A quiet meeting this month. Eighteen members took advantage of the chance to do an all day stranded colour work workshop with the fabulous Liz Gemmell. David brought Henry who won second prize in the 2008 Sydney Royal Easter Show. Merrin brought her entry from a previous Show, a first prize winner. Both were duly admired but the biggest accolades were for Liz's beautiful floor rug, knitted in 12ply on 4.00mm needles - absolutely gorgeous.
Members are reminded to ensure that their membership is up-to-date. A $10 re-joining fee will now be charged on top of yearly membership. Non-members are not eligible to vote at meetings nor are they covered by insurance should anything happen to them during a meeting.
A Basic Skills Workshop is to be held at the Epping Creative Centre on Saturday 21st June.
The "Back to Back" Challenge will be held this year at The Turpentine Tree on Sunday 1 June.
Spotlight Penrith will open in its new location on the June long weekend - keep your eyes open for sales.
The scarf exchange is to happen at the July meeting as is the one-skein challenge. Members and guests are invited to knit anything they want from only one skein of yarn of any size. Knitting will be displayed and the winner decided by popular vote.
The raffle this month, with a prize of a $25 voucher from The Wool Inn [Penrith] was won by Mira.
Finally, congratulations to Susan who announced her engagement recently.
Showing posts with label knitting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label knitting. Show all posts
Tuesday, 20 May 2008
Saturday, 26 April 2008
April meeting
A large number of people were in attendance at this meeting.
A coordinator has been appointed to take over the newsletter for the Knitters' Guild of NSW.
The exhibition that was to be held at Dence Park has been cancelled. No word yet on what is expected for the exhibition to be held at Darling Harbour in June.
The Scarf Exchange details were handed out; finished scarves are to be ready for the July meeting.
A list of charities supported by our members was made and will be forwarded to the state executive. This included the Salvation Army, CANTEEN, Operation Christmas Child, Australian Inland Mission and Wrap with Love.
Payment of $25 was taken from those who wish to participate in the workshop with Liz Gemmell next month. The workshop will commence at 10am. Morning tea will be provided; bring your own lunch.
The second of our workshops on entrelac was held; this time involving the use of triangles as a foundation, knitting on the bias and using stocking stitch. Thanks again to our wonderful tutor, Raelene, for making what looks so difficult easy to understand. An informal discussion was held regarding the need for a workshop on casting on/off techniques. We wish Raelene all the best as she travels north for the next few months - have a great trip.
A large range of knitted and some crocheted items were displayed during Show-n-Tell.
The raffle this month was won by Lesley.
A coordinator has been appointed to take over the newsletter for the Knitters' Guild of NSW.
The exhibition that was to be held at Dence Park has been cancelled. No word yet on what is expected for the exhibition to be held at Darling Harbour in June.
The Scarf Exchange details were handed out; finished scarves are to be ready for the July meeting.
A list of charities supported by our members was made and will be forwarded to the state executive. This included the Salvation Army, CANTEEN, Operation Christmas Child, Australian Inland Mission and Wrap with Love.
Payment of $25 was taken from those who wish to participate in the workshop with Liz Gemmell next month. The workshop will commence at 10am. Morning tea will be provided; bring your own lunch.
The second of our workshops on entrelac was held; this time involving the use of triangles as a foundation, knitting on the bias and using stocking stitch. Thanks again to our wonderful tutor, Raelene, for making what looks so difficult easy to understand. An informal discussion was held regarding the need for a workshop on casting on/off techniques. We wish Raelene all the best as she travels north for the next few months - have a great trip.
A large range of knitted and some crocheted items were displayed during Show-n-Tell.
The raffle this month was won by Lesley.
Thursday, 22 November 2007
November meeting and AGM
Our new executive:
Convener - Merrin
Secretary - Cheyne
Treasurer - Rosemary
Volunteers
Workshops - David
P.R. - Rosemary
Hospitality - Yvonne
Library - Lesley
Blog - Lynne
Congratulations to all incoming executive and volunteers, thanks for taking on these roles. A big thank you to the outgoing treasurer [Merrin] and convener [Kate] - you both did a tremendous job in your respective roles, thank you.
After the official business was ended, a workshop on grafting [Kitchener stitch] for stocking stitch and garter stitch was held - thanks, Raelene, as usual you were helpful, thorough and easy to understand.
Show and Tell brought many beautiful items from knitted lace to a colourful no-pattern cardigan.
The raffle was won by Merrin, second prize by Cheyne.
The December meeting will be a Christmas party; everyone is asked to bring a small plate of food. Ainsworth Books will also be present for some retail therapy - please bring cash only as Ainsworth Books does not take debit/credit cards.
Convener - Merrin
Secretary - Cheyne
Treasurer - Rosemary
Volunteers
Workshops - David
P.R. - Rosemary
Hospitality - Yvonne
Library - Lesley
Blog - Lynne
Congratulations to all incoming executive and volunteers, thanks for taking on these roles. A big thank you to the outgoing treasurer [Merrin] and convener [Kate] - you both did a tremendous job in your respective roles, thank you.
After the official business was ended, a workshop on grafting [Kitchener stitch] for stocking stitch and garter stitch was held - thanks, Raelene, as usual you were helpful, thorough and easy to understand.
Show and Tell brought many beautiful items from knitted lace to a colourful no-pattern cardigan.
The raffle was won by Merrin, second prize by Cheyne.
The December meeting will be a Christmas party; everyone is asked to bring a small plate of food. Ainsworth Books will also be present for some retail therapy - please bring cash only as Ainsworth Books does not take debit/credit cards.
Sunday, 29 July 2007
July meeting
Congratulations to Merrin on a well-run meeting in the absence of our leader, Kate, who was sick at home.
Members were reminded that the Begleys in Victoria are not accepting any more donations of jumpers for AIDS orphans; however, Denise, who represents Operation Christmas Child, is accepting the jumpers for inclusion in the shoe-boxes.
After the general business of the meeting, some members offered their favourite knitting tips. One, learnt from Liz Gemmell, is to weigh a finished article if you need to knit a second article and can't remember how much yarn you actually used. Of course, this only works if knitting in a similar yarn; one can't compare 8ply mohair with 8ply pure wool. An extension of this idea would be to weigh the first sleeve to determine if you have enough yarn to complete the second sleeve. Also, if knitting small items, like babies' jumpers, using odd balls, weigh the original garment to determine if you have enough yarn to complete another! You can mix and match odd balls of yarn to create the right weight! Digital kitchen scales are ideal for weighing yarn as they weigh as little as 1 gram.
Another tip: use corks from wine bottle (some non-alcoholic wines also use corks) as point protectors for your needles and to keep the knitting from sliding off the needles while travelling. One member has been using the same cork for over 30 years!
A workshop was held on the use of two circulars for knitting in the round. Each participant who didn't bring two circulars was given two to practice with - great preparation, Margaret. The technique, while relatively simple, was much easier to understand when practised rather than observed. Margaret also gave a demonstration and practical help to anyone wanting to try knitting in the round on one circular, also known as the magic loop method. Thank you, Margaret, for simple and clear instructions on both methods.
Many interesting items were shown during Show 'n' Tell, including a pair of knee high socks knitted on two needles that have been on the needles for over thirty years! No raffle was held due to unforeseen circumstances.
Our condolences to Merrin on the recent loss of her father.
Members were reminded that the Begleys in Victoria are not accepting any more donations of jumpers for AIDS orphans; however, Denise, who represents Operation Christmas Child, is accepting the jumpers for inclusion in the shoe-boxes.
After the general business of the meeting, some members offered their favourite knitting tips. One, learnt from Liz Gemmell, is to weigh a finished article if you need to knit a second article and can't remember how much yarn you actually used. Of course, this only works if knitting in a similar yarn; one can't compare 8ply mohair with 8ply pure wool. An extension of this idea would be to weigh the first sleeve to determine if you have enough yarn to complete the second sleeve. Also, if knitting small items, like babies' jumpers, using odd balls, weigh the original garment to determine if you have enough yarn to complete another! You can mix and match odd balls of yarn to create the right weight! Digital kitchen scales are ideal for weighing yarn as they weigh as little as 1 gram.
Another tip: use corks from wine bottle (some non-alcoholic wines also use corks) as point protectors for your needles and to keep the knitting from sliding off the needles while travelling. One member has been using the same cork for over 30 years!
A workshop was held on the use of two circulars for knitting in the round. Each participant who didn't bring two circulars was given two to practice with - great preparation, Margaret. The technique, while relatively simple, was much easier to understand when practised rather than observed. Margaret also gave a demonstration and practical help to anyone wanting to try knitting in the round on one circular, also known as the magic loop method. Thank you, Margaret, for simple and clear instructions on both methods.
Many interesting items were shown during Show 'n' Tell, including a pair of knee high socks knitted on two needles that have been on the needles for over thirty years! No raffle was held due to unforeseen circumstances.
Our condolences to Merrin on the recent loss of her father.
Tuesday, 26 June 2007
June meeting
We had a very inspirational talk from Wendy Townsend - the work she showed us inspired us and amazed us!
Wendy used to knit and crochet. She designed her own jumpers although she didn't always knit them - she had a team of knitters working for her (as many designers do). Here is a jumper she designed for one of her daughters.
And this is what you do with those dozens of tension swatches you've made over the years.
Wendy has now turned to felting - this lovely summer blanket is made from felt.
Wendy's felt is made from roving, not knitted items which are then felted. After the afternoon tea break, Wendy gave a demonstration of felting - the blanket must have taken hundreds of hours because it is not a quick technique!
More of Wendy's work can be seen at this webpage.
Show and Tell revealed the usual array of style and items, including Diane's steeked fingerless gloves.
The raffle winner for this month was Janette Strong. Her prize was a voucher from The Wool Inn, Penrith.
Thanks to Susan for taking photos at this meeting.
Members reminders:
* if interested, please register for the camp (long weekend Sept/Oct)
* bring your favourite knitting hint/tool to the meeting next month to share with other members
Wendy used to knit and crochet. She designed her own jumpers although she didn't always knit them - she had a team of knitters working for her (as many designers do). Here is a jumper she designed for one of her daughters.
And this is what you do with those dozens of tension swatches you've made over the years.
Wendy has now turned to felting - this lovely summer blanket is made from felt.
Wendy's felt is made from roving, not knitted items which are then felted. After the afternoon tea break, Wendy gave a demonstration of felting - the blanket must have taken hundreds of hours because it is not a quick technique!
More of Wendy's work can be seen at this webpage.
Show and Tell revealed the usual array of style and items, including Diane's steeked fingerless gloves.
The raffle winner for this month was Janette Strong. Her prize was a voucher from The Wool Inn, Penrith.
Thanks to Susan for taking photos at this meeting.
Members reminders:
* if interested, please register for the camp (long weekend Sept/Oct)
* bring your favourite knitting hint/tool to the meeting next month to share with other members
Sunday, 22 April 2007
A quiet but productive meeting
This month's meeting was quiet with several members away at the TAFTA Fibre Forum in Orange. The planned workshop was postponed due to unforeseen circumstances and was substituted with a Q&A session.
We were pleased to welcome one visitor; Lois, we trust you enjoyed yourself and hope that we will see you at future meetings.
The raffle was won by Joanne, a fitting (if coincidental) thanks for putting all the tables and half the chairs out unaided before the meeting. Her prize was a gift voucher from The Wool Inn.
Many beautiful items were displayed during Show and Tell. Three ladies were or had been knitting for the Aids babies in Malawi. Janette had a whole pile of finished jumpers - they were so cute. The pattern has now been revised to include longer sleeves, and there are also patterns for a larger size and for an orphan's comfort doll. The links to these patterns and the story of the couple organising the project are now in the sidebar. Also, because it was requested by several members, the link to the online group, Knit4Charities, is also in the side bar.
