May 2021 Minutes

We had 15 members and a guest at our May meeting. It was the highest attended Zoom get-together!

This Month

Birthdays

Happy May Birthday to:

• Cindy Barrick
• Val Boudreau
• Kathy Goebel

Happy June Birthday to:

• Sue Tyvoll

Guild Business

The Board voted for the Guild to no longer sponsor an annual retreat. If an individual is willing to sponsor and organize a retreat, we would welcome volunteers.

Speaking of volunteers, we need people to volunteer to be officers in the future. Also, consider other needs you might be able to fill, and let the Board know.

We want to encourage people to get together in small groups outside of the Guild meetings. If you would like us to share about your knitting get-togethers in the newsletter, let us know.

Reminder that Tia Purdy is collecting hats and scarves for a Christmas tree program for the kids at her school. Their colors are black and orange, and their mascot is a fox. Sue Fennern shared an adorable fox scarf and provided a link to the pattern. The tree goes up in November, so you still have time to contribute and make a child cozy and happy. Contact Tia or any of the Board members to deliver your items.

Program – Socks and Heels

Wow! What a fun program Su put together for May. We had seven members share about socks.  Thank you to Cindy Barrick, Mary Blossom, Val Boudreau, Sandy Galbraith, Kathy Goebel, Kathi Holt, and Marcia Smith. We enjoyed pictures of socks and different sock heels and how to replace the toes of socks when they wear out.

Some patterns were shared including the Van Dyke pattern from Toe-Up Socks in a Box by Wendy D. Johnson and David’s Toe-up Sock Recipe.  I’m sure there were more, but I was so busy looking at the pictures and listening to everyone that I didn’t get them written down!  Fortunately, Su captured a whole bunch and included them in the attachment titled, “Sock Resources and Pattern Lists.”  She also put together a list of “Sock heels” that lists dozens of heels and some places you can find instructions and tutorials. Not satisfied with a good amount of information, she added two more – “Parts of a Sock” and “Leg Diagram.” 

Huge thanks to Su Fennern for putting together the program and following up with so much great sock info!

Su’s Tips and Tricks

As you may have noticed, Su put together a lot of information about socks for the program this month. She topped it all off with a page of fun facts and tips. Open the attachment titled “Sock-Heel Tips” and enjoy.

Member Spotlight: Debbie Juul, Guild Treasurer

• Who do you knit for? Myself, family, friends, and some charity knitting.
• How long have you been knitting? I learned when I was in elementary school, but once I learned to crochet, I preferred that. I started knitting scarves and easy stuff in my late 40s, then took some classes, and now knitting is my first choice.
• Do you have a particular knitting skill (i.e., socks, brioche, lace, etc.)? Not really.
• What is your favorite knitting pattern? I have an easy hat pattern I like. It is my go-to if I just want to keep my hands busy but not think too much.
• Do you have a favorite designer? No
• Is there a finished object that you’re most proud of? I just finished my first top-down sweater, which I had to frog several times for various reasons. I was pretty sure when it was finally done, I would never wear it due to my experience making it.  But I persisted, recently wore it, and I like it.
• What got you started knitting? My sister taught me.
• What are you working on right now? I am crocheting a blanket for a friend of my daughter’s.  I have no knitting projects on needles at the moment.
• How many works in progress to keep going at a time? Not more than 3.
• Do you participate in any other fiber hobbies? Crocheting. I used to do cross stitch and crewel work.
• What (else) do you do when you’re not knitting (job, other hobbies, volunteer work, etc.)? I do taxes and accounting work. I like to volunteer at my church and at UGM. Of course, I haven’t been able to do much of that in the last year.

Upcoming Events

June Meeting – In Person! Yes, you read that correctly!

For our June meeting on Saturday, the 12th, we’ll be meeting in person in Su Fennern’s beautiful yard at 6383 Inspiration Lane SE in Salem. Not only do we get to meet in person, but we get to shop, too! Su has arranged for Leann Bleakney of Silver Falls Fiber Company and Tonie Young of Butterfly Fiber & Yarn to bring their lovely yarn. They are both yarn dyers, but they use different methods. We couldn’t find a website for Leann, but you can visit the Butterfly Fiber Etsy shop for a sneak peak of Tonie’s yarn. Su is also planning to set up a swift and ball winder for anyone who needs it. Here a few details for you to be aware of:

• The sellers will stay at Su’s from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and you’re welcome to come at any time and stay as long as you would like.
• If you want to shop the best selection, you’ll want to come early. As indie dyers, Leann and Tonie’s stock is limited.
• Bring money if you plan to shop – checks, credit cards, and cash accepted.
• You need to bring your own chair and food and drink.
• Consider carpooling with other members to avoid overcrowding the parking spaces.
• Bring knitting! 🧶

Although current guidance from Oregon Health Authority allows everyone to meet outdoors without masks, it also strongly recommends that people who are not vaccinated and people who are at high risk of severe COVID-19 disease continue to wear masks and physically distance in outdoor crowded areas and large gatherings. We don’t think we’ll be at all crowded in Su’s lovely yard, but please show respect to anyone who prefers to wear a mask or keep their distance. We’re so excited to meet in person!! Also, if restrictions or guidelines change, we’ll let you know as soon as we know!

July Meeting

Program and location details will be shared at a later date.

Oregon Flock and Fiber Festival in October

The Oregon Flock and Fiber Festival has settled on the weekend of October 23-24, 2021 at the Linn County Expo Center.

Do keep in mind that holding OFFF is still tentative, as the safety of our visitors and vendors is our highest priority. We will ultimately be heeding the guidance of the CDC and the State of Oregon as to whether or not we can hold this event.