The Willamette Heritage Center has always been a place where stories are shared, the past is preserved, and our community comes together.
But today, we find ourselves at a critical point—one where your support can make all the difference.
Without an immediate increase in our community’s support, the programs, experiences, and preservation work we provide and you value will face significant reductions in the months ahead.
We need your help now not only to keep the stories alive and the experiences meaningful for all, but to continue with our regular daily operations as well.
Every contribution, whether $50, $500, or $5,000 will immediately make a direct and urgent impact.
We need your help today to ensure:
Our historic buildings remain protected.
Students continue learning, and families keep exploring together.
Our spaces remain vibrant centers for community connection and celebration.
If we missed your birthday or have you in the wrong month, please let us know!
Meeting Highlights
President Arthur thanked all that helped during the 2025 State Fair and gave the following info:
There were six judges and six clerks working with the judges: Beverly Davis, Connie Geist, Sandy Galbraith, Kathy Goebel, Patty, Scruggs, Sue Teal, and Janet Bubl.
Volunteers helped on Wednesday getting all items into the display cases. All items were in the cases by noon from the crew of Sue Teal, Sue’s sister Dorothy, Sue’s niece Angie, Kathy Goebel, Sue Culbertson, Margaret Fizer, Tia Purdy, Janet Bubl and Weisha Mize.
Before the fair and after the fair were the intake days and the outtake days. Su Fennern and Janet Bubl provided assistance here.
Of course, one cannot forget Patrick – one very impressive knitter and spinner.
During the fair there were 13 Guild members who came and demonstrated during the fair: Michelle Sanguinetti, Kathy Goebel, Janet Bubl, Genevieve Tickner, Marsha Graciosa, Su Fennern, Sandy Galbraith, Kathy Wilhelm, Sara Amend, Julie Bither, Janet Kington, Debbie Paxon.
Guild Business
The supply of Guild business cards is very low. Joyce shared that this is everyone’s Guild, and asked if anyone would like to design a new card. Several comments were made as to keeping the current card; why change something that doesn’t need to be changed? and a few other remarks. We will reorder more cards.
Service Projects
As of September 5, Margaret delivered to Operation School Bell 80 hats that, with the 30 already there, put the count to 110. The first week they filled 50 orders and gave out 26 hats to grades 1-3 students. Head Start had not submitted their orders at that time.
Last year, the Guild knitted about 350 hats, and all were used. Other figures from last year: 305 pre-schoolers (includes Head Start) were provided services; 1,396 elementary students were provided services, that includes grades K, 1, 2, and 3 (OSB does not give hats to the 4th or 5th graders); 1,687 secondary grades 6-12 were provided with services (they don’t get hats either); 922 homeless were served, and are included in the number above. Total services were provided to 3,388 students.
During school year 2024-25, the Assistance League gave out 219 food and laundry vouchers for homeless, with deodorant and shampoo for the secondary students.
Assistance League has “The Great Snack Attack” – this is snacks for 49 school sites – 34 elementary, 9 middle schools, and 6 high school. These are packaged snacks given out by the school. It’s another way to get food to all students.
The Oregon State Mental Hospital Museum received a yarn donation not appropriate for making Watch Caps. They asked if the Guild could use the yarn, and yes, we can for making baby blankets and a hat. We received 30 large skeins of yarn. The yarn company Premier has a blanket pattern, but the hat pattern is too big. A smaller hat pattern was developed, and members received both patterns with a skein of yarn. There are nine skeins of yarn that still need to be knitted up. Please contact Su to get a skein and patterns.
Donation Numbers
Assistance League hats collected at the September meeting: 59 (total 169)
Baby items collected at the September meeting: 11 (total 107)
Watch Caps collected at the September meeting: 8 (total 75)
Show & Tell (sorry, no pictures taken)
Judith Bither modeled her recently completed sweater that she finished with no pattern. Lovely work!
Kitty Crawford modeled her pink pullover summer top made with cotton and silk, a lacey patten.
Alex Starling knitted a brioche shawl by Helgo Land. Wonderful colors!
