Tag: socks

Events, Meeting Minutes, News

September 2026 Minutes

Salem Millstream Knitting Guild

This Month

Birthdays

September birthdays

Happy September Birthday to:

  • Margaret Burden
  • Emily Markus
  • Debbie Paxson
  • Marcia Smith
  • Lisa Wilson

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

Guild Business

Co-Presidents Janet Bubl and Westley Starling welcomed members and one guest, Zola Skelding.

The Oregon State Fair was a success with our members demonstrating knitting, answering knitting questions plus sharing Guild information. Members who participated: Janet Bubl, Anita Dwyer, Su Fennern, Sandy Galbraith, Debbie Juul, Michelle Sanguinette, Patty Scruggs, Marcia Smith and Kathy Wilhelm. An exceptional Brioche Toilet Seat Coverlet was on full display at the Fair, not made by a Guild Member, but exceptional.

Announcements of upcoming events:

  • Janet announced Textilezzz – The Fabric of Sleep exhibit at the Willamette Heritage Center (WHC) September 4 – December 31, 2026, which features items from WHC’s permanent collection. Hand-crafted coverlets to Oregon Trail Traveling quilts can be viewed. Tickets are $15-$11. The exhibit is open Tuesdays – Saturdays, 10 AM to 4 PM.
  • Su Fennern announced that Fiber Art Workshops can be booked online at The Wool Club House. Classes are offered in wool applique, embroidery, cross stitch and dorset buttons. The Northwest Fiber & Textile Show is coming to the Oregon State Fairgrounds, Columbia bldg., February 20-21, 2027. Explore, shop and discover fiber, textiles, handmade and creativity. Contact them at thewoolclubhouse@gmail.com.

A clipboard was distributed to sign-up for future program topics and presenters. Also a sign-up clipboard was sent around asking for demonstrator knitters at the Salem Fiberarts Guild Annual Sale November 6-7, 2026 from 10 AM to 3 PM.

Current Secretary Margaret Fizer’s two-year term will end in December. She asked that anyone interested in being our next Secretary to contact her. She offered to mentor this next volunteer and asked all interested to seriously consider this position.

Current Treasurer Sue Culbertson is also ending her two-year term in December and asked for those who would like this volunteer position to consider it. Several questions were asked, and treasurer details were covered. Mentorship will be available.

Sue presented the concept of dues being paid online and by check/cash. The online option was mentioned by Su Fennern at our July meeting. A show of hands noted about half-and-half for both methods. Online payment will be further researched and discussed at the Board meeting after today’s Member Meeting. Members were invited to attend the Board Meeting.

August & September Service Project donations:

  • HOPE: 20 baby items (total for 2026: 100)
  • OSB: 79 child hats (total for 2026: 243)
  • Salem Soup Squad: 8 adult items (total for 2026: 27)

Show & Tell

  • Kitty Crawford showed a unique Frankenstein patterning vest in Berroco Origami that was passed to each member. The dark and light contrast made for a very classic look.
  • Su Fennern used Silver Falls Fiber Cascade Highway Yarn in the color of Sangria to make a lovely lace shawl. The pattern, Pinot Noir, can be found on Ravelry. Su also showed a “Scrappy Hat.” It uses scrap yarn. The pattern will be sent to members in a separate email.
  • Su Fennern presented her tiny and precious handknitted NICU caps. Hope Pregnancy Center can use these caps in their “Memory Box” which is given to those who have suffered a miscarriage or stillborn. The box contains the tiny hat and other items to help in grieving the unthinkable. The pattern will be sent to members in a separate email.
  • Su mentioned that Salem Health Hospital no longer accepts crochet/knitted items; you can learn about other items for donations on their Volunteer donations page.
  • Sandy Galbraith told a touching story about her great-grandmother’s knitting and found sock pattern. As a child, Sandy would untangle yarn as her great-grandmother knitted. Knitted in the round, she followed an out-of-print plaid sock pattern of her great-grandmother’s which she knitted in Knit Picks Stroll.
  • Debbie Juul did not let her visit to Ireland end without some yarn to add to her stash. She showed off a useful small round plump dumpling bag made of 4-ply basic Irish wool with the pattern on Ravelry. She assured us there was more yarn from Ireland at home.
  • Heather Sly-Haley creatively used 100% cotton fingering Italian yarn to knit a “Salsa Top” from a Ravelry pattern. She explained how it was knitted from top to lace bottom. She obviously followed the pattern as it was a perfect show.
  • Co-President Westley Starling brought an intricate and very special Peony Pfingstrose Shawl for us to see. He mentioned he wore it to his August 30 wedding and finished it the night before. It is an incredible knit that shows and uses all of Westley’s skills. The pattern is on Ravelry and is described as “a very complicated pattern … that is not for anyone new to chart or lace knitting, or who has trouble following complicated instructions/directions.” Congratulations, Westley, on completing the shawl and on your marriage.
  • Lisa Wilson knitted feminine “Cilla Sun,” a simple top with an elegant lace pattern. It was worked seamlessly from the top down in Fibre Co. color Luma. Pattern is on Ravelry.