Rosemary told us of a woman who spins her own yarn and sells it at the Blue Gum Markets, which are held at Springwood Public School on the 4th Saturday of every month. Rosemary also bought a handmade 'Knitting Nancy' (for French knitting) at the same markets.
Entries for the Scarf Exchange have now closed and participants will soon be notified about the knitting requirements of their recipient.
Congratulations to Merrin for running the meeting so well in Kate's absence.
Members are reminded that 19 May is the end of our one skein challenge, and that items will be "showed and told" at the next meeting.
We were pleased to welcome one visitor; Lois, we trust you enjoyed yourself and hope that we will see you at future meetings.
The raffle was won by Joanne, a fitting (if coincidental) thanks for putting all the tables and half the chairs out unaided before the meeting. Her prize was a gift voucher from The Wool Inn.
Many beautiful items were displayed during Show and Tell. Three ladies were or had been knitting for the Aids babies in Malawi. Janette had a whole pile of finished jumpers - they were so cute. The pattern has now been revised to include longer sleeves, and there are also patterns for a larger size and for an orphan's comfort doll. The links to these patterns and the story of the couple organising the project are now in the sidebar. Also, because it was requested by several members, the link to the online group, Knit4Charities, is also in the side bar.
Rosemary told us of a woman who spins her own yarn and sells it at the Blue Gum Markets, which are held at Springwood Public School on the 4th Saturday of every month. Rosemary also bought a handmade 'Knitting Nancy' (for French knitting) at the same markets.
Entries for the Scarf Exchange have now closed and participants will soon be notified about the knitting requirements of their recipient.
Congratulations to Merrin for running the meeting so well in Kate's absence.
Members are reminded that 19 May is the end of our one skein challenge, and that items will be "showed and told" at the next meeting.
Tuesday, 20 March 2007
Knitting at Windsor Library
Those who live in the Hawkesbury or surrounding areas and are free on Friday mornings are invited to join a group of knitters who will be knitting for Wrap With Love. The group will meet on the Friday 30 March, Friday 27 April, Friday 25 May, Friday 29 June and every Friday in July from 10:00am till noon. Morning tea will be provided.
Beginners are welcome so take the opportunity to come and learn a great new hobby. For more experienced knitters there will be the opportunity to knit for Wrap With Love. And, for those who don't knit but can sew, there will be opportunity to sew squares together to make the wraps.
BRING : 8 ply yarn & No. 8 needles (4mm); Some wool and needles available
for further information, see the Windsor library website
Beginners are welcome so take the opportunity to come and learn a great new hobby. For more experienced knitters there will be the opportunity to knit for Wrap With Love. And, for those who don't knit but can sew, there will be opportunity to sew squares together to make the wraps.
BRING : 8 ply yarn & No. 8 needles (4mm); Some wool and needles available
for further information, see the Windsor library website
March meeting
The March meeting of the Blue Mountains Branch had a lot happening. Firstly, there was retail therapy with Anita from The Wool Inn, one of our local yarn stores. Bev, Anita's assistant, is wearing a capelet created from a kit available at the shop. 
Anita brought many goodies to choose from, including some enormous 400g skeins (of Sirdar Yoyo) for our one skein challenge! The biggest challenge for many was choosing what to buy (or what not to buy).
The One Skein Challenge was launched with projects to be completed by the meeting on 19 May. The skein can be any size and any fibre, and the finished project can be as whimsical or practical as the knitter desires. The only stipulation is that it be knitted from one skein (or less); which, of course, means no colour work or stranded knitting.
Kate, our convener, reminded us that our preferences for the scarf swap must be completed and handed in at the next meeting, with finished projects due at the meeting on 15 September. Knitting angels are also needed in case someone has to drop out of the swap after it starts.
Our workshop this month, conducted by Raelene, was short row shaping. About twenty five people were taught how to shape their knitting, particularly good for sock knitting, adding shaping over curves or for shaping shoulders smoothly.
The lucky winner of this weeks raffle - a $25 gift voucher from the Wool Inn - was Judi; congratulations.
