Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Volume 4, Issue 6, July 19, 2009

From the President:

Wow! What a great time we had yesterday at our meeting. We had a wonderful demonstration of Naal Binding – the history, a demonstration of how to do it and time to try our hands at it and a display of items made using this ancient technique. If you have never seen Naal Binding, I would suggest you ‘google’ it and look at the applications for it.

We had several visitors yesterday. It’s always great to see our older citizens joining us with their talents. I love seeing how knitting helps them and that knitting stretches beyond age boundaries.

Next month, we will begin our three part series on knitting sweaters. Our goal is to knit Teddy Bear sweaters that we can use to dress bears for our Precious Pals program. I hope you can join us for this series and join in our next Charity Contest – Project Runway!

Later on in the week, I will have the chance to finally sit back and relax this summer. A friend and I will be taking a road trip to Florida. I hope to be able to get some serious knitting done during this time (what better way to pass the time on a road other than reading!). I hope that you too find some relaxing time to knit and finish up some of your projects. Hmmm….I feel a challenge coming on. Stay tuned!


Until next month……Knit On!

Brenda

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Brenda called the meeting to order at 3:07. A somewhat rowdy crowd of knitters settled down for the welcome to our newcomers and the introductions/”What are you working on?” portion of the meeting. Summer knitting included scarves (some Malabrigo!), sweaters, dishcloths, hats, baby hats, and blankets.
Afterwards, our president invited our presenters to begin the educational presentation on Naal Binging. The program included a brief history, a display of some beautiful Naal Binding items, and a hands on demonstration of the techniques. Naal Binding is a precursor of knitting and crocheting and our presenters are artists with the needle. Thanks to Anna for inviting these talented individuals!

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Executive Reports

Charity Knitting: Linda P. was unable to attend, so Brenda explained our Charity Knitting projects for the newcomers and announced our next series of educational programs on dressing our Teddy Bears for the TKGA Precious Pals Program. There will be a contest; a Project Runway to determine the best dressed bear. Please make an effort to bring in bears for this worthy project!

Treasurer’s Report: Judy B. reported that there was no change to the treasury. Our total remains $948.97. Brenda explained the dues to the newcomers and those who may not have known that the Guild is hoping to sponsor a knitting event sometime in the near future.

Library: Brittany and Brenda reminded the membership that the Guild has an extensive library for loan. There was discussion as to where the list resides. There is a copy of the inventory list on the Yahoo group page under Files for any member to peruse and choose a title.

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New Business

There was brief discussion of the possibility of the Guild doing a demonstration at the State Fair in September. Details will be ironed out at the August meeting.

Member Jessica has received donations of yarn and needles for her project to teach knitting to the caregivers and patients at the Cancer Treatment Center at Children’s Hospital. She reported that she is moving forward and will next try to obtain the required permission to proceed.

The meeting was adjourned at 5:00. Please mark your calendars for the next meeting to be held Sunday, August 16, from 3:00 until 5:00 downstairs at the Belle Isle Library. See you then!

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Volume 4, Issue 5, June 21, 2009

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President Brenda A. brought the meeting to order at 3:07 with a welcome to our newcomers and guests. The question, “What are you working on?” was answered with scarves, socks, blankets, hats, ponchos, lots of stories and sharing of stressful times from the membership, resulting in a great deal of garter stitch!

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Executive Reports

The secretary was absent during the May meeting; therefore, there were no minutes to report.

Treasurer Judy B. was unable to attend, so there was no treasurer’s report.

Linda P., chair of the Charity Knitting Project reported that the Guild could use more baby yarn and requested that the membership hunt through stash and seek donations of pastel yarns for the project. Joyce donated a number of bears for the Guild to dress for the TKGA charity project. A “Project Runway” fashion show for the best dressed bear was discussed as a potential contest for the next Charity Knitting contest. Membership is asked to brainstorm for ideas for dressing the bears.

Bethany was unable to attend so Brenda reminded the membership that our web site has an index of all the titles in the Guild’s library and encouraged members to make use of the resource.

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Old business

Attendees of WWKIP day held June 17 at Penn Square Mall related the enjoyable experience they had. Pictures have been posted on the Yahoo group site.

