Jeanette McCabe
Patternfish Pin
Marion Smith
Wallet with notions
Cornelia Cunningham
Crochet hook
Wendy Boose
Project Bag
Barbara Weiner
Sheep Pencil
Chelsey
First Knits Book
Chris Roberts
Knitter’s Safety Pins
The speaker or a volunteer draws the first winner, then each winner will draw the next name until all the prizes are drawn. Purchase three tickets for $1.
7
Show and Tell Bring in an item or two and tell us all about it! We’re always excited to hear about your firsts for projects! What did you learn making your items? What funny stories can you tell us about the items you are showing us? Get the praise and attention you deserve for all your hard work!
February Meeting Caitlin Hertig
Vintage Knits (Romantic Knits cami)
Erin Wilk
Heart rainbow socks
Jen Richardson
Cell stitch cowl (Cascades) Baby Blanket (pattern from Main St. Yarns)
Barbara Kerr
Sole Train socks Iron Bridge socks Rockin’ Sock Backlog Travellin’ socks & transition point Sweet Nectar Mitts Sea Skye Hat Imagine When Shawl by Joji – Mrs. Crosby Satchel Yarn Flight of the Bumblebees socks (aka Killerbees socks) Glitter Scarf / mitts / hat
Johanna Botari Teresa Cornwell Mary Haight Leah McKeen
Leslie Montgomery Kate Seely
8
3 colour wrap
Words from your Local Yarn Stores (LYS)
Knit and Chats
Alpaca Acres welcomes visitors to our farm and store. Call 519-625-1064 or visit www.alpacaacres.ca
Tuesday 4th Tuesday evening of the month from 7 pm to 9 pm at the Region of Waterloo Public Health and Social Services Building in room 210/211 located on the second floor. Diehard chatters meet every week. Knit Night at Chapters Waterloo, 2nd Tuesday of every month in the store at Chapters. Knit & Chat in Cambridge at the Java Garden from 7 – 9pm every Tuesday night. The Java Garden is at 2 Queen Street East. Parking is free: either on the street or in parking lots. For more information, contact Wendy at Millpond Records & Books 519658-9641. All Strung Out 6-9 pm at 36 Quebec St., Guelph .
All Strung Out 36 Quebec St., Guelph 226-820-3766 www.allstrungout.ca Shall We Knit? 11 Willow St., Waterloo www.shallweknit.com Needle Beetle - For original colourwork, intarsia, lace & texture knitting patterns www.needlebeetle.com Woolverine, downtown Kitchener 93 King Street West, 2nd floor www.woolverine.ca DocKnits 651 Goderich Street Port Elgin, ON www.docknits.ca
Monday All Strung Out 6-9 pm at 36 Quebec St., Guelph .
Wednesday All Strung Out 11 am to 4 pm at 36 Quebec St., Guelph Downtownknitmob: informal meetings, 6:30-9pm, Queen St. Commons in Kitchener. See Ravelry for details. Thursday Uptownknitmob: informal meetings, 6-9 pm, in various Uptown Waterloo locations. See Ravelry for details. Knitting Nonchalantly: We are just a small group of people who like to socialize with knitting needles in hand. We are a group that has lots of fun and never takes itself too seriously! We meet every Thursday from 4-6pm at 7 Shores in Waterloo (on Regina), though to be honest, we are often gone by 520pm. We are a diverse group welcoming of all abilities, walks of life and interests. None among us are master knitters/crocheters, but anything we do know, we are happy to share with someone who asks. We value that it is a small, quiet group and like that there is an openness to people just sitting and chatting. Not everyone feels like knitting for the entire time - or at all! We would encourage anyone interested in joining our group to stop by and check it out! Friday Shall We Knit? from early afternoon until closing in Waterloo. Saturday All Strung Out 1-4 pm at 36 Quebec St., Guelph
9
