Tag: Hyatt Place

Stash aka Collection and Creativity Shared

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At our February meeting, after announcements, Sue spent a few minutes talking about how to pick up stitches and why you have less along the edge due to the fact that stitches are wider than they are tall.  You gotta love her illustration!

Then, we delved into the topic of stash.  First, stash was defined.  This evening, the group was studying stash of the leftovers.  You know, the little balls of yarn that take up space on your shelves that are the leftovers of the grand project you just finished.  Remnant stash.  What do you do with them?  How do you figure out how much ‘scrap’ you have?  How do you know the weight of the little balls of yarn from years, ago?  Such questions such as these were answered and many, many members came forward to share what they had created from their remnant stash.

“Sue created her own ‘fade’ with different types of mohair that she had, and also made different cowls that matched any outfit.”

“Holly brought garments that she had made that used her leftovers for accents in the pieces.  The ultimate stash buster was her amazing worsted weight coat that she wore in the latest vogue knitting live fashion show in New York!”

Here are photos that will remind us of the good time we had as well as to remind us to re-consider those annoying leftovers as opportunities for creativity.

What do all of these projects have in common?  They were ALL created from remnant stash!

NOTE:  “Adrienne said that next month’s auction is going to be fantastic…tons of nice donated yarn!”

Buffalo Knitting Guild’s 2017 Charity Project

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With our charity box filled to the max in tow, I met Marja at our local stomping ground.  I was so looking forward to seeing her face as I handed her our gift of love.  Of course, we had to empty the contents of the box to look  . . . to oh and ah . . . and to squeal with delight at all of the beautiful projects that were within.  I snapped these photos to capture the moment.  Most of the gifts were mittens, however there were some hand warmers and scarves, even one hat included.  There was such enthusiasm even the workers at Starbucks wanted to know what was going on.  It was clear that the message had been received by the Buffalo Knitting Guild that the Family Justice Center was in need.  The bounty that was before us was priceless as was the expression on Marja’s face.

We both thank the Guild from the bottom of our hearts for the time, energy, and consideration that was obviously given to this charity project, 2017.  Marja will be taking the box onward and will report to us on how the delivery went.

Our April Meeting ~ Thank you, Jenna

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Do you remember the topic of our April meeting?

We want to acknowledge and thank Jenna, member of the Buffalo Knitting Guild and owner of 716Yarn for her generosity of time and talent when she stepped in as presenter to teach the Guild back in April.  Her focus was  on the different techniques of dying yarns and the subsequent result in a knitted garment.  From self-striping to ‘splatter’ dying and all kinds of creativity in between, Jenna explained these processes from a dyer’s point of view.  With each different dying technique, Jenna also had examples of these yarns knitted mostly into socks to show us what the end result would look like.

Jenna talked on how she enjoys experimenting to create new, unique features of dying.   One could easily get caught up simply in the names of her original yarns.  She explained how dye lots or color combinations can be custom ordered through her.

Continue reading “Our April Meeting ~ Thank you, Jenna” →

A Peek at Yarn Auction Prep

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It is about one week prior to our Annual Yarn Auction.  Preparations are underway for what we hope will be another successful event.  The idea has always been to donate yarn to the Knitting Guild knowing that one person’s ‘trash’ is another person’s treasure.  The donated yarns are bundled and become a ‘lot’.  These lots are organized, numbered, hauled to the meeting place and set up on display the night of the auction.  The information regarding the yarn is collated, recorded, and available at the meeting.  The prepared list coordinates with the lots, so the member can know ahead of time what she/he might bid on.

An idea to prepare yourself BEFORE the auction might be to review your queue of knitting projects, check to see what yarns you might need to knit those items and write yourself a list.  Or, of course there is always impulse shopping.

Here is a peek at the preparations that occurred this last Sunday.

Continue reading “A Peek at Yarn Auction Prep” →

Success for both Teacher and Student at our Mini-Classes Meeting

~ Holly ~ 1 Comment

It was totally my joy. Thank you for asking.

I would like to say Thank you to Barbara for sharing her time and talent with me and the other double knitting students.  I know it is not easy to put our hectic lives aside, but she did it and did it well for the good of all of us. Thank for teaching me/us to double knit!

The reviews are rolling in and as usual, people just loved our mini-class meeting.   Here are some shots of the variety of classes we offered and the tables filled with resources, focused knitters, and learning of all kinds.

Entrelac Basics – Taught by Marja Coons-Torn

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Excitement is in the Air; February Agenda included

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SPRING SEMINAR

Of course, by now you have received and have read about our exciting Seminar weekend.  There is a Page called Spring Seminar on our website for easy access as well as a Page specifically on Seminar Registration for your perusal.  I have attached the Registration form in PDF on BOTH of these Pages of our website for your convenience.  And, [HERE] it is again.   “In PDF” means you can click on that link, the form pops up, and you can print up that form to send in with your payment.  It’s meant to be easy.  Make sure when you send in your payment, you make very clear what specific classes you are interested in.  Do not send in payment without this indication.  And, as our website indicates, an email confirming your class(es) will be sent to you.  If you do not receive a confirmation email, there is a glitch in your registration.  This full circle communication is very important keeping all parties in-the-know, so be looking for this after your payment and of course, write to us if you have any inquiries.

FEBRUARY MINI CLASSES

You know that THIS Thursday, February 2nd is our evening of mini classes.

Continue reading “Excitement is in the Air; February Agenda included” →

Potpourri

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Sometimes, a post is just rambling thoughts on knitting like how knitting has hit our political scene, the realization that people are constantly working behind the scenes for the Buffalo Knitting Guild or simply connections to the fine programming we have.  Let this serve as such.

As a follow-up from our purposeful efforts at honoring our four-legged friends, we are wondering if any of you saw this:

Here is the article on how and why people are knitting these colorful, large blankets for these magnificent creatures.

Last night the class lists were distributed to the teachers for our February mini-class lessons.  Your teacher will be preparing your homework (if any) and getting in contact with you regarding the specifics for your class.

Pussy cat, pussy cat, where have you been?
I’ve been to London to look at the Queen.
Pussy cat, pussy cat, what did you there?
I frightened a little mouse under her chair.

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January Meeting Reminders

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We thank everyone for their understanding in the rescheduling of our January meeting.  We specifically thank the Hyatt Place for their flexibility in offering their space on a different night, we thank the speakers who are willing to change their schedules, and we thank the membership who seem appreciative of the postponement rather than the cancellation of our meeting.   That tells us our programs are of interest to the group.

Oh, and look what a little extra time at home has brought to reality; cold snap collars knitted by one of our members [follow the link for the pattern].

Let the rest of this post serve as reminders:

  • The delay of one week  does have a silver lining as it will give us a bit more time to collect what our furry friends need along the non-knitted items:

Wish List Items:
Pooper scooper, long-handled preferred
Paper towels
Dishcloth(s) (do not need to be new)
Hand and bath towels (do not need to be new)
Pillowcases and sheets (do not need to be new)
Dog biscuits (small or medium size)
Pet carriers (medium size)
Stuffed animals (6″ or larger)
Cat Toys – NO catnip, please
Collars and 6′ Leashes
Non-Clumping Cat Litter
Bleach
Newspapers
Liquid Laundry Detergent with bleach
Gentle leaders
Kongs
Hand sanitizer
Advantage flea products, Frontline flea products
Note: The Erie County SPCA especially always needs fleece blankets and infant sized receiving blankets

  • Please know that the patterns we will be using are posted on our Resource Page for easy access.  You could either print up the pattern or simply use your phone during our meeting for easy access of the directions.  (There will not be any patterns printed or passed out at the meeting due to cost.)  There will be tables set up for people who are knitting for dogs versus people who are knitting for cats just to make it more fun.  Also, please know that you can bring in an already knitted object to be added to our donations.

In looking ahead, the weather looks pretty clear for next Thursday; in fact temps are supposed to rise by then to be in the glorious 40s, a typical Buffalo winter.

On another note, classes are filling for February’s meeting and sign-ups for classes will be available during the meeting.  Do not forget about our Guild notebook of Newsletters and information for your perusal convenience.  And, Sue is available for help sessions from 6:30 – 7:00pm if you are taking on the KAL and have a question about your project.   We will also continue collecting yarn donations for our Yarn Auction, as always.

We look forward to seeing everyone Thursday, January 12 and once again, we thank everyone for their flexibility as that is what helps to make The Knitting Guild of Greater Buffalo a successful Organization.