Category: News

This Month

Birthdays

Happy March Birthday to:

• Lynda Hoodward
• Mary Blossom
• Ginny Mahoney

We have no April birthdays listed on our roster! If we missed your birthday or have you in the wrong month, please let us know!

March Meeting Minutes

Sharon Kaminski opened the meeting by welcoming members and visitors. She introduced Helga Maheu, one of the people who founded our Knitting Guild in the early 80s.

• Sharon reminded members to sign the “Hold Harmless” form.
• Sharon also asked people to look over the roster and note which phone number is preferred.
• Sharon noted that Pompons have been moved to June.
• Marcia Smith asked people to let her know about favorite Indy dyers and ideas for programs.

Program – Sketch Portable Looms

Kitty Crawford explained about her family business which was inspired by her artistic daughter who took a weaving class in college and “went down the fiber hole.” Kitty showed some of her daughter’s hand dyed yarn and the project bags she herself has sewn. Kitty has made a variety of sizes and styles for both projects and needles. Her husband has engineered small Sketch Portable Looms in adjustable sizes. Kitty showed the variety of techniques and styles of everything from barrettes, bookmarks, bracelets, etc. There was a “Make and Take” at her home the following day.

Mini Sweaters

Kathy Goebel explained the March sweater, commenting that it uses dolman sleeves. She suggested picking up stitches under the arms. The sweater is knit in one piece flat and has to be sewn together. Su reminded everyone that each sweater teaches new techniques.

March Show & Tell Patterns

• Celtic Knot Looped Scarf by Patricia Everett (Ravelry link)
• Miriam Carole Poncho by Ronnie Eldridge (Ravelry link)
• Rose City Yarn Crawl Mystery KAL (Ravelry link)
• Whistler Vest by Sally Melville (from Sally Melville Styles book, Ravelry links)
• Lantern Moon cables (available on Amazon, Jimmy Beans, and Handsome Fibers in Cottage Grove, OR)

Upcoming Events

April Meeting

Current Tiny Sweater overview – bring last month’s if you knit one!

Joyce Arthur will provide a brief summary of the Oregon State Fair and share the changes to the Needlework and Clothing Exhibitors Handbook. Joyce will provide an overview of the Judge’s worksheet and answer questions about submitting items to the Fair.

Sheep to Shawl

Sheep to Shawl at the Mill will be hosted at the Willamette Heritage Center on Saturday, May 6. Members are encouraged to sign up to help host our table to support the Knitting Guild as one of several fiber options.

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

This Month

Birthdays

Happy February Birthday to:

• Joyce Cook
• Paula Rampy
• Patty Scruggs

Happy March Birthday to:

• Lynda Hoodward
• Ginny Mahoney

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

February Meeting Minutes

Sharon Kaminski opened the meeting by welcoming current members and guests. She announced the sad news that Cindy Barrick’s life partner passed. A card that will be sent to Cindy was circulated for personal notes. A gift as a memorial in Danny’s name will be sent later.

Janet Bubl presented an overview of our Charity for 2023: “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.” Hats, headbands, scarves, and fingerless gloves in soft washable fiber for both men and women are desirable. Our goal is to knit 100 items by our September meeting. There is a link for a free hat pattern on our web site. Donated items will be distributed to cancer survivors in October.

Patty Scruggs explained further about the “Knit for a Unique Fit” gloves she knit for a child. An email with a link to the video of the child receiving the gloves and matching hat was sent to all members.

Su Fennern presented the pattern for the February sweater: a Gingerbread Shrug. Several members shared their best techniques for picking up stitches. A helpful explanation with photos is available on the Guild website. Members shared the mini sweaters knit from the January pattern.

Program – Shamrocks

Su presented two different patterns for knitting shamrocks. It was fun to learn new techniques. Thank you, Su for the helpful handouts.

February Show & Tell Patterns

• Alaska Sweater by Camille Descoteaux (Ravelry link)
• Purple Sweater with Unique Design
• Easy Folded Poncho (Churchmouse Yarns & Teas)
• Tournament of Stitches 2022 Cowl (Marly Bird)
• Fingerless Gloves (Duchess.com)

Upcoming Events

March Meeting

We will be looking at the March Tiny Knit Sweater Ornament.