Linda Hoodward wore her crocheted top made from yarn that she purchased at last year’s Quilt Show sale.
The meeting was adjourned, and the Swifting Party began, with Joyce wishing all to Have a Ball! President Arthur contributed six very large boxes of skeined yarn for members to wind into cakes and take home with them. Many members had brought their own swifts and ball winders, and lots of skeins were turned into workable cakes of yarn.
Upcoming Events
Next Meeting
Elections will be held during the October Meeting. The following positions are open: President, Vice President, Program Coordinator, and Community Events Coordinator. Position descriptions will be sent out to all Guild members shortly.
Due to the Salem Fiberarts Guild’s Annual Weavers Sale on Saturday, November 8, there will not be a monthly Guild meeting in November. Members are encouraged to attend the sale and show and knit some items. The sign-up sheet for the November 7 & 8, 2025 sale was passed around for demonstrators to sign up. There are spaces available both days and both morning and afternoon times. The sign-up sheet will be available at the October 11 meeting.
If we missed your birthday or have you in the wrong month, please let us know!
Meeting Highlights
President Joyce Arthur welcomed guests Joan Welsh, Jan McMatton, and Trish Andersen, plus wished Happy Birthdays to those listed above.
President Arthur thanked Tia Purdy for her excellent step-in as president of our July Meeting.
A sign-in sheet was circulated for demo knitters at the State Fair. You will receive free admission to the Fair, plus a free parking ticket. Contact President Arthur or Su Fennern.
Guild Business
The Oregon State Fair is approaching, with President Arthur organizing the knitting displays and judging. SMKG will have a display case of our Service Projects set up by Sue Culbertson and Margaret Fizer. August 20 is the date to help put knitted items in the cases. Let President Arthur know if you would like to help.
Oregon State Fair 2025 – Salem Millstream Knitting Guild displays
Service Projects
Su Fennern gave an extensive report on two Service Projects: Oregon State Hospital Watch Caps and Salem Hope Pregnancy Center.
OSH Watch Cap Project has received 79 knitted caps, with SMKG donating 67 knitted caps through July. At the museum, OSH has sold 19 caps. OSH sales began with 60 kits, and now 20 have been sold, plus Wild Knits has sold 20 kits more. Thirteen kits remain at Wild Knits, with four remaining at OSH. Three kits were given away by OSH.
Hope of Salem – SMKG has provided 13 blankets and 83 different items, such as hats, sets of sweater/hats, socks, booties, finger mitts, etc. Total items through July is 96.
Margaret Fizer reported on our third Service Project: Assistance League’s Operation School Bell. This is the second year of the project, and she explained its importance. SMKG has knitted 110 hats as of August. Our goal is 375 hats, which would match the 350 donated last year.
Donation numbers:
Watch Caps for OSH Mental Health Museum: 67
Hope Pregnancy Center: 96 items
Operation School Bell: 110 items
Show & Tell
Judith Bither showed a very handsome white rabbit dressed in a snappy blue vest, and it had a paw full of carrots. Sara Amend knitted the fella for a young member of Judith’s family.
Genevieve Ticknor showed a lovely and functional mesh/lace bag she knitted from SMKG’s “Christmas in July” yarn. She stashed her knitting in the bag, but it could be used in many other ways.
President Arthur thanked everyone for coming and dispersed members to knit under the trees outside the Big Leaf Market, for a very pleasant experience.
Upcoming Events
Next Meeting
The next Guild meeting will be Saturday, September 13 at the usual location – Willamette Heritage Center, first floor of the Mill Building.
President Arthur reminded members there will be no meeting in November, as the Fiber Arts Sale is held that day at the Heritage Center. Elections of SMKG Officers will thus be in October.
December’s Guild Meeting with be an Ornament Exchange – $15 or less. Bring your ornament wrapped to extend the surprise.
If we missed your birthday or have you in the wrong month, please let us know!
Meeting Highlights
Guild Business
President Joyce Arthur could not attend today, so Vice President Tia Purdy presided over the meeting. V.P. Purdy welcomed our guests, Margaret Burden and Kathy Willams, and our newest member, Emily Markus.
Hold Harmless forms should be signed by each member. Su Fennern mailed forms plus a SASE to members who have not signed. Please see Su if you have any questions.
V.P. Purdy noted that the Salem Fiberarts Guild sale will be November 7-8, 2025. Our meeting is on November 8. It was suggested / agreed by members that we will skip our November Guild meeting.
V.P. Purdy asked if members would like the December meeting to be an Ornament Exchange. It was agreed by the membership, that would be a good and fun idea. Ornaments can be handmade or bought. Please wrap for the ultimate surprise. 🙂
Christmas in July is today! V.P. Purdy stated all are welcome to “shop” after the meeting. Su Fennern encouraged all to take donated skeins for our Watch Caps Service Project.
Service Projects
Our three service projects are featured on the back table. Please sign the sheet if you donated a knit to help others. Janet Bubl suggested that members visit the OSH Museum of Mental Health to see the exhibits and displayed hats. Hope RUN 2025 will be August 9, 2025 at Minto Brown Island Park, benefitting Hope Pregnancy Clinic. Register online: https://hopeforsalem.org/resources/display/hope_run.
Donation numbers:
Watch Caps for OSU Mental Health Museum: 3
Hope Pregnancy Center: 5 hats, 1 baby blanket, and matching sweater and hat
Operation School Bell: 22 hats
Show & Tell
Ginny Mahoney displayed a gorgeous ivory knitted quilt/bed topper that was unfinished due to the knitter being in Memory Care. There was yarn, but no pattern. The family requested a member complete the quilt, with pay. If interested, see Ginny.
Sara Amend convinced herself to knit precious Sock Puppets for first year babies. She passed around a few of her creations to the joy of everyone.
Diane Williams knitted clothes for a tiny teddy bear. S/he was adored with a vest, pants and hat with pom-pom plus a blanket to match. Everyone enjoyed the pass-around.
Marcia Graciosa sent around her Hope donation: the softest baby blue blanket.
Upcoming Events
Next Meeting
The August Guild meeting will be Saturday, August 9 at Silver Falls State Park at the Big Leaf Market and Grill in Sublimity. All are urged to come for lunch and knit afterwards.
Fiberarts Stash Sale was held on Willamette Heritage Center grounds. Only members could sell their stash, but anyone could buy.
President Joyce Arthur is working on the Guild Roster with Sue Culbertson. Joyce asked if there was any objection to distributing the Roster to Guild members. There was no objection. When completed, the Roster will be distributed to all members.
Marjory Lange and Kathy Goebel have health challenges and could not attend the meeting. Joyce asked members to text/send cards if they would like.
Joyce asked each member to review and sign the “Hold Harmless” forms and return them.
Reminder that Black Sheep Gathering is coming up June 27-29 at the Linn County Expo Center in Albany.
The Oregon State Fair is announcing “Calling All Young Makers,” a Creative Living Competition for young artists and creators in the textile dept. See the Oregon State Fair website for more info on this and other ways to enter all the categories, plus submission deadlines. The Oregon State Fair dates are August 22 – September 1, 2025.
Su Fennern announced there are nine listed Guild members who will participate in the Salem Fiberarts Guild November sale. There will be a meeting of these members after the regular Guild meeting on July 12, 2025. At that time, seller info will be shared and questions answered. If you would like to be a seller and are not listed, please contact Su Fennern and plan to come to the meeting.
Service Project Donations
Hope Pregnancy Clinic – 3 baby items
Watch Caps for OSH Museum of Mental Health – 5 Watch Caps
Operation School Bell – 20 hats
Show & Tell
Marion Thomas made a very handsome hat for Operation School Bell. She couldn’t remember the pattern, but it might have been brioche or twisted ribbing.
Program
Speaker Makayla from Hooked in a Flash presented many interesting ways to conquer gauge questions when beginning a sweater pattern. She stated that we should check our gauge, because each person knits differently… are you a tight, loose, or somewhere in-between knitter?
Knowing your measurements: circumference of the neck, bust, hips and the arm hole are critical for a good fit. She gave a math equation of stitch count divided by stitches per inch to make your gauge swatch for further calculations on how many stitches to cast on. She also mentioned two other helpful guides as noted below.
Wraps Per Inch – Wrap yarn snugly for 1” on a pencil. Each inch represents the number of stitches/types of yarn as listed below. This can vary widely or can be just right.
Lace 30-40 wpi
Fingering 13-30 wpi
Sport/DK 12-28 wpi
DK 11-15 wpi
Worsted or 4-ply 8-12 wpi
Bulky 6-9 wpi
Super Bulky 5-6 wpi
Jumbo 1-4 wpi
Folding Yarn Together to knit an item:
2 strands of Lace = Fingering weight
2 strands of Fingering = Sport weight
2 strands of Sport = DK light weight
2 strands of DK light = Worsted/4-ply weight
2 strands of Worsted/4-ply = Bulky weight
2 strands of Bulky = Super weight
If you would like to contact Makayla, she works at Teaselwick Wools (971-304-7050) and creates pattern and videos which can be seen on “Hooked in a Flash” on YouTube, Etsy or Facebook.
Upcoming Events
Next Meeting
“Christmas in July” will commence at our next meeting, July 12, 2025. We will meet at the usual location – first floor of the Mill Building. Bring all knitting items, yarn and the like so they can find a good and new home.
President Arthur started the meeting by recognizing birthdays of members (above) and new members and guest: Cindey Giratt, Westley Starling and Grace Maurer, with guest Carol Wagner.
Su Fennern stated that “Sheep to Shawl” was a success and graciously thanked members Debbie Paxon, Diane Williams, Judith Bither, Sara Almond, Marsha Graciosa, Tia Purdy, Michelle Sanguinetti, Janet Bubl and Heather Sly-Haley for their assistance. It was unclear if attendance was more than last year.
It was announced that Salem Fiberarts Guild (SFG) is having a Stash Sale on June 14, the same day as our June meeting. If members want to sell their stash, they must be members of the SFG; however, you can shop without membership from 10 AM – 3 PM in the grassy area of the WHC parking lot.
Pres. Authur called for nominations for Guild Secretary, with Su Fennern nominating Margaret Fizer. This was seconded by many members, and votes were secured without dissent. Margaret Fizer is the official Guild Secretary. Congrats and thank you!
Service Projects Donation Update
Su Fennern reviewed our 2025 Service Projects:
WATCH CAPS: donated over 40; HOPE BABY ITEMS: over 70. Su suggested we shift our knitting focus to Operation School Bell (OSB) hats, stating that last year, we knitted 339 items. She recognized top knitters: Kathy Goebel – 94 hats, Sue Culbertson – 45 hats, Sue Tyvoll – 40 hats, Cheryl Kleckner – 35 hats, Sandy Galbraith – 33 hats, plus 2 scarves. Thanks to all who participated!
Sue Culbertson and Margaret Fizer spoke about OSB hats helping Head Start to third graders. About 20 have been collected in 2025. They offered the hat pattern copies for worsted weight yarn and stated that the pattern was on the website. Parameters: hat should fit head circumference 20”, height 8.5”, solids, stripes, or colors yarn makes as knitted. Best colors: red, pink, blue, green, purple, brown and black.
Show & Tell
Sara Amend sported a sweet sweater with slant pockets that fit perfectly after she altered the pattern.
Joellen Kay showed off a striking subtle lime green and white striped sweater. Both were well received with positive comments.
Judy Ozalan handed out her popular mosaic “Phone Cozy” pattern.
Program
Our speaker was Lois Olund owner of Blakesley Farm in Philomath, Oregon. She shared her love of sheep and her journey into the sheep business. She moved to Oregon in 1978 and purchased land. Her love of spinning and sheep came together as she taught Special Ed classes by day and spun and planned by night. Her dreams sprouted a home, barns, land for Wensleydale sheep to roam and breed, an AirBnB, heritage apple grove and a Wool Company.
She imparted her knowledge to us with the interesting fact that sheep were domesticated 9-11,000 yrs ago. Stats: over 1 billion sheep are alive in our world, with 165,000 in Oregon, which is one of the top 10 sheep-raising areas in the U.S., mainly due to our climate.
She set up a dynamic display of 140 single photos of sheep with touchable samples of the fleece each breed produces. Sixty of the sheep breeds pictured can be found in the U.S. Yarn balls with the sheep’s breed were available for us to touch. She made a visual board listing the breed name with sample strands of wool noting the fiber characteristics that turn into yarn we use. She also showed a very large book with “everything sheep” that she has created, drawing from her research, knowledge and many photos and wool samples mailed to her over the years.
Needless to say, the entire program plus the displays was so impressive!
For more info: contact Lois at 541-609-0838; lolund@peak.org; Blakesley Creek Farm in Philomath, OR. Wensleydale sheep breeding stock and products, heritage apples and owner of Bellwether Wool Company. Sheepherder Wagon AirBnB.
Upcoming Events
Next Meeting
June’s meeting will be held in the old Pendleton Store area at Willamette Heritage Center (WHC) due to a scheduling conflict.
August’s meeting will be held at WHC – probably outdoors, with possibly Little Lois Lunches ordered. All Knit Along is the featured activity.
If we missed your birthday or have you in the wrong month, please let us know!
April Meeting Highlights
Guild Business
President Arthur welcomed guests – Beth Maurer’s daughter Grace and Amelia Van Hook’s father – and announced that there is still an opening for Program Coordinator. Vice President Tia Purdy took a few minutes to add that this is not just a one-person position; two people could work together to make the job easier. Think about having two friends and all the fun times you would have going places to check out new stores, events, places for field trips, etc.
November Fiberarts Guild Sale: Sue Culbertson and Su Fennern talked about tags that each item being sold will have. The tag will have two parts: the top part attached to the item that the purchaser will take to the cashier for payment, and the bottom part that the knitter will keep. Information on the tag will be the seller’s name: First name and first letter of last name. Each seller will be given a number, in case they choose not to use their name. The tag will also have a description of the item and the price.
Su Fennern passed around the sign-up sheets for the May 3, 2025 Sheep to Shawl event.
President Arthur shared the upcoming collectable Oregon State Button Society Show and Sale May 2 and 3, 2025, held at the Best Western Hotel in Keizer.
Show & Tell
Judy Ozalan showed a cell phone cozy that she made. She will bring a few copies of the pattern to the next Guild meeting.
Program: Members sharing about their first knitting projects, who taught them/how they learned to knit, and other interesting facts on knitting
Heather Sly-Haley shared what was supposed to have been a scarf. It didn’t make it, but can be used as a pot holder.
Amelia Van Hook has always been interested in knitting from watching her aunt. She received a scarf kit from her aunt and gave it as a gift. Amelia shared that some friends have called her an old lady because she knits. She embraces this!
Debbi Paxon shared knitted clothing that her grandmother knitted in the 60’s. There were two dresses, two outfits, with a skirt and a sweater on a cardigan, and one pullover.
Grace Maurer shared that her first item knitted was a scarf for her teacher. She is working on a scarf for herself using circular needles.
Kitty Crawford learned how to knit from her great-grandmother. Her mother and grandmother crocheted and did embroidery work. Kitty’s first projects were a crocheted afghan and a Fisherman’s sweater that she knitted in the back loop. Kitty used books and looked at pictures on how things were done.
Kathy Goebel learned to knit from her mother as a child. Kathy was wearing a cardigan that she knitted in the 80’s. The cardigan has cables and lace. She shared a shawl that she made using yarn purchased from a silent retreat auction. Colors were wonderful.
Sue Culbertson read a piece that she had written for her college project about her grandmother teaching her and seeing her gnarly fingers and comparing them with hers today. She spoke of her mentor, Mrs. Shepard, and 4-H leader and learning skills from them. She was part of a Community Quilt project that gave the quilt to the Oregon School for the Blind in 1964. All in all, she shared some of her memories of learning to knit.
