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February Newsletter
Volume 2-14
T HE M ONTHLY C ABLE
`
Peggy’s Purls
By Peggy Baxter
In case anybody is curious....I got my voice back! Please
forgive me for sounding so bad at the last meeting.
BUT, what a GREAT start for 2014! 6 new members(total
145!!!), and a big thank you to our new exec. board
members, Susan Greenberg and Debbie Ball for setting
the tone for a really fun year! Unfortunately, our new coVP, Pat Schafer wasn't able to attend due to family
matters, but I know she helped Debbie prepare the
program ideas for February, which sound like so much
FUN!
Do hope all of you ESSS members participate in the
February program as this will be a wonderful opportunity to
get to know other members better.
Really appreciated Bebe Thomas and Karen George for
their program presentation on TKGA's Level 1 Master
Knitting program and TKGA's Correspondence course on
finishing. Thank you Bebe for volunteering to mentor our
group of ESSS members who want to enroll in the Level 1
Master's program. I KNOW this is going to be VERY
beneficial, but remember she will NOT give you the
answers!
ESSS is still looking for someone to be our Boutique and
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Peggy’s Purls / February Program / Membership Update
1
2014 KAL/ CAL / Knitting From Across The Sea
2
Upcoming events / Charity Rep / Store review /
Notice board / Birthdays
3
January Meeting Minutes
4-5
Board Meeting Minutes
6
Craft Sale Chairman. Please let me know if that is of
interest to you.
Don't forget to bring your Halos of Hope chemo hats to
the February meeting as this will be the last time Jennifer
Moraca will be collecting them before she's off to
Stitches West. We really want Team Knotty Girls to win,
so if all ESSS members would just make and donate
ONE hat , that would be SUPER! Be sure they are
SUPER soft! No wool.
Do hope you all have a loving Valentine's Day and wear
RED to the February meeting!
Happy knitting and crocheting,
Peggy B
Membership Update
February Program
By Kathy Bartholomew
By Debbie Ball & Patricia Schafer
We had 68 members attend, 1 member was welcomed
back, Charlo Hendrickson; 11 guests, of which 6 became
new members.
Please welcome our new members:
Sally Ashbaugh,
Westlake Village
Barbara Brooks,
Inglewood
Ginny Floyd,
Thousand Oaks
Lauren Glen,
Santa Monica
Pam Solig,
Huntington Beach
Sarah Stewart,
Playa Vista
Merilyn Burnside invites you to
FOXYKNITS.com
BOOTH #514, 516, 518
STITCHESWest 2014
Feb 20 – 23, 2014
Present this card for a special
El Segundo Slipt Stitchers discount
This is the love month. Let’s have a Valentine Celebration
and share the love of fiber arts. Therefore you have
homework, please bring to the meeting one item you have
made. It could be your favorite, your proudest, most colorful,
or your most challenging of projects that you have
completed. Please bring the name of the pattern, author,
and the yarn you used. Let’s share!
Every party needs a yummy dessert. So in a paper bag,
decorated or not, bring a serving for one. It could be a
pretty cupcake, a few tasty cookies or luscious slice of pie.
Homemade or store bought is fine. Use your imagination. A
dessert trading frenzy will be such fun. Just don’t tell Pat
she thinks it’s a surprise
Yours Truly,
Debbie and Pat
Next Meeting: February
February 15, 2014
2014
10 am – 1 pm - Josyln Center
If you would like to contribute to this newsletter please email [email protected]
Website: www.sliptstitchers.org
Page 2
The Monthly Cable
Knitting From Across the Sea
2014 Cal/KAL
By Ellen Bloom, Lenora Stewart and Bebe
Thomas
By Sarah Wood
KAL - The Honey Cowl features a simple slip stitch pattern
that has an amazingly complex look! Designed by Ann
Maria for Madeline Tosh, this free Ravelry download
produces a wonderful drape while providing just the right
amount of warmth for our California winters. It looks lovely
knit in Madeline Tosh DK but we also recommend trying it
with your favorite yarn. The short version requires only 1
skein and the long, 2 skeins. So, search through your stash
- we are sure you'll find the perfect color for this dense
waffle-like fabric begging to be knit. Try switching up your
yarn weight (worsted or even fingering) for a different look.
Just bear in mind that the yards needed to knit the cowl will
vary. Whatever you do, we are sure you will find multiple
ways to wear and enjoy the relaxed but relevant Honey
Cowl.
Ravelry link to pattern:
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/honey-cowl
CAL - The Crochet Mobius Cowl by Marilyn J. Wallace is
a very easy single crochet pattern. This pattern works up
so quickly, you can make one to go with every outfit!