Program: Sketch Looms, Weaving Accessories and Notion Bags with Kitty Crawford

Kitty has invited those who are interested to her home (3288 Lakeview Pl NW Salem) the following day (Sunday, March 12) at 1:00 p.m. to learn more about the loom. You will have the opportunity to make and take a woven pin. Other items will be available for purchase. Carpooling is best for parking. More details will be provided at the meeting.

Sheep To Shawl

Sheep to Shawl is coming to the Mill on May 6! Our Guild will set up a table with knitted items, demonstrations of our projects, and invite new visitors and members. A sheet will be circulated to sign up for shifts at our March and April meetings.

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

• Black Sheep Gathering June 23-25, 2023
• Oregon State Fair August 25 – September 4, 2023
• Oregon Flock & Fiber Festival October 14-16, 2023

This Month

Birthdays

Happy January Birthday to:

• Marcia Graciosa
• Heidi Skeen

Happy February Birthday to:

• Joyce Cook
• Paula Rampy
• Patty Scruggs

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

January Meeting Minutes

Our new president, Sharon Kaminski began the meeting by welcoming the visitors and asking them to stand and introduce themselves. There were eight visitors in attendance!

Su Fennern introduced the knitting project theme for 2023: Mini Sweaters. Su explained the various designs and then asked for volunteers to knit a sweater for each month and explain the techniques used to the group. A sign-up sheet with photos of each sweater was circulated.

Joyce Arthur showed the tiny sweater for January that she’d knit. She then talked about the yarn and techniques she’d used. The patterns and photos for the tiny sweaters can be found on the Guild web site. The January pattern is for a top-down pullover sweater; the February one is for a shrug. Any size yarn with corresponding needles can be used for all the sweaters.

Su also explained the “Make and Takes” for some of the future meetings (pom-poms and buttons) and passed around a sign-up sheet for those who are willing to demonstrate these.

Cindy B then talked about the Chevron stitch she used in her cowl. Due to technical difficulties, she was not able to show the video of how to make the stitches; however, the first rows of the pattern were written on the white board, and Cindy offered help at each table. The site for the video is: bhookedcrochet.com. Even though it says “crochet” you can find the pattern for knitting the stitch as well as a tutorial.

January Show & Tell Patterns

• Patty Scruggs showed the “Knit for a Unique Fit” gloves for children and adults with special needs.
• Paihamu Hat by Jennifer Miller Comstock (Ravelry link)
• Lipstick sweater by Joji Locatelli (Ravelry link)
• Homemade knit scarf using only K and P
• Christmas Pudding mitts by Charlotte Stone Knits (Ravelry links)
• Chevron Cowl by Chuck Wilmesher Skacel Pattern

Upcoming Events

February Meeting – Shamrocks

We will be learning to knit two patterns for shamrocks at the February 11 meeting.

Supplies to bring:

• A small amount of any size yarn, usually any shade of green
• Straight needles, DPNs, or circulars in any size that corresponds to the yarn

DPNs will be used for making I-cord stems and 3-needle bind-off for Shamrock 2.

State Fair

Joyce Arthur will give the history of the Needle Craft and Clothing Division of the Oregon State Fair and explain categories for entries, how items are judged, and answer any questions.

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

• Red Alder Fiber Arts Retreat February 16-19, 2023
• Stitches at Home (Virtual), February 18-19, 2023
• Rose City Yarn Crawl, February 23-26, 2023
• Stitches West in Sacramento, CA, March 2-5, 2023

This Month

Birthdays

Happy December Birthday to:

• Su Fennern
• Sharon Kaminski
• Patti Locicero

Happy January Birthday to:

• Marcia Graciosa
• Heidi Skeen

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

December Meeting Minutes

• Members were reminded to sign up to knit at Magic at the Mill, December 19-23, 5:30-8:30 PM.
• Membership forms were distributed for 2023. (Membership is $30/year, paid by either cash or check; payments will be deposited in January.)

After greetings and introductions, Janet B introduced our Aran knitted scarf fashion show. After modeling the scarfs where each knitter told the yarn used, group photos were taken. We also passed around the hats knit by Kathy G who creatively used the Aran patterns each month to design a different hat.

All previous monthly patterns and other information can be found on the Guild’s Aran Learn Along web page.

December Show & Tell Patterns

• Ariose Socks by Lisa Schmidt (Ravelry link)
• Arctic Chill hood and double cowl by Grace Rose (Ravelry link)
• Basketweave slippers (Ravelry link)
• One Row Scarf by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee
• Santa hat (Ewe Ewe Yarn)
• Simple Cable Shawlette by Lisa Overby (Ravelry link)
• Bosc Pear Shawl by Tetiana Otruta (Ravelry link)
• Terrazzo sweater, top-down (PetiteKnit)
• Christmas Elf mitts (Willow Yarns)

Thanks to Kitty C. who worked up the pattern for the crocheted headband Marcia brought to a recent meeting.

Upcoming Events

2023 Learn Along – Mini Sweaters

The 2023 learn-along will be making tiny sweaters, showcasing various types of sweaters (top down, bottom up, shrug, cardigan). Su agreed to make available patterns for these. Joyce A. will provide a model of the first sweater, and Su will explain the annual project. A sign-up sheet will be circulated for those willing to knit models for the following months.

January Meeting – Chevrons

Our guild member Cindy B. will introduce and demonstrate the Chevron stitch. Please bring self-striping or plain yarn in DK or Worsted weight with needles sized 5-9. Before the meeting, cast on 16 stitches and purl the first row. Cindy will explain the pattern row. If we have time, we’ll try a second pattern, so please bring enough yarn, needles and supplies.

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

• Stitches Expo at Home (Virtual) January 13-15, 2023
• Red Alder Fiber Arts Retreat February 16-19, 2023
• Rose City Yarn Crawl, February 23-26, 2023

This Month

Birthdays

Happy November Birthday to:

• Sue Munson
• Ellen Nordal

Happy December Birthday to:

• Su Fennern
• Sharon Kaminski
• Patti Locicero

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

November Meeting Minutes

We enjoyed learning about button holes! Copies of the November handouts are linked below. Su Fennern used a YouTube video as “projectionist and teacher” for four different button holes. We also have a list of websites for the kitchen towel patterns.

• Knitting Buttonholes for you Cardigan
• Blocking and How To
• Where to Purchase Blocking Tools
• Buttons Written Instructions – Suzanne Bryan
• Kitchen Towel patterns

Election Results:

President – Sharon Kaminski

Secretary – Judith Bither

Continuing as Treasurer – Debbie Juul

Thank you, ladies, for volunteering!

Dues:

After a discussion about the cost of meeting at Willamette Heritage Center now charging $15 per hour, the group decided to reserve the room for three hours: 9:45 AM – 12:45 PM. This allows for more set-up and time after the meeting, but our meeting hours will remain 10 AM – 12 PM.

Dues will now be $30 per year. Membership forms will be available at December Meeting—people can pay with check or cash. Remember, nothing will be deposited in the Guild account until after January 1, 2023, because of the Department of Justice Report we have to file.

Other Topics

We still need members to sign up for Magic at the Mill, December 19-23, each night from 5:30 – 8:30 PM.

We have a charity to knit hats and scarves for Breast Cancer survivors. Joyce Cook will be the contact point.

November Show & Tell Patterns

• Market Bag by Gretchen Tracy (Ravelry link)
• Headband on hair tie
• Knitting Tours – Northern Ireland – headbands
• Glenties Cowl by Lisa Sisk (Ravelry link)
• Mitt Envy by weezalana (Ravelry link)
• Gnome Ornaments by Taffleberry Lane (YouTube link)
• L’Enveloppe by Sally Melville (Ravelry link)
• Wave Motif by Reynolds Yarns (Ravelry link)
• Sitara Shawl by Stacie Rasmussen (Ravelry link)
• Beacon Shawl by Sarah Lehto (KnitPicks)
• Terrazzo sweater, top-down (PetiteKnit)
• Suzanne Bryan videos (YouTube link)

Upcoming Events

December Meeting – Aran Learn Along and End of Year Show & Tell

The Aran Learn Along has come to an end. Even if you haven’t finished your scarf, please bring it so we can all see your lovely work. For those that have a finished scarf, please wear it and show it off.

Keeping in the spirit of wearing and you have a scarf or shawl that you can’t figure out how to wear it – bring it.  There must be someone from our group that can figure it out. If not, we’ll Google it!!

Even if you know how to wear all your scarves and shawls but you finished one during 2022 that you really like, bring it for showing. Many of you have knitted critters, hats, sweaters, and whatever; let us see your handiwork. And give you some compliments.

All previous monthly Learn Along patterns and other information can be found on the Guild’s Learn Along web page.

