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!

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Volume 3, Issue 8, October 19, 2008

From our President:

Greetings to all!
I want to thank each of you that attended our Guild meeting on Sunday. We had approximately 20 members and 2 visitors. It was nice to see a few more faces and discuss some issues at hand. Your input is very valuable to me and the other board members. We want to know what you are thinking as well as what you would like to see happen. Several members had some great ideas that we hope to explore and see how they would work for our guild.

There was one item that I meant to put on the agenda and missed it. That is our Holiday party. We have discussed ideas at previous meetings, but I want us to be sure to decide on what we want to do when we come together as a group in November.

In addition, we are in the process of updating our flyers that the Library does for us. It has been a work in progress for a few months now and for various reasons has been slow getting done. Hopefully we will have those by our next meeting.

Until November……
Enjoy the fall and keep knitting!

Brenda

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Our meeting began with a welcome from Brenda, especially to the new visitors. We went around the room sharing our current projects. There was some discussion of our members checking out knitting books when visiting the libraries. Anita recommended that our membership not be shy about suggesting knitting book titles to the library and directed us to a link on the search page of the catalog. The link is "Suggest a Title". The more we circulate the materials in the system, the more likely the library will purchase more for us!

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Executive Board Reports

Treasurer's Report (Keela)

Last month's balance was $688.97. There were no expenses to report and a deposit of $20.00, bringing this month's balance to $708.97. The taxes are done.

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Committee Reports

Library/Book Review (Bethany)

Our librarian has asked the members to email her or contact her through Ravelry to request any books they would like to check out next month.

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New Business

Charity Knitting (Linda)

Linda delivered the baby items to Integris and thanked the members for participating in putting together care packages for deployed service members. One of our members, a Blue Star Mother, directed anyone who would like to continue to contribute to the Blue Star Mothers' web site for information: http://www.okbluestarmothers.org/donations.htm.

There was discussion of asking a representative from the Sheriff's office to the November or December meeting to be presented with our bears.

The subject of finding other outlets for our infant items was discussed at some length, with several opportunities being suggested, such as Children's Hospital, the Red Cross, and even WIC centers.

Additionally, a call went out for donations of baby yarn for this project. Please toss those stashes for some spare skeins for babies in need!

In other new business, we are casting about for program ideas for next year. Knit alongs, swatch of the month, and themed parties were put before the membership for their consideration. Another of our members suggested book reviews and another suggested a study of knitting across cultures. When the subject of bringing in an author was brought up, Carolyn told us that The Knitting Guild of America's web site has a list of author/teachers who are willing to make presentations. The membership will decide on next year's presentations next month. New ideas are always welcome, so please feel free to share.

Our president will be sending an online survey to the membership to gauge what we would like to accomplish.

Looking ahead to January, Brenda asked the members to consider running for the offices of Vice President and Treasurer. Elections are right around the corner and GUILD NEEDS YOU!

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Jo Ellyn Wheeler gave the presentation this month on Color Knitting. She had examples of all kinds of color work, from simple stripes and slipped stitch to mosaic, fair isle and duplicate stitch.

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Following the presentation, the swap meet began, and the participants had a great time.
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Remaining meetings for the year
Sunday, November 16th
Sunday, December 14th

Presentations
Sara Braden - Correcting Knitting Errors
(this may be a good time to bring any knitting disasters you might like to work on!)
Anita Roesler - Deciphering Stitch Patterns

Volunteers for beginning Knitters
Carolyn Faircloth and Amanda Clemons

Thursday, October 16, 2008

>>SWAP MEET<<

Don't forget that there will be a swap meet at this month's meeting! Participants should bring their knitting/crocheting related items and be ready to SWAP! That's this Sunday, October 19, at 3:00, Belle Isle Library. See you there!