Program:

Kitty presented an enlightening program on Intarsia. She showed a wonderful sweater-jacket example of her own Intarsia knits that members could see and touch. Kitty explained and compared the difference between Intarsia vs. Fair Isle, while admitting to doing both on one of her first pieces that featured an alligator’s teeth. She shared a pattern for a mug rug that you could Intarsia knit with your initial. It did look simple enough, but talent and a watchful eye on the pattern should prevail.

The topic turned to vacations around the Fiber Arts. Kitty explained “Craft Cruises” through Holland America and other knit focused land tours are enjoyable. New skills and friends can be the benefit. Questions were answered on tours and Intarsia, and the presentation ended with appreciative applause.

Next Meeting

Our next meeting is October 10, 2026 at the Willamette Heritage Center at the Mill in Salem. Heather Sly-Haley will present on color dyeing with mushrooms. Discover how fungi can transform virgin wool into a palette of rich, earthy color. We will explore the art and science of dyeing yarn with mushrooms, from foraging and identifying dye-producing species to extracting pigments and achieving shades ranging from golden yellows and warm oranges to deep greens, purples and pinks.

Other Events

Meeting Minutes

July 2026 Minutes

Salem Millstream Knitting Guild

This Month

Birthdays

decorated birthday cupcakes with birthday candles shaped like the letters HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Happy Birthday to:

  • Debbie Juul
  • Joellen Kay
  • Marjory Lange
  • Lori Paltridge
  • Marion Thomas
  • Joan Welch

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

Guild Business

Co-President Janet Bubl welcomed members. There were no guests.

Secretary Margaret Fizer stated the Member Roster was sent to members in PDF form, and she had roster copies for those who requested them. When asked if there were any questions, Su Fennern began a discussion regarding the absence of birthday months on the Roster. Some members send birthday cards and would like to know this info. Members decided in the July meeting and mainly due to privacy, that the birthday month would not be included, but members could state if they wanted/did not want contact info published.

Several topics arose from the birthday month discussion: Online member portals to access information and paying dues, cost/benefit of such, size of our organization vs. other knitting groups that have such. It was suggested that birthdays be listed in the newsletter prior to the meeting (next month’s birthdays). Treasurer Sue Culbertson suggested that there be a Board meeting to discuss the pros/cons of the concepts expressed.  This was acceptable to the members. Janet stated that any or all members were invited to any Board Meeting.

Finally, Margaret Fizer stated she would send birthday month info to anyone who requested such. NOTE:  During the discussion, I could not keep up with all names plus specific comments, but hope the above summary will suffice.

Janet mentioned that the Oregon State Fair is August 28 – September 7. She noted that members can enter knitted or crocheted items to be judged or to just be displayed. Member Joyce Arthur, Chair of the Needlework & Clothing Section, sent the following:

  1. Last day to register items online – Wednesday, August 19 at 10 PM.
  2. Register in person and deliver entries – Friday, August 21, from 2 to 7 PM and Saturday, August 22, from 10 AM to 2 PM.  Entries do not have to be judged; it is your choice.
  3. Loading cases – Wednesday, August 26 at 9 AM. All hands are welcome; no training needed. Just have fun!
  4. Demonstrating knitting – all the days of the Fair, from 10 AM to 6 PM, all eleven days, so, many times to choose from. You can demo knit for a while and then explore the Fair, or vice versa.
  5. To sign up, receive passes and parking permits for demonstrating, or get info, contact Joyce by phone or text at 503-949-1482 or email jobnboyce@yahoo.com.
  6. Pick up entries – Tuesday, Sept. 8, from 2 – 7 PM and Wednesday Sept. 9, from 10 AM  – 2 PM.

Janet stated the Program Committee checked with Silver Falls’ Big Leaf Market and Grill for our annual visit, meal and knit-along. The Grill cannot handle serving our group. Janet asked if members would like to bring their lunch and knit/crochet at the shady grassy lawn in front of the Grill. A show of hands commenced, and it was deemed that members who want to come, should bring their own lunch, knitting/crochet projects, a chair, and have some fun in a unique setting. Directions will be sent out to members.                     

Service Projects

Treasurer Sue Culbertson and Secretary Margaret Fizer introduced Lynnea Lyman, the Assistance League’s Operation School Bell (OSB) Chair.  She welcomes the hats we knit and donate. She is also a volunteer for Salem Hospital’s Cancer Resource Center. 

Her message was one of gratitude for our caring knits. She stated that OSB served 800 K-2nd graders and distributed 493 hats. The children love our creations, and the volunteers who fill student orders recognize our special and unique knitted hats. She thanked us for our continued dedication, as most received hats are from our members. In addition to OSB info, Lynnea shared that the Salem Hospital’s Cancer Resource Center is available for anyone with cancer/other conditions, and they give free hats to people with hair loss.

July Service Project donations:

  • HOPE: 5 baby items
  • OSB: 26 child hats
  • Salem Soup Squad: 2 adult items

Show & Tell

Janet introduced Show & Tell with many takers!

  • Anita Dwyer started us off with the Feather & Fan Short Scarf made of lace yarn from Knit Picks.  She admitted she did a few design element changes by making it longer and narrower to get the perfect fit.  She is planning to enter the scarf into the State Fair. Pattern is free on Ravelry. Anita also regularly knits “Basic Baby Socks” for HOPE using sock or fingering weight yarn. She developed a pattern, and it seems to be a popular ask. You can find the pattern at the end of the minutes. 
  • Karin Lightner revealed the most difficult knit she has ever done. The Ravelry pattern is Tahesha the Dragon, and the lilac yarn is from her stash. Karin is left-handed, and the pattern is from Germany, so she soon found a four-year wait in-between numerous rip-outs yielded superb results!
  • Lisa Wilson modeled her comfortable-fitting Damask pullover by Marie Amelie. Colorway was sock yarn “Sneezy” by Malabrigo. Pattern is free on Ravelry. In addition, she proudly showed her “Brioche Pastiche Hat” from Michele Bernstein’s May Brioche Class. Lisa used Berocco Ultra Alpaca yarn, and it was a very difficult knit that turned out beautifully.
  • Diane Williams presented her Brioche Cowl from Michele’s class, stating the pattern was “ha ha – in your own head.” She declared it was the hardest thing she has ever knitted. From her leftover yarn, she began knitting, then taking out, starting over and cutting out mistakes. She ended up with a unique cowl with a denim edge and buttons. She was heard saying, “I will never do that again.”
  • Sandy Galbraith used “Christmas in June” yarn to create a perfect Drop Stitch Scarf. She used a ribbon type yarn and free Ravelry pattern to make the white and beige scarf that will look sharp with many outfits.
  • Su Fennern proudly displayed her Malbec Kelly Foster Designed Poncho. Su was a test knitter for Kelly, who independently published a book called Wine Tasting, which is available on Ravelry. The book is described as, “A knit and sip adventure featuring 12 designs inspired by a small selection of Willamette Valley vineyards paired with some equally enticing local dyers.” Su’s knitting skills were on full display within the lavender poncho that matched her jewelry and attire.

Sara Amend brought her completed Project Hail Mary sweater to the delight of all members. It is a gift for her son and also described as a ‘labor of love’. Sara used Ultra Alpaca Chunky by Berroco to create this one-of-a-kind sweater with opposing foxes on the front and stalking foxes on the back. She mentioned, to the amazement of many, she hand-sewed the (long) zipper. Two hours of knitting at a time was her schedule, that resulted in the perfectly fitting (show-off) magnificent sweater for her son.  In sincere appreciation, her son enrolled Sara in the “Yarn of the Month Club” in which she engaged right away by knitting a Prickly Girl Tank for her 10-year old granddaughter. Pattern is free on Ravelry.  The yarn sent was recycled silk from Darn Good Yarn. Sara knitted the piece in the round with opposing yarnovers for the side design. To top it all off, she sewed tiny cat buttons near the straps and added drop earrings from the Saturday Market that matched the tank colors to probably make her granddaughter squeal and tell all her friends.

