Tag: wool

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.

Meeting Minutes

June 2026 Minutes

Salem Millstream Knitting Guild

Newsletter PDF version

This Month

Birthdays

Happy Birthday to:

  • Carol Jones
  • Grace Mauer

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

Guild Business

Co-President Janet Bubl welcomed members and four guests: Celia Stapleton, Elge Premeau, Juanita Stram, and A.R. (grandparent of Amelia Van Hook).

Janet asked if there was interest in an “Ice Dyeing” presentation for the July 11 meeting. Membership agreed this would be welcome. When asked if anyone would want to continue the Ice Dyeing experience at Kitty Crawford’s home for $35 each, two people stated they were interested. (FYI: Ice Dyeing is dyeing yarn and fabric with ice. The dye is applied to the yarn which is then covered with ice. The ice melts, distributing the dye.)

Janet reminded members of the Black Sheep Gathering that is happening in Albany at the Linn County Expo Center June 26 – 28.  There will be plenty of sheep and fleece to see and be judged, plus workshops, a marketplace, food, and fun.

Treasurer Sue Culbertson reviewed the Brioche Pastiche Workshop finances and stated we made a profit of $11. She went on to say, the workshop and any activity we do are offered to benefit our members and that is what our Guild is all about.

Janet mentioned that the Oregon State Fair is August 28 to September 7. She reminded people to submit the beautiful knitted items they had made this year to be judged and displayed. As the Fair gets closer, information will be given about knitting demonstrations at the Fair.

The Program Committee will meet today soon after “Christmas in June” activities.                   

Janet and Secretary Margaret Fizer presented the idea of publishing the Guild’s Roster. The Roster contains your name, home and email addresses, home and/or cell phone numbers and birthday month. It was agreed to omit the birthday month. If members do not want any of their contact information published, this will be accommodated. 

Members will receive an email and can reply back if they do not want their name and/or contact information published. Also, there will be an option of receiving a PDF Roster in return email or a printed Roster at the July 11 meeting. Members were advised to look for an email soon regarding the Roster.

June Service Project donations:

  • HOPE: 23 baby items
  • Operation School Bell: 38 child hats
  • Salem Soup Squad: 15 adult items

Show & Tell

Heather Sly-Haley introduced Show & Tell with Sara Amend showing a work in progress. She was inspired by the “Project Hail Mary” movie and by a birthday request for the cream-colored knit cardigan sweater enhanced with foxes. The project quickly became a search for the Mary Maxim pattern on Ravelry, which was found to be defective….meaning it did not look like the cardigan sweater in the movie.

Sara has been correcting the pattern by taking out many stitches many times. The Berroco alpaca wool sweater is almost completed but will not be available for July’s Show & Tell because the birthday is coming up before then. The cardigan sweater was declared a labor of love just before members and guests applauded.

NOTE: The cardigan sweater is based on a 1950’s knitting template by the Canadian Yarn and Crafts Company Mary Maxim.

Sandy Galbraith proudly showed her completed Brioche Cowl and stated she was still alive from the experience. Then, she modeled matching gloves to grand applause, almost an outburst, for her beautiful white and royal purple knits and her patience. Sandy, along with almost 20 members and a guest, attended the Brioche Pastiche Workshop with Michele Bernstein on May 9 at the Willamette Heritage Center. The Cowl pattern is at pdxknitterati.com.

Sue Culbertson, with bright knitted rally socks in hand, stated she is a lifelong Seahawks Fan. The sock pattern is Edward Socks from the Sense and Sensibility Collection by Ambrose Smith. It is available on Ravelry. Sue used some fancy yarn from an independent dyer. The yarn was fingering 75% merino and 25% nylon in Seahawk colors of Elliot Bay. The colorway is named for an area on the Seattle Waterfront. Sue claims you may see her in these socks when the Seahawks are playing, no matter the temp. She ended her display to the sweet applause of the audience.

Program: Celia Stapleton and Knitters Raised by Wolves

At the request of Marcia Smith, our speaker Celia Stapleton spoke about “Knitters Raised by Wolves.” This is an active community-focused Fiber Arts group started in 2019 in Silverton Oregon.

Celia spoke about the group’s sustainable fiber arts and textile repair service projects called “Scrap Happens“. The project is at the Silverton Farmers Market where a sewing machine, ironing board and member mentors are available to repair, hem, sew and/or darn any problems that eludes the owner.

During her presentation, Celia showed her creative EASYPEASY scarf/shawlette by Susanne Müller. Pattern is free on Ravelry. It is long, narrow and easy to wear. The decorative flowers covering the scarf/shawlette completed the fashionable look.

Next Meeting

Our next meeting is July 11, 2026 at the Willamette Heritage Center at the Mill in Salem. Kyla Crawford (Kitty’s daughter) will present the fabulous technique of ice dyeing at our July 11 meeting, where she’ll show us how dye is applied to wet yarn or fabric and then covered with ice. The ice melts, distributing the dye, and voila! You’ll be amazed at the stunning watercolor effects and bursts of brilliant color.

Other Events

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

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

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

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.