Black Sheep Knitting Guild

Last November, the sheep had a chance to do a litter international traveling. They went to Kitchener, Ontario to see a figure skating competition. Skate Canada International is one of a series of international competitions held each year. This year it was a chance to see an Olympic program in person (without paying Olympic prices!). The sheep had a chance to meet some other skating fans. Some are more involved with the sport than others! And they were inspired by all the figure skating!

Don’t know if you all remember (or were at the guild meeting) but December 29 we’re getting together to embellish some felted hats to auction at Amici’s in Berkley. The proceeds from the silent auction will benefit SOS! Coralee will host us at her new abode. So, what to bring?anything to embellish a forest green, wool, cloche style hat.leftover food that you’d like to share (or make something new and tasty, we’re not fussy)A comfy chair to sit in, she’s not furnished quite yet!Your knitting, for when we’re done embellishing! There are so many ways to make these hats special…needle felting, embroidery, flowers (silk, knitted, crocheted), ribbons, buttons…you name it! Let’s get creative and inspire each other to new heights!! Katy R has already been seen stocking up on supplies… Judith has a number of ribbon flowers that she’s planning to use…what will you use?

Charli had an amazing *trunk show*. She has done it all from socks to sweaters to shawls/wraps/ponchos and more! The yarns she uses cover a wide spectrum and she's not afraid to experiment. Other Black Sheep showed off some of their recently finished items, too. Suzanne Jones, Joan Koelsch, Sharon Hagen, City Knits and Chris Hamel provided raffle item. The lucky winners were: Linda Francisco - a basketful of sweater yarn & pattern, Marie Woodcox - bag of cotton yarn & pattern, new member Denise Rubenstein - a year of Interweave Knits, Kim Whelan - blue sock yarn & pattern, Harriet Atlas - Autumn sock yarn & pattern, Laurie Goodman - knitting needle case, Mary Moylan - sterling silver earrings, Katie Race - the BSKG thong, Marcia Kaline - purse kit, Tanya Thomann - gift bag & City Knits coupon book, and Kathleen Hearne - Christmas cookbook.

Our next meeting is upon us! Tuesday December 8th, doors open at 7:00 pm. This meeting is all about those pesky scraps of yarn you have left over after you finish a project. Turn all those little, partial skeins into cute projects! We are going to KAL featuring 3 different projects so bring the following supplies to participate (or simply knit along on your own WIP) Project 1. Size 7 or 8 circular needle in at least a 32" length; various worsted weight scraps Project 2. Size 9 needle and a size h crochet hook (optional); 2 colors of worsted weight acrylic or cotton yarn scraps Project 3. Size 1 double point needles; sock (fingering weight ) yarn scraps See You There! PS. Bring the supplies for one, two or all three projects and decide which one you want to work on when you get there!

Hi, Tanya here. . .posting on behalf of Judith We've already started to have some of the hats turned back in, and they look FABULOUS!!! Thank you so much for donating your time and skills. It's truly amazing to be a part of such a talented and generous group of knitters. Next time you're at a meeting or social knitting gathering, turn to your neighbor and tell them what a jewel they are. The items we've knit for charity have touched hundreds of lives. . .I can't begin to imagine the miles of yarn that has been donated, knit or crocheted and now warms the lives of others. Thank you seems so inadequate. Just when we thought our charity knitting yarn stash was getting low, we received a HUGE donation of yarn and other goodies!! As you create for gifts this holiday season, consider knitting an extra hat, scarf or pair of mittens for the South Oakland Shelter . (Check out the link, they have need of many things you may be able to donate.) If you're in need of y...

and anyone else that is interested in joining us... you can come to our guild meeting [shown above] twice as a guest to get to know us. Or you can join us at a Panera for social knitting.

and so were Black Sheep as we enjoyed our mystery brown bag trade at the Guild meeting. Members chose new brown bags or stole one from another member... and re-stole and re-stole..... I wish I had a video of the silliness! Suzanne Jones presented the trunk show. She is so talented! Hats & bags & sweaters galore.... she is so talented. Judith Davis, our charity coordinator, had hat kits for all to take home. