Tag: knit

Meeting Minutes

April 2025 Minutes

Salem Millstream Knitting Guild

This Month

Birthdays

drawing of balls of different colored yarn, a pair of straight needles, and the words Happy Birthday written above

Happy April Birthday to:

  • Judith Bither

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

April Meeting Highlights

Guild Business

President Arthur welcomed guests – Beth Maurer’s daughter Grace and Amelia Van Hook’s father – and announced that there is still an opening for Program Coordinator. Vice President Tia Purdy took a few minutes to add that this is not just a one-person position; two people could work together to make the job easier. Think about having two friends and all the fun times you would have going places to check out new stores, events, places for field trips, etc.

November Fiberarts Guild Sale: Sue Culbertson and Su Fennern talked about tags that each item being sold will have. The tag will have two parts: the top part attached to the item that the purchaser will take to the cashier for payment, and the bottom part that the knitter will keep. Information on the tag will be the seller’s name: First name and first letter of last name. Each seller will be given a number, in case they choose not to use their name. The tag will also have a description of the item and the price.

Su Fennern passed around the sign-up sheets for the May 3, 2025 Sheep to Shawl event.

Sue Culbertson shared that the Guild had received letters from the Assistance League and Salem Hope Pregnancy Center for our recent donations.

Thank you card with photo of knitted baby hats and booties in various colors; text: Thank you Salem Millstream Knitting Guild for making and donating these beautiful handmade items! They will bless moms and babies in our area! We are so thankful for the many talented individuals and groups who share their talents, supplies and time to bless our patients.

President Arthur shared the upcoming collectable Oregon State Button Society Show and Sale May 2 and 3, 2025, held at the Best Western Hotel in Keizer.

Show & Tell

Judy Ozalan showed a cell phone cozy that she made. She will bring a few copies of the pattern to the next Guild meeting.

phone cozy in pink and brown yarn

Program: Members sharing about their first knitting projects, who taught them/how they learned to knit, and other interesting facts on knitting

  • Heather Sly-Haley shared what was supposed to have been a scarf. It didn’t make it, but can be used as a pot holder.
  • Amelia Van Hook has always been interested in knitting from watching her aunt. She received a scarf kit from her aunt and gave it as a gift. Amelia shared that some friends have called her an old lady because she knits. She embraces this!
  • Debbi Paxon shared knitted clothing that her grandmother knitted in the 60’s. There were two dresses, two outfits, with a skirt and a sweater on a cardigan, and one pullover.
  • Grace Maurer shared that her first item knitted was a scarf for her teacher. She is working on a scarf for herself using circular needles.
  • Kitty Crawford learned how to knit from her great-grandmother. Her mother and grandmother crocheted and did embroidery work. Kitty’s first projects were a crocheted afghan and a Fisherman’s sweater that she knitted in the back loop. Kitty used books and looked at pictures on how things were done.
  • Kathy Goebel learned to knit from her mother as a child. Kathy was wearing a cardigan that she knitted in the 80’s. The cardigan has cables and lace. She shared a shawl that she made using yarn purchased from a silent retreat auction. Colors were wonderful.
  • Sue Culbertson read a piece that she had written for her college project about her grandmother teaching her and seeing her gnarly fingers and comparing them with hers today. She spoke of her mentor, Mrs. Shepard, and 4-H leader and learning skills from them. She was part of a Community Quilt project that gave the quilt to the Oregon School for the Blind in 1964. All in all, she shared some of her memories of learning to knit.
  • Jo Ellen Kay shared a colorful baby bunting that she made in the 80’s that has entrelac, and she sewed in a zipper. Some day she’s hoping that a baby will use it.
  • Diane Williams shared that at her grandmother’s funeral, everyone brought a pair of mittens and covered the top of the casket with them. At Christmas time, Diane filled a box with mittens, socks, and scarves and sent it off to her eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
  • Carol Jones used to own a cottage industry called Bluebird Woolens. Carol made designs for companies such as L.L. Bean using knitting machines. She moved on to working with computers for the state of Maine and then raising sheep. In 2012, Carol started knitting with knitting needles, and she claims that knitting has been born again for her.
  • Patty Scruggs learned to crochet from her grandmother. Her aunt knitted sweaters, and she hoped that she would get one from her aunt. That didn’t happen. Patty did crochet matching sweaters for her son, husband, and herself. For some time, she knitted while watching her husband bowl. One pair of socks that she knitted for her son did not match exactly. Seems one sock was 2″ shorter than the other because she wanted to get to the foot part of the pattern. Patty knits for a Knit to Fit organization; mainly gloves for individuals with special-shaped hands.
  • Michelle Sanguinetti shared that she has learned from You Tube videos. She knits Continental style. One of her favorite designers is Stephen West. She shared a Clockwork shawl.
  • Tia Purdy shared that her great-grandmother knitted. Sometimes the great-grandmother’s knitted items were knitted really tight. She learned how to knit Christmas stockings. Tia did take a 4-H class and didn’t like it at all. Her mother has been there to provide guidance and to get her back on the right track with patterns.
Faroese shawl

Service Projects Donation Update

  • Watch Caps collected: 19 caps in March and 20 caps in April, for a total of 39 caps donated.
  • HOPE Baby items collected: 11 items such as booties, socks, two outfits that included a onesie, hat, and booties. Five sewn receiving blankets, and 10 hats for a total of 26. Year-to-date donation is close to 50 items.

Upcoming Events

Next Meeting

The May meeting will be on Saturday, May 10, 2025 at the Willamette Heritage Center. Lois Olund from Blakesley Creek Farm will enlighten us about breeds of sheep and how their fiber characteristics affect the lovely yarn we use to knit.

Other Events

Meeting Minutes

March 2025 Minutes

Salem Millstream Knitting Guild

This Month

Birthdays

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

Happy March Birthday to:

  • Lynda Hoodward
  • Ginny Mahoney
  • Amelia Van Hook

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

March Meeting Highlights

Guild Business

President Arthur welcomed new members Beth Maurer and Billy Essaides and guests Wesley Starling and Deb Soren.

Marcia Smith asked for a 2025 Program Coordinator to step-up. She would assist the Coordinator.

Margaret Fizer and Sue Culbertson stated that Operation School Bell hats are an unofficial Service Project. They collected eight hats. Su Fennern stated that Watch Caps will be sold at the Oregon State Hospital Museum’s March kick-off 50th Cuckoo’s Nest Anniversary. Watch Caps should be a solid color. Eighteen were gathered today.

Beth Maurer gave a touching overview of the support for Hope Pregnancy Center, needed gifts items, and parenting programs provided by the Center. Baby knits collected today will be gifted. Several blankets, four sweaters, eight pairs of socks, ten hats, one pair of mitts, and twelve pairs of booties were collected.

President Arthur announced the Oregon State Button Society’s Annual Show and Sale on May 2-3 at the Best Western Hotel in Keizer, OR.

Su Fennern asked for May’s “Sheep to Shawl” volunteers. It will be held at the Willamette Heritage Center.

Speaker Jennefer from Compass Moon Creations was unable to attend due to illness.

Marcia Smith led our group in a learning experience of Show & Tell. After that, she reviewed the many stellar highlights of the Guild’s website.

Show & Tell

Members showed off in grand fashion:

  • Marcia shared the “Knitting Without Tears” book.
  • Nilly asked for help on her vest and Sophie scarf.
  • Sue modeled her Vest #2/Ravelry that turned out large but goes with everything.
  • Guest Wesley is working on his handspun yarn cowl.
  • Sara’s cranberry Watch Cap looks grand, even though members agreed it might be a boring knit.
  • Joyce’s double-points hold a pretty sock of sparkly gold yarn.
  • Cathy will soon donate a blanket for Hope and passed around her Fair Isle Sweater to the delight of members.
  • Judith is gifting mitts using Samantha’s Fingerless Gloves/Ravelry to a family member.
  • Jackie’s Watch Cap has a “life line” to use if she doesn’t pay attention. Members liked the idea.
  • Patty’s husband claimed her hat from a “Superbowl Knit Along” – pattern by Marly Bird.
  • Deb wore a cherished sweater her Mom knitted, as members’ thoughts were stirred.
  • Judy showed a useful mosaic phone purse from a 2009 pattern by Amy Paulson.
  • Mary displayed a super-useful creative knitting bag she designed/sewed along with dazzling rechargeable lighted gloves – Amazon under LED Flashlight gloves – watch the sizing.
  • Debby showed her yarn spindle that makes yarn corralling easy.
  • Kathy is knitting a baby hat from Ela Patterns, from donated yarn whose sizing is questionable.
  • Sandy sported her lovely St. Patrick’s Day scarf from a previous member’s pattern.
  • Marsha donated many baby items for the Hope Pregnancy Center and is working on a Watch Cap.
  • Carol got “oohs” for her cute dog sweater – pattern from Purl SOHO/Ravelry.
  • Holly is knitting a baby hat with red/blue buttons.
  • Linda showed a handsome brown Watch Cap.
  • Su is knitting sweet booties.
  • Show & Tell ended with a soft cowl and Mosaic Polly Sweater.

President Arthur reminded everyone that Daylight Saving Time starts this weekend.

Upcoming Events

April Meeting

Our next meeting is Saturday, April 12, 10-12, at Willamette Heritage Center in the Classroom in the Mill Building (same place as usual).

Our program for April is YOU, our members. Be ready to share your knitting stories; who taught you how to knit; why did you want to learn to knit; your favorite items to knit and why; all the fun and interesting stories of your knitting career. Also, look in the back of your closet to find something you knit a long time ago, so we can appreciate your knitting accomplishments, no matter how long ago that was.

Other Events

Meeting Minutes

January 2025 Minutes

Salem Millstream Knitting Guild

This Month

Birthdays

Happy January Birthday to:

  • Marsha Graciosa
  • Julie Thoreson
knitted slice of yellow cake with pink icing, raspberry filling, and a pink knitted birthday candle on top

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

January Meeting Highlights

Guild Business

President Joyce Arthur asked for Secretarial nominations, but none were received.

Su Fennern discussed plans for the fall Salem Fiberarts Guild Annual Sale. A huge board noting participating members’ names was displayed.  Su asked participants to note their craft item on the board. She will discuss more details at future meetings.

Marcia Smith asked for a volunteer to become the Program Coordinator.

Su Fennern presented three potential Service Projects:  Knitted Knockers, Hope Pregnancy Clinic, and the 50th Anniversary of One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest Hats.  It was decided to vote for two of these projects. Towards the meeting’s end, Tia Purdy motioned for Hope Pregnancy Clinic and the Cuckoo Nest Hat to be our Service Projects for 2025. Heather Sky-Haley seconded. Members approved without dissent.

Sue Culbertson and Margaret Fizer bestowed thank-you notes to members who knitted hats for the Operation School Bell 2024 Service Project. Special acknowledgement and a gift certificate with beautiful flower bouquet were given by President Arthur to Debbie Paxson, who served as Treasurer for four years, and Marcia Smith, who served as Program Coordinator for three+ years.

Judy Ozalan and Marcia Graciosa completed year-end auditing of the Guild’s finances.

Show & Tell

  • Kitty Crawford showed two creations of a sparkly Art Deco Polish-style crocheted shawl and a dramatic black lace boatneck top. 
  • Sara Amend demonstrated a clever tape measure marker that flows along as you knit to measure length.
  • Sandy Galbraith showed-off a thin neck light that could help you see knit stitches easier.

Program: Leann Bleakney from Silver Falls Fiber Company

With no future business or member comments, President Arthur introduced our speaker, Leann Bleakney from Silver Falls Fiber Co.  She delighted us with her story of how she became a one-person shop, dyeing yarn & fiber for spinners and ice tie-dying clothing. She is in the process of opening her store at 503 N 2nd St. in Silverton, across from Trinity Church. Come visit!

Upcoming Events

February 2025 Meeting

For our February 8 meeting, we will have David Altman from Willamette University presenting on the history of knitting.

