Sue Yarborough, the Guild’s Co-President, welcomed returning and new members to the October 2018 Buffalo Knitting Guild meeting and briefly discussed guild business prior to the program portion of the evening.

·         The 2019 Weekend Seminar dates are May 4 & 5, 2019 and will feature guest instructor Lorilee Beltman (https://lorileebeltman.com/).  Class registration will begin in November!

·         Becky Swanson will be issuing a newsletter for each month (Thanks Becky!).  If you did not receive October’s (or any) newsletter, let the guild know at contact@buffaloknittingguild.com or providing your information at the next meeting.  No one has been requesting a printed copy at the guild meetings so, they will only be provided by Sue upon direct request.

·         Guild members will receive an email with the password to the ‘Members Only’ section of the guild’s website after November 1^st.

·         A lovely tribute was given by Darlene Honadale for former guild President Arch Behrans.

·         Alternate Meeting Location – Unfortunately, the list of volunteers to help Adrienne Kotler look into other meeting options is missing.  If you’d like to help her in this effort, please contact Adrienne at contact@buffaloknittingguild.com (the guild’s email).

·         Meeting Cancellation & Weather – Guild meetings will be cancelled due to inclement weather based upon the closing policy of the Amherst School District closings for day or evening events.

·         Charity Knitting Reminder – Andrea Kuettel has yarn for both projects if you need it!

·         Jericho Road – Mens hats and scarves (in washable wool please!) are requested by November; patterns available on the Guild website.

·         Knitted Knockers –handmade prosthetics for women who have had mastectomies.  A local representative will speak to Guild members at the December meeting.  Patterns and yarn requirements are available at the website, https://www.knittedknockers.org/

·         It isn’t too early to start bringing in yarn for this year’s Yarn Auction!

·         The guild’s Windows based computer is available for purchase (condition as-is) by guild members before it is listed on Craig’s List for sale. Contact the guild at contact@buffaloknittingguild.com if you’re interested.

·         Room Configuration – Two tables were provided during the October meeting and more may be provided in future meetings.

·         Eight members provided a ‘Show & Tell’ of their finished projects; photos provided below.  The finished items included a ski hat, several shawls/scarves, a pair of socks, sleeved and sleeveless pullovers and a crocheted afghan.  Three of the members received ‘$5 Gift Certificates’ which may be used towards the May 2019 Seminar.

Gina Passantino, Program Co-Director, reminded everyone that there are still many openings available for this year’s mini-classes to be held during the November meeting. Refer to the Guild website for more details.  She then introduced the evening’s panel to discuss Knitting Adventures: Conferences, Retreats, Festivals and More!  The panel included Sharen Gertsman, Cindi Spriegel, Darlene Honadale and Andrea Kuettel.  Below are some highlights from the discussion and photos from their excursions:

·         Cindy discussed her visits to retreats such as Super Summer Knittogether (SSK) in Nashville and Zombie Knitpocalypse in Minneapolis.

·         Cindy learned about the events from the knitting podcasts she listens to.

·         Both events provide classes given by the podcasters.

·         Both offer goody bags and door prizes.

·         SSK has a Tasting Room for yarn, needles, etc. and a Marketplace.

·         Darlene discussed her visits to the NYS Sheep & Wool Festival in Rhinebeck.

·         Essentially a knitting festival on steroids.

·         Book your lodging far in advance (at least a year, places book up quickly!).

·         Tickets to the event may be purchased in advanced or at the door.

·         The event includes workshops (on knitting and other crafts such as making shawl pins), animals, programs such as sheep shearing and of course a huge Marketplace.

·         There is also a building dedicated to NYS foods and wine.

·         If you volunteer for at least several hours, you get free admission and a lunch voucher.

·         Andrea discussed her trips to Vogue Knitting Live in NYC.

·         VK Live is similar to Stitches, a show rather than a retreat although still a great place to meet other knitters.

·         There are classes, lectures, fashion shows (our own Holly Olmstead has participated in these) and a 2 floor Marketplace.

·         VK Live is held in NYC every January while central and western US locations rotate every year.  The central US location in 2019 will be in Columbus, OH.

·         Sharon discussed her trips to Stitches, Rhinebeck, various knitting retreats and knitting cruises.

·         Stitches was the first large knitting show in the US. It features classes, lectures, fashion shows and a large Marketplace.

·         Knitting cruises offer classes while sailing and may have special knitting-oriented excursions.  Check our Craft Cruises (http://www.craftcruises.com/).

·         Retreats such as Strung Along in Port Ludlow WA, offer you a great way to make new friends.

·         Stitches and VK Live may be done ala carte and you can find less expensive lodging near the event.  Retreats tend to be all inclusive and may be pricey once you include travel however you can find shops and other guilds offering shorter and less expensive retreats.  Check out the Knitter’s Review website (http://www.knittersreview.com/upcoming_events/) for knitting events throughout the US, Canada and Europe all year long.  Ann Falcone will also be listing events close to WNY in the guild’s newsletter as she learns about them.