Wednesday, October 01, 2008

Volume 3, Issue 7, September 21, 2008

Thanks to all who attended our September meeting. The meeting opened at 3:10 p.m. with Vice President Linda Pahdoco welcoming members and newcomers. It was brought to our attention that the phone number in the Library’s newsletter is out of service and needs to be updated. In other announcements, our own highly accomplished Jo Ellen Wheeler is now a published designer. Her pattern for a beaded bag appears in the October issue of Creative Knitting. Brava, Jo Ellen! Kudos also go to Katherine Cantrell who won among other ribbons, a Best in Show for handweaving at the State Fair. Oh, my, she won ribbons for hand spinning, hand knitting (socks!), and quilting. Way to go, Katherine! Anna Hester won Best in Show for Finished Project from handspun (a crocheted hat) and many other ribbons for hand knitted or crocheted fashion accessories, baby blankets, and home accessories. All together Anna entered 18 items and won ribbons for all of them – fantastic! We are fortunate to have so much talent in our guild! Here is the link to all the results from the fair – if we have missed anyone, please let us know: http://www.okstatefair.com:80/creative_arts_results.asp

Additionally, the Belle Isle Library will continue to be the location for our meetings through June of 2009.

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Committee Reports

Treasurer’s Report (Keela)
The current balance in the Guild’s treasury is $688.97.

Knit Guild Library (Bethany)
Anita reminds us to be sure to make use of the Metropolitan Library’s collection of knitting books. If books are not circulating, they will be pulled from the shelves. It was suggested that we check out a knitting book each time we go to the library – this is a great idea!

Charity Knitting (Linda)
Linda requested that guild members go through their stashes for excess yarn to donate for the charity knitting projects. There were several very smartly dressed bears turned in as well.

Beginning Knitting
Melissa volunteered to take the teaching duties this week.

Linda Pahdoco gave a presentation on decrease methods.

New Business

There was a brief discussion of the goals of the guild to sponsor a knitting event, such as inviting the author of a new book to come and make a presentation, class or talk, or perhaps teach a class or seminar.

One of our new attendees, Rita Busch, may be able to host the Knitters’ Guild meetings in the future at her studio in Bethany.

There was a brief discussion of the Ravelry web site and its benefits for members.

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Upcoming Presentations

* October 19: Color Knitting - Jo Ellyn Wheeler
* November 16: Correcting Knitting Errors - Sara Braden
* December 14: Deciphering Stitch Patterns - Anita Roesler

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

August Meeting

Remember fiber fanatics! Our next meeting will be this Sunday, August 17, at the Belle Isle Library (downstairs) from 3:00 until 5:00. We will have a presentation on knitting machines.

Please join us for a great time! If you need any further information, please do not hesitate to contact us at the email address on the sidebar.

See you there!

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Reminder for July

Guild will not be meeting in July. We will resume our regularly scheduled meetings in August - same third Sunday (17th) same time (3:00 p.m.) same location (Belle Isle Library). See you there!

Monday, May 19, 2008

Vol 3 Issue 6 May 2008

A big thanks to everyone who was at our meeting yesterday. It was so beautiful outside that I know it was hard not to want to go "play" instead of coming to the meeting. However, I do appreciate everyone who was in attendance. We had approximately 21 people along with one visitor.
I hope that all of you will be able to attend our Second Annual National Knit Out Day. This year we are holding it at Books A Million. It is going to be so much fun. A big thanks to Anna and others for helping to organize this event.
Have a great month and keep on knitting, knitting, knitting!
Sincerely,
Brenda
************************************************************
Committee Reports

Knit Guild Library (Bethany)
One of the books available to check out from the our library is "Knitting Tams" by Mary Rowe. It's a great 'recipe' book for tams of all stripes and varieties..


Charity Knitting (Linda)
Last month, we collected 4 bears, 6 blankets, 1 hat/bootie set, 8 blanket/bunting sets, and 9 hats. Thanks to all who knitted items for our different charity projects.

Don't forget about the charity knitting contest - the deadline for the contest is next month so be sure to get your items turned in!

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Educational & Social Events
* Presentation Handouts: Jo Ellyn has graciously volunteered to help presenters with their presentation handout. Jo Ellyn can add our guild logo to your handout and help to get it ready for you. Let her know what you need!
* Presentation Assistants: We are looking for a 'few good knitters' to help circulate the room during specific presentations (i.e. learning a new stitch). This would allow the presenter to focus on their presentation and the knitters would get assistance when needed. Let us know if you are willing to help out!

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Second Annual National Knit Out Day
Make plans to attend our Second National Knit Out Day on Saturday, June 14th. We will be celebrating, at Books A Million at 2300 West Memorial Rd. We will begin at 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

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Upcoming Presentations
* June 15: Increase Methods - Linda Pahdoco
* July: No meeting
* August 17: Mitered Squares - Carolyn Faircloth
* September 21: Decrease Methods - Amanda Clemons
* October 19: Color Knitting - Jo Ellyn Wheeler
* November 16: Correcting Knitting Errors - Sara Braden
* December 14: Deciphering Stitch Patterns - Anita Roesler

Beginning Knitting Volunteers
June: Jen Young & Jo Ellyn Wheeler
August: Bethany Mickle
September: Brenda Asher
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Thursday, May 08, 2008

Susan's Memorial Celebration

For those of you who have not heard yet, here is the information on Susan Barrington's Memorial Celebration:

Memorial Celebration & Reception Party: Saturday, May 17th at 1:00 pm.
Location: Lakeside Assembly of God (East of Rockwell)
6810 NW 122nd St, OKC

The family has asked for no flowers, but you might consider making a contribution to the American Cancer Society in Susan's name.

Thanks!
Brenda

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Vol 3 Issue 5 April 2008

Thanks to all who was at our April meeting. Although it was a smaller group, it was a lot of fun! We had several new people at our meeting and it was great getting to meet and know them. A BIG thanks to Jo Ellyn for sharing information on guage and making test swatches. There was lots of time at the end of the meeting to sit back, relax, and just enjoy knitting. If you weren't there, we hope that you can make the next meeting. Have a great month!!

Brenda :>

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Committee Reports
Knit Guild Library (Bethany)
One of the books available to check out from the our library is "Cotton Knits for All Seasons" by Debbie Bliss. This book has pattern designs for kids and adults. Just let Bethany know if you want this or any other book to check out.
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2008 Focus
Charity Knitting (Linda)
Last month, we collected 2 bears and 30 hats. Thanks to all who knitted items for our different charity projects.
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Fundraisers
* 50/50: We had our first 50/50 Cash drawing. Several contributed money to the kitty. At the end of our meeting, we had a drawing and Linda Pahdoco was our winner! The cash is split - half goes to the winner and the other half goes to the Guild. We will do this again in May and June.
* Winter Holiday Craft Fair: We had discussed having a craft fair - by members for members - in November or December. The fair would give all a chance to show their talents and buy some really nice things for gifts. A decision has not been made yet on whether we will do this or not. Please think about it and let us know your ideas on it.
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Educational & Social Events
* Presentation Handouts: Jo Ellyn has graciously volunteered to help presenters with their presentation handout. Jo Ellyn can add our guild logo to your handout and help to get it ready for you. Let her know what you need!
* Presentation Assistants: We are looking for a 'few good knitters' to help circulate the room during specific presentations (i.e. learning a new stitch). This would allow the presenter to focus on their presentation and the knitters would get assistance when needed. Let us know if you are willing to help out!
* National Knit Out Day: Make plans to attend our National Knit Out Day on Saturday, June 14th. We are still finalizing details on where we will be celebrating, but it looks like it will be at Books A Million on Memorial Rd. Be at our May meeting for the final details!
* Beginning Knitter's Kits: A BIG THANKS to S.W.A.K. for donating several Beginning Knitting DVDs to go in our kits. What an awesome gift for those who want to learn more!
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New Business
* Meeting Dates: Guild meetings have been scheduled with the Belle Isle Library through December 2008. However, there will be two changes due to things going on at the library:
>>>>> The July meeting will be cancelled
>>>>> The December meeting will be on Sunday, Dec 14th
instead of Sunday, Dec 21st.
Please make a note of these changes on your schedule.
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Upcoming Presentations
* May 18: Lace Knitting - Sara Braden
* June 15: Increase Methods - Linda Pahdoco
* July: No meeting
* August 17: Mitered Squares - Carolyn Faircloth
* September 21: Decrease Methods - Amanda Clemons
* October 19: Color Knitting - Jo Ellyn Wheeler
* November 16: Correcting Knitting Errors - Sara Braden
* December 14: Deciphering Stitch Patterns - Anita Roesler
Beginning Knitting Volunteers
May: Dolly Dearner
June: Jen Young & Jo Ellyn Wheeler
August: Bethany Mickles
September: Brenda Asher
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Thursday, April 17, 2008

We are sorry to learn that Susan Barrington passed away early this morning. As soon as we get more information on Susan's service, we will let you know. Susan.....we will miss you greatly!!!