Jo Ellen Kay shared a colorful baby bunting that she made in the 80’s that has entrelac, and she sewed in a zipper. Some day she’s hoping that a baby will use it.
Diane Williams shared that at her grandmother’s funeral, everyone brought a pair of mittens and covered the top of the casket with them. At Christmas time, Diane filled a box with mittens, socks, and scarves and sent it off to her eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
Carol Jones used to own a cottage industry called Bluebird Woolens. Carol made designs for companies such as L.L. Bean using knitting machines. She moved on to working with computers for the state of Maine and then raising sheep. In 2012, Carol started knitting with knitting needles, and she claims that knitting has been born again for her.
Patty Scruggs learned to crochet from her grandmother. Her aunt knitted sweaters, and she hoped that she would get one from her aunt. That didn’t happen. Patty did crochet matching sweaters for her son, husband, and herself. For some time, she knitted while watching her husband bowl. One pair of socks that she knitted for her son did not match exactly. Seems one sock was 2″ shorter than the other because she wanted to get to the foot part of the pattern. Patty knits for a Knit to Fit organization; mainly gloves for individuals with special-shaped hands.
Michelle Sanguinetti shared that she has learned from You Tube videos. She knits Continental style. One of her favorite designers is Stephen West. She shared a Clockwork shawl.
Tia Purdy shared that her great-grandmother knitted. Sometimes the great-grandmother’s knitted items were knitted really tight. She learned how to knit Christmas stockings. Tia did take a 4-H class and didn’t like it at all. Her mother has been there to provide guidance and to get her back on the right track with patterns.
Watch Caps collected: 19 caps in March and 20 caps in April, for a total of 39 caps donated.
HOPE Baby items collected: 11 items such as booties, socks, two outfits that included a onesie, hat, and booties. Five sewn receiving blankets, and 10 hats for a total of 26. Year-to-date donation is close to 50 items.
Upcoming Events
Next Meeting
The May meeting will be on Saturday, May 10, 2025 at the Willamette Heritage Center. Lois Olund from Blakesley Creek Farm will enlighten us about breeds of sheep and how their fiber characteristics affect the lovely yarn we use to knit.
If we missed your birthday or have you in the wrong month, please let us know!
March Meeting Highlights
Guild Business
President Arthur welcomed new members Beth Maurer and Billy Essaides and guests Wesley Starling and Deb Soren.
Marcia Smith asked for a 2025 Program Coordinator to step-up. She would assist the Coordinator.
Margaret Fizer and Sue Culbertson stated that Operation School Bell hats are an unofficial Service Project. They collected eight hats. Su Fennern stated that Watch Caps will be sold at the Oregon State Hospital Museum’s March kick-off 50th Cuckoo’s Nest Anniversary. Watch Caps should be a solid color. Eighteen were gathered today.
Beth Maurer gave a touching overview of the support for Hope Pregnancy Center, needed gifts items, and parenting programs provided by the Center. Baby knits collected today will be gifted. Several blankets, four sweaters, eight pairs of socks, ten hats, one pair of mitts, and twelve pairs of booties were collected.
President Arthur announced the Oregon State Button Society’s Annual Show and Sale on May 2-3 at the Best Western Hotel in Keizer, OR.
Su Fennern asked for May’s “Sheep to Shawl” volunteers. It will be held at the Willamette Heritage Center.
Marcia Smith led our group in a learning experience of Show & Tell. After that, she reviewed the many stellar highlights of the Guild’s website.
Show & Tell
Members showed off in grand fashion:
Marcia shared the “Knitting Without Tears” book.
Nilly asked for help on her vest and Sophie scarf.
Sue modeled her Vest #2/Ravelry that turned out large but goes with everything.
Guest Wesley is working on his handspun yarn cowl.
Sara’s cranberry Watch Cap looks grand, even though members agreed it might be a boring knit.
Joyce’s double-points hold a pretty sock of sparkly gold yarn.
Cathy will soon donate a blanket for Hope and passed around her Fair Isle Sweater to the delight of members.