Other Events

Meeting Minutes

November 2024 Minutes

Salem Millstream Knitting Guild

Newsletter PDF version

This Month

Birthdays

knitted chocolate cake with partially knitted scarf and ball of yarn on top any buttons, thread, and other stitching notions scattered around

Happy December Birthday to:

  • Kitty Crawford
  • Su Fennern
  • Patti Locicera
  • Heather Sly-Haley

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

November Meeting Highlights

Program – Emotional Support Chickens

It was all about ESC (Emotional Support Chickens). Knitters brought chickens of all sizes they had knit for this knitting craze. Many had given their chickens as gifts but had taken photos of them. So, we had a PowerPoint presentation to learn all about our brood. It was an entertaining program.

Collage of four sets of Emotional Support Chickens in various groupings

Guild Business: We had no volunteers to become Secretary or Treasurer next year, so we didn’t have an election.

Show & Tell

  • Kathy Goebel shared a Gramps cardigan and a cable hat in Lion Brand Wool Ease yarn
  • Sue Culbertson shared a Garden cardigan in a light sage green with yarn she got from a yarn shop in McMinnville
  • Sandy Galbraith shared a knitted lace Denim Tee top
  • Mary Joos shared a cardigan sweater and the book she got the pattern from the book Ziggurats

Upcoming Events

December 2024 Meeting

This month, on December 14, please bring some knitting tips that you have found useful. We all have little things that help us. Be prepared to share a few words about a tip that helps you.

I always use the saying, “King Philips Purple Knickers.” (You will have to come to the Guild meeting to find out what it means.)

Or, do you have websites that you like? What is your favorite feature of Ravelry? I am always looking up stuff. Anything you could pass on to help other people.

It is time to pay dues for the 2025 year. Due to regulations by the State of Oregon, we don’t deposit the money until January, but you can bring your check or cash ($30) anytime. We use this money to rent our room monthly, cover correspondence, purchase business cards, printing, and mileage for presenters, or for a speaker. Please send dues to P.O. Box 3444, Salem, OR 97302. Forms for both renewal and application for membership are included in this newsletter for your convenience.

Other Events

Meeting Minutes

October 2024 Minutes

Salem Millstream Knitting Guild

Newsletter PDF version

This Month

Birthdays

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!

October Meeting Highlights

Program – Test Knitting

This is just one example of the many exquisite knits shown at our October meeting on “Being a Test Knitter.” This was knit by Su Fennern. Her partner presenter, JoEllen Kay, brought a whole suitcase full of fabulous knits. Both women have been “test knitting” patterns for many years for various designers from around the globe.

Also, it was reported that our Guild has donated 256 hand-knit hats to children kindergarten through high school so far this year! Well done, and keep up your amazing knitting. Thanks to Margaret and Sue for bringing us this project for the Assistance League.

Show & Tell

  • A lot of samples of test-knitted items
  • Cindy Barrick knitted another Tin Can Knits hat, the Antler Toque out of Cascade 220 Superwash.
  • Robin Roukis showed a cowl she knitted using camel and silk yarn that she spun!
  • Marcia Smith showed a car trash can that fits into your car’s cup holder and can hold two small balls of yarn, each one coming out from a different side.
  • Patty Scrubbs showed a yarn ball holder that fits over your wrist so you can stroll, dance, etc. and keep knitting.
Antler Toque by Tin Can Knits

Upcoming Events

November 2024 Meeting

In addition to electing a secretary and treasurer for 2025–2026, we will see photos and share stories of knitting “Emotional Support Chickens.” If you have photos of knitted chickens you have given away, send them ASAP to this email. If you have others living in your home, bring them to show. As always, bring other recently finished items to share for Show and Tell.

Other Events

Meeting Minutes

September 2024 Minutes

Salem Millstream Knitting Guild

Newsletter PDF version

This Month

Birthdays

September birthdays

Happy September Birthday to:

  • Teresa Furnish
  • Judy Ozalan
  • Debbie Paxson
  • Marcia Smith

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!