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Vol 3 Issue 4 March 2008

Welcome Spring!

It was great to see everyone Sunday at our meeting. We had 18 members and 1 new person who came to learn, knit, and have fun. There was a lot of good discussion as we met over different issues and Carolyn Faircloth gave a great presentation where many of us learned a new pattern. It was a great meeting and I am very grateful to be a part of a wonderful group of people. Have a great month and knit, knit, knit!

Sincerely,
Brenda Asher

************************ Committee Reports ******************************
Charity Knitting (Linda P)
For the month of February, we had to following charity items turned in:
* 17 hats
* 1 hat and bootie set
* 5 blankets & buntings
* 1 hat and sweater
* 1 bear - fully dressed!!
Don't forget, we have yarn and patterns available for anyone who needs them. Let's see if we can shoot for 35 items and 2 bears in April

This month we had a drawing for those people who brought something to donate to our charities. Everyone got to put their name in for each item they brought. Our winner was Sara Braden! Sara won a $10 gift certificate to use at the Gourmet Yarn. Congratulations Sara. And thanks to everyone who brought something.


Library (Bethany M)
Don't forget that the Guild has knitting books that you can check out at any time. Bethany has been working on updating the Guild's Library website. Take a look and see if there is anything you would like for her to bring to the next meeting. If you have a book that you would like to see if our library, let Bethany know.


Beginner's Knitting (Terri D)
At this time, we are doing good on supplies for our Beginner's kits. However, if you have needles, totes, or knitting accessories you would like to donate, we will gladly take them. We are currently looking at how to make the beginner's kits better and with more information about knitting. If you have any "how-to" books that you no longer use or beginning knitting CDs/DVDs, we would love to include them in the beginner's kits. We are also going to start putting in simple patterns that they can work on. Several members also suggested that we start a 'buddy' system with our new knitters. The buddy would be available to answer any questions the new knitter might have in between meetings. If you would be interested in being a buddy, let Terri or Brenda know.


Educational Committee
We are sooo excited! Jo Ellyn has volunteered to be on our Educational Committee. During this next year, we hope to have at least one major educational event. We need other volunteers so we can have the best ideas and support to put together some great events. Jo Ellyn is also willing to help anyone doing a presentation with their handout. Thanks for all you do Jo Ellyn!

***************************************** Old Business **************************************
Fundraiser Ideas
50/50: Anita brought up a great idea for a fundraiser at our February meeting. Each month, we will have a "Knitty Kitty" where members can donate any amount of money they choose. When a member puts some money in the Kitty, they will get a ticket. At the end of the meeting, a ticket will be drawn. The winning ticket will get half of the money that is in the Kitty. The rest of the money will go into the Guild's account. We will try this for a few months to see how it goes. Thanks Anita for a great and fun idea!

Christmas Craft Fair: Another idea that was brought up at our February meeting was to hold a Craft Fair in November or December for our members. We did not get a chance to talk about this at our meeting, so be thinking more about it. We'll discuss it next month.


International Knit In Public Day
The date for the International Knit in Public Day has been finally announced - Saturday, June 14th. Discussion was held to see if we still wanted to do ours on June 21 or change it to the 14th. We also discussed the best place to stage our knit out. Places like the mall, parks, and the library were all discussed. At this time, a decision hasn't been made. We are asking for members to 'scout' around for a very busy place to have our knit day. Further discussion will take place at our next meeting. If you have any ideas, be sure to bring them in April.

****************************** New Business *************************************
Multiple Meetings
One member brought up the question last month as to why we only meet once a month. I wasn't able to answer that question because in the year and a half that I have been a member, we have always met once a month. The discussion was brought before the members as to how they felt about having just one monthly meeting and if they would be interested in having more during the meeting. Members brought up concerns such as time factors and higher gas prices. Many members cited concerns that more meetings would fragment the group. Several also mentioned that they were already involved in smaller private knitting groups that meet at other times. After much discussion, it was the consensus of the group that the Guild just has one meeting time each month.