Judith is gifting mitts using Samantha’s Fingerless Gloves/Ravelry to a family member.
Jackie’s Watch Cap has a “life line” to use if she doesn’t pay attention. Members liked the idea.
Patty’s husband claimed her hat from a “Superbowl Knit Along” – pattern by Marly Bird.
Deb wore a cherished sweater her Mom knitted, as members’ thoughts were stirred.
Judy showed a useful mosaic phone purse from a 2009 pattern by Amy Paulson.
Mary displayed a super-useful creative knitting bag she designed/sewed along with dazzling rechargeable lighted gloves – Amazon under LED Flashlight gloves – watch the sizing.
Debby showed her yarn spindle that makes yarn corralling easy.
Kathy is knitting a baby hat from Ela Patterns, from donated yarn whose sizing is questionable.
Sandy sported her lovely St. Patrick’s Day scarf from a previous member’s pattern.
Marsha donated many baby items for the Hope Pregnancy Center and is working on a Watch Cap.
Carol got “oohs” for her cute dog sweater – pattern from Purl SOHO/Ravelry.
Holly is knitting a baby hat with red/blue buttons.
Linda showed a handsome brown Watch Cap.
Su is knitting sweet booties.
Show & Tell ended with a soft cowl and Mosaic Polly Sweater.
President Arthur reminded everyone that Daylight Saving Time starts this weekend.
Upcoming Events
April Meeting
Our next meeting is Saturday, April 12, 10-12, at Willamette Heritage Center in the Classroom in the Mill Building (same place as usual).
Our program for April is YOU, our members. Be ready to share your knitting stories; who taught you how to knit; why did you want to learn to knit; your favorite items to knit and why; all the fun and interesting stories of your knitting career. Also, look in the back of your closet to find something you knit a long time ago, so we can appreciate your knitting accomplishments, no matter how long ago that was.
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
If we missed your birthday or have you in the wrong month, please let us know!
January Meeting Highlights
Guild Business
President Joyce Arthur asked for Secretarial nominations, but none were received.
Su Fennern discussed plans for the fall Salem Fiberarts Guild Annual Sale. A huge board noting participating members’ names was displayed. Su asked participants to note their craft item on the board. She will discuss more details at future meetings.
Marcia Smith asked for a volunteer to become the Program Coordinator.
Su Fennern presented three potential Service Projects: Knitted Knockers, Hope Pregnancy Clinic, and the 50th Anniversary of One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest Hats. It was decided to vote for two of these projects. Towards the meeting’s end, Tia Purdy motioned for Hope Pregnancy Clinic and the Cuckoo Nest Hat to be our Service Projects for 2025. Heather Sky-Haley seconded. Members approved without dissent.
Sue Culbertson and Margaret Fizer bestowed thank-you notes to members who knitted hats for the Operation School Bell 2024 Service Project. Special acknowledgement and a gift certificate with beautiful flower bouquet were given by President Arthur to Debbie Paxson, who served as Treasurer for four years, and Marcia Smith, who served as Program Coordinator for three+ years.
Judy Ozalan and Marcia Graciosa completed year-end auditing of the Guild’s finances.
Show & Tell
Kitty Crawford showed two creations of a sparkly Art Deco Polish-style crocheted shawl and a dramatic black lace boatneck top.
Sara Amend demonstrated a clever tape measure marker that flows along as you knit to measure length.
Sandy Galbraith showed-off a thin neck light that could help you see knit stitches easier.
Program: Leann Bleakney from Silver Falls Fiber Company
With no future business or member comments, President Arthur introduced our speaker, Leann Bleakney from Silver Falls Fiber Co. She delighted us with her story of how she became a one-person shop, dyeing yarn & fiber for spinners and ice tie-dying clothing. She is in the process of opening her store at 503 N 2nd St. in Silverton, across from Trinity Church. Come visit!
Upcoming Events
February 2025 Meeting
For our February 8 meeting, we will have David Altman from Willamette University presenting on the history of knitting.
Our historic buildings remain protected.
Salem Millstream Knitting Guild 
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