Our thanks to Mark for taking photos at this meeting.
Anita brought many goodies to choose from, including some enormous 400g skeins (of Sirdar Yoyo) for our one skein challenge! The biggest challenge for many was choosing what to buy (or what not to buy).
The One Skein Challenge was launched with projects to be completed by the meeting on 19 May. The skein can be any size and any fibre, and the finished project can be as whimsical or practical as the knitter desires. The only stipulation is that it be knitted from one skein (or less); which, of course, means no colour work or stranded knitting.
Kate, our convener, reminded us that our preferences for the scarf swap must be completed and handed in at the next meeting, with finished projects due at the meeting on 15 September. Knitting angels are also needed in case someone has to drop out of the swap after it starts.
Our workshop this month, conducted by Raelene, was short row shaping. About twenty five people were taught how to shape their knitting, particularly good for sock knitting, adding shaping over curves or for shaping shoulders smoothly.
The lucky winner of this weeks raffle - a $25 gift voucher from the Wool Inn - was Judi; congratulations.
Our thanks to Mark for taking photos at this meeting.
Wednesday, 21 February 2007
Prize winners, glove orders, young blood, fabulous knitting and the very talented Inga Hunter!
This month's meeting had them all!
Firstly, congratulations to Janette who showed her entries to the Penrith Show - a (1st) prize winning afghan and cushion
and her adorable ladybug blanket which won an Honorable Mention at the same show.
And further congratulations - this time to Dianne Greenaway who has received orders for a large number of her fabulous fingerless gloves.
And speaking of prizes - congratulations to David who won this month's raffle prize: a $25 gift voucher from The Wool Inn, Penrith's only specialised yarn store. David also gets 10% discount because he is a member of the Guild, so it's a great prize. And, if he can wait that long, he doesn't even have to drive to Penrith - Anita from the Wool Inn will be at our meeting next month with lots of goodies with which to entice us!
Here is a picture of the lovely Vicki and her beautiful grand-daughter Saoirse, one of our youngest members.
This month Saoirse was knitting for the AIDS orphans in Africa. Saoirse's mum, Donna, is also a member of the Guild but she was too busy organising this weekend's workshop with Lynne Johnson to stop and have her photo taken! That's three generations in the same knitting group - does anyone else share this record?
Show and Tell is always interesting - and this month was no exception. From tiny baby garments to full jumpers and the most amazing lace shawl. Not to mention the lady who has sewed in 1600+ ends on her afghan made up of tiny patches of colour!
Our workshop for the day was a talk from Inga Hunter, a Blue Mountains artist who is very talented and has a wide variety art/craft skills.
Inga is incredibly interesting to listen to yet down to earth and aware of what's happening in craft areas outside her own expertise. Several of our members have done workshops with Inga and quite a few more showed interest in upcoming workshops which are held at Inga's Katoomba studio. Inga will even conduct workshops for one person - what a wonderful woman.
Inga's speciality is bead embroidery but she also does workshops in drawing, collage, lino printing and journalling in altered books. Inga can be contacted on ingairvanhunter@bigpond.com
Firstly, congratulations to Janette who showed her entries to the Penrith Show - a (1st) prize winning afghan and cushion
and her adorable ladybug blanket which won an Honorable Mention at the same show.
And further congratulations - this time to Dianne Greenaway who has received orders for a large number of her fabulous fingerless gloves.
And speaking of prizes - congratulations to David who won this month's raffle prize: a $25 gift voucher from The Wool Inn, Penrith's only specialised yarn store. David also gets 10% discount because he is a member of the Guild, so it's a great prize. And, if he can wait that long, he doesn't even have to drive to Penrith - Anita from the Wool Inn will be at our meeting next month with lots of goodies with which to entice us!
Here is a picture of the lovely Vicki and her beautiful grand-daughter Saoirse, one of our youngest members.
This month Saoirse was knitting for the AIDS orphans in Africa. Saoirse's mum, Donna, is also a member of the Guild but she was too busy organising this weekend's workshop with Lynne Johnson to stop and have her photo taken! That's three generations in the same knitting group - does anyone else share this record?
