Category: Meeting Minutes

Meeting Minutes

May 2026 Minutes

Salem Millstream Knitting Guild

This Month

Birthdays

Happy Birthday to:

  • Sara Amend
  • Cindy Barrick
  • Kathy Goebel
  • Westley Starling

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

Meeting Highlights

Co-President Janet Bubl opened the meeting by greeting members and guests Michele Breault, Christine Chute & Juanita Stram. Janet thanked all members who participated in the successful May 2 Sheep to Shawl: Judith Bither, Janet Bubl, Sandy Galbraith, Debbie Juul, JoEllen Kay, Debbie Paxson, Michelle Sanguinetti, Heather Sly-Haley, Westley Starling, Lisa Wilson & Diane Williams. At the gathering, information was given to interested parties about Guild membership and our May 9 Brioche Pastiche Workshop.   

Janet will meet with the Program Committee soon to discuss the remaining year’s program schedule.

“Yarn to go”: Janet stated that the side table had yarn for the taking. 

Service Projects

Operation School Bell (OSB): Secretary Margaret Fizer stated the hats we knit serve part of the almost 3,000 students touched by Operation School Bell. Our hats go to students from pre-school to third grade. Students may also receive new clothes, shoes, hygiene kits and/or vouchers. As of our May meeting, 126 hats have been collected. Margaret stated the goal this year was 365 hats, and she thanked all members for their help. 

Hope Pregnancy Clinic: This month, three hats and one pair of booties were collected, along with three absolutely perfect crocheted blankets and matching handbags created by Jackie Budge. Beth Mauer from Hope Pregnancy Clinic collects these items, and they are gifted to those who come in for a pregnancy test, counseling and/or parenting programs.  

Salem Soup Squad and Free Fridge Salem: Although not mentioned in the meeting, Co-President Westley Starling introduced a new service program in April for Salem Soup Squad and Free Fridge Salem. Members of these organizations give adult guests warm weather items such as hats, scarves and gloves. In May, four adult hats were collected.

May Service Project donations:

  • HOPE: 10 baby items
  • OSB: 16 child hats
  • Salem Soup Squad: 4 items

Show & Tell

  • Kitty Crawford modeled a bright royal purple vest she knitted while sailing across the Atlantic.  It’s made of Berroco Modern Cotton from a pattern called Admit. The free pattern is on the Berroco website. This pretty vest can be worn over a shirt or by itself. Kitty also showed off a soft grey Etta sweater made of one strand each knitted-together Hedgehog sock wool and kid mohair yarn.
  • Marcia Smith confessed to cannibalism in the form of taking apart old purses & then knitting cotton pouches around used purse handles. She lines the purses and is ready to go about town. Marcia presented a very creative brown and white purse, while admitting she made up the pattern.

Program: The Design Process with Michele Bernstein

Kitty Crawford introduced our speaker, Michele Lee Bernstein, who took to the podium with wit and charm to speak about how she designs her original knits. 

Michele mentioned that designing and teaching have been her love for almost 20 years. When she was 14, a favorite aunt taught her how to knit and her first piece was a knit-in-the-round sweater.  Unfortunately, she did not check the gauge.  The sweater was far too big for her, so she shrank it and it just turned out a strange size.  She wished she had kept this piece to show us. 

Michele stated she liked to design and knit accessories because she could choose what she likes to knit and what she likes to wear. She went on to say, when she designs a pattern, she considers color, yarn, techniques and stitches. 

Full to semi-solids colors and yarn that suit her designs are the best choices for Michele. She has repurposed favorite yarn and distinctive dyed yarn into useful accessories.  Her remarkable knitting techniques produce more than just fabric from yarn.  The knitted samples she shared with us proved her techniques were artistic and inspiring. 

Michele stated she does not like “boring knits”, so she knits novelty stitches into all her accessories. She selects stiches from different “Stitch Dictionaries”.  One of her slides showed a Japanese Stitch Dictionary that had fresh and unique stitches. In Michele’s beautiful and soft samples, you could see the color, yarn, techniques and the amazing stitches that make her creations a delight to the eye.

What makes a good design? It looks good, it’s relaxing to knit, the pattern is easy to explain and the design has a good sense of proportion.

What does she love to teach? Brioche, Steeking, Entrelac and Assigned Pooling.

Where can we find support as we try new knitting techniques? Michele’s website PDXKnitterati.com  Note: Michele blogs about knitting, food, and music on her website. You can also find her on Instagram, Facebook, Ravelry, YouTube, Threads, and Bluesky. She’s “PDXKnitterati” on all platforms. What is your newest book?  Brioche  Knit  Love: 21 Skill Building Projects from Simple to Sublime. Check her website for links on how to purchase her book or find it on Amazon.

Next Meeting

Our next meeting is June 13, 2026 at the Willamette Heritage Center at the Mill in Salem. We’re celebrating Christmas in June! This is your chance to find a new home for your patterns, yarns, needles, books, buttons, and any other knitting items you no longer need. Discover new treasures to take home with you.

Are you interested in ice dyeing yarn? We will be polling members at the June meeting for interest in an ice dying program in July and a possible hands-on experience afterward.