September Meeting Highlights

Judith presented the story of how a tiny yarn shop was saved—bought by a group of 20 women, mostly retired, who turned it into a thriving destination yarn shop.

photo of Lofty Lou's Yarn Shop
Lofty Lou’s Yarn Shop

Show & Tell

  • Cindy Barrick knitted another basic hat with the Chevron Seeds pattern in green Cascade 220.
  • Sara Amend and Diane Williams knitted Emotional Support Chickens for the 2024 State Fair.
  • Carol Jones knitted a Nebula sweater in a lovely dark blue alpaca/silk.
  • Sandy Galbraith knitted a Carolyn’s Choice sock out of Cast On Magazine in Kitty’s light teal green sock yarn
  • Sandy Galbraith and Marsha Graciosa won Blue Ribbons (!) from the State Fair for their lacy scarf (Sandy) and Mitered Square Blanket (Marsha)

Chemeketa Community College hosted a Wellness Fair for their employees on September 17. Su Fennern and Joyce Arthur spent the morning handing out 300 little gift bags of goodies and info about the health benefits of knitting as well as promoting our Knitting Guild.

Upcoming Events

October 2024 Meeting

What is a test knitter? Typically, test knitters are just knitters who love to knit! Most of the time they’ve not taken a class on how to test knit, nor do they have a textbook that tells them what to look for when test knitting a pattern.

Test knitting can also help you learn new techniques, push your knitting boundaries, and get you to complete a project within a specific time frame.

Come learn how JoEllen and Su started their test knitting ventures. Have you heard about sample knitting for trunk shows, yarn companies, or designers? Bring your questions! Others who may be “closet” test knitters are welcome to join in!

Positions Available

The Guild has annual elections of Board members every November. This year there are two positions available for two year terms: Treasurer and Secretary. The Board also appoints a Program Coordinator. Thank you, Marcia for bringing us so many fun and interesting programs these past two years. If you have questions or interest in any of these positions, please contact the President, Joyce Arthur.

Other Events

Events, Meeting Minutes, News

April 2024 Minutes

Salem Millstream Knitting Guild

Newsletter PDF version

This Month

Birthdays

Happy April Birthday to:

  • Judith Bither

Happy May Birthday to:

  • Cindy Barrick
  • Kathy Goebel

April Meeting Highlights

We had a great time exploring the Coral Reef that will remain on display until June 22. We were all “wowed” by the colorful beauty of the underwater display created entirely with fiber that was knitted, crocheted, or felted.

photo collage of images from the knitted and crocheted coral reef installation at the Willamette Heritage Center

Part of the group also enjoyed the short film on the history of the Mill. You can support this historical treasure in our community by being a member of the Willamette Heritage Center for $40 a year. That gives you free entrance to all activities and a discount in the gift shop.

Show & Tell

Heather Sly-Haley did a great job showing each item and asking the creator for comments on the pattern and yarn.

photo of Wanderlust Lace Shawl in pink yarn
photo of Leaf Kimono Top in gray yarn
photo of Terrace Wrap in gray fingering weight yarn
photo of Forget Me Knot sock and cover of Charming Colorwork Socks book
photo of Horse Banner Fingerless Mitts

Upcoming Events

May 2024 Meeting

Our May 11 meeting will feature our very own Heather Sly-Haley. She’s going to introduce us to current trends in the knitting world. For instance, did you know you can knit an emotional support chicken for yourself or a special someone? Plus, answers to questions you never know you had!

Other Events

Events, Meeting Minutes, News

March 2024 Minutes

Salem Millstream Knitting Guild

Newsletter PDF version

This Month

Birthdays

Happy March Birthday to:

  • Lynda Hoodward
  • Ginny Mahoney

Happy April Birthday to:

  • Judith Bither

March Meeting Highlights

Program: Nålbinding

Our guest was Paco Hadley, who shared a PowerPoint on the ancient fiber art of nålbinding. In addition to his presentation, he showed us many of the pieces he has designed and created as he’s practiced the craft.

Nålbinding (depending on the source, it’s Danishor Norwegian for “binding with a needle”or “needle-binding”) is even older than knitting or crochet, but the finished fabric can resemble that made using these methods of working yarn. Examples of nålbinding from many thousands of years ago have been unearthed in Scandinavia, Egypt, South America, and in Viking settlements in Europe, yet the craft is still in use in many countries today.

The technique uses lengths of yarn (rather than a continuous strand) and a single needle. This “nål,” which is several inches long with a hole near one end, is often broad and flat and historically made from bone or wood. It is threaded with the yarn and passed through loops in a specific sequence, forming a an elastic fabric that can be crafted into textiles and items of clothing. There are hundreds of nålbinding stitches available.

