This Month
April Meeting Notes
After a word of welcome, Sharon Kaminski reminded people to sign up to help host the Guild table at Sheep to Shawl at the Mill, Saturday, May 6 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. She also reminded the group about our “charity knitting” for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. The 5K walk is October 1, 10 a.m. at the Mary S. Young Park in West Linn. Those interested can find more information on the Making Strides website. Also, Local Yarn Store Day was April 29.
Tiny Sweater for the Month
Heather Sly-Haley showed the sweater she knit and offered suggestions for success.
April Show & Tell Patterns
- Colorwork hats using Pacific Knitting Co modular knitting patterns
- Knitted Mountmellick fringe on fabric
- Temperature Blanket (Tia)
- Knitted Chicken Egg Covers
- Luuk Hat by Annis Jones (Ravelry link)
- So Faded Sweater by Andrea Mowry, in Drea Renee Knits (Ravelry link)
- StitchGraph for creating stitch layouts
- Temperature Scarf using One Row Scarf pattern by the Yarn Harlot (Cindy)
- Woven bookmark
Program
Joyce Arthur presented a fascinating history of the Oregon State Fair. A few of the highlights:
- In 1901, admission was 25 cents for men and 10 cents for women. In 1909, it was 26 cents for all adults.
- In 1959, the first Chocolate Cake Contest was created to honor Gerry Frank by Gov. Mark Hatfield. 2022 was the commemorative chocolate cake contest following the death of Mr. Frank.
- In 1965, Gov. Hatfield placed a time capsule near the east side entrance to Cascade Hall, to be opened in 100 years.
- On the opening day in 1979, a steer named Rufus escaped from his handlers, making his way to the Willamette River and swimming to a cornfield in Polk Co where he stayed for six weeks. He became the Fair’s first mascot and was admired behind reinforced fencing from 1980 to 1987.
The Guild then discussed the “Needlework and Clothing” exhibits that include hand knitted items. Joyce explained entry requirements, ribbons, judging, scorecards, and the division of classes for entries. The members suggested changes to the different classes in hand knitting and changes to the judges’ scoring criteria. Joyce will take these suggestions to the Fair staff for consideration. A discussion to have a display of our tiny sweaters and Aran scarves in the 2024 Fair followed.
Upcoming Events
Sheep to Shawl
Sheep to Shawl at the Mill will be hosted at the Willamette Heritage Center on Saturday, May 6. Members will be representing the Knitting Guild by demonstrating and showing some of our current and finished projects.
May Meeting
Patty Scruggs will show the tiny sweater, and the program is hand-knit buttons. This is a “Make and Take” project. The reminder email will explain what to bring.
Coral Reef Project
Check out the Coral Reef Project on the Salem Millstream Knitting Guild website, including a selection of patterns – both knit and crochet. You can also visit Coral Knit Fiber Arts and click on “The Community Coral Reef Project” for more information and inspiration.
Other Events
- The Black Sheep Gathering June 23-25, 2023
- Oregon State Fair August 25 – September 4, 2023
- Oregon Flock & Fiber Festival October 14-16, 2023
Salem Millstream Knitting Guild 