Kitty Crawford’s daughter can come to our July 11 meeting to explain the process. Afterwards, Kitty would invite members to a hands-on experience with ice dyeing yarn at her house. The afternoon would require an additional fee for supplies.

Please let us know at the June meeting if you are interested in a Guild presentation, the hands-on experience, and/or both. We need to know well in advance so supplies can be ordered.

Other Events

Meeting Minutes

April 2026 Minutes

Salem Millstream Knitting Guild

This Month

Birthdays

photo of knitted piece of birthday cake (pink with white frosting, a knitted candle, and a dark pink ribbon) with link to knitting pattern

Happy April Birthday to:

Judith Bither

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

Meeting Highlights

Co-President Janet Bubl opened the meeting by greeting members and our guest, Michele Breault. Janet announced the following topics.

Sheep to Shawl: Afternoon knitting demonstrators are needed for the May 2 Willamette Heritage Center event which will be held in the Dye House. 

May Meeting Reminder:  Michele Bernstein will speak at our 10 a.m. May 9 Guild meeting. After lunch, she will present the 2.5 hour Brioche Pastiche Workshop. As of this date, 16 members and 2 non-members will be in attendance. There are two sponsorships available for any member to attend the May 9 workshop to be held in the WHC Education Room from 1-3:30 p.m. See Treasurer Sue Culbertson if interested.

“Yarn to go”: Janet stated that the back side table had yarn for the taking.

Service Projects

  • Operation School Bell (OSB): Secretary Margaret Fizer stated that as of this March, 93 hats have been collected. This is an all-time high for the first three months of the year since the project began in February 2024. She and Treasurer Sue Culbertson thanked those who have donated.
  • Hope Pregnancy Clinic: Beth Maurer, Communications Director, mentioned that the blankets, hats, booties and sweaters we knit are very much appreciated. Items are gifted to those who come in for a pregnancy test, counseling and/or parenting programs.  
  • Salem Soup Squad & Free Fridge Salem: Co-President Westley Starling introduced a new Service Project. Members of these organizations give adult guests warm cold-weather items such as hats, scarfs and gloves. No patterns are required. Guild members liked the project and gave a hearty “Yes” to include this as our third Service Project. It was noted that we now will serve babies, children and adults in our community.

April Service Project donations:

  • HOPE: 16 baby items
  • OSB: 17 child hats

Total donations for 2026 thus far:

  • HOPE: 47 baby items
  • OSB: 110 child hats

Show & Tell

  • Vice-President Heather Sly-Haley’s daughter sported a hole in the shoulder area of one of her most favorite sweatshirts. Heather found a “Second Round Sleeve” way to pick-up stitches around the armhole, then join in the round, working downward. She used two different colors of DK yarn and it evolved into a fabulous look for her daughter. Is she starting a trend?
  • Member Leann Bleakney wore one of her favorite sweaters to our meeting. It was a test knit for Kelly Forrester in DK weight. Leann was told she was a loose knitter, so she had to really work at getting the turquoise and gold accented sweater to fit. She dyed the gold yarn in her sweater. The gold yarn and turquoise based sweater was perfect as well as the fit. Leann also noted that next Saturday, April 18, at her shop, Silver Falls Fiber Co., there is open knitting from 2-4 p.m., with free drinks in the fridge.

Program: Knitting Learning Stations

Special thanks to our brave experts who took-on our members’ attention, questions and comments.  Five tables were set-up, each with a knitting skill focus.  Members rotated to areas of interest and the Education Room was buzzing with activity, discussion and learning.  The program was relaxed and well received.

Table #1: Sara Amend – Fixing a Dropped Stitch

Sara showed how to fix dropped knit and purl stitches by recovering the loop that has slipped.  A crochet hook or a knitting needle can fix everything you did or failed to do.  This essential repair prevents embarrassing holes in your knits, fixes your errors and leads to no one knowing the difference.

Table #2: Heather Sly-Haley – Joining Yarns and Changing Colors

Heather showed many ways to join yarns – changing colors or not. Fisherman’s Knot, Spit Splice, plus the ever-popular Russian Join were some of the methods shared. It was noted that the Spit Splice was to be used only with wool and possibly in private.  If you use one of these techniques, you will minimize tails and weaving in, plus create a clean transition to the amazement of your friends.

Table #3: Westley Starling – Putting in a Lifeline

Westley artfully showed and discussed how to place a yarn or thread lifeline.  This helpful but sometimes ignored deed can serve as a checkpoint to safely rip back mistakes and thus eliminate frustration.  Perhaps as members saw Westley’s demonstration, many could remember when such a simple action would have saved them time and discouragement.

Table #4: Lisa Wilson – Measuring Gauge

Lisa had a great swatch sample to talk about measuring gauge in flat or in-the-round knitting. She discussed the value of this exercise before you start your project. It can save time and aggravation in fitting a sweater or just getting a sock size right. Some admitted to doing the gauge while others were silent. However, Lisa taught the method perfectly. This habit, although one of postponing the start of your project, can be vital to the best fit.

Table #5: Su Fennern, Kathy Goebel, Marsha Graciosa, and Tia Purdy – Weaving in and Finishing

Four expert members, Su, Kathy, Marsha and Tia, demonstrated the many ways to weave in and finish your knits without a hint of dangling yarn. From socks and hats to sweaters and blankets, weaving-in prevents unraveling and ensures your “show-off” abilities for an invisible finish.

Next Month

In May, please join us for a presentation by Portland-based knitting designer, teacher, and blogger Michele Bernstein, author of Brioche Knit Love: 21 Skill Building Projects from Simple to Sublime, a new book that takes knitters from the easiest one-color brioche through more complex techniques. And don’t forget: Michele will also present a special after-meeting workshop, Brioche Pastiche, from 1-3:30 p.m. Registration closes April 24.

Other Events

Meeting Minutes

March 2026 Minutes

Salem Millstream Knitting Guild

This Month

Birthdays

Happy March Birthday to:

  • Jackie Budge
  • Lynda Hoodward
  • Amelia Van Hook
  • Carol Whitney

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

Guild Business

Co-President Westley Starling welcomed all members. There were no guests acknowledged, although the sign-in sheet noted guest Zara Elliott was in attendance.

Treasurer Sue Culbertson gave the treasurer report as follows:

  • Beginning Balance: $1,797
  • Income: + $1,140
  • Expenses: – $ 565
  • Ending Balance: $2,372

Sue stated that we have 39 returning members and 6 new members, totaling 45 members. She added she was still taking any outstanding dues.

Westley asked for May 2 Sheep to Shawl volunteers to represent the Guild and demonstrate knitting at this free annual family event exploring the magic of wool fiber processing. A volunteer sign-up sheet was available for three shifts – four knitters per shift. See the WHC Sheep to Shawl webpage for more event info.

Secretary Margaret Fizer and Treasurer Sue Culbertson asked for any members interested in selling their knits at the November 7 Fiberarts Sale to see them after the meeting. 

Secretary Margaret asked members who has not received the Newsletter/Minutes to let her know after checking their junk email folder. 

Kitty Crawford, Program Committee Member, and Treasurer Sue Culbertson updated us about the May 9 Michele Bernstein Brioche Pastiche Class.

  • 13 members are signed up. A total of 18 is needed to finance the program.
  • Brioche pattern will be included in the class at no charge.
  • Class Supplies: Worsted weight yarn – light color 100 yds. and dark color 100 yds. Size 6 circular needles 16”or 20”, stitch markers, row counter or pen and paper.   
  • Projects: Small hat = 72 stitches, Large hat = 78 stitches, Cowl = 96 stitches.
  • Homework: With dark colored yarn – long tail cast on stitches for desired project listed above. Join in the round, being careful not to twist. Next, knit 1 round. 

Member Janet Kington stated the Oregon State Button Society will have its Annual Show and Sale titled ‘Beach Button Bonanza 2026’ on May 1 and 2 at the Best Western Hotel in Keizer.  There is free admission and parking. There will be large collections of antique, vintage & studio fashion buttons. See www.oregonstatebuttonsociety.org for more info.

Sunshine Coordinator Tia Purdy shared a message from Leann Bleakney, member and owner of Silver Falls Fiber Co., inviting members and guests to knit at her studio at 503 N 2nd Street in Silverton on March 21 at 2 p.m. For questions, contact her at 503-381-5243.

Program co-chair Judith Bither stated April’s program would be Knitting Learning Stations. She asked that members write topics of interest and give to her at the meeting’s end.

Westley introduced a Service Project for members’ consideration.  The Salem Soup Squad provides meals and harm reduction items to the Salem community. They are in need of adult size hats to give their guests. This will be discussed at the April meeting.

March Service Project donations:

  • HOPE: 4 baby items
  • OSB: 27 child hats

Show & Tell

  • Marsha Graciosa proudly showed her sharp turquoise and white brioche hat made of Cascade 220. It is a soft but thick hat sure to keep you warm and be in fashion.
  • Kitty Crawford modeled a striking royal purple vest made of Berroco Modern Cotton from a pattern called Admit. This pretty vest can be worn over a shirt in the fall/winter or by itself in warmer weather. Find the free pattern on www.berroco.com.
  • Tia Purdy needed another person to help her unfold her absolutely gorgeous Porto Blanket by Purl Soho. (Free pattern on Ravelry.) Tia started the blanket at Christmas time with some doubts that her 2,187 yards of DK single cone merino wool could be knit without knots. She took the intricate pattern, knitted, and no knots resulted. She held up a tiny plastic bag that contained the hard-to-see plum size remainder of her yarn from that single cone. Tia, congratulations on a no-knot knit!
  • Sisters Margaret Burden and Emily Markus took over the stage with their creative fingering hat and shawl combos. Each sister interpreted the Labyrinth Shawl – 2026 Rose City Yarn Crawl MKAL pattern by Lis Smith differently.  One sister used seven colors and the other two colors (one solid and one gradient). Beads embellished the shawl at bind-off. A hat, knitted by using one element of the shawl pattern, completed the unique look. The shawl pattern is available for purchase on Ravelry.
  • Sandy Galbraith honored St. Patrick’s Day by wearing her lovely variegated green Celtic Knot Looped Scarf. She also presented a sweet Ella Rue Rustic Silk Speckled Yarn No Place Like Home Scarf for our viewing. It was a variegated lavender and smooth as can be. Sandy stated it was simple to knit after you figured out the pattern. 