 

Sue Yarborough, the Guild’s Co-President, kicked off the September 2018 Buffalo Knitting Guild Season by welcoming new and returning members.  In addition to introducing this year’s Board members, Sue briefly discussed the following items prior to the introduction of the evening’s featured speaker:

•  This year’s theme is Participation. Gift certificates will be given to members Participation in Guild meetings and activities throughout the year. The ‘$5 Gift Certificates’ may be used towards the May 2019 Weekend Seminars featuring guest instructor Lorilee Beltman (https://lorileebeltman.com/).
• Results of 2017/2018 member survey:
  • More Social Time for Members – Meeting room will be open from 6:30 – 9:00 pm to allow members social time before and after meetings.
  • Room Configuration – Provide tables along with seating.  This is not possible in the September meeting but will be implemented when possible depending upon the meeting program and turnout.
  • Alternate Meeting Location – Adrienne Kotler will look into other options but is looking to other members to provide her with ideas and join her in this effort.  You can get in touch with Adrienne at contact@buffaloknittingguild. com (the guild’s email) if you’d like to help her in this effort.
• Charity Knitting for this year will benefit the following:
  • Jericho Road – Mens hats and scarves (in washable wool please!) are requested by November; patterns available on the Guild website.
  • Knitted Knockers – these are handmade prosthetics for women who have had mastectomies.  A local representative will speak to Guild members about them at an upcoming meeting.  Patterns and yarn requirements are available at the website, https://www.knittedknockers. org/
• Two members provided a ‘Show & Tell’ of their amazing finished projects; photos provided below:
  • Monica showed us her knitted yellow afghan, a triple ribbon winner of the 2018 Erie County Fair.  Monica has been a frequent winner at the Fair over the years.
  • Barbara displayed a beautiful baby blanket she knitted for a friend’s baby. The blanket featured a fleece lining for extra warmth, wear and an additional color element.

Ann Falcone, Communications Co-Director, gave a quick tutorial on using the website.  New items include upcoming fiber events in the WNY area and the upcoming password protected Members webpage which will have a Members Directory; Newsletters will eventually be archived here.

Gina Passantino, Program Co-Director, provided the list of this year’s mini-classes to be held during the November meeting. Refer to the Guild website for more details.  She then introduced the evening’s featured speaker, Dr. Arlesa Shephard, professor at Buffalo State College in the Fashion & Textile Technology department.  Dr. Shephard discussed Textile Care & Preservation including:

• A lengthy discussion of the Buffalo State costumes and textiles and how they are stored and labeled.  Garments in the collection are from the 1860s to present day.
  • The textiles are stored in climate-controlled storage areas and protected from dust and light.
  • Textiles are placed on padded hangers to preserve their integrity.
  • Textiles not placed on hangers are stored in acid-free boxes with acid-free paper.
  • Accessories (hats, shoes, jewelry) have special storage areas.
  • Paper labels are currently used but, they are slowly transitioning to sewn labels.
  • Donations to the collection are made on a case-by-case basis.
• Recommendations for personal textile collections:
  • Use padded hangers (crochet the padding yourself with colorfast yarns on sturdy wire hangers).
  • Storage areas should be cool (65 – 75 deg F) and dry (65% relative humidity).
  • Store in paper boxes (acid-free only), wood boxes (must have a liner of muslin or acid-free paper), or plastic (using muslin or acid-free paper liners; drill holes to allow for air flow).
  • Roll rather than fold larger textiles to prevent permanent creases.
  • Don’t clean the textile if possible but if you must, hand wash with a mild detergent and support the item with a screen or muslin.
  • To restore older, damaged textiles, go to a professional.
  • Place garment in a Ziploc bag and placed in a freezer to kill any existing insects.  Dried herbs such as lavender or basil may help keep them away but, be sure to place them in a sachet bag to avoid direct contact with the textile and replace the dried herbs regularly.
• A brief discussion of the mid-20th century knit and crochet garments she brought.
• A tour of the Buff State website:
  • Go to https://library.buffalostate. edu/archives/ digitialcollections and then go down and click on Historic Costume & Textile Collection or go directly to https://digitalcommons. buffalostate.edu/ftt/

Clearly the Buffalo Knitting Guild is off and running to an exciting season.  Be sure to join us in October when we will have a panel of members discuss Knitting Adventures such as retreats, festivals and conferences.

click here to see some pictures from the evening

written by Cathy Frega

With the New Year Upon us, it’s time to think about resolutions.  How about making a New Year’s resolution to get more involved in your Buffalo Knitting Guild?  The Guild belongs to all of its members and can only be great through the work and participation of all of its members. Here are some ways you can get involved in your Guild :