*************************************** Educational Presentation *************************
Carolyn Faircloth gave a wonderful presentation on the English Diamond Quilting pattern. Carolyn used a sample kit that can be obtained from The Knitting Guild Association. If you missed this and would like a copy of the pattern, see Carolyn.

Next Month: Getting Gauge - Jo Ellyn Wheeler

********************** April Beginning Knitting Volunteers ******************
Melissa Ryan and Sara Braden

Saturday, March 15, 2008

Vol 3 Issue 3 March 08

Greetings to all!

Just a reminder that tomorrow is our monthly meeting. I hope all of you can make it! We are going to be going on over a few things, having a wonderful presentation and of course - there is the SWAP meet. The SWAP will be held last. To help us get through our meeting quickly and not disturb our presentation, I am asking that you keep all SWAP items with you until time for the SWAP to take place. If you are bringing a lot of items, we will try to have a spot under the SWAP table where you can put them until time to get them out.

Membership donations are now $20. Keela will be taking any 2008 membership donations tomorrow at our meeting. We appreciate it!

Don't forget your charity knitting! We will be holding a drawing for each item you bring for our charity donation. Doesn't matter if it is little or bigger. The drawing will be for a $10 gift certificate.

We will also hold a drawing for anyone who is at the meeting tomorrow. You will want to get in on that one as well.

Have a great evening and we will see you tomorrow!
Brenda

Saturday, January 26, 2008

Volume 3 Issue 2 January 2008

Hi to all!
Hope you are having a wonderful January and getting some of those knitting New Year's resolutions off to a great start. We had a wonderful turn out at our January meeting. Thanks to all of you who came and to those who couldn't make it - we missed you! Let's see if we can have an even bigger turn out for our February meeting. Until then, here is what happened in January.....

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Nominations
Elections for two Executive Board positions were held this month. We had one nominee for President and three nominees for Secretary. We appreciate all of those who helped in the nomination process and these people for accepting the nominations. After the votes were tallied, the new Executive Board members are:

President: Brenda Asher
Secretary: Melissa Ryan

We thank Carolyn Faircloth for all of the hard work that she has put in this past year as our Guild President. The 2008 Executive Board members are: President - Brenda Asher, Vice-President - Linda Pahdoco, Secretary - Melissa Ryan, and Treasurer - Keela Mostek.


Membership Donation
The Executive Board has been discussing the possibility of increasing our Membership donation. At this time, we have been asking people who would like to place membership with the Guild to donate $5. However, with some of the goals of the Guild and the growth that we would like to see in the future, we are looking at increasing that amount. More discussion will take place at our next Guild meeting. If you have any thoughts or comments that you would like to express, please let Brenda Asher know.


National Knit Out Day
On Saturday, Feb 16 and Sunday, Feb 17, the nation will be celebrating National Knit Out Day. We would like to have a local celebration at well. We are currently checking into whether Penn Square Mall will let us hold one there on Saturday, February 16th. We are hoping to do this in the afternoon around 2:00 until maybe 4:00. Nothing is set up yet and we will let you know when we do.


Beginning Knitters Help
In an effort to better assist any beginning knitters who attend our meetings, we are going to start taking them into a separate room to work with them during the meeting. In order to do this, we have set up a volunteer sign up list for each month throughout 2008. We are asking for two voluteers each month that would be willing to go into the other room to work with beginners and help them out as much as you can. Several members signed up at our January meeting; however, we can always use more throughout the year. If you would be interested in this, please get with Brenda Asher at the Feburary meeting.


*************** Educational Program ******************

Keela Mostek was in charge of our program this past month and she did a wonderful job showing us how to add crochet edging to your knitted projects. Thanks Keela for a great job!


Next Meeting: February 17th at 3:00pm
> Linda Pahdoco: Different Cast On Methods

Monday, January 14, 2008

Vol 3 Issue 1 January 2008

In less than a week, we will be voting for new officers for the Guild. The positions that are open are President and Secretary. Here are the nominations so far. Voting will take place at our January 20th meeting.

President: Brenda Asher

Secretary: Anna Hester, Terri Derrick, Melissa Ryan

Please let me know if you would like to volunteer for either of these positions or nominate someone. Nominations must be in by Saturday, January 19th. You can email me at knitterba@aol.com until Friday, Jan 18th.