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In new business, time was given to Jessica to promote her plan to begin a charity knitting project at Children’s hospital. She would like to start beginning knitting classes for the clients and families who are undergoing cancer treatment. She asked the membership to consider what assistance each could provide for this worthy project.

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Linda P. did a presentation to finish up our sock knitting series with sock toes and the Kitchener Stitch.

Please plan to join us July 19, when our presentation will be over Naal Binding. Bring a friend!

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Volume 4, Issue 4, April 19, 2009

Finally…..Spring!
After a week of playground duty and enduring the 70+ degree weather, I believe that spring has finally arrived in Oklahoma! But even though the weather is turning warmer, it is still a great time to knit.

Our meeting this past Sunday was great. We had several new visitors and welcomed several new people back for their second or third meeting. We are so glad to have you as part of our group!

I appreciate Carolyn’s efforts last month at getting us started on our sock project. People were still talking this month about the wonder “sock recipe rings” she made up for everyone. And there were quite a few socks projects going on. Jo Ellyn did a wonderful job with the second segment of our sock making. Next month, we will finish with the toe.

If you are up for a Saturday Shop Hop, we will be meeting this Saturday, April 25th to visit several different yarn shops and have lunch together. ***Must have knitting project to board van*** (smile) Also, don’t forget to mark your calendar for Saturday, June 13th when we “knit in public” at Penn Square Mall. We will meet at the mall at 10:00 am. Be sure to come to the May meeting to learn more about it.

Thanks again for a great meeting this month. I am always so grateful for your support! See you Saturday and in May!

Keep knitting………
Brenda Asher

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Brenda A. opened the meeting at 3:10 p.m. with thanks to Emily and the other officers for taking on last meeting without her. She welcomed 4 newcomers this month (we hope to see them all again) and several of last month’s newcomers returned. We are so happy to have you! Please come again!

There was an announcement made that the Log Cabin Spinners would be sponsoring their annual Fiber Rendezvous at the American Legion Hall Post 111, 101 East 5th Street, Edmond Oklahoma on Saturday, May 9 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. There will be vendors and demonstrations of spinning and weaving. All are encouraged to attend and enjoy!

“What are you working on?” came next on the agenda and the membership was heavily weighted towards socks, but there were prayer shawls, ponchos, leg warmers, the usual sweaters and scarves, and even a latch hook project and a knitted chessboard. Talent abounds in our little corner of the knitting world.

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Executive Reports

I submitted a summary of the minutes for the March meeting. They were accepted without amendment or addition.

Treasurer Judy was unable to attend, but reported through our president that the balance in the account had no changes from the previous month and it remains $848.97.

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Committee Reports

Charity Knitting

Linda P. announced that there will soon be another contest with a prize for the greatest number of knitted items for our charity knitting projects. She explained the charity knitting projects to newcomers. There was discussion of the idea to partner with a school to collect bears to dress for the TKGA Precious Pals program. There will be further discussion after more information is gathered.

Librarian Bethany did not have a specific book to review this month, but reminded that any member desiring a specific title from the guild’s library could notify her and she would be happy to bring it to the next meeting.

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Old Business

The 1st Metro OKC Knitters’ Guild Shop Hop plans were finalized. A meeting place and time, plus the stores to visit were agreed upon. It was agreed that a large circle encompassing L & B Yarns in Norman, SWAK in the City, and the Gourmet Yarn Co. would comprise the itinerary with lunch to be decided according to members present. (As an aside, I attended and had a GREAT time!)

Jo Ellyn announced that there is a small group working towards several TKGA certification levels and invited other members interested to go to the web site to obtain information and application/registration information.

Guild members decided to meet at 10:00 on Saturday, June 13th for Worldwide Knit in Public Day at Penn Square Mall in the area that once was the waterfall area. Knitting will continue until the last knitter has to go home. Whether to disperse to various locations throughout the mall or to remain together will be decided at that time.

In continuing discussions regarding the Guild’s event/seminar plans, several additional ideas were thrown open to discussion. Brenda A. had discovered that one author, Vickie Howell is near to term and might not be available. I shared two ideas for an event, one to have a subject matter expert to come to talk about Travel Knitting, such as the knitting cruises and tours, or perhaps the larger fiber events, such as Madrona, Rhinebeck, the Sock Summit, and the Stitches conferences. Additionally, I offered the idea to invite Ravelry experts to take neophytes and digital immigrants (like me) through all the services that Ravelry offers. Further ideas and discussions are encouraged and will take place as the year progresses.

There will be more discussion of the possibility of doing demonstrations at the State Fair this September.

Brenda requested that Guild members consider if we would like to move meetings from our current location, and if so where we could meet and if changing the day would impact membership. Several other locations were mentioned, the Downtown Library, Rose State College, other library branches; dialogue with the Belle Isle Library will continue. Fresh ideas are welcome.

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Educational Program – Sock Knitting Part 2

Jo Ellyn W. continued our series on sock knitting with instructions and explanations of heel turning. The popular short row heel, the German Strap heel, and the Dutch heel were some of the methods discussed. There were knitted examples of each for a thorough exploration of heel turning.

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Our next meeting will be Sunday, May 17. Please join us for Sock Knitting Part 3.

Monday, March 30, 2009

Volume 4, Issue 3, March 15, 2009

Welcome!

Our president, Brenda was unable to attend, so V.P. Emily S. called the meeting to order at 3:05 in the 'alter-knit' room, right next to our regular meeting place. She welcomed our newcomers (there were 6!) and we began with "What are you working on". The members shared scarves, shawls, blankets, sweaters, charity knitting projects, even a tea cosy!

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Executive Reports

February minutes were submitted by me for review, additions or deletions. They were accepted by acclamation.

Our treasurer Judy reported that at the beginning of the month the treasury had a balance of $748.98. Dues in the amount of $100.00 were collected bringing the balance to $848.97.

Linda P. was unable to attend so there was no charity knitting report.

Bethany gave the newcomers a quick rundown of the workings of our library.

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Old Business

Emily took the opportunity to let the members know that the Guild is affiliated with The Knitters Guild of America: http://www.tkga.com/. Guild members are encouraged to join and participate in the programs offered by TKGA. Several members shared their experience with TKGA certification programs. There was some discussion among the members about organizing small groups to pursue one or more levels of certification.

The Metro Oklahoma Knitters' Guild First Annual Shop Hop will be held April 25th. Details will be finalized at the April meeting.

Information will be forthcoming about demonstrating knitting at the State Fair.

Worldwide Knit in Public day, June 13, 2009 was discussed and the guild decided Penn Square as the location for our KIP event. Various strategies were contemplated, such as small groups located throughout the mall, in keeping with the spirit of the event.

The 'parking garage' method was employed to gather more ideas for the Guild's own seminar/event. We will continue to seek ideas and refine our options. Please feel free to share with any of the officers if you have an epiphany!

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New Business

Joyce invited the newcomers to subscribe to our yahoo email group.

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Carolyn F. kicked off our three part series on sock knitting. She had the most helpful gadget: a keyring with a handy step-by-step 'recipe' for customized socks. Awesome!

There had been some confusion as to whether there would be a swap meet; however, it was decided to postpone the swap until the April meeting.

Four newcomers required assistance with learning to knit.

Next meeting will be held on Sunday, April 19th, at 3:00 at the Belle Isle Library. Please come - and bring a friend!

Knit on!


Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Volume 4, Issue 2, February 17, 2009

From the President:

Greetings!

I am always excited when I come from Guild meeting and today was no exception. Seeing what everyone is working on is always so inspiring. Along with that, Polly did a great job of talking about and showing us pictures of how knitting is often used as an expression of art. Knitting is truly an art - whether we knit a sweater, a throw, or a comfort shawl, we are all showing our inner selves in each stitch we knit.



Next month we begin a three-month series on Knitting Socks. Carolyn has a wonderful idea she is going to share with us as she teaches us how to begin knitting our socks. I hope you all can join us next month for this project.


Thanks to all who were there today. Keep knitting!


Sincerely,


Brenda Asher
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Welcome

Guild kicked off at 3:10 with Brenda welcoming 2 visitors. We shared our current projects, which ran the gamut from the 'Dead Fish Hat' from Knitty.com, to socks, scarves, sweaters, shawls, and we even had a crocheter share an afghan! We have a most talented group of knitters!

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Executive Board Reports

Newly elected treasurer, Judy B. reported that we began the year with $708.97, we collected $40.00 in dues, and had no expenses, bringing the balance to $748.97.

Linda P. gave the charity knitting report, acknowledging the appreciation the Guild has for those who donated bears. The Guild is always seeking bear donations for our TKGA charity project. Additionally, the contest to see who would knit the largest number of baby items for the Integris NICU charity knitting project was won by Inez P. The prize was a $20.00 gift certificate from the Gourmet Yarn Company - way to go Inez!

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Old Business

Membership discussed which event to attend to promote the Guild. Several were considered, and the Guild will be pursuing the opportunity to demonstrate the craft at the State Fair of Oklahoma. New opportunities mentioned included September Fest at the Governor's mansion and the Chisolm Trail Museum in Kingfisher.

World Knit in Public Day was discussed with suggestions for T-shirts and where to meet.

Our president used the 'parking garage' method to gather ideas from the membership for both the Knit in Public day and what, who, where, and when Guild could hold a Seminar/Author presentation. The Knit in Public day chosen was June 13, and several ideas were discussed for locations. Plans will be formalized and finalized over the next few months for the Knit in Public event. The Seminar will take longer and will be revisited over the following months.

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New Business

Satuday, April 25 was chosen for the Metro OKC Knit Guild's first shop hop. Where to meet and which shops to visit will be decided at the March meeting. All are welcome, as are knitting (and crocheting) friends.

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Polly gave our monthly educational presentation on "Knitting as Art". She discussed the creative aspects of knitting with regard to choice of materials, use of color and utility. She had many examples of 'knitting as art' including multi-dimensional sculptures and other pieces on display at art museums around the country. Her talk sparked our imaginations and I believe we will look at our craft differently because of it.

The meeting adjourned for a time to allow for ideas to be discussed among the membership, and to have a little chat/knit time.

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Next month's meeting will be held Sunday, March 15. Please join us - and bring a friend!

Carolyn F. will be teaching socks and advises members who would like to participate to bring worsted weight yarn and a set of size 6 double pointed needles.

Knit on!













Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Volume 4, Issue No. 1, January 18, 2009

From our President:

Welcome 2009!
How exciting to start off the new year with 11 visitors at our first meeting. We had an incredible group of visitors with 7 of them wanting to learn how to knit. I greatly appreciate all of the members pitching in at the end of the meeting to help these women get a start and I am looking forward to seeing them back at future meetings.

Our first meeting of the year also brought in two new officers. I am excited to get to know Emily and Judy as we work together this year for the Guild. Emily Schnabl will be our Vice President and Judy Bland will be our Treasurer. They will be wonderful assets to the board and Guild.

In addition, a HUGE thanks goes out to Linda Pahdoco and Keela Mostek for all the work they have done the past two years.

Thanks to all the members who brought some creative ideas for keeping knitting journals and organizing your stash. There were some great ideas shared and it was nice to hear from everyone. Next month, Polly will be talking to us about how knitting is used sometimes for art. I am looking forward to seeing what she has to show us.

Until next month…..happy knitting!

Sincerely,
Brenda Asher

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Welcome

The meeting was called to order by Brenda A. who gave an enthusiastic welcome to our newcomers. Brenda began the introduction/show and share by showing her charity project and socks! Around the room the attendees introduced themselves and displayed their current projects. There were all manner of hats, scarves, socks, shawls, sweaters, and other knitted items either on the needles or complete. I was unable to make a comprehensive list, so if I missed your project, please let me know and I'll add it,

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Executive Board Reports

Keela M. gave her final Treasurer's report, to wit: The guild began the month with $708.97, had no expenses or other cash outlays and ended the month with $708.97.

Brenda gave the Charity Knitting report, as Linda P. was unable to attend. She explained the two charity projects for the newcomers and answered questions regarding the Integris NICU and the Precious Pals program through the Knitting Guild of America. There is a contest going on this month: the knitter bringing the most baby items will win a prize. Brenday also put out a call for bears for the Precious Pals project. Any size bear would be appreciated! She announced that later in the year there will be consecutive presentations on knitting for bears.

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Old business: None

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New business:

- A volunteer sheet was sent around for knitters to sign up to teach newcomers.

- Elections: Brenda gave a heartfelt thanks to Linda P. and Keela M. for their hard work during their tenures as officers of the Guild. We gave them a hand for jobs well done. The new officers were announced and welcomed by Brenda. Emily Schnabl is the Guild's new Vice President and Judy Land is our new Treasurer.