Program: How to Get the Most Out of Ravelry

For our March program, co-President Westley Starling and member Lisa Wilson did about the impossible.  These experts condensed the gigantic Ravelry website into bite-size pieces that members could understand and incorporate into their knitting lives.

Lisa started with the Profile Section that essentially defines who you are as a fiber arts creator. You can include favorites plus finished projects and connect with other users. 

Westley continued with Pattern Browser. There is an extensive search engine that allows you to filter by style, weight, gauge and size. A brain hat was found in one search. 

Lisa then talked about Favorites – bundled or single. This feature lets you organize and save patterns/projects… bundled or not. Lisa had quite a few delightful bundles. 

Westley’s turn now. Purchasing on Ravelry can be anywhere from a simple pattern to a yarn stash and in-between. He mentioned that PayPal’s “buy it now… add to cart… purchase” system was useful. You can use a credit card, but payments go through PayPal. 

Lisa went on to the wonders of the Project Notebook which is a place to keep track of projects with yarn, needle, photo and pattern details. Projects can be placed in your “Queue” to think about, decide a start date or put them into hibernation, an ever-popular spot. 

Westley commented further on documenting your projects… mainly your finished ones. You can put all the details you want in the section plus write how you modified your pattern, if you liked it or if you would never do it again. The Yarn Database is where you can search different yarns, fiber content and patterns down to the minutiae. 

Lisa tackled the Stash Management Section. This essentially is a place to track what your stash contains.  You can make photos, add a detailed fiber description plus pick a pattern that would work-up well with your selected yarn. 

Westley rounded out the program with Community. You can get to know others from your hometown or worldwide. There are groups, events, yarn talk plus anything you want to create. 

Questions were taken. The program ended with great applause and thanks to our awesome presenters.

Next Month

Our next meeting is April 11, 2026 at the Willamette Heritage Center at the Mill in Salem. The program will be Knitting Learning Stations, a hands-on session inspired by member feedback. Small-group stations will offer tricks and tips for improving your knitting or learning something new. Knit a stockinette sample of 20 stitches at least 4 inches long to work on techniques. It’s a relaxed, collaborative way to refresh your skills and welcome spring with creativity!

Other Events

Meeting Minutes

February 2026 Minutes

Salem Millstream Knitting Guild

This Month

Birthdays

Happy February Birthday to:

  • Sue Culbertson
  • Margaret Fizer
  • Patty Scruggs

Old Business

Co-President Westley Starling welcomed all Guild Members and Guests: Kim Bailey, Zara Elliot, Jeani Shriver, with Debbie Turner & Lori Paltridge – who both joined.

Co-President Janet Bubl mentioned that several members are at Red Alder Fiber Arts Festival in Tacoma and that our future Brioche speaker, Michelle Bernstein, was presenting there.

Janet continued with information for our Brioche Pastiche Workshop that will be held on May 9, 2026 from 1-3:30pm at WHC Education Room.

Registration forms are available at our meetings and on the Salem Millstream Knitting Guild website under 2026 May Calendar.  Deadline for registering is April 24, 2026, with accompanying fee for members of $35 and for non-members $50. Registration is limited to 25 people, and Treasurer Sue Culbertson will take registration forms and fees, which will be held until we are assured of 25 registrants. Posters with info and the QR code are available, if you can post them in places with interested parties. Janet thanked Judith Bither’s friend, Jamie, for the attractive poster and registration design.

DUES: Treasurer Sue Culbertson is collecting dues of $30 from all new and renewing members. If there is a member in need of sponsorship, please let Sue know, as a sponsorship is possible, and no one should be excluded for this or other reasons. Janet mentioned that attending two meetings as a guest is our policy, and after that, attendance should be by membership only.

Janet stated that the Willamette Heritage Center (WHC) has a new exhibit, “Echoes of ‘76,” and is starting a Speakers Series this year. There is a new café opening in April – Lively Station. She mentioned that the Education Room was a fitting place to meet and appreciated the reasonable fee. WHC brochures and membership info are available at our meetings.

Last month’s speaker, Dawn Franke, with assistance from daughter Amelia Van Hook, brought their Franke Goat Soaps for us to purchase.

Service Projects

The Service Projects Review was introduced by Co-President Westley Starling. The Asstistance League’s Operation School Bell (OSB) Service Project was presented by Sue Culbertson and Margaret Fizer. They explained the OSB request process: A school counselor makes a request to OSB for new clothing, and then orders are filled. The knitted hats made by Guild members is included with all pre-K to 3rd grade orders. The hat becomes a gift, as it’s the child’s alone and not a hand-me-down. A simple hat pattern made with 20” circulars and 8.5” height is available on our website under ‘Service Projects’. Hats are collected at each Guild meeting.

Member Beth Mauer presented information about Hope Pregnancy Clinic. She requested members make baby hats, blankets and booties that will be shared as a gift to Mothers who come to the Clinic. Many young mothers’ hearts are warmed by the gifts.  A baby sizing chart is available on the website under “Ways to Give.”  Baby items will be collected at each Guild meeting.

February Service Project donations:

  • Hope: 27 baby items
  • OSB: 23 child hats

NOTE:  If there are any other Service Projects that members would like to bring before the Guild, please contact Co-President Janet Bubl or Westley Starling.

Show & Tell

  • Kathy Wilhelm showed off a fashionable and soft triangle shawl called the Bonnie Slide by Taiga Hilliard. Kathy knitted the shawl with Madelinetosh fingering ultramarine violet wool and Fae Mohair -colorway of green, blue & purple by Ritual Dyes out of Portland. She also showed off her Melt the Ice Badge. Both patterns are on Ravelry.
  • Tia Purdy previewed her almost completed Thrummed Headband from the February 7 class at Leann Bleakney’s shop, Silver Falls Fiber Co. Tia stated the next class is February 21.  The headband’s front is highlighted in cobalt blue Cascade yarn, and its back is a pillowy lime-green felt.
  • Judith Bither sported her lovely red Melt the Ice Hat made of the softest Dromedary/Merino yarn using the pattern on Ravelry, and a size U.S. 8 needle can be used to get a larger hat than the pattern describes. Many members are knitting this hat. Judith mentioned that stores are out of red yarn.
  • Westley Starling wowed Guild members and guests with the reversible and double layered Elf-burgh Hat made of Noro Silk Garden Yarn. The designer is Ysolda Teague, and the pattern is on Ravelry. This no-seam hat is knitted from the top of one crown to the other as a long tube and then folded.  It’s an amazing knit.
  • Heather Sly-Haley gave us a project to complete if you are flying for 4.5 hours and not interested in the in-flight movie… it’s called Quick Ombre Hat from Ravelry and designed by Emily Dormier. Heather knitted the hat with her special Italian sage green and cream worsted wools that she bought in Florence last year. Very stylish and special.

Program: Hand-dyed Yarns with Ann Woods from A Skeiner Darkly

Ann Woods, Dyer and Owner of A Skeiner Darkly, presented how her interest in hand-dyeing yarn led to her current business. She displayed beautiful and interesting dyed yarns for us to see, touch and purchase, plus she explained how each skein was brought to life and named.

She reviewed the techniques of dyeing she uses to make yarn variations of solid, semisolid, speckled and pastel yarns. She discussed all the intricacies of dyeing wool: dye powders, dunking, immersion, twisting, sprinkling, lifting out, vinegar washes, pour-over dyeing and assigned pooling, etc. Ann mentioned drying after dyeing takes anywhere from 24 hours to three days.     

Ann passed around a wonderful hat from the Ravelry pattern Happy Clusters. The knit used her cluster-colored yarn to make the hat a showstopper. 

Ann is a practicing ophthalmologist and also has an interest in Sci-fi. She shared with us that she names her yarns with Sci-fi themes such as “Imperial Guard,” “Hyperspace Expressway,” and “Alderaan Twilight.”  This prohibits boring yarn names. You can find her unique and chic yarns on Etsy and in Salem at Skein and Scribe at 3989 Commercial St SE, which offers needlecrafts, books, coffee, and pastries. She invited all to visit the shop. 

Next Month

Our next meeting is March 14, 2026 at the Willamette Heritage Center at the Mill in Salem. Westley Starling will do a presentation on how to get the most out of Ravelry.

Other Events

  • March 5-8, 2026 – Rose City Yarn Crawl, Portland, OR
  • May 2, 2026 – Sheep to Shawl, Willamette Heritage Center at the Mill, Salem, OR
Meeting Minutes

January 2026 Minutes

Salem Millstream Knitting Guild

This Month

We had a wonderful start to the New Year with a wonderfully informative program and lots of participation.

Happy 2026 New Year (crocheted pink number 2, green ball of yarn, crocheted blue number 2, crocheted yellow number 6) Wishing all our crochet and knitting friends a year filled with joyful stitching, cozy projects, and lots of yarny inspiration!

Birthdays

Happy January Birthday to:

  • Marcia Graciosa

Old Business


Co-Presidents Janet Bubl and Westley Starling welcomed members and nine guests/possible new members: Debbie Turner, Ginger Bernard, Carol Whitney, Rani Macias, Anita Dwyer, Jan McMahon, Lisa Wilson, Megan Whitney, and Xiran Clark.

Janet and Westley acknowledged and thanked past President Joyce Arthur and past Vice-President Tia Purdy for their care of and work with the Guild during their two years in office. The Guild members and guests applauded as thank you cards containing gift certificates were given to Joyce and Tia.

Before and during the meeting, $30/year dues were collected by Treasurer Sue Culbertson as members and/or guests signed renewal/new member forms, plus Hold Harmless forms.

Su Fennern, 2025 Community Event Coordinator, proudly presented a full list of our Service Projects for 2025:

2025 total for Assistance League-Operation School Bell (OSB) is 275. (2024+2025 = 625)

2025 total for Salem Hope – baby items is 172.

2025 OSH Watch Caps – 100.

Su mentioned that the November Fiberarts Sale was a success: there were nine sellers, 43 items sold, and $738 made. She confirmed that we are invited to the 2026 Fiberarts Sale, with the fee increased to $100. If there is interest, Su stated that a coordinator should volunteer and start prepping early. She would mentor, plus share all developed/used forms with the coordinator.