Show and Tell is always interesting - and this month was no exception. From tiny baby garments to full jumpers and the most amazing lace shawl. Not to mention the lady who has sewed in 1600+ ends on her afghan made up of tiny patches of colour!
Our workshop for the day was a talk from Inga Hunter, a Blue Mountains artist who is very talented and has a wide variety art/craft skills.
Inga is incredibly interesting to listen to yet down to earth and aware of what's happening in craft areas outside her own expertise. Several of our members have done workshops with Inga and quite a few more showed interest in upcoming workshops which are held at Inga's Katoomba studio. Inga will even conduct workshops for one person - what a wonderful woman.Inga's speciality is bead embroidery but she also does workshops in drawing, collage, lino printing and journalling in altered books. Inga can be contacted on ingairvanhunter@bigpond.com
Monday, 1 January 2007
Calendar 2007
20 JANUARY
Workshop: Raelene's Cardigan - Sleeves
Theme Day: I Need Inspiration, Ideas, Advice
17 FEBRUARY
Workshop: Inga Hunter Beading Demonstration
17 MARCH
Workshop: Short Row Shaping – Raelene
Retail: Display from Wool Inn
• Anita will bring yarn for One Skein Challenge
21 APRIL
Workshop: Diagonal Squares - Judy Stringer
19 MAY
Retail: Display from Evelyn & Rex Reynolds Yarn
Workshop: Evelyn will share a knitting tip
Theme Day: One Skein Showcase
16 JUNE
Inspirational Talk with Wendy Townsend
21 JULY
Workshop: Knitting on two circulars
Theme Day: My Most Helpful Knitting Hint
18 AUGUST
Retail: Display from Belissa Cashmere
Workshop: Continental Knitting - Vicki Hughes
15 SEPTEMBER
Workshop: All day Lace Workshop
(10:00 am start; break for meeting; continue with workshop)
Workshop: Frogging - Judy Stringer
20 OCTOBER
Retail: Display from Virginia Farm
Workshop: Jenny Dunn will discuss Needle felting
Scarf Exchange Display
17 NOVEMBER
Annual General Meeting
Workshop: grafting [Kitchener stitch] - Raelene
15 DECEMBER
Christmas Party
Retail: Display from Ainsworth's Books
Theme Days: These days give us the chance to focus on a topic, to share our ideas and knowledge about the topic and to show any completed or 'in progress' work related to the topic.
Workshop: Raelene's Cardigan - Sleeves
Theme Day: I Need Inspiration, Ideas, Advice
17 FEBRUARY
Workshop: Inga Hunter Beading Demonstration
17 MARCH
Workshop: Short Row Shaping – Raelene
Retail: Display from Wool Inn
• Anita will bring yarn for One Skein Challenge
21 APRIL
Workshop: Diagonal Squares - Judy Stringer
19 MAY
Retail: Display from Evelyn & Rex Reynolds Yarn
Workshop: Evelyn will share a knitting tip
Theme Day: One Skein Showcase
16 JUNE
Inspirational Talk with Wendy Townsend
21 JULY
Workshop: Knitting on two circulars
Theme Day: My Most Helpful Knitting Hint
18 AUGUST
Retail: Display from Belissa Cashmere
Workshop: Continental Knitting - Vicki Hughes
15 SEPTEMBER
Workshop: All day Lace Workshop
(10:00 am start; break for meeting; continue with workshop)
Workshop: Frogging - Judy Stringer
20 OCTOBER
Retail: Display from Virginia Farm
Workshop: Jenny Dunn will discuss Needle felting
Scarf Exchange Display
17 NOVEMBER
Annual General Meeting
Workshop: grafting [Kitchener stitch] - Raelene
15 DECEMBER
Christmas Party
Retail: Display from Ainsworth's Books
Theme Days: These days give us the chance to focus on a topic, to share our ideas and knowledge about the topic and to show any completed or 'in progress' work related to the topic.
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