Show & Tell

Show and Tell projects: maroon watchcap with folded ribbing and cables, a mulberry cowl and beret, and a dark blue shawl with small yellow flowers
  • Judy Ozalan showed her finished October Hat by Kelbourne Woolens in Cestari Traditional targhee/columbia
  • Sandy Galbraith showed her finished Salunga Beret by Heather Zoppetti and Altitude Cowl by Jenjoyce Design (Ravelry links)
  • Kitty Crawford showed a blue crescent shawl with yellow flowers, in which she used Dawn Baker’s Float pattern for the flowers (Ravelry link), in yarn from A Chick That Knitz.

Upcoming Events

In partnership with Coral Knit Fiber Arts, the Willamette Heritage Center is headed under the sea with a walk-through, “underwater” PNW Coral Reef Project textile exhibit. Community-made crocheted and knitted creations feature healthy and bleached corals and marine animals. The display, on exhibit through June 22, showcases the beauty and diversity of the undersea world while engaging in a conversation about the health and importance of the world’s coral reefs. Back on the surface, explore artifacts and stories documenting the long history of connection between Mid-Willamette Valley residents and businesses and the sea.

April 2024 Meeting

The program for our April 13 meeting will include half of us viewing the Coral Reef Project while the other half watches a movie on the rich and diverse history of the Willamette Heritage Center. Several of our Guild members knitted parts of the Coral Reef.

Other Events

  • April 5, 2024 Spring Gala – Willamette Heritage Center at the Mill
  • May 4, 2024 Sheep to Shawl – Willamette Heritage Center at the Mill
Events, Meeting Minutes, News

December 2023 Minutes

Salem Millstream Knitting Guild

Newsletter PDF version

This Month

Birthdays

Happy December Birthday to:

  • Kitty Crawford
  • Su Fennern
  • Sharon Kaminski
  • Heather Sly-Haley

Happy January Birthday to:

  • Marcia Graciosa

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

December Meeting Highlights

Our last meeting of the year was led by Program Coordinator Marcia Smith. After welcoming members and guests, she highlighted several upcoming events, including Magic at the Mill and the Filaments Traveling Show exhibit at the Mill until January 31. This juried 47-piece exhibit features textiles from 24 different weavers.

This month concluded our year-long project of mini sweaters which were shown in a trunk show and adorning a small Christmas tree.

many mini sweaters displayed in mini trunks on a table, next to a mini tree decorated with mini sweaters

Just a reminder to renew your dues for 2024. Visitors may attend two meetings before joining. The dues are $30 a year and pay for the room rental, renting a mailbox, stamps, business cards, and a few other supplies. Janet Bubl has the membership forms and is collecting the dues as a check or cash. Thank you for your support of the Salem Millstream Knitting Guild. A roster of members will be emailed after the February meeting.

Temperature Knitting Projects

Tia Purdy showed her Temperature Blanket that will be used on her queen-sized bed in her camper. She suggested anyone interested try a smaller project!

Cindy Barrick then showed her Temperature Scarf she has been knitting this year and explained how she chose the yarn and colors for each temperature range, a 5- or 10-degree range, from 0 to 110 degrees.

Show & Tell

There were over 30 items shared. Some of these we’d seen while they were being knit, and others are in the process of being knit.

  • Cindy Barrick knit a Cashmere Snowflake Hat using cashmere yarn from a kit from Always Be Kind Yarn.
  • Joyce Arthur showed some socks and a shawl.
  • Janet Bubl showed a cotton double potholder/trivet.
  • Marcia Graciosa showed a pair of cable knit fingerless mitts.
  • Genevieve Ricknor showed a multicolored hat.
  • Su Fennern modeled her Wrixlan Jacket using Studio Donegal yarn (pattern greatly adapted).
  • Chris Golden modeled her Alaska Sweater.

Upcoming Events

January 13 Meeting

Judith Bither will tell the secret of how a group of mostly retired women saved a small yarn shop in Northern California and turned it into a thriving, destination yarn shop.

Our new Guild President, Joyce Arthur, has announced a Board meeting immediately following the meeting. All Guild members are invited to attend.