Kitchener-Waterloo Knitters’ Guild Newsletter November 2013 November Programme: Designing Accessories with Laura Chau Welcome to the beginning of winter, knitters! The time when we wear all of these accessories we've been talking about knitting has come; it's time for mitts & hats & scarves & a chance to show off our knitting to the world. This month we have Laura Chau coming to talk to us about some of her beautiful accessory patterns, as seen in Knitty and on laurachau.com, and give us some tools to start designing our own. She'll cover things such as pattern standards, sizing, and using spreadsheets that will come in handy if you chose to design and/or write your own accessory patterns. Meeting Date: November 12, 2013 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. First United Church William & King Streets, Waterloo Designing Accessories KWKG Executive 2013-2014 These are the people who volunteer their time to make your Guild the best it can be. President: Dee-Anne Shillinglaw, [email protected] Vice President: Carol Moogk-Soulis [email protected] Past President: Victoria Lewin, [email protected] Membership: Alison Ellett, [email protected] Treasurer: Sylvie Spraakman, [email protected] Secretary: Ellen Lovell, [email protected] Programme: Cheryl McLeod , [email protected]  Goodwill: [email protected] Library: Toni Peter, [email protected] Volunteer Coordinator: Erin McKee, [email protected] Would you like to be a knitwear model? Are you organized and interested in seeing behind the scenes? The Adjudicated Show this June is put on by volunteers, and we need your help! If you can assist in any way on the night of the show, please contact Catherine at [email protected]. Adjudicated Show: Catherine Williams [email protected] Raffle Table: Alfie Galda and Susan Caskey Yarn Table: Ada Meyers, Maria Kelly, and Jennifer Prosser Newsletter: Jennifer Dellow, [email protected] Communications: Johanna Botari, [email protected] Fair Coordinator: Jennifer Dellow, [email protected] A Word from the President: Wow, snow! I was hoping that I could go another month without seeing it, but I guess I’m stuck bringing out all the winter accessories early ;) I seem to have collected a number of knitted accessories over the years, and I have a lot to choose from. Turns out, the one that is working best for me this year (so far) is a nice plain ribbed scarf. Accessories don’t always have to be fancy in order for people to like them. I get a lot of compliments on just a plain scarf.  With the cost of hydro being more expensive, little accessories like scarves, shawls, and hand warmers can be really useful. I plan to make a number of accessories this winter for myself and my daughter so that we can stay toasty in the house without having to turn the heat up. Here are a few patterns I’m hoping to get done before the spring hits: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/together-in-tweed---wristwarmers-for-mums-and-their-kids http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hue-and-value-shawl http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/proposition---entrelac-gloves http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bermuda-scarf The fabulous thing is, not only do I get to warm myself up when I finish these projects, but I also get free entries into the adjudicated show this year ;) Happy Knitting everyone! Dee-Anne Here is one more pretty project: your newsletterist’s favourite fall accessory that I didn’t keep! These are the Recess for Grownups mittens, and the next thing on my knitting list (after Christmas presents) will be another pair of these for myself. 2 Library A few reminders: • Please bring back anything you borrow the next month, especially new arrivals! There are people waiting for books that are out. • The library is usually closed for the December meeting, so anything you borrow in November will stay with you until January. • Have you come across a book you think should be in our collection? Let me know! This month’s theme is family wear. Men’s, women’s, children, and babies. Obviously, a good part of what we knit is for other people, especially little people. Since Rowan has a good collection of patterns for kids and babies, I’ve picked up a bunch of books to update that section of the library. Knits Men Want by Bruce Weinstein I might have to buy another copy for my personal collection. I think every pattern in this book is fabulous and my very picky husband would actually wear them all. The author also has lots of tips on how to pick and make something that the man you’re knitting for will like and wear. Lots of sweaters, and some accessories, with fairly simple patterns. Boyfriend Sweaters by Bruce Weinstein 19 designs that are geared towards men, but include sizing for women too, making the patterns very versatile. Lots of sweaters, and some accessories as well. Boys’ Knits by Katya Frankel A good sized collection of 16 patterns for boys sweaters and vests/cardigans. These patterns should appeal to many boys and even girls who are looking for less “girly” knits. Sizes 4-14. Knit with me - a mother-daughter collection by Gudrun Johnston Beautiful matching patterns in women’s and young lady’s sizes. Two sections: sweaters and accessories. Very current and wearable! Rowan Kids by Sarah Hatton & Lisa Richardson Patterns for ages 5-12 Little Rowan by Martin Storey Patterns for babies and toddlers Summer Baby by Marie Wallin, Martin Storey, Grace Melville, Lisa Richardson, & Janice Anderson Patterns for newborns to 4 years Just Baby by Lisa Richardson Patterns for babies Needles and Artifice by The Ladies of Mischief Some interesting and beautiful patterns of a Victorian punk flare with a story woven throughout the book. I hadn’t even heard of steampunk before this book was suggested, and it doesn’t necessarily fit the family theme, but the whole book is a fun diversion with nice patterns for stockings, corsets, and lots of accessories. Worth a look. Toni 3 Knitter Search Is there anyone who could knit a man’s Aran sweater for Christmas? If you do knitting on consignment, please contact Johanna for details, at [email protected] Volunteer Corner There are a couple of open volunteer positions with the Guild, if you are interested in getting involved, but don’t want a large job just yet! We need people to help with the Raffle Table and the Membership Table during Guild meetings. If you are able to help out, please contact Erin McKee, the volunteer coordinator, during a meeting or at [email protected].  