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

• Magic at the Mill December 19-23 at Willamette Heritage Center in Salem, Oregon
• Stitches Expo at Home (Virtual) January 13-14, 2023

This Month

Birthdays

Happy October Birthday to:

• Janet Bubl
• Nelda Gill

Happy November Birthday to:

• Sue Munson
• Ellen Nordal

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

October Meeting Minutes

Debbie Juul showed us how to use a Tunisian crochet hook. We worked on making little pumpkins with this method. It was a lot of fun. Thank you, Debbie!

October Show & Tell Patterns

• Aleï Scarf (Ravelry link)
• Peipponen Shawl (Ravelry link)
• Lacy Hitchhiker Shawl (Ravelry link)
• Tunisian Crochet Shaker Dishcloth
• Vanilla Reversed Socks (Ravelry link)
• Gansey Hat or Gansey Hat (Ravelry links)
• Baby sweater, top-down
• Witch, etc
• So Faded sweater, top-down (Ravelry link)
• Luna Lace Cashmere Scarf Kit – Goat Knoll Farm
• Cabernet Tee – Kis Designs (Ravelry link)

Aran Learn Along

This is the last and the 10th stitch in your Aran sampler scarf. The only thing left after this stitch is binding off. There are several ways to achieve this, and information will be provided for some different bind-offs. Thank you, Nancy Campion, for finding interesting facts about the Ladder Stitch.

All previous monthly patterns and other information can be found on the Guild’s Learn Along web page.

Upcoming Events

November Meeting

The wonderful button hole! Join us at the Willamette Heritage Center on November 12 from 10 a.m. to noon to make and discuss button holes. We will have time for people to try eyelet, three row eyelet, horizontal, and vertical. We will watch a YouTube video that Su Fennern will be using as “projectionist and teacher.”

Please bring a knitted swatch of 2×2 ribbing done over 32 stitches and 8 rows. (Cast-on 32 stitches, then P2, K2 all rows.)  Use worsted weight yarn on size 6 or 7 needles. Bring scissors, yarn needle, etc.

You will have to wait until next year to learn about how to make buttons and choose the right button.

Trivia question to ponder: Why are there buttons on the outer side of a blazer?

VOTE! VOTE! VOTE!

November is Board elections. Please come to the meeting and support our candidates.

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

• Stitches SoCal November 10-13 in Pasadena, California
• Magic at the Mill December 19-23 at Willamette Heritage Center in Salem, Oregon
• Stitches Expo at Home (Virtual) January 13-14, 2023

This Month

Birthdays

Happy July Birthday to:

• Deborah Juul
• Marjory Lange

Happy August Birthday to:

• Sandy Galbraith
• Kathleen Hold
• Tia Purdy

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

July Meeting Minutes

Wanda Jenkins presented about drop spindle spinning. She showed many different types of drop spindles from many different countries and some over 100 years old. She gave everyone an opportunity to try out the Jenkins Turkish spindle. They come in a variety of different sizes and different types of wood.

Ed and Wanda Jenkins make beautiful Turkish spindles and other items, which are available on their website, Yarn Tools.

Aran Learn Along

Su talked about the Diamond stitch as the next stitch in the Learn Along. More information and all the monthly patterns are on the Guild’s Learn Along page.

Some Show & Tell projects shared:

• Liana Shawl
• Shaelyn Shawl
• Hitofude Cardigan
• Mouse by Arne & Carlos
• Sea Cucumber
• Basketweave Baby Blanket
• Bosc Pear Shawl
• Window Cat

Upcoming Events

August Meeting

Join us for a picnic at Silver Falls Park for our August 13 meeting.

At the August meeting, we will be off-site at Smith Creek Village (formally known as Silver Falls Conference Center). Don’t forget to RSVP to Marcia Smith no later than August 11.

Our next Aran Learn Along stitch is the Trinity Stitch. Member Ginny Floyd found some interesting facts about the Trinity Stitch that have been included in the pattern. If you have any questions, please contact Su Fennern or bring them to the picnic. More information and all the monthly patterns are on the Learn Along page of the Guild’s website.

Looking forward to seeing how everyone’s scarf is coming along. There are only three more stitch patterns remaining!

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 “The Community Coral Reef Project” for more information and inspiration.

Other Local Events

• Trailing of the Sheep Festival October 5-9 in Sun Valley, Idaho
• Bead & Creative Arts Festival October 8-9 in Portland, Oregon
• Oregon Flock & Fiber Festival (OFFF) October 15-16 at the Linn County Expo Center in Albany, Oregon