2026 Service Projects: It was discussed and agreed that Salem Hope and Operation School Bell (OSB) Service Projects would continue for another year, with Beth Mauer organizing/delivering Hope knits and Sue Culbertson and Secretary Margaret Fizer organizing/delivering OSB hats.

Any suggestions for other 2026 Service Projects will be taken at the next meeting.

Kitty Crawford, Program Committee member, continued the Michele Bernstein Class discussion from the December Meeting.

  • May 9: Michele Bernstein will present at our regular 10 a.m. to 12 noon monthly meeting.
  • A 2.5 hour Brioche Class will be held in the same room, one hour after the regular meeting.
  • The fee for Guild members will be from $35-$40, and possibly outsiders will be invited for a higher fee.
  • Fees will be collected by March and are not refundable.
  • There is a new restaurant at the Mill that will be open for lunch.

New Business

Program Committee Coordinator, Judith Bither, stated there were many programs in the works for 2026. She thanked Joyce Arthur for organizing the January program: Franke Farm Goat Soap, February program: Hand-dyed yarns with Ann from A Skeiner Darkly, and March program: Jennefer from Compass Moon Creations on breeds of sheep. Future programs will be announced as final plans are made.

Kitty Crawford volunteered to present an Intarsia program, and Vice-President Heather Sly-Haley volunteered to speak on dyeing yarn with mushrooms.

Leann Bleakney, member and owner of Silver Falls Fiber Co., invited members & guests to a knitting class on Thrummed Headbands on February 7 or 21, 10-12 noon, at Silver Falls Fiber Co. To RSVP and/or more info, contact Leann at lbleakney@gmail.com or 503-381-5243.

Show & Tell

photos of Guild members wearing or holding up items they knitted for Show and Tell
  • Tia Purdy: Lovely blue tank vest. Pattern: Dorthelia Tank by Corrina Ferguson. Elegant cranberry shawl. Pattern: California Dreamin’ Shawl by Adrienne Ku. Both patterns on Ravelry.
  • Lisa Wilson: Beautiful textured pullover. Pattern Alhambra by Isabell Kraemer on Ravelry.
  • Margaret Burden: Colorful shawl with 6 colors of local Teal Torch Fingering Yarn purchased at Weird Sisters in Portland. Pattern on Ravelry and is called Sharon Air by Casapinka.
  • Emily Markus: Fresh top-down-square shaped shawl. Pattern on Ravelry: Traveling Companion Shawl by Karen Strauss. Emily’s sister, Margaret Burden, knitted the shawl on a train trip together.
  • Debbie Turner: Simple garter triangle bandana with so many uses. Pattern: Hollo Bandana by Xigitcan/Pufido on Ravelry. Debbie mentioned she started over 4-5 times, but loves the results.
  • Sara Amend: Sweet yarn gift from family makes 3 soft designs. Patterns: Ice Diamond Headband & Fingerless Gloves both on Ravelry. Leftover yarn is going towards a scarf.
  • Beth Mauer: Smooth Sophie Scarf. Pattern on Ravelry by PetiteKnit. Counting rows was practiced. Daughter Grace Mauer proudly presented her Harry Potter maroon/gold Gryffindor colored scarf. Pattern: Harry Potter Knitting Book.
  • Sandy Galbraith: Pleasant green sweater from a Lion Brand Yarn Kit sporting a tree pattern. Sandy says it fits and is very comfortable.
  • Jan McMahon: Showed off her neck-lamp lights – great for dark knits and less frustration.
photos of Guild members wearing or holding up items they knitted for Show & Tell

Program: Goat Soap from Franke Farms

Amelia Van Hook introduced her Mom, Dawn Franke, to speak about her Franke Goat Farm & Soaps. Dawn gave a brief history of how her home-based business was started plus how she balances her French Alpine Diary Goats’ milk with other ingredients to make 4 to 8 creamy Signature Soaps. She did discuss and show a felted Goat Soap Bar. Dawn stated that some people made knitted sacks for the soap. Either are handy when traveling or camping. She did bring some soap for sale. If you want to know more about Franke Farms and/or want to purchase some Signature Soaps, please go to www.frankefarm.com.

Service Projects

2026 Assistance League Operation School Bell Service Project – An assortment of 43 colorful/imaginative/ perfect hats were collected.

Next Month

Our February meeting will welcome Ann from A Skeiner Darkly (a sci-fi pun—we’ll find out what that means!). Her hand-dyed yarn is created in Portland, and she has just opened a small shop in Salem: Skein & Scribe, Yarn & Book Cafe. Come and learn all about it!

Other Events

Meeting Minutes

December 2025 Minutes

Salem Millstream Knitting Guild

This Month

Birthdays

Happy December Birthday to:

  • Kitty Crawford
  • Su Fennern
  • Heather Sly-Haley

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

Old Business


President Joyce Arthur thanked and congratulated all demonstrators for participating in a successful Magic at the Mill event. She thanked Su Fennern for organizing our members and for the outreach the event created. Members who participated are: Sara Amend, Joyce Arthur, Judith Bither, Kitty Crawford, Kathy Goebel, Marsha Graciosa, JoEllen Kay, Debbie Paxson, Michelle Sanguinetti, Heather Sly-Haley, Marian Thomas and Diane Williams. 