Knitted wolf cardigan adapted with red fox faces on the front panels

Program: Ice Dyeing with Kyla Crawford

Kyla Crawford (Kitty’s daughter) presented the interesting technique of Ice Dyeing. She used a visual presentation, along with her encouraging words, to show us how dye is applied to wet yarn and then covered with ice that melts and distributes the dye. The results were seen in her photographs, plus her own examples of dyed fabric/yarn/clothing. Kyla did emphasize dye safety with the use of masks, gloves, and good ventilation. It was easy to see that any effort put forth in ice dyeing was well worth it for the unique and sticking yarn colors that result. 

Kyla distributed a resource sheet entitled, “Resources for Dyeing.” If you would like a copy, please contact the Guild email: SalemKnitters@outlook.com

Next Meeting

Our next meeting will be Saturday, August 8 at Silver Falls State Park, on the lawn in front of the Bigleaf Market and Grill at 11 AM. Members will gather to talk, have lunch, knit/crochet and enjoy each other. Bring your own lunch and chair and project(s). Meet at the Willamette Heritage Center parking lot at 10 AM if you want to carpool.

Other Events

Basic Baby Socks Pattern

(I don’t remember the author  …    from Anita Dwyer)

Materials: Sock or fingering yarn
Set of 4 U.S. size 1 DPNs 
Tapestry needle

Cast on 40 stitches using whichever cast on technique you like. 
Divide stitches over 3 needles: 10 stitches on needle 1, 20 stitches on needle 2, 10 stitches on needle 3. 
Join for working in the round, being careful not to twist. 
Work ribbing in K1, P1 for 3 inches.  

Heel flap:
The heel will be worked across the 20 stitches from needles 1 and 3.

Knit across needle 1.
Turn, purl across both needle 1 and 3. 
Row 1:  Sl1, K1 repeat until end of row, turn work.
Row 2: Sl1, P all remaining stitches, turn work.
Row 3:  Sl1, K1 repeat until end of row, turn work.
Repeat rows 2 and 3, 6 more times.

Heel Turn:
Row 1:  Sl1, P10, P2tog, P1, turn work.
Row 2:  Sl1, K3, K2tog, K1, turn work.
Row 3:  Sl1, Purl to 1 stitch before the ‘gap’ created by the previous row decrease. P2tog, P1, turn work.
Row 4:  Sl1, Knit to 1 stitch before the ‘gap’ created by the previous row decrease.  K2tog, K1, turn work. 
Repeat the last 2 rows until 12 stitches remain.

Gusset:
Pick up 8 stitches from side edge of heel flap, new needle 1. 
Knit across all 20 stitches on needle 2.
Pick up 8 stitches from the remaining edge of heel flap, new needle 3. Knit 6 stitches from the heel on to needle 3.
Move the remaining heel stitches to needle 1.

Next round:
Needle 1:  K to 3 stitches from the end of the needle, K2tog, K1.
Needle 2:  Knit across all stitches.
Needle 3:  K1, ssk, knit to end of needle.

Next round:
Knit all stitches

Repeat these 2 rounds until needles 1 and 3 hold 8 stitches.
On the final round, slip 1 stitch from needle 2 onto both needles 1 and 3 (needle 1 has 9 stitches, needle 2 has 18 stitches, needle 3 has 9 stitches).

Foot:
Knit across 12 rows.

Toe Decrease:
Round 1:
Needle 1:  Knit to 3 stitches from the end of the needle, K2tog, K1.
Needle 2:  K1, ssk, knit to 3 stitches from the end of the needle, K2tog, K1.
Needle 3:  K1, ssk, knit to end of needle.

Round 2:
Knit

Repeat rounds until 16 stitches remain: needle 1, 4 stitches; needle 2, 8 stitches; needle 3, 4 stitches.

Knit final round, knitting stitches from needle 1 onto needle 3.

Graft remaining stitches closed using Kitchener stitch.