KNITTERS’ KNEWS Vol. 35, Issue 6 February 2015

THE MADISON KNITTERS’ GUILD MEETS THE SECOND MONDAY OF EACH MONTH SEPTEMBER THROUGH MAY. PROMEGA BIOPHARMACEUTICAL TECHNOLOGY CENTER (BTC), 5445 E. CHERYL PARKWAY, FITCHBURG, WI

MEET FEBRUARY’S SPEAKER, CAROLYN YACKEL FEBRUARY 9 MEETING: Carolyn Yackel was educated at the University of Chicago 5:00–6:30 pm: Doors Open (B.S.) and at the University of Michigan (M.S., Ph.D.), where she trained as a commutative algebraist. She's now Pick up your badge then visit an associate professor at Mercer University in Macon, GA, Hospitality, Library, Vendors, where she studies the implications of mathematics for Community Projects, and Knit Aid in the Atrium and Cafeteria arts and vice versa – an emerging field usually referred to as math and fiber arts. This subject brings her 5:45–6:15 pm: Knit much joy as it marries her two loves. She enjoys working Connections in room 122 both alone and with her major collaborator, Sarah Marie Learn about volunteer Belcastro, with whom she recently edited their second opportunities from Guild book, Crafting by Concepts. officers and committee chairs. Each chapter in Crafting by Concepts is divided into four 6:30 pm: Meeting Starts sections: 1) an overview for everyone, 2) a mathematics section for both Business Meeting, Guest enthusiasts and math professionals, 3) a teaching Speaker, Break, Show N’ Tell, ideas section, and 4) project instructions. Some of Door Prizes in Auditorium the chapters have multiple projects. There are also mini chapters with only two sections IN THIS ISSUE: (mathematical description and project  Meeting Program – 1 instructions).  Letter from the President – 2 projects from the book are also featured  Library Notes – 2 on . Follow the links below to review  Mark Your Calendar – 3 those projects. There are also links to some of the mathematical topics, authors, and projects  March Speaker – 3 related to knitting (and ) presented in  MKG Knit Along – 3 Crafting by Concepts:  Neighborhood Knits – 3  knitting surfaces of revolution / Amy F. Szczepanski / three knitted hats  Treasurer’s Report – 3 (Ravelry pattern pages: coney, bee, stripehead)  Knit-In 2015 – 4  number theory and braid words in helix striping / sarah-marie belcastro /  Community Projects – 5-6 knitted nightcap and bedsocks (Ravelry pattern pages: nightcap, bedsocks)  January Guild Meeting  (mini) the cross-cap embedding of the projective plane / Emily Peters / knitted Minutes – 7-8 cross-cap (Ravelry pattern page: cross-cap)  Nominating Committee – 8  (mini) perfect squared rectangles / Susan Goldstine / crocheted baby blanket  February’s Vendors – 9 (Ravelry pattern pages: simple, simpler)  Ewe and Janine – 10 Carolyn invites questions and challenges in advance of the meeting. Please submit  Advertisers – 10-11 any questions to me at: [email protected] – Barbara Rottman, Programming Chair

