Next Meeting January 9, 2008

At Arby's in Castlegar, 6:30 pm. See you there!


The "last tuesday" meeting for December is cancelled because it falls on Christmas day.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

God Bless.

Next meeting Wednesday, Dec. 12th at Arby's in Castlegar

Hello everyone! Please join us at Arby's Wednesday Dec. 12th, 6:30 pm.

Bring your last-minute Christmas gift projects and your questions! If anyone is a finishing expert, I'm sure a number of us could use your help.

All the best,
Gwen
304-2625

Meeting notes from Nov. 27th

The snow and slick streets did not keep 5 women and one teenager away from the November monthly meeting held at the Castlegar Public Library.  It was evident from the beginning of the meeting that the focus spontaneously was "helping each other".  Donna was starting a "Kootenay Jane" hat worked from the top down.  After several false starts, she enlisted the help of Sandra to get all four needles in the right spot for the first two rows.  The pattern is definitely one that only an octopus would find easy to begin!  Together the two ladies were able to get it started.  Mona and her daughter came in with a request for help in repairing a novelty scarf that had been damaged and was unraveling.  The scarf was cut off, ripped back, stitches picked up, and finally repaired.  She also asked for help in reading and demonstrating how to increase in a filet crochet window panel that she had started many years ago and forgot how to do.  Karen had done this type of work, so was able to assist Mona in deciphering the pattern.  Next month, we encouraged Mona's daughter to bring along her spool knitting.  Lastly, a very skilled lady whose name we cannot remember (very sorry!) taught Karen how to cast on using the long tail method around two needles.  She was also able to show Karen a simple way to purl.  Karen was thrilled to finally be able to purl properly.   As usual, the time passed quickly, and soon Vera was there to tell us the Library was closing. 

 

Toe-up socks, benefits of knitting...

 

Here is a link to a pattern for Toe-up socks. This technique is worth a try. I have made several pair, (following a different pattern, which I couldn't find online anymore). http://knitty.com/ISSUEsummer06/PATTwiddershins.html

Plus, an article on different ways to start the toe with toe-up socks.

http://www.knitty.com/issuewinter02/FEATtiptoptoes.html

 

 

From Sandra, an article she found about the benefits of knitting for chronic pain sufferers, and knitting in the news:

A Stitch In Time Saves Pain
I read about a pain management clinic in a UK hospital called Stitch, Links and Chatter.

The group, which meets twice a month, was set up by nurse practitioner Carol Davidson. She said: "There is substantial anecdotal evidence that the repetitive nature of knitting and the distraction it provides, allows people to be less aware of their pain. It's also a valuable social interaction for our patients, many of whom are isolated because of the chronic nature of their conditions."

Pain unit psychologist Mike Osborn said: "The knitting group is a superb example of an activity that works for loads of different reasons. It's physical, productive, social, almost meditative and helps people to engage in meaningful activity. Chronic pain can take the meaning out of your life and if you can retrieve some of it through knitting, or anything like it, that's a great idea."

Knit-Spotting on New TV Hit
If you happened to catch the second episode of the new ABC television show, Pushing Daisies, you were treated to a hilarious occasion for knit-spotting. Private investigator, Emerson Cod (played by Chi McBride) sported some mighty interesting knit work. In one scene he wore knitted gun holsters (he called them "gun cozies"). In another scene we see him stashing money in knitted socks (a drawer full of "money bags"). He also saved the day when he used his knitting needle to break all three main characters out of body bags. Edith Eig was the behind the scenes talent who custom designed knits for the show and taught Chi the art of knitting. She is the owner of La Knitterie Parisienne, a yarn emporium in Studio City, Calif.

 

 

Meeting notes: Nov. 14th

Tonight's meeting at Arby's was a delight. Donna popped in to say hello, and show off the adorable baby booties she made from merino wool. Sandra brought a gorgeous scarf she just finished, and also the two exchange students who stay with her, Lee and Jinny. Jean was starting a sock, and Inga was turning the heel in another sock. Jen made it to the meeting after missing many, and she brought a baby blanket in progress, and a 2008 knitting calendar.

 

The buzz: There is a new knitting shop in Nelson above BCAA, definitely worth checking out.