Joyce stated that members need to be thinking about Community Service Projects for 2026. We can continue the current Hope and Assistance League Operation School Bell Projects and/or add more. Discussion will continue in January.  

Joyce asked for nominations for Community Service Project Coordinator and Community Event Coordinator. The Event Coordinator would be responsible for organizing the May Sheep to Shawl, November Fiberarts Sale (if we are invited back), and December Magic at the Mill. There were no nominations for either Coordinator Position. We will continue the discussion in January.

Election of Officers commenced. Kitty Crawford nominated Westley Starling for President, and Jackie Budge nominated Janet Bubl. It was discussed that possibly the two nominees could function as co-presidents. Members and nominees agreed. Kitty Crawford nominated Heather Sly-Haley as Vice President.  With no further nominations, Heather accepted.

Sue Culbertson, Treasurer, gave a summary report of activities in 2025.

  • Beginning Balance: $1564.36
  • Income: + $1350.00
  • Expenses: – $1097.01
  • Ending Balance: $1817.35

Sue also mentioned that the yearly dues and the “Membership Renewal Form” are due by the January 10 meeting, along with a signed “Hold Harmless Form.”

Joyce sincerely acknowledged with thanks and praise, the Officers and Coordinators for their dedication to the Guild in 2025. She thanked Su Fennern for the many seen and unseen ways she has helped the Guild in the last two years. This included organizing Community Projects and all outside events, including the new Fiberarts Sale. The Community outreach was felt by each effort from Su and all members. Joyce continued to recognize Treasurer Sue Culbertson for keeping all our finances in order, Secretary Margaret Fizer for her work on Outlook/OneDrive, and Hospitality Coordinator Heather Sly-Haley for being an excellent Guild hostess.

Sue Culbertson recognized Heathery Sly-Haley for her excellent work with Howard Street Charter School. Heather volunteers to teach the “Fiber Arts” class to twenty 6th, 7th and 8th graders. Her students love her.

New Business

Kitty Crawford briefly reviewed one exciting project of the Program Committee: Speaker Michele Bernstein as a presenter at a Guild meeting and possible classes in the afternoon of a Guild meeting. She described some class concepts and passed a full written description of Michele’s classes to attending members. A fluid review of possible prices ($50 or less), length of class (2 – 2.5 hrs.) and months the speaker is available (Jan., Feb and May) continued. Fifteen Guild members showed interest when asked if they would attend the afternoon class. There is the possibility of opening it up to the public if that is something that would be beneficial to the Guild. The full class descriptions will be sent to members via email soon, and interested members will need to vote on their 1st, 2nd and 3rd choice by January 9, 2026. At the January Meeting, Kitty will share further information. Any questions will be welcomed.

Show & Tell

  • Sara Amend presented two youth hats that sported the every-so-popular Minecraft and Gecko themes.
  • Sally Gilbreath dazzled us all with her handspun yarn Baby Blue Sweater plus a sweet scarf made from cotton in the “Laughing Bird” pattern. She recommend not to use just cotton.
  • Joyce Arthur is continuing to knit her fashion-forward socks for a friend and herself.
  • Many members wore their own knits. Many were Festive. Jewelry and pins dominated many members’ clothing.

Raffle: Members were given five blue tickets that needed action at the back table, which was full of prizes. There were gift bags behind each prize. The member had to ponder on which bag to place their blue ticket in hopes to win that item. There were multiple prizes, from knitting accessories to handy towels and holiday keepsakes. No fighting occurred, and all were happy if their ticket was chosen!

Ornament Exchange went smoothly, with very decorative items for members to display in the years to come. All was normal until Tia Purdy started to “steal;” then other members followed. Such a thrilling scene, but no fighting ensued, just good fun.

Service Projects

Su Fennern was unable to attend our December meeting, but she forwarded this report for the minutes.

2025 total for Assistance League / Operation School Bell is 275. (2024+2025 = 625)

2025 total for Salem Hope – baby items is 172.

Special Project OSH Watch Caps – 100 at the end of December. There may be more yet to be turned at the January Guild Meeting. Wild Knits collected 40 hats that customers knitted as of mid-December. Total knitted hats: 140. OSH Sold hats: 52; remaining inventory: 88 hats.

With the three projects, our members provided a total of 547 items.

Upcoming Events

Next Meeting

Our next Guild meeting is Saturday, January 10, 2026 at the Willamette Heritage Center at the Mill.

Other Events

Meeting Minutes

October 2025 Minutes

Salem Millstream Knitting Guild

This Month

Birthdays

knitted birthday cake with knitted candles and a knitted bow tied around it

Happy October Birthday to:

  • Joyce Arthur
  • Janet Bubl
  • Nelda Gill
  • Diane Williams

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

Meeting Highlights

Today is “National Yarn Day,” which seemed an appropriate day for us to meet.

Due to the Salem Fiberarts Guild Sale Saturday, November 8, there will be no monthly Guild meeting.

At the December meeting, we will have an ornament exchange – buy or make an ornament with a value of no more than $15.