MKG Knitters’ Knews 1 February 2015

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT As I write this letter, another Guild retreat is ending. My and committee chairs for next year. Why not make their own stay this year lasted only about 26 hours. I was able job easier and call one of them to find out where your to spend just one night in New Glarus working on a hat talents are needed? for my 7 year old granddaughter. I had completed a few A job for all of us! I had a long conversation with Cathy rounds before I arrived but did not finish it before I left. Silver at the retreat. Cathy told me that she and Holly O. To me our retreat is synonymous with relaxation, had recently met a mother and daughter who knew very delicious food, inspirational conversation, seeing old little about the Guild. (Or should I say they knew nothing friends, and meeting new people. Holly Orwin did her about us?) Cathy explained that beginning knitters are just usual stellar job of organizing and welcoming. as welcome as experienced ones and she invited Pat and Knit-In: Our next big Guild activity, the Knit-in, is only Missy to our January meeting, saying she would meet them about a month away. I registered fairly early and was able at the door to show them around and then sit with them to sign up for the classes I wanted—after much during the meeting. How many times has someone deliberation due to so many tempting choices. I learn admired something you’ve made and said, “I learned to something in every class I take, don’t you? Kirsti Johanson knit but I’m not very good”? Do you tell them about and her committee have done a phenomenal job of Guild? Do you invite them to a meeting and offer to sit planning this event and it is already on track to be a huge with them? What a perfect way for all of us to be success. ambassadors for our Guild! Knit Connections in Room 122 from 5:45-6:15 pm: Lost and Found: We always let you know what has Have you been wondering what you can contribute to been turned in to us, but some of these items do end up in your Guild? Come to Knit Connections on Feb. 9 and talk my knitting bag at the end of the meeting. Currently I have with officers and committee chairs. There may be a perfect a pair of black gloves and a straight magenta colored metal task for you that wouldn’t require hours and hours each needle size 2 about 10” long. See me at the February month. meeting to claim your belongings. Please!! Nominating Committee: Vice president Mary Jo See you soon! Harris has formed a committee to recruit board members – Connie Burmeister, President LIBRARY NOTES: Lavish, new, vintage, Shetland or even one-skein, it is all about lace this month. We are excited to be adding five new books on the topic of lace for your instruction and inspiration. To complete our collection of Judith Durant's very popular One-Skein Wonder series, Lace One-Skein Wonders contains 101 beautiful lace patterns, great for gifts or lace beginners. The Knitter Magazine out of the UK has published Lace Collection for Knitting featuring beautiful lace projects from accessories to . Lavish Lace by Carol Rasmussen Noble, while published many years ago, has been member requested and features hand dyed patterns. Brand-new last year, New Vintage Lace by Andrea Jurgrau explores traditional lace doily patterns, translating them into shawls, scarves and more. Finally, The Magic of Shetland by Elizabeth Lovick includes instructions to teach any knitter how to become a master lace crafter with easy to follow charts and plenty of great pointers. We are pleased to add three items donated by Elaine Landay this month. In Kitty Knits by Donna Druchunas, get inspired by our feline friends or make a fun project for a cat lover in your life. Elaine also donated two DVDs, Knitting Essentials 2 with Lucy Neatby and 's Vest both contain easy to follow instructions. Come check out our whole collection of DVDs. Thank you Elaine! Do you have suggestions for new books for the library? Stop by the library table and submit your requests! – Marijka Engel, Library Chair

MKG Knitters’ Knews 2 February 2015

SNEAK PEEK AT THE MARCH SPEAKER: Cathryn Bothe, founder of Signature Needle Arts, based in Kenosha, WI, will be the featured speaker at the March 9 meeting. Hear the story of how Cathryn UPCOMING GUILD EVENTS: envisioned a better February 9: Guild Meeting featuring Carolyn and then worked to bring precision Yackel and vendors Firefly and Hidden knitting needles to the market. Valley Woolen Mill February 20: Knit In 2015, Class and Keynote Address by Patty Lyons; Alliant Energy Center, TREASURER’S REPORT: Registration required. Month Reported: January 2015 Feb 21–22: Knit In 2015, Classes, vendors, Income: $ 14,230.41 yarn tastings, KAL, and more! Alliant Energy Disbursements: $ 3,317.71 Center, Register online now. Checking: $ 60,527.91 March 9: Guild Meeting featuring Cathryn Savings: $ 3,070.15 Bothe and vendors Stitchers Crossing, Jenny Blasen Pottery, and The Sow's Ear April 11: Traditional Icelandic Lopi Yoke class with instructor Hélène Magnusson NEIGHBORHOOD KNITS April 11: Icelandic Lopi Sweater: Shaping An MKG Members Only Benefit Techniques class with instructor Hélène Magnusson The Madison Knitters’ Guild offers mini classes to members only for a nominal cost of $5.00 payable to instructor April 12: Traditional Icelandic and at class time. Classes are 1 to 2 hours long at locations around Beyond class with instructor Hélène Magnusson Madison and cover techniques you are looking for additional April 12: Traditional Icelandic Triangular Lace assistance. Class sizes are limited, so register only if you are Shawl class with instructor Hélène Magnusson certain you will attend. April 13: Traditional Icelandic class Check the MKG website for new classes coming in March and with instructor Hélène Magnusson April 2015. April 13: Guild Meeting – Members Only, We are looking for a few more instructors for a variety of featuring Hélène Magnusson and vendors Knit topics. If you have an interest and would like to share your One Purl Two and Ogle Design expertise please contact Sandy or Bonnie May 11: Guild Meeting – Members Only at [email protected]. OTHER LOCAL FIBER EVENTS: – Sandy Gordon & Bonnie Dill, Neighborhood Knits Co-Chairs April 17–18: Rites of Spring: Fiber Frolic at Bleating Heart Haven, New Holstein, WI April 25–26: Wisconsin Alpaca & Fiber Fest, Washington County Fairgrounds, West Bend June 13: World Wide Knit In Public Day!

MKG KNIT ALONG (KAL) Chimera sweaters are emerging from our needles! Future meetings are Sundays February 1, March 15, and April 12, at the Fitchburg Public Library from 2–4 pm. In March and April Sylvie Schuresko will help us seam the sections of our sweaters together. You don’t need to be knitting the Chimera sweater to join us for knitting at the Fitchburg Public Library. Bring your knitting and join the KAL group as we knit and chat. – Margy Blanchard and Nancy Hilmanowski

MKG Knitters’ Knews 3 February 2015

WOW! We have over 280 registrations for Knit In already! If you haven’t registered yet, there is still time. A few of the classes are full, but there is still room to take the Top Down Raglan full day class with Patty Lyons on Saturday. Other class opportunities on Saturday include Embellish Your Knits with Embroidery with Joanna Johnson, Got an Edge? Treat it with I cord! With Sheryl Theis, and Nupps and Estonian Lace with Mary Germain. Sunday classes include Knitting ER: Tragedy & Treatment with Patty Lyons, Seamless Knit Doll Workshop with Susan B Anderson, and You Can Knit Colorwork with Joanna Johnson. Many other great classes with world-class instructors also have seats open. Did you know you can add things to your order & registration? If you’ve already registered and would like to add an additional class, you can do so by simply emailing [email protected] (MKG Treasurer Gael Boyd). She will adjust the registration for you and send a corrected PayPal invoice and instructions to pay via check or PayPal. If you’d like to join us at the Clarion (clarionmadison.com or 608-284-1234), be sure to use the MKGKnitIn code when you make your reservations with the Clarion. You’ll get discounted rates and placement in our room block. After you make your reservation, head over to the Road Trip Registration page so we know you’re planning to spend the weekend with us. You’ll get a special welcome in your hotel suite and your name will be entered into a special drawing. While you’re at it, invite a friend or two from out of town to join you! Nancy Drew Knit Along is sure to be a blast... and there is no purchase or kit necessary to participate! Here’s how it works: Knitters bring 50 yards of worsted or light worsted yarn, size US7 or US6 needles, and their sense of adventure. Your first clue will be in your conference book (pick it up when you arrive and check in). Follow the knitting instructions and solve the clue to find the location of the second clue. Each clue will have the next set of knitting instructions and the clue for the next location! Fun, right? Tasting Kits! Did you know that even if you are taking classes in the afternoons, you can still order Tasting Kits? It’s true! Each kit will include four 50 yard balls of custom hand-dyed Koigu yarn, the exclusive pattern, and a laser engraved wine or pint glass to commemorate the 2015 Knit In! The Wine palette will make a delicate shawlette, perfect for the first blush of spring and the Beer palette will include a “choose your own adventure” type of pattern for either a hat or a cowl! Kits are $25 each for members ($30 each for non-members) and include 200 yards of yarn, glassware, and the printed pattern. – Kirsti Johanson, Knit In Co-Chair

CAN WE TOP THE 119 CRITTERS TURNED IN AT KNIT-IN 2014? Bring your critters to the Knit In to enter the drawing to win a free 2015- 16 Guild membership. The drawing will be held at lunchtime on Sunday, February 22, so be sure to turn your critters in and fill out your slips (one slip per critter) anytime Saturday or Sunday morning.