 

Jean makes items for Threads of Love, a charity organization that provides knitted clothing for preemies. Check it out:  http://www.threadsoflove.org/

 

 

 

 

Library meeting Nov. 27th

Our next meeting at the library (the Last Tuesday) will be on November 27th, 6:30 to 8:00 pm.

 

 

 

Arby's Wednesday, Nov. 14th

You are all invited to the next gathering at Arby's in Castlegar, Wednesday, Nov. 14th. 6:30-8:00 pm. Arby's has kindly made a reservation for our group. The address is 595 18th St. Bring your latest project, show-and-tell, and bring a friend too!

Yesterday was Remembrance Day. Check out the wartime-era patterns at the Red Cross website.
http://www.redcross.org/museum/exhibits/knits.asp


The Knit and Crochet Guild welcomes crafters of all skill levels and ages. Please join us!

Next meeting Tuesday, October 30th

Hope to see you tonight, Oct. 30th from 6:30-8:00pm at the Castlegar Public Library.

Sandra and I have a proposal for the "other" monthly meeting - Arby's has offered to reserve a section for us. The last meeting at Inga's house went very well, also! See the previous post contributed by Sandra. Some interested people have inquired about meeting on a different night, not Tuesday, so the "other" monthly meeting could be on Wednesdays or ?? Up to the members.

Notes from the last meeting...

On a dark and rainy Tuesday evening in early October, 5 women with a keen interest in knitting meet at the home of Inga Lamont. By the warmth of a birch wood fire, the ladies knit, talked, and shared their interest in knitting and traditional crafts. Barbara was quilting on her brightly coloured “drunker’s path quilt she is making for her brother-in-law. Inga was knitting socks for her granddaughter’s birthday. Jean was continuing to knit for her “Threads of Love” project: knitting booties and caps for premature babies. Sandra had socks on the go. All four ladies were treated to a very impressive show and tell by Donna which included: her very first knitting project of a mohair shawl, men’s slippers which will be felted, ladies felted slippers, a felted black hat, and more. We were inspired to knit and felt slippers and enjoyed Donna’s humorous telling of the story behind each project.


Thank you Sandra for contributing this post!

Invitation

Please join us Tuesday, October 2nd at 7pm for a friendly get-together at Inga's house. The address is 102 18th Street, Castlegar (below Dairy Queen). Tel. 365-7500.

The group will still be meeting the last Tuesday of every month at the library, with an additional meeting every month at another location for anyone who can attend. (Feedback from group members is requested.) Next library meeting October 30th.

Marian has provided a link to a newsletter from Bernat with new yarns and patterns. Check it out: http://www.bernat.com:80/newsletters/sep2007web.html

Pass it on!

September 25th meeting notes

Fall has brought the knitters & crocheters out of hiding! We had an excellent turnout tonight of enthusiastic crafters. There is talk of meeting more often...more on that later.

Some of the projects spotted tonight included a felted bag, socks of many glorious colours, the last sleeve of a sweater, and a crochet-on-the-double reversible afghan.

Upcoming: pattern swap. Check back for details...

Next Meeting: July 31

Our next meeting will be July 31, 6:30-8:00 pm at the library.

A recent news-making item in the crochet world:
Polish grannies sell hand-crocheted lace lingerie, and it's a big hit.
http://www.koniakow.com/index_en.php

About the Guild

The Knit and Crochet Guild meets the last Tuesday of every month at the Castlegar Public Library, downstairs. Time is 6:30-8:00 pm.

All ages and skill levels welcome, new members welcome. Attendance is free of charge (future special events or teaching workshops may have a fee to cover costs but those will be clearly posted).

Guild Activities:

• a place for knitters and crochet lovers to socialize and share their skills & ideas
• a place to get help from other knitters if you need it
• a pattern-sharing network
• stitch & technique workshops
• basic knit and crochet skill workshops for beginners
• charitable knitting efforts if members are interested
• perhaps hold guild shows of our work, eventually (like the local weaver's guild)
• field trips to see spinning & dying operations
• whatever the members want it to be
  
  
  For more information, please contact Gwen Vernham at 250-304-2625 or vernham@shaw.ca

Inaugural Meeting April 24th 2007: a success!

The Guild met for the first time April 24, 2007, at the Castlegar Public Library. Thanks to all the ladies who came out! We have a very creative, talented group.

Next meeting: Tuesday, May 29th, 6:30-8:00 pm at the Library. New members welcome.