Working into the back loop of each stitch with an extra large
crochet hook gives this cowl a ribbed look and a beautiful
drape. The pattern calls for bulky yarn, but any weight may
be used. With a lighter weight yarn and the same size
crochet hook, you will achieve a lacy look. If you’d like a
longer cowl, just keep crocheting until you are satisfied with
the length. Once you’re finished with the crochet work, you
can decide if you want to twist your handiwork into a mobius
or join it as a basic cowl. The Crochet Mobius Cowl is a
free pattern on Ravelry that is just begging to be modified to
your own design specifications.
Ravelry link to pattern:
http://www.ravelry.com/projects/merrymarilyn/crochetmobius-cowl
This has been a busy month, but not for the reasons I
thought it would be at the beginning of it. They say that
your parents look after you until they are too old and then
you have to look after them. What they don’t mention is
that you may have to look after your grandparents way
before having to look after your parents and boy can they
be worse than Kids!!!!
This month I have been travelling to and from the east
coast of Suffolk to a little sea side town to look after my
grandparents, after my grandmother collapsed on new
years day. Being in their 90’s I can understand they are set
in their ways but being a full time carer was harder than
pulling an 100 hour week. Luckily
things are onthe mend so they can
fend for themselves a little better
now, and I was able to cook up
enough ready meals in their freezer
to last them several months.
It did mean that I ended up rushing
out a lap blanket for my gran, but
only because I wanted to make
sure my fair isle sweater didn’t go
“missing” just before I left.
I have also been pushing on with
several KAL/CALs this month, pictures of all my crochet
squares will be up on my blog in the next couple of days
and I have just received the final clue to the cloud dragon
double knit scarf so should get that finished shortly.
Hope you all have your Ravellenics projects ready for the
opening ceremony!!
If you want to keep up with my overseas adventures you
can also read my blog:
http://sarahwinlondon.blogspot.co.uk/
Hope to see you at Koigu stand at Stitches West 2014,
please bring coupon with you for special ESSS discount
Love, Merilyn Burnside
Foxyknits.com
Page 3
The Monthly Cable
Upcoming Events
Event
February Sit and Knit
Location
Stitches West
Date
Feb 9th, 2014 from
12.30 – 3.30pm
Feb 20 - 23 2014
Newtons Spring Fling
March 21 - 23
Newtons, Anaheim CA
LA Yarn Crawl 2014
April 3 - 6
More info to follow
Yarnosphere
Oct 4 - 5
Expo Arts Center, Bixby Knolls (Long Beach)
Charity Report
Joslyn Center
See XRX website (www.knittinguniverse.com)
Store review
by Joan Whitten
Reported at the meeting in January: 59 items (2
blankets, 6 dog/cat blankets, 5 baby blankets, 30 hats, 1
sweater, 13 scarves, and 2 shawls). The contributions
were made to 9 charities: Handmade Especially for
You, Irvine Senior Center, Stitches from the Heart,
Halos of Hope, Orthopedic Institute for Children,
Wyoming School Children, SF Center Fertility Clinic,
Mar Vista Library, and animal charities.
There are many ways of reporting your charity
donations: The Charity Donations thread on the
Sliptstitchers Ravelry group; The donations sheet at the
meeting; Email [email protected]; Don’t forget the
Halos of Hope challenge.
by Ann Wicker
In January, I spent a long weekend in Oxnard at
Mandalay Bay, which, by the way, is beautiful and
practically deserted this time year. Perfect for long
walks on the sand. In between walks, I visited Anacapa
Fine Yarns, which was just a few miles from our hotel.
Anacapa Fine Yarns is a large store well stocked with
all the usual suspects plus a huge selection of books
covering all areas of the fiber arts. There is a large area
in the back of the store where a wide variety of knit and
crochet classes take place plus a few other fiber-related
classes such as weaving, beading, etc.
On April 26, they will be offering their third annual
‘Anacapa Ewe-niversity’. This daylong event features
short classes offering lots of tidbits of knowledge. If you
are interested, you can contact the store for more
information. Road-trip anyone??
Notice Board
Laura Dvorkin writes:
I will be collecting yarn at the February meeting for Syrian
refugee knitters in Jordan. Any yarn, any amount. Also,
knitting needles and crochet hooks. All donations will be
greatly appreciated.
Hungryheartsint.com
Anacapa Fine Yarns
4572 Telephone Rd #909 Ventura, CA 93003
805-654-9500 www.anacapafineyarns.com
Bebe Thomas writes:
Beginning in March, I will be available at the ESSS Sit and Knit Sessions to help answer questions for those enrolled
in the TKGA Master Knitting Program Level 1. If you have a question that may be contained in a reference book that I
has in my library, please email me in advance so that I can bring the appropriate book.
In addition, should you have any burning questions prior to the March Sit & Knit, feel free to email me at
[email protected].
Birthdays
February
Angelia Robinson 02/06
Verna Peacock 02/11
Jill Nighswonger 02/19
Denise Douglas 02/28
Laura Martin 02/08
Sandra Carter 02/13
Carolyn Sherman 02/25
Patricia Edie 02/28
Cathy Keller 02/ 10
Suzy DeHaven 02/17
Katie Marker 02/27
March
Beverly Sandford 03/02
Ema Koppelman 03/04
Rite Levin 03/11
Carol Augustine 03/15
Ginny Floyd 03/29
Barbara Marpe 03/03
Victoria Fontana 03/06
Laura Geisel 03/12
Karen La Belle 03/15
Carol Hayes 03/04
Bebe Thomas 03/08
Junelle Papke 03/13
Blair Seibert 03/18
Page 4
ESSS Meeting Minutes –
The Monthly Cable
January 2014
President—Peggy Baxter welcomed new members and
guests.
Recording Sec.—Susan Greenberg reported that the
minutes of the recent Board meeting will be published in
the February newsletter. The minutes from the December
2013 general meeting were published in the December
newsletter; if there are any changes or additions, please let
her know.
Corresponding Sec.—Karen Eakin had nothing to report.
Treasurer—Peggy Avellar reported a beginning balance of
$5835.18, income of $378.25, expenses of $559.01, and an
ending balance of $5654.42. President Peggy said that
she went to hand deliver the $300.00 donation check to the
Red Cross, and found the door locked; there was a woman
walking her dog nearby, and it turned out she was the CEO
of the local Red Cross chapter.
Vice President—Debbie Ball introduced herself, and
explained her Co-VP, Pat Schafer, was absent because her
brother had had a stroke that morning. She will talk about
the upcoming programs later in the meeting.
Membership—Kathy Bartholomew reminded everyone to
sign the attendance sheet, including guests. She also
reported that 6 new members joined today, and all have
received their New Member packets. There has been a
10% increase in attendance! Kathy noted that the new ID
badges now have magnetic fasteners. It was also
mentioned that there is merchandise for sale.
Members-at-Large (Lenora Stewart & Patti Ialongo—
Lenora said that the Board would like feedback and input
from the members, and the Can-at-Large is now situated in
a less prominent place. She found $1.00 in the can.
President Peggy announced that the coffee is now free of
charge, and hopes that more people will drink it so we don’t
have to throw out so much.
Committee Reports
Charities: Renee Hoffman reported 59 items were donated
to 9 charities, and reminded everyone to log their donated
items on the signup sheet. She has new scarf kits
available for Interval House; all kinds of scarves and shawls
are acceptable. Laura Dvorkin talked about the Hungry
Hearts International organization, which is helping Syrians
in refugee camps. We can help the women inside those
camps by donating knitting supplies, any kind of yarn and
needles are fine. She will collect the donations at the
February meeting and get them to the knitters. President
Peggy presented Laura with a large bag of yarn.
Merchandise: Kathy Bartholomew said we have
merchandise for sale, and we are “fully stocked”.
Webmaster: Karen McCleary was not in attendance as her
mother had surgery; President Peggy said Karen will
continue as Webmaster. Kathy Bartholomew spoke about
having a PayPal link on the website for convenience, and
the general membership indicated interest. We will need to
check and see if there is a monthly fee for this service.
Karen also encourages members to please submit things of
interest for publication on the ESSS website, especially
By Susan Greenberg
pages referring to members’ businesses or charities.
Raffle: Brandi Dailey thanked everyone who is
participating in today’s raffle, and said there is a bumper
crop of items. She reminded everyone to keep the
donations for raffle items coming in.
Newsletter: Sarah continues to put out our newsletter
while living in England. President Peggy reminded
th
everyone to get submissions to Sarah by the 30 of each
month. Submissions can be anything that might be of
interest to members, including reports on special events,
yarn stores, and photos.
Craft Sales: President Peggy thanked Krystal Smith for
her work coordinating the sales, however she has now
chosen to step down. If anyone is interested in being in
charge of this committee, please see Peggy B.
Photographer: Jan Sandys-Renton will take photos of
each Show and Share participant, but reminded everyone
that photos are optional.