MKG Knitters’ Knews 4 February 2015

COMMUNITY PROJECTS: Thank you for knitting and donating 121 items at the January meeting. Bayview Foundation was delighted to receive all of the colorful hats, mittens and scarves for residents in their community. We keep a binder of thank you notes from the agencies who received your kind donations this year. Stop by the Community Tables and read their appreciative words. UPCOMING NEEDS: February: Agrace Hospice Care – shawls, lap blankets, and balls March: Edgewood College, Nursing Program for Midwives in Tanzania – newborn hats and booties. (Looking for a simple baby sock pattern? Check out Baby Socks by Kate Atheley on Ravelry. April: Handmade Especially for You – scarves (see article below) May: Monona Public Library Summer Reading Program – critters (see new Trumpet Sniffer pattern below) Ready-to-Knit kits available at the February meeting will include: newborn baby hats; critters, including a new item, the Trumpet Sniffer; and a choice of two comfort scarf kits, one using two colors in your choice of 4 stitch patterns, or our Scrappy Lengthwise Scarf kit either in prepackaged kits of 12 colors or select-your-own colors from a smorgasbord of multicolored balls. You can take your lead from November speaker, Chris Bylsma, and try out her random approach for knitting with multiple colors as you create scarves for women entering domestic abuse shelters in the Madison area. KNIT TOGETHER — There are several opportunities to volunteer to bring more knitters into the world!  Where: Madison Children’s Museum What: Drop-in sessions for kids interested in learning to knit When: 1:00–2:45 pm on Sundays, February 8, 15 and March 1, 8, and 15 Yarn, needles and patterns are provided. We hope to have 6-8 volunteers each week. Volunteers do not need to commit to all sessions. Tutorial assistance for teaching strategies is available for volunteers, if desired. Plan to come down at least once to the Museum on the Capitol Square, ask for information at the Community tables at Guild meetings, or email Rae [email protected] with questions or to sign up.  Where: Pinney Library, Cottage Grove Road, Madison What: Two Knitting Programs for Children When: Mondays, January 26–March 2, 2015 from 2:45–4:00 pm Contact librarian Lesley Kirscher to volunteer at [email protected]

– Rae Sprague, Community Projects Chair Handmade ♥ We hope the scarf provides a bit of ♥ Many times our hand knitted or Especially for You comfort to a woman at a time when a crocheted scarf is the first personal is an organization small kindness can mean a great deal. gift ever received by the recipient. The that makes and It is a warm hug from a stranger scarves are intended to be a symbol distributes “comfort during a very difficult transition. and constant reminder of each scarves” to shelters ♥ Leaving an abusive environment is woman’s strength, conviction and for abused women. always frightening and oftentimes is a personal transformation. Often this is ♥ Your help in making a “comfort scarf” dangerous step for the woman who a first step toward building the self- can make a difference to someone you takes it. Your small act of caring is esteem that is essential to their may never know, but who will never treasured and often transformative. healing process. forget your kindness. ♥ Handmade Especially for You wants to ♥ There is no timeline. Make as many as ♥ The scarf is given to every woman show recipients that there is kindness you like. Scarves are always needed to upon arrival at the shelter simply in the world and although they may make year-round distributions to because she was brave enough to get feel alone, there is someone who shelters in Madison, WI and there. Nothing is expected in return; cares about them. surrounding areas. there are no strings attached.

MKG Knitters’ Knews 5 February 2015

What qualities make a “comfort and www.madisonknittersguild.org/ strings attached. It is a symbol and scarf” special? communityPatterns reminder of your strength and  Beautiful—something you’d wear ♥ Bring your completed scarves to the courage. There is kindness in the yourself, or give to your mother, Guild meeting. MKG member Lois world and though you may feel sister, daughter or best friend Anderson, the Handmade Especially alone, there is someone who cares  Made with soft colorful yarn For You Madison coordinator, will for you.  60” long and between 4 – 5” wide collect them for distribution. Stay strong.  Make the scarf unique by adding fun ♥ Each scarf is tied with a ribbon and the You deserve respect. fur, novelty yarn or ribbon in a following note is attached: …………………………………………………………… pattern of your choice. Search “free This scarf is given to you simply To learn about the origin of scarf patterns” on the internet, or because you are here. Nothing is Handmade Especially for You, go to go to www.handmadeespecially.org expected in return. There are no www.handmadeespecially.org.

Note: The following pattern was printed with permission for MKG members’ use in community knitting projects.

TRUMPET SNIFFER by Birgit Schneggart Click here for pattern on Ravelry. This little trumpet sniffer of about 15 cm length is knitted from leftovers; the concept is purposely kept easy and shall serve as a basic pattern. Creativity is in demand! There are countless options for individual eyes and ears and hair styles. You start with the body and work in rounds from the tip of the tail up the body to the tip of the trunk; then the sniffer is filled and eyes, hair and ears can be added. Please read the whole pattern before you get started. Material NOTE: MKG test knitter found  about 10 g sock yarn or other leftovers  yarn in contrasting colours for the hair switching to a smaller needle for  5 double pointed needles  fiberfill the 12 stitches forming the  2 buttons (or felt) for the eyes trumpet made a nice straight trumpet. Felt was added for Body with head and trunk (all knitted in 1 piece like a sock) eyes on samples and is Cast on 40 stitches and continue knitting in rounds: provided in the kits however, feel free to make the eyes you  3 rounds: knit all stitches feel best fit your trumpet sniffer.  Next round: *1 /knit 2 together* repeat to end of round (later a string will be pulled in between here to close the end of the body)  35 rounds: knit all stitches  Next round: *1 yarn over/knit 2 together* repeat to end of the round (later a string pulled in between here will separate body from head)  15 rounds: knit all stitches Now you start with the decreases for the blending head/trunk:  *knit 1/knit 2 together* repeat to end of round, end with K1  Next round: knit all stitches *knit 1/knit 2 together* repeat to end of round  Next round: knit all stitches (you should have 18 stitches in the round now)  *knit 1/knit 2 together* repeat to end of round (12 stitches)  *knit 1/purl 1* repeat to end of round (12 stitches for the trunk) … continue this „cuff pattern“ till desired length of trunk (about 4 cm) Last row of the trunk: duplicate all stitches (knit from front loop + additional one from back loop)  Loosely bind off the trunk; pull in yarn ends into the body Filling Take 2 strings of approx. 30 cm length and (using a or embroidery needle) weave them through the holes in the openwork of round 4 and the openwork between head and body  Starting from the big opening at the end, stuff the body towards the trunk of the trumpet sniffer with fiberfill  Now use the ends of the strings woven in before to tie off the head from the body, stuff in more fiberfilling, and finally close the end of the body with the other string, which creates a little ruffled tail. Knot the strings tightly, weave in the ends (into the filling). Perhaps you want to fix a bow around the neck. Ears Cast on 10 or 12 stitches with 2 needles and work in garter stitch (knit all sts, turn, knit all sts) till you have a little square. Bind off loosely and fold it so you get a triangle; with the loose ends of the yarn sew 1 side of the triangle closed (one side remains open, ears can be turned to the outside). Now fix the ears on the head. [Alternatively you can pick about 10 stitches from the head directly, work a few rows in garter stitch, then at the outer side of the ear. Btw, asymmetrical ears also suit the trumpet sniffer well]. Eyes Fix 2 big buttons as eyes. [Alternatively you can knit eyes, crochet them, sew on felted eyes or glue eyes from a craft shop… or use beads or or or ] Hair Use contrasting yarn leftovers and knot them onto the head (using a crochet hook or embroidery needle), decorate with a bow, create a wild „out of bed“ hair style, or pig tails, or a bob…. Or or or Copyright: Birgit SchneggArt, 2012-10-09 For personal use only, but trumpet sniffers can be sold for charity purposes  MKG Knitters’ Knews 6 February 2015

JANUARY GUILD MEETING MINUTES: President Connie Burmeister called the meeting to order. caps were Acknowledgements: Connie introduced Sandy popular; the Gordon, Chair of Neighborhood Knits, who introduced Christmas elf her unofficial co-chair Bonnie Dill and the team members wears one who run the MKG Knit Along, Margy Blanchard and Nancy and they Hilmanowski. Committee Chair Carrie Haefle introduced were also a new website volunteer Corinna Gries. symbol of Nazi Announcements: resistance.  Fraud alert: Members have reported problems when After WW2, renewing magazines through unsolicited 3rd parties. caps would often match the .  Ann Wilson, one of the founding Gild members, Stockings were made by naalbinding first, but in 1629 the passed away in November 2014. King proclaimed that all women and girls should learn to • The Hospitality Committee seeks volunteers to knit stockings. Women were constantly knitting. A help as ushers, guides and greeters at monthly Nosterok (ball hook) would hook a center pull ball of yarn meetings. Contact Pat Fisher to their waist leaving their hands free to knit. [email protected] • Feb. 20-22: Knit-In 2015 will be at the Alliant Energy 1853 saw the advent of industrial knitting and many th Center. Patty Lyons and Joanna Johnson will be companies from the 19 century are still in business (e.g., featured. Dale of Norway and Devold). By the 1860s knitting machines were available for home use. Over the years • Check out the new additions to the library. Thank you knitting became a cottage industry. Selby was largest and to Joan Grahlfs and Terry Rutlin for their donations. best organized, exporting 100,000 items in the 1930s. • The Neighborhood Knits committee is looking for instructors. Contact Sandy Gordon or Bonnie Dill at The 1890s saw a surge of Norwegians immigrate to the [email protected] U.S. with 80% settling in the Midwest. Many women brought their wheels from the old country and Program: Barbara Rottman, continued their production here. A Scandinavian Program Chair, introduced language magazine, Woman and Home, was start in 1888 by Laurann Gilbertson, Ida Hansen in Cedar Rapids, IA, and was in print until Curator at Vesterheim 1947. 82,000 copies were sold in 1907! Museum, who gave us “A History of Norwegian Nordic sweaters are a classic, but have surged in Knitting.” Many of the popularity throughout the years. Standout designs include earliest products of knitting The Marius sweater designed by Unn Søiland in 1953 and were men’s undergarments. the Dale of Norway Lilihammer Olympic sweater from They were made for his 1994. Many modern designers continue the history of wedding, were also used for Norwegian knitting including Ellinor Flor, Per Spook, his burial and known as a nightshirt. Many included Solveig Hisdal, and Arne & Carlos. (Thanks to Cynthia repeating motifs (e.g., rose and XO designs) which Robey-Duncomb for providing this summary.) symbolized good luck. The motif bands were applied near Upcoming Events: the shirt’s openings to prevent evil from entering the body. • Feb. 20-22: Knit-In 2015 will be at the Alliant Energy Mittens knit with two colors were invented by 16-year-old Center. Patty Lyons and Joanna Johnson will be milk maid Marit Emstad. Selbu mittens and gloves became featured. popular all over. Dressy embroidered versions were given Show and Tell: Betty Ulanski presented her Outlier as gifts to the bridal party and only worn to church. poncho and Big Fish hat made out of White Buffalo unspun Indigenous people only wear knit mittens, usually with wool she bought in 1980s. Erin Wolff displayed many hats loose cuffs so they can shake them off. Work mittens may she knit after taking Mary Jane Mucklestone’s two color have had human hair added for strength or were fulled. knitting class. Liz bought an interesting wooden Some were knit with two thumbs so you could wear out spinning item from estate sale and asked for our help the palms on both sides. identifying it. Jordan Pitzner showed off her self-designed Knit caps were almost exclusively a man’s garment. The Alpaca Ear Flap hat. Kirstie Johanson wore her Alderbrook style and color showed if a man was married or not. Red sweater she knit from a pattern on Ravelry featuring

MKG Knitters’ Knews 7 February 2015

JANUARY GUILD MEETING MINUTES, CONTINUED: wooden buttons from Etsy. MJ Wiseman modeled the Door Prizes Winners cardigan she started at Seivers. The Ruth  Sheryl Ties won the How to Knit book by Debbie Bliss Sorenson pattern was an opportunity to  Jane Grogan received A Fine Fleece by Lisa Lloyd practice two-color knitting in two hands,  Nadine Pfotenhauer won two skeins of Stardust yarn in make her first steek, and knit corrugated the Pieces of Eight colorway from Hearthside Fibers . Peg Corps showed her felted hat  Missy Livingston won a skein of purple Zumie yarn from made out of stash yarn. Mary Kaiser The Cat and Crow displayed her shades of blue scarf inspired  Mary Miedaner received a skein of Manos Del Uruguay by last month’s lecture from Chris Fino in green-purple color way and Eternidad Scarf Bylsma using yarn bought at the pattern from The Cat and Crow December yarn sale. Jamie McCanless  Cindy Newcomb won a kit from Cascade containing displayed an alpaca and Shetland wool book Cozy Knits: 50 Fast and Easy Projects by Tanis Gray Hallgrim Hat and scarf that he with approx 16 balls of Cascade Pacific donated by The incorporated the hat’s cable design onto Cat and Crow its ends. Sylvie Schuresko presented her – Bonnie Dill, Secretary Annis shawl designed by Susanna IC and Photos by Carol Spiegel and Taine Hatch-Rymer made from Dream in Color Jilly Lace yarn.

NOMINATIONS ARE NEEDED FOR THE 2015-16 BOARD OF DIRECTORS WE NEED YOU! Many people work to keep our Guild running smoothly. Board members and Committee Chairs play an important part in ensuring that our meetings and Guild-sponsored events meet the expectations of members. Of the eleven board members, six (the president, vice‐president, secretary, treasurer, knit‐in chair, and programming chair in charge of hiring speakers) must be board members. The other five board members serve as committee chairs. There are no “at large” board members – every board member has an important duty. In addition to the 11 board members we also have at least seven committee chairs (the number of committees each year can vary). These important people are encouraged to attend board meetings to express their opinions and share committee information but because they are not board members, do not vote. Approximately one third of the 11 board members end their terms and are replaced each year. Board terms are three years long. At the end of the term, the person may run again if she/he wishes. Committee Chairs that aren't also Board Members have an annual term. These people indicate each year if they want to maintain the same role, opt for a different responsibility (like being a board member), or take a break from having a leadership role in the upcoming year. Ongoing board members (those whose terms are not yet over) are asked which position(s) they would be interested in having next year. This process means that people are well matched to their positions and that all positions are filled. All this results in a very hard‐working board. One comment made to me this year from a (then new) Committee Chair is that she was impressed with the thought, care, and effort those attending board meetings made to ensure a quality organization. Kathy Digman, Jane Newman, Holly Orwin, Barbara Rottman and I make up the nominating committee. If you are at all interested in running for the board, being a committee chair, or if you wonder what would be involved in any of these, please contact me at [email protected] or 608-243-9057. The nominating committee has already begun its work! – Mary Jo Harris, Nominating Committee Chair

MKG Knitters’ Knews 8 February 2015

VENDORS FOR FEBRUARY: FIREFLY FIBERS is a full-service yarn shop focused on the beauty of natural fibers. Our store offers fine and accessories in a relaxing contemporary atmosphere. Our yarns are handpicked with your knitting experience in mind – we have a wonderful selection of Malabrigo, Blue Sky Alpacas and carry the full line of Spud & Chloë. SweetGeorgia’s Tough Love Sock, Rowan’s Felted Tweed and Shibui Sock and Staccato are just a few of our other shop favorites. Inspiring knitters is our goal! Our classes and shop samples offer inspiration by pairing beautiful yarn with quality patterns from some of the best independent designers. We offer a wide range of classes and workshops – from beginner to advanced skill levels as well as both technique and project based approaches. There’s something for everyone! Located in downtown Beaver Dam, we are just a 35-minute drive from Madison. Come see us and let our beautiful colors and textures inspire your creativity! Visit Us: 112 Front St, Beaver Dam, WI 53916 Website: http://fireflyfibers.com/ Email: [email protected] Phone: 920.356.8859 Hours: Tue, Thu, Fri 10:00 am–6:00 pm, Wed 12:00–8:00 pm, Sat 10:00 am–3:00 pm

HIDDEN VALLEY FARM & WOOLEN MILL is a family owned Woolen Mill in eastern central Wisconsin. We, Paul and Carol Wagner, have been specializing in custom fiber processing since 1997. Our forte` is unique and beautifully blended rovings, with many stunning, one-of-a-kind colors, perfect for spinning and felting. We also offer custom carding services, quilts and bats, yarns, raw wool, sheepskins, and sheep. We live on the farm where Paul grew up. In 1986 my interest in spinning led us to acquiring "generic" sheep. After evaluating the many different sheep breeds, we settled on the registered Coopworth sheep, native to New Zealand, because they produce quality wool and are a meat producing animal. We had been direct marketing our wool yarn, batts and roving at the Farmer's Market for several years when we expressed an interest in acquiring a carding machine from Dale and Kay Kaufman of Valders, WI. The 8-ton, 1923 Davis & Furber single breaker carding machine came home to roost in 1997. Paul set about building the woolen mill that houses the carding machine and store front on the first floor, with classroom space and additional shop items on the second floor. The shop is an old barn recycled into a spinner's dream. The store on the Hidden Valley Farm offers fabric, roving, yarn, books, and gift items. Come and visit … we look forward to meeting you. Website: www.hiddenvalleyfarmwoolenmill.com Phone: 920-758-2803 Email: [email protected] Visit: 14804 Newton Rd., Valders, WI 54245 Store Hours: Tue–Fri: 9:00 am–5:00 pm; Sat: 9:00 am–12:00 pm

MKG Knitters’ Knews 9 February 2015

EWE AND JANINE — FEBRUARY 2015: I’m Janine Kam, a shepherdess in New Glarus, Wisconsin. I love sheep, knitting, spinning, sewing, dyeing, and all things , especially wool. FARM: This month after I finish trimming and salting down my lambskin pelts, I will bring them to Stern Tannery in Milwaukee. I visited them before with a goat pelt to be tanned and was impressed with their work. Their building is very mysterious because there is no business sign, just a number on the front door telling you to ring the back door but you actually enter at the side door. There was a mysterious-looking character in an idling car in the parking lot in front of hundreds of buffalo pelts on pallets. Inside there were even more and these wooden barrels that were at least 20 feet in diameter, slowly rotating on their sides. I want to make a shearling coat and Trish was telling me that tanned pigskin is just luscious for gloves so I’d better make sure my handsewing skills are up to the task. Meanwhile, in the barn, the sheep are getting excited because kidding (baby goats) season begins any day now. They love being aunties and uncles to rambunctious little ones who love to play and jump on them. They are still eating hay outside and wander in the barely snow-covered pasture. KNITTING: I am so close to being finished with my cabled dress of shaela Shetland yarn. I just have to finish the arms and neck and then block it. When I tried it on, I was surprised that I could wear it next to my skin. Usually Shetland is very scratchy for me so I am sending a couple of locks to Yocum-McColl for micron (a unit measuring the diameter of a wool fiber) testing and am looking forward to their results. Another friend of 30 years has just joined the knitting ranks so I am looking forward to more knitting playdates! Happy Knitting!

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MKG Knitters’ Knews 10 February 2015

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MKG Knitters’ Knews 11 February 2015