Translator Search Other Stuff Do we have any Portuguese speakers in the Guild? Christine is looking for someone to translate a pattern from Portuguese to English. Please contact [email protected]  Yarn Table The yarn table is a great way to get rid of any yarns you don't want anymore, and to make room in the new year for new stash. Just set prices and bring a list of your yarns/quantities/prices with your name on it. Don’t forget to scope out the yarn table for new-to-you bargains, too! The website team is working on a members-only section of the website. In this section, you will be able to find executive meeting minutes, budgets, and year end reports. This information will also be available in a binder at the library. It is important for the members to have access this information, but it is not information that needs to be posted for the general public. All of the information that you are used to seeing on the website—newsletters, meeting information, etc.—will still be publically available. Newsletter Have you ever wanted to submit a piece to be published in the newsletter? Send any inquiries or entries to [email protected]. All entries must be sub-mitted by 2 weeks before the next Guild meeting date. The next submission deadline will be for the December Newsletter: November 26, 2013. Every time you send something in to be printed in the newsletter, you get a chance to win a gift certificate in May. I would like to remind everyone to not park in the church parking lot. It is very tiny, many meetings run concurrently with our own, and there is not enough space for everyone. The Town Square lot that is right beside the church is free and spacious. Please park there. 4 Raffle Notes The speaker or a volunteer draws the first winner, then each winner will draw the next name until all the prizes are drawn. Purchase three tickets for $1.    Show and Tell Bring in an item or two and tell us all about it! We’re always excited to hear about your firsts for projects! What did you learn making your items? What funny stories can you tell us about the items you are showing us? Get the praise and attention you deserve for all your hard work! Goodwill Do you know of a Guild member with recent news, good or bad? The Guild would like to hear about them, to send our congratulations or our condolences. Please email [email protected] or speak to any member of the executive with the news of the Guild. October Meeting – Raffle Winners Caroline Simpson – Purple notion bag Heather McCullough – Stitch markers Carol Moogk-Soulis – Purple needle case Hennie Lloyd – Knitting Brioche book Lianne Tanner – Wooden stick pin Lina Forner – Tape measure Mel Biggs – Sock yarn Shelly Cheeseman – Shawls Two book Caroline Simpson – Yarn cutter Cheryl M – Journal and pen Lina Forner – Large stitch holders Jennie Brown – Needle gauge/ruler October Meeting – Show & Tell Leah McKeen – My Little Slugs/octopus/squid Elizabeth Winfield – Super-size mitered squares afghan Alfie Galda – “Monet” designer jackets with exotic buttons Susan Johnson – Pink owl Barbara Dares – Fingerless mitts Anne Blayney – Afterlight sweater by Amy Herzog in Shalimar Breathless yarn Toni Peter – Peerie Flooers hat by Kate Davies Christopher Thomas – Sweater I haven’t been able to duplicate; Scarf of Rassilon (WIP); Shawl claimed as property by the cat Ada Meyers – Scarf and special neckwear JoAnn Hayter – Cardigan in Kid Silk Haze with examples of “fix-its” 5 Words from your Local Yarn Stores (LYS) Alpaca Acres welcomes visitors to our farm and store. Call 519-625-1064 or visit www.alpacaacres.ca All Strung Out, www.allstrungout.ca is at 36 Quebec St., Guelph with Ashley Reid. Shall We Knit? Can be found at 11 Willow St., Waterloo www.shallweknit.com Needle Beetle - For original colourwork, intarsia, lace & texture knitting patterns, please visit www.needlebeetle.com Knit and Chats Tuesday 4th Tuesday evening of the month from 7 pm to 9 pm at the Region of Waterloo Public Health and Social Services Building in room 210/211 located on the second floor. Diehard chatters meet every week. Knit Night at Chapters Waterloo, 2nd Tuesday of every month in the store at Chapters. Knit & Chat in Cambridge at the Java Garden from 7 – 9pm every Tuesday night. The Java Garden is at 2 Queen Street East. Parking is free: either on the street or in parking lots. For more information, contact Wendy at Millpond Records & Books 519658-9641. Wednesday All Strung Out 11 am to 2 pm at 36 Quebec St., Guelph (226-8203766). Downtownknitmob: informal meetings, 6:30-9pm, Queen St. Commons in Kitchener. See Ravelry for details. Thursday All Strung Out 6-9 pm at 36 Quebec St., Guelph (226-820-3766). Uptownknitmob: informal meetings, 6-9 pm, in various Uptown Waterloo locations. See Ravelry for details. Friday Shall We Knit? from early afternoon until closing in Waterloo. Contact for dates: Make Your Mark Studio, Guelph, 7pm to 9pm, all textile arts welcome! www.makeyourmarkstudio.ca Saturday All Strung Out 1-3 pm at 36 Quebec St., Guelph (226-820-3766). 6