February 2025 Minutes

This Month

Birthdays

Happy Birthday to:

• Sue Culbertson
• Margaret Fizer
• Paula Rampy
• Patty Scruggs

If we missed your birthday or have you in the wrong month, please let us know!

Meeting Highlights

Guild Business

President Joyce Arthur asked for nominations for the positions of Secretary and Program Coordinator, but none were received. She reminded members that dues were due on January 31, 2025 – $30 for the year.

Judith Bither was thanked by President Arthur and members with words, a gift certificate, and applause for her wonderful work as our past Secretary.

Margaret Fizer stated that hats for Operation School Bell will be collected each meeting, and the Assistance League appreciated our donation last year of 350+ hats. They welcome future hats from members. Margaret will take dues/forms for Treasurer Sue Culbertson, who was absent.

Su Fennern thanked members for four knitted Hope Pregnancy Clinic donations and lauded Marion Thomas for knitting a handsome Watch Hat for the 50th Anniversary Cuckoo’s Nest Celebration. Su reminded us that hats should be wool. “Wool Ease” works fine.

Show & Tell

• Diane Williams showed two colorful tiny mittens, plus an infant tube sock pair she is knitting for her great-grandson.
• Marsha Graciosa discussed a “Twisted Rib” stitch that she used on her infant rainbow tube socks.
• Marcia Smith stated that infant leg warmers are trending.
• Michelle Sanguinetti’s trip to Amsterdam/Norway was productive, as she is knitting a cotton/alpaca/merino balaclava.

Program

Our speaker, Dr. David Altman was introduced as a professor of physics at Willamette University. His topic was “The History of Knitting.” He gave a detailed talk that delved into the minutia of Knitting History, Culture, Feminism, Activism and Technology & Textiles. He completed his presentation with a description of the “Scarves for Salem Project” that was installed at the Salem Riverfront Park in November 2024. It was organized by Dr. Altman and his students. The projected invited people to take “as needed” winter wear that was hand-knitted/store-bought. It was a success with extra items going to The Arches Project. Questions and answers were active during Dr. Altman’s presentation.

Upcoming Events

Next Meeting

Jennefer Marker of Compass Moon Creations will be our presenter, telling us about handspun and hand-dyed yarn, carded batts, wool grab-bags for felting and spinning, fiber locks, knitting needles, and so much more.

Other Events

• May 3, 2025 – Sheep to Shawl at the Willamette Heritage Center, Salem, OR
• June 14, 2025 – Worldwide Knit in Public Day in public!
• June 27-29, 2025 – Black Sheep Gathering at the Linn County Expo Center, Albany, OR