- The floor was opened for other new business and several opportunities were mentioned by members for the guild to promote knitting. Various suggestions were to participate in the Choctaw Land Run, the Medieval Fair, and the Oklahoma State Fair. Time constraints and requirements for participation were discussed as well as participation in the Annual Knit in Public day and other fun activities.

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Educational Program

The educational presentation on Knitting Journals and Organization drew on the expertise and experience of all the membership. Various members shared their tips for tracking projects, which included forms, lists, dates, swatches (!), ball bands and other project information organized in many different ways, from notes in portable journals, to forms printed and kept in a binder, to notes kept on index cards. JoEllyn W. promoted the use of plastic sleeves for swatches and patters as well as the two binder system, one for projects that might be repeated and one labeled, "Never again!" Needle, pattern, and publication organizational tips were varied and ranged widely. Spinners and knitters alike declared the Zip Loc bag a national treasure, invaluable for project organization. The features of each method of organization were discussed at some length. Members then relaxed for a few minutes of knitting among friends while several volunteers worked with the new knitters. The meeting broke up aroung 5:20 p.m.

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February's meeting will feature Knitting as Art. Please plan to join us February 15. See you there!

Monday, December 22, 2008

Volume 3, Issue 9, December 14, 2008

From our President:

Holiday Greetings to all….
I hope that this finds all of you sitting inside where it is warm and cozy with your knitting needles and yarn. I have lived here in Oklahoma for 33 years now and am still amazed at how the weather changes so quickly.

I want to thank to all of you who came for our Holiday meeting today. We had about 18 people and lots of food. It was nice to see some familiar faces back among us again.

Anita did a great job with her presentation on deciphering knitting patterns. With a few cute stories, she coached us as we read through various types of instructions. Thanks so much Anita for sharing your sense of humor and knowledge with us!

Over the last 12 months, we have had a wonderful year of presentations. Each person has worked hard on their presentations showing their creativity and knowledge. As we go into the 2009 year, it proves to be even more promising. I am very excited about the two projects we will be doing this next year – socks and sweaters. I hope that you can be a part of these projects as well as our other monthly presentations.

In closing, I want to remind you that we will be electing two new officers in January. We will need a Vice-President and a Treasurer. Nominations will be open until January 10th. If you are interested or know someone who would be great in either of these two offices, please let me know.

Until next month….and next year…..happy knitting!

Sincerely,
Brenda Asher

P.S. For those of you who were at the meeting today…I actually have half of my scarf completed. I went to a movie tonight and guess what I did during the movie? Yep! I worked on the scarf AND a vest I had in the bag too. Maybe I will get a project done yet!!! (smile)

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Brenda called the meeting to order and welcomed one new visitor, Bertha who was interested in charity knitting. We went around the room to show and share what we were working on.

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Keela gave the treasurer's report, stating that it was identical to last month's report as there were no dues paid in and no expenses for the month. The guild treasury stands at $708.97.

Linda reported on the charity knitting projects, and the need for more bears was discussed with several ideas for obtaining them for our knitters to dress. It was reported that the NICU at Integris will continue to be the main recipient of the baby items our guild knits for charity.

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Brenda led the discussion of next year's presentations. All members were encouraged to take a handout in order to plan for the upcoming year's projects. We are excited about the new format, which will include taking several months to complete a project from start to finish. The new year looks to be very interesting as well as educational.

Guild members were reminded to bring their knitting journals and tips for organizing yarns, needles, patterns, etc. in January.

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In new business, nominations were taken for Vice President and Treasurer during the meeting; however, nominations remain open until January 10th, so if you are interested in either position, please let one of the officers know by email.

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Anita Roesler gave a program on how to read knitting patterns. She began by reading an outlandish knitting pattern that made us all laugh. She gave several examples of confusing knitting instructions, and then clarified the language so that the directions made sense. She gave out a handout of 'standard' (well, as standard as one can be in the knit world) abbreviations. The last page had links with helpful hints to interpret knitting directions.

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Following the program, we had our annual Holiday party, with all manner of delicious goodies, a rousing game of dirty Santa, and a great time was had by all.

We look forward to seeing all of you on January 18!