Guild Business

President Arthur sent notices of open officer and coordinator positions via email prior to the meeting. She opened the floor for nominations for the following positions:

  • President – no nominations
  • Vice President – Tia Purdy stated she would continue as VP. The VP nomination motion was made by Janet Jubl, the motion was seconded, and without objection from members, Tia is our VP.   
  • Program Coordinator – Judith Bither stated she would head a community of like-minded members to organize presenters for our 2026 program year. Su Fennern stated she had a clipboard of suggestions gathered at other meetings that she would give to Judith. Four people stated they would work with Judith:  Cindy Barrick, Sara Amend, Marcia Smith and Kitty Crawford. Someone mentioned that Judith hosts meetings and bakes well.
  • Community Events Coordinator – no nominations
  • Community Service Project Coordinator – no nominations

Su Fennern passed around a volunteer sheet for Magic at the Mill, November 28 – December 1, 2025. Shifts will be from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., with four members needed per night to demo knitting / answer questions / tell others about the Guild. A light meal is served to volunteers.

Su Fennern stated that November 4 would be the date to gather all goods to be sold at the Salem Fiberarts Guild Sale (November 7-8, 2025 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.). Participating members will be notified of time and place.

Su Fennern reminded us that there is donated “Bloom” yarn (DK) skeins available to members for the taking, plus a pattern for baby blanket and hat.

Show & Tell (sorry, no pictures taken)

  • Margaret Burden modeled a stunning black/gold/scarlet v-shaped shawl with a bright pin. Pattern: First Point of Libra Shawl by Laura Aylor
  • Emily Markus showed off an equally stunning shawl of purple, lime green and yellow. Pattern: Earth & Sky Shawl by Stephen West
  • Anita Dryer shared her lovely light beige sweater with no buttons. She subsequently received just the right buttons from today’s speaker on “Buttons,” Janet Kington. Pattern: Branchville by Amy Christoffer
  • Debbie Paxon wowed members with a sweet cardigan of white and cranberry.  Pattern: Little Coffee Bean by Elizabeth Smith. The pattern comes in many sizes. 
  • Sue Culbertson stated that self-discovery was a rewarding activity by displaying her soft green vest that was exactly too large when completed, so she “tore out” the yarn and knitted it again one size smaller. (Checking gauge was not to be mentioned.) Also she confessed to members she was “tropophobic” – an aversion to repetitive patterns of circles or small holes, so she took the tropophobic yarn and knitted some smart socks that are perfect. 
  • Dianne Williams stated that she had a self-discovery moment as well while knitting a pretty raspberry colored hat with two stripes that were not matching. A discussion of throwing and picking of yarn followed, with Wesley Starling stating to use the dominate yarn when doing color work. 
  • Wesley Starling finished his creatively knitted hat in tubular form that converts into a scarf and also a hat to wear three different ways. He mentioned this style was popular during WWII.      
  • Marion Thomas is knitting Asst. League Operation School Bell hats, and so are Kathy Holt and Diane Williams.
  • Janet Bubl is never knitting the Watch Caps (K3 Tog with #9 needles) ever again! (Neither is Cindy Barrick!)
  • Marsha Graciosa is knitting a baby blanket with the donated yarn, but a different and more exciting pattern.
  • Judith Bither is un-spinning some yarn.
  • Jackie Budge is taking on something that seemed to be a big mistake.

Program – Buttons, Buttons!

Our speaker, member Janet Kington, discussed the history of buttons and how they have been used in the past to the present. She shared many unique and dazzling buttons – from craft to collectibles to art buttons, from china to celluloid buttons and underwear to dress-up buttons. Very interesting and educational for all. Janet gave buttons to a thankful membership.

The following events may be of interest to members: 

  • Oregon State Button Society’s Collectable Button Show and Sale April 29 – May 2, 2026; PLUS, the
  • Oregon State Button Society’s Quilt Challenge “Best Use of Buttons” on a Small Panel or Quilt Block May 1-2, 2026. 
  • Both will be at Best Western Premier Hotel, 5188 Wittenberg Lane in Keizer

Service Projects

  • Assistance League hats collected at the October meeting: 41 (total 207)
  • Baby items collected at the October meeting: 38 (total 145)
  • Watch Caps collected at the October meeting: 4 (total 79)

Upcoming Events

Next Meeting

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.

Other Events

Meeting Minutes

Urgent Request from Willamette Heritage Center

Salem Millstream Knitting Guild

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.

Please don’t wait—Show your support and stand with us today and help keep WHC thriving as a vibrant community gathering place at: https://www.willametteheritage.org/support-us/

Support Us

Thank you for helping us safeguard this community treasure.

With gratitude,

Michelle Cordova
WHC Executive Director

Meeting Minutes

September 2025 Minutes

Salem Millstream Knitting Guild

This Month

Birthdays

Happy September Birthday to:

  • Teresa Furnish
  • Judy Ozalan
  • Debbie Paxon
  • Marcia Smith
  • Beth Mauer

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.

Other Events

Meeting Minutes

August 2025 Minutes

Salem Millstream Knitting Guild

This Month

Birthdays

Happy August Birthday to:

  • Sandy Galbraith
  • Kathleen Holt
  • Karin Lightner
  • Tia Purdy
  • Genevieve Ticknor
  • Tricia Yates

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.

Other Events