Coffee & Refreshments: Ema Koppelman could not stay
but she did bring in the coffee this morning. Some Board
members and a number of other people provided food. It
was noted that while Starbucks does provide some cups
and lids, there might not be enough for everyone, so
members are still encouraged to bring their own cups or
mugs. If anyone is interested in bringing refreshments for
next month, please contact Ema.
Mentoring: Jurhee Blagaich said that this is a “work in
progress”. President Peggy explained that in the past,
mentoring meant matching up members wanting to learn a
skill with members willing to teach that skill. This has not
worked that well, and perhaps changing this to more of a
“big sister” program might work better. A new member
would be assigned to a veteran member, or a veteran
could volunteer to be a “liaison” for a new member. The
new member would know that their liaison is available to
answer any questions about the Guild. Monika Riggs said
that the original function of mentoring has been
superseded by Ravelry for hands-on help. She referred to
a past program where Doris taught Irish crochet, which
was fairly successful. Monika suggested that perhaps
there were some members who would be willing to stay
after meetings on occasion to help those interested in
learning specific techniques. President Peggy related a
recent situation where a new member had asked someone
if she could bring a guest to the December meeting, and
was erroneously told “no”. A liaison would have ensured
that member had gotten the correct information. Jurhee
said the mentoring program as we know it is passé. Leo
Aguilar said he would like to see more volunteers come
forward to teach skills, an opinion echoed by Fred
Yoshiwa. President Peggy said that there is still a signup
sheet available for mentoring, and anyone interested
should also see Jurhee. She then tabled the discussion
and said that some of these ideas would be addressed
later in this meeting.
Page 5
The Monthly Cable
ESSS Meeting Minutes –
January 2014 Cont.
Historian: Betty DeHaven had no report, but asked
members to submit photos to her for the scrapbook.
KAL/CAL: Lenora Stewart, BeBe Thomas and Ellen
Bloom were introduced as committee chairs. Lenora
said a new KAL/CAL will be revealed in February.
There will continue to be both knit and crochet options.
Hospitality: President Peggy said that a volunteer is
needed to fill this position. Leo Aguilar said that since
he is still the official greeter, he would be willing to be in
charge of Hospitality as well. Bebe Thomas said she
would be willing to take over or assist Leo in the
position starting in July.
OLD BUSINESS
Haloes of Hope Podcaster Throwdown: Jen Moraca
thanked everyone who has donated hats, and outlined
the challenge. Next month is the deadline for hat
donations; they will accept them until and at Stitches
West, we can drop them off at the Dizzy Blonde Studios
booth 906/908. Please mark your donations for Team
Knotty Girls. Jen and Laura of DBS thanked everyone
who made donations by giving out mini-skeins of Dizzy
Blonde sock yarn. There is also a bag with donated
yarn for anyone who wants to make hats.
Miscellaneous: President Peggy presented Mary, the
Joslyn Center receptionist, with a Trader Joe’s gift card
to show our appreciation for her help and support.
NEW BUSINESS
Programs: Debbie Ball talked about programs geared to
all levels of knitters. The VPs want to gather more
information about our members. She distributed a new
questionnaire and asked that members complete and
submit ASAP. All members are asked to turn in a
questionnaire, and if you submit it by the end of the
meeting you will get a chocolate. Some of the
programs are already penciled in; one will be learning
to do cables (separate groups for beginners and those
more advanced). The February program will be “just for
fun”. Monika Riggs likes programs taught by pairs, and
skills/techniques programs presented by people who
just learned them elsewhere. Fred Yoshiwa wanted to
know if programs could be presented on another day,
and/or could be longer. Angelia Robinson asked if
presenters are compensated for expenses; President
Peggy said they get a $25 Visa card, and printing
expenses are reimbursed. Debbie Ball gave a preview
of the February program, a “Valentine Love
Extravaganza”.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Sit and Knit: President Peggy encouraged members to
attend the monthly Sit and Knit; the next one will be
th
February 9 at Joslyn Center from 12:30 to 3:30.
By Susan Greenberg
Stitches West (Santa Clara, CA): February 20-23,
2014
Foxy Knits: Merilyn Burnside invited everyone to visit
the Foxy Knits booth at Stitches West in February.
She has discount coupons for Guild members.
L.A. County Yarn Crawl: April 3-6, 2014, more
information to come.
Pasadena Bead Show: Tomorrow is the last day.
President Peggy attended and took a class. She has
a free ticket for anyone who would like to have it. The
next show will be in July, they have them twice a year.
The raffle was held.
Show and Share
Patti Ialongo, “1898” knit hat (Malabrigo wool)
Leo Aguilar, “Small Talk” shawl (NYC brushed acrylic)
Lenora Stewart, blanket, knit and crochet, original
design (various yarns)
Rita Levin, Gray Cardigan vest; adapted from Sally
Melville’s “A Gray Cardigan” (knit, Knit Picks “Swish”)
Peggy Baxter, “Dr. Who” project bag from Slipped
Stitch Studios
Cathy McFarlane, tea cosy, original design (knit, llama
homespun)
Angelia Robinson, “Bernadette” crocheted cape,
original design (SMC Select Extra Soft Merino Alpaca)
Dorothy Akiyama, knit scarf (?)
Cathy Soto, crocheted blanket (Baby Soft acrylic and
cotton/acrylic yarns)
Josephine Needleman, “La Jolla” knit sweater
(Colinette yarn)
Carol Hayes, “Tiki Head” Bolster Pillow from Beastly
Crochet (Lion Brand “Vanna” yarn)
Laura Dvorkin, “Leftie” knit shawl by Martina Behm, on
Ravelry (Koigu yarn)
Also…Nook knit cozy, member’s original pattern
(which member??) (Debra Norville Everyday yarn)
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Greenberg, Co-Recording Secretary
Page 6
ESSS Board Meeting Minutes
The Monthly Cable
By Susan Greenberg
January 12, 2014
In attendance: Peggy Baxter, Kathy Bartholomew,
Peggy Avellar, Pat Schafer, Debbie Ball, Susan
Greenberg
President Peggy welcomed the new board members and
thanked everyone for attending. Peggy then went
through all of the board and committee positions one by
one.
There was a discussion about the custom of giving
volunteer program presenters $25 bank gift cards as a
“thank you”. It was agreed to continue this incentive
program.
Membership / Merchandise: Kathy has updated the
Membership form to include her name and personal
mailing address; this will enable new members to send
in their forms and payment directly to her.
Kathy suggested that a PayPal payment option be
added to the ESSS website for convenience.
It has been noted that the list of yarn stores needs
updating. Kathy will ask members at the next general
meeting for input to help in revising the list.
President Peggy reported that she ordered more ESSS
business cards on sale from Vistaprint.
President Peggy said that, in the future, the comments
/suggestions can will be set out in a less public place. It
is hoped that this will encourage more people to drop
suggestions in without fear of being seen.
Craft Show: Crystal S. does not wish to continue as
Craft Show chair. President Peggy said she is not sure
that we should continue our participation in this event.
Kathy suggested we investigate the Richmond Street
Fair in El Segundo.
Refreshments: President Peggy made a motion to
discontinue charging for coffee. There is a lot of coffee
being thrown out after the meetings because people
aren’t buying much of it. The motion was passed.
Mentoring: President Peggy said she is unsure whether
Jurhee B. will be in charge, even though she said she
was willing; Peggy will discuss with her soon. Peggy
also suggested we have a “Big Sister” list of members
who area available to answer questions and provide
information to new members as needed. Debbie and
Pat said this list could be put in the new member
packets. President Peggy said it might be even better to
also have the Big Sisters call or contact the new
members and offer their assistance.
Historian: President Peggy hopes that Betty DeHaven
will continue on in this position.
Hospitality: The consensus is that we like having a
“greeter” at the door at the general meetings. It is
unknown if Leo will continue on in this role.
Programs: President Peggy suggested the idea to
have Helen from Newton’s Yarn Country present a
program about machine knitting. She will contact
Helen and inquire. Also, as a number of ESSS
members are themselves machine knitters, perhaps
some would be willing to bring in their machines for
demonstration purposes. This would make it possible
to break up into small groups.
Another possible idea for a program would focus on
weaving.
Pat presented a rough draft of a new program
questionnaire. Peggy A. suggested the finalized
version be included in the new member packets.
Ways to fine tune the questionnaire were discussed.
Pat and Debbie will present the finalized version at the
January general meeting.
President Peggy proposed that programs not be
planned out for every meeting, but to do on a “month
to month”. As there are already a number of “built-in”
programs during the year, we would only need 5 or 6
new ones to fill in. These could include a projectbased program.
Debbie proposed anew charity program, teddy bears
for law enforcement. President Peggy asked Debbie
and Pat to investigate this further, as well as other
local charity options for the bears. Another related
idea was to have a guild “bear contest”.
President Peggy thanked the Board members and
adjourned the meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Greenberg
Recording Secretary