the March meeting was busy

We saw KAL cowls

and look-alike shawls

Raffle prizes were donated by the Guild, Marilyn Grazioli, Kathleen Endlien, Joan Duncan,Kathy Pawlik, and Charli Osbone. Dawn Jensen and Sharon Zmick won the retreat raffle, Helga ~ the Spin, Spindle and Fiber class, Kathy Pawlik ~ spindle, Kim Whelan ~"Shaping Shawls" book, Dawn Jensen ~ yarn and "Knitters Book of patterns",Susan Campbell-Fournel ~ a scarf pattern and yarn, Marcia Kaline ~ green sock yarn, Linda Mayotte ~ blue sock yarn, Kate Pultz ~ Regia and Cascade Fixation sock yarn, and Dawn Lemon ~ brown novelty yarn.

Marilyn Grazoli, owner of Ewe-nique Knits, was the guest speaker. Marilyn discussed spinning with "different" fibers such as silk strips, coffee filters, and dog fur. It gave us the opportunity to explore other options.

The Fix

click to view full cartoon

February 14 Meeting

If you missed the meeting you missed the chance to make row counters and needle holders with our crafty leaders.

You also missed out on a delicious Black Sheep Valentine cake. Yum. It was good.

The raffle items were all from different people last week: Heather Perrone, Tanya Thomann, Erica Proschkow, Michele Dagenais,Betty Mathie, and Margarite Winer. The lucky winners were Belinda Barron - 10 skeins of City Tweed DK weight, Linda Doros - a Felted Knits kit, Helga McCann - a French beret kit, Tanya Thomann - knit klips and a bag, Judith Davis - Knitters Book of Finishing Techniques, and Linda Mayotte - a knitted toys book.

Time to think about the Retreat

Save the date(s) and save a space......

The 2012 BSKG Retreat is May 4 - 6 and the approximate cost is $200. A $75 deposit will save a spot for YOU. You can pay the deposit at the Guild meeting on February 14.

January Meeting Notes

The January meeting was great! It was my last meeting as president. I handed over the reins to Kelley and Charli. I’ve enjoyed my year, it has been busy and I hope productive. Thanks to all those in the guild for helping me get through the year. And thanks for the flowers, it was unexpected, and they are beautiful!

Here are some links to the techniques that were demonstrated yesterday. I plan on using the Channel Island cast on for my next pair of top down socks.

Channel Island cast on:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=up-0QOubXQ8

Yarn overs:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_22bI4sF8c&feature=related

continental knitting yarn overs:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbTkgE6McrE&feature=related

Three needle bind off:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpJUrCX52DU

Everyone should have received an invitation from Elfster to participate in the Sneaky Sheep v. 5 gift exchange. Please reply by January 30, as that is the date when the exchange closes and the names are drawn. If for some reason you did not get the link, let us know.

We also mentioned the Sandhill Crane Wine and Wool Festival on January 28. Here is some additional information:
http://www.sandhillcranevineyards.com/pages/events.html
"Winter Wine & Wool Festival
Saturday, January 28, 11-6
Our summer Wine & Wool Festival was such a success that we're planning an indoor one this winter. Just when the world looks completely bleak outdoors and everyone has a little cabin fever, the winery will be filled with colorful yarn, fiber, knitted items, and knitting supplies.
Mark your 2012 calendar now for this fun event. Free admission."

Don’t forget Knit Michigan, Saturday February 4.
http://knitmichigan.org/?page_id=4

Rita

the December meeting's over

and we learned a lot. Beth Smith talked about Dorset, Border Cheviot, Icelandic, Black Welsh, Cormo and Jacob sheep and many more. Spinning -and washing - different types of fleece gives you yarn with different properties. Some yarns are better for one project than another might be.

Sue Chase and Suzanne Jones provided items for the monthly raffle. The lucky winners: Namast bag - Kelley Anderson, handspun and a book - Sarah Turner, spring-colors knitting bag - Sharon Zmick, Aussie wool & a pattern - Mary Herr, 10 skeins of Brown Sheep - Chris Hammel, camel merino & a pattern - Eileen Glogower, "Great Knitted Gifts" - Judith Davis, "Personality Plus" - Sue Sullivan, and a sheep plaque - Stacey Totzke.

We were treated to a Trunk Show by Laurie Goodman. Among her beautiful items were many things made for her niece... the lucky little girl!

And Laurie has found out she has a grandson on the way. He already has a sweater, 2 pair of booties, a colorful blanket and more waiting for him.

December meeting

The BSKG meeting is next Tuesday, December 13 at 7PM. Sign in and raffle ticket sales begin at 6:30.

Beth Smith from the Spinning Loft will talk to us about sheep breeds and wool, our Member Trunk Show will feature Laurie Goodman, and preparations will begin for Knit Michigan.

It's possible that t-shirts will be ready, so have cash or checks available.