1. Teach a Class ! Every year the Guild holds member- to-member mini class and always need instructors. People feel they don’t have the skills to teach a class but you all have a specific knitting skill or talent that someone wants to learn. Resolve to help other members improve their knitting 

   2. Write for the Newsletter ! The Guild puts out a bimonthly newsletter and is always in search of interesting articles. Write,reflect  about your experiences with knitting, review a fiber fest you’ve attended, review a knitting retreat , a knitting book you’ve recently read —the possibilities are endless and we are always looking for articles. Submit them via the guild email at contact@buffaloknittingguild.com

   3.  Like us on Facebook ! Did you know the Guild has a Facebook page where members interact ? Like us on Facebook,share our posts , Resolve to get the word out about your Guild.

   4. Follow Us on Instagram ! Yes we’re on Instagram  post all sorts of fun photos . Resolve to follow us, like our posts,  even repost our pictures! 

   5.  Join the Guild Group on Ravelry ! We share  a ton of information on Ravelry about Guild programs,  knitting experiences, and we use Ravelry  to sign up for classes . If you are not on Ravelry you are missing out!  Resolve to join us on Ravelry – it’s the  place to be!  

   6.  Present or Suggest a Program!  Every month the Guild holds its monthly meeting with a speaker presenting on a specific topic. That could be you! Talk to our Programming Department to suggest a program and offer yourself as a speaker .

   7.  Check out  the Guild Website!  Find out what is happening  and stay up-to-date on any last minute programming and KAL details.

8. Volunteer to Work on a Committee! The Guild is an all volunteer organization and we need you to work on committees such as Yarn Fest, Seminar, Community Outreach, Charity — the possibilities are endless.

9. Show and Tell – Be part of our Show and Tell, Knitted Displays and Fashion Shows. Resolve to be proud of your work and show it off to the world!

10. Run for a Board Seat – The Guild holds elections every year. Perhaps this is your year to be a Board member!

Christmas and the New Year are  just a few days away!! Are you done with your holiday knitting? Maybe you have not yet started?  Maybe you are already thinking about next year!  We put together a rundown of easy knit patterns you can still get done before the 25th — or start for next year!

Over 50 patterns for quick knit ornaments and decorations

http://www.knitting-bee.com/top-free-knitting-patterns/over-free-knitted-christmas-knitting-patterns

More easy ornaments

https://www.allfreeknitting.com/ChristmasKnits/13-Knit-Christmas-Tree-Ornament-Patterns

10 FREE Christmas knitting patterns that we all think are full of heartwarming holiday cheer!
https://blog.loveknitting.com/the-best-collection-of-free-christmas-knitting-patterns/

Patterns for free wreaths and snowmen

http://www.knittingwomen.com/free-christmas-wreath-and-snowman-knitting-patterns/

Roundup of Christmas themed patterns

http://www.womansweekly.com/knitting/toys/christmas-knitting-patterns-15998/

12 weeks of Christmas gift patterns from Red Heart Yarn

http://www.redheart.com/12weeksofchristmas

Best and Worst Ugly Christmas Sweaters from KnitPicks

http://www.knitpicks.com/patterns/The_Best_of_the_Worst_-_Ugly_Sweaters_2015__D51984220.html

Christmas  themed sweaters for the whole family

https://blog.loveknitting.com/christmas-sweater-knitting-patterns/

Our September meeting started off by welcoming local knitwear designer, author, and master knitter Heather Lodinsky. Heather  taught us how to create knits that will will actually fit us as individuals so that we wear what we spend so much time lovingly creating. “One-size-fits-all should only be for afghans and tote bags,” said Heather

Heather offered these tips for making Knits That Fit:

 1. Size is a standard we use; ” know how you like your clothes to fit. Fit is subjective. We all feel different in our own fit.”

2.  Get your favorite fitting top or sweater and measure it: sleeves, bust, length. Once you have these numbers you will know how to fit patterns for your size.

3.  Gauge is critical for knits that fit. Don’t think of Gauge and  swatching as a task or as a waste of time. Heather says think of gauge as” playing with your yarn and know that it will tell you what your yarn will do. Without gauge there’s no fit. “

4 . Generally stitch gauge means more than row gauge. Stitch gauge needs to be perfect. Even being a quarter of an inch off from your stitch gauge can make a sweater too big or too small. Always check your gauge and never think it will simply work out in the end.”Without gauge there’s no fit.”

5.   Ease is the difference between your bust size and the garment’s bust size. Negative ease means the garment will be smaller than the actual bust size. No ease means you will have a close-fitting garment. Positive ease means a garment several inches bigger than your bust size, generally 4 inches  is the standard for positive ease.

What did you learn at the September meeting? How has Heather’s discussion changed your thoughts on knitting and pattern design? Share in our Comments Section!