SMKG Blog

Meeting Minutes

May 2023 Minutes

Salem Millstream Knitting Guild

This Month

Birthdays

June birthdays

Happy June Birthday to:

  • Nancy Campion
  • Sue Tyvoll
  • Jesse Blalock
  • Carol Jones

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

May Meeting Minutes

President Sharon Kaminski opened the meeting by welcoming members and two visitors. She thanked Su Fennern for making new name tags.

Sheep to Shawl

Su Fennern thanked all the many volunteers who hosted our Guild table. Pam Sullivan, who organized the event, said it was the “best ever” with so many volunteers and items shared from a variety of Fiber Guilds.

May Show & Tell Patterns

Tiny Sweater for the Month

closeup of tiny Iced Sweater in blue and purple yarn fastened with wire as an ornament on a Christmas tree
Iced Sweater

Patty Scruggs showed the sweater for
the month (the Iced Sweater). She knitted two and talked about the different seaming method she used on each one. Patty commented that she’s enjoying the mini sweaters and will make more. It’s giving us a lot of practice on numerous techniques. It was clarified that the mini sweater patterns through June are posted on the Guild website.

Program – Buttons

We had four break-out sessions learning how to make knitted or woven buttons or “frog” closures and how to reinforce button bands.

Upcoming Events

June Meeting

Join us at the Willamette Heritage Center on June 10 from 10 a.m. to noon. In addition to the sweater of the month, our “Make and Take” Program is trying five different ways to make pompons. Bring yarn and scissors.

Interested Guild members are invited to join the Fiber Guild for a special demonstration of weaving.

Regretfully, Sharon Kaminski found it necessary to resign as the President of the Millstream Knitting Guild. The Guild needs someone to finish out the rest of the year.

According to our By-laws, the President presides over the Guild meetings and sits on Guild committees. They also preside over quarterly Board meetings.

If you have questions about the responsibilities or interest in serving as the Guild President, please email the Guild or speak with any of the Board members: Judith Bither, Debbie Juul, Marcia Smith and Janet Bubl.

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

Meeting Minutes

April 2023 Minutes

Salem Millstream Knitting Guild

This Month

April Meeting Notes

After a word of welcome, Sharon Kaminski reminded people to sign up to help host the Guild table at Sheep to Shawl at the Mill, Saturday, May 6 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. She also reminded the group about our “charity knitting” for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. The 5K walk is October 1, 10 a.m. at the Mary S. Young Park in West Linn. Those interested can find more information on the Making Strides website. Also, Local Yarn Store Day was April 29.

Tiny Sweater for the Month

Heather Sly-Haley showed the sweater she knit and offered suggestions for success.

Grandpa Shawl Collar Raglan

April Show & Tell Patterns

Program

Joyce Arthur presented a fascinating history of the Oregon State Fair. A few of the highlights:

  • In 1901, admission was 25 cents for men and 10 cents for women. In 1909, it was 26 cents for all adults.
  • In 1959, the first Chocolate Cake Contest was created to honor Gerry Frank by Gov. Mark Hatfield. 2022 was the commemorative chocolate cake contest following the death of Mr. Frank.
  • In 1965, Gov. Hatfield placed a time capsule near the east side entrance to Cascade Hall, to be opened in 100 years.
  • On the opening day in 1979, a steer named Rufus escaped from his handlers, making his way to the Willamette River and swimming to a cornfield in Polk Co where he stayed for six weeks. He became the Fair’s first mascot and was admired behind reinforced fencing from 1980 to 1987.

The Guild then discussed the “Needlework and Clothing” exhibits that include hand knitted items. Joyce explained entry requirements, ribbons, judging, scorecards, and the division of classes for entries. The members suggested changes to the different classes in hand knitting and changes to the judges’ scoring criteria. Joyce will take these suggestions to the Fair staff for consideration. A discussion to have a display of our tiny sweaters and Aran scarves in the 2024 Fair followed.

Upcoming Events

Sheep to Shawl

Sheep to Shawl at the Mill will be hosted at the Willamette Heritage Center on Saturday, May 6. Members will be representing the Knitting Guild by demonstrating and showing some of our current and finished projects.

May Meeting

Patty Scruggs will show the tiny sweater, and the program is hand-knit buttons. This is a “Make and Take” project. The reminder email will explain what to bring.

Coral Reef Project

Check out the Coral Reef Project on the Salem Millstream Knitting Guild website, including a selection of patterns – both knit and crochet. You can also visit Coral Knit Fiber Arts and click on “The Community Coral Reef Project” for more information and inspiration.

Other Events

Events, Meeting Minutes, News

March 2023 Minutes

Salem Millstream Knitting Guild

This Month

Birthdays

knitted birthday cake with yellow and white frosting, a purple ribbon with bow around the cake, and purple knitted candles, on a gray knitted base

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

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

News

Loose Ends

Salem Millstream Knitting Guild

Loose Ends is an organization that matches volunteer knitters (crocheters, quilters, crafters of all sorts) with folks who have unfinished blankets, sweaters, or other projects left undone by deceased loved ones.

Loose Ends has a website with information about how to sign up, donate, and get a flyer to share, and a Facebook group for volunteers to connect with each other and share project photos and stories.

Events, Meeting Minutes, News

February 2023 Minutes

Salem Millstream Knitting Guild

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.

dark green knitted shamrock
light green knitted shamrock

February Show & Tell Patterns

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

Events, Meeting Minutes, News

January 2023 Minutes

Salem Millstream Knitting Guild

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

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

Events, Meeting Minutes, News

December 2022 Minutes

Salem Millstream Knitting Guild

This Month

Birthdays

December 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

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

swatch of green yarn on wooden straight needles size US 5; the top needle is engraved with the words "we are knitters"

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

Events, Meeting Minutes, News

November 2022 Minutes

Salem Millstream Knitting Guild

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.

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

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

Events, Meeting Minutes, News

October 2022 Minutes

Salem Millstream Knitting Guild

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

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

Events, Meeting Minutes, News

September 2022 Minutes

Salem Millstream Knitting Guild

This Month

Birthdays

Happy September Birthday to:

  • Teresa Furnish
  • Debbie Paxson
  • Marcia Smith

Happy October Birthday to:

  • Janet Bubl
  • Nelda Gill

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

September Meeting Minutes

Mela Hoyt-Heydon from Atelier Mela (Fine Millinery) at the Willamette Heritage Center demonstrated and gave fashion advice on how to wear and enjoy neck attire (formally known as scarves and shawls). Mela also shared about her life as a costume designer and many insights on designing the right attire.

Mela curated a Pinterest collection called ‘scarves’ with links and videos showing the ways she shared and many more. (If you don’t have a Pinterest account, see below for direct links to the various websites.)

Show & Tell patterns shared this month included Impossibly Possible socks and Bark Lines shawl. We also enjoyed seeing a granny square purse and a balaclava.

Aran Learn Along

The October pattern is the Honeycomb Stitch. Tia Purdy will give us the history of this stitch. All previous monthly patterns are on the Guild’s Learn Along page.

If you are having any issues with any of the stitches, let’s talk on Saturday.

Upcoming Events

October Meeting

Debbie Juul will be showing how to use a Tuscan crochet hook. She will show how to make a pumpkin with this method. It’s a basic pumpkin which can be embellished in many ways, including leaves, vine, and stem.

Supplies needed:

  • A Tuscan crochet hook (we have some for people to use); or a regular crochet hook with a rubber band wrapped around the end can be used. Size of hook will determine the size of pumpkin, so any size is fine.
  • Any orange, brown, or green yarn you want to use.
  • A stick (if that is the kind of stem you want).
  • A tool bag with scissors and yarn needle.

We will have Poly-fil for group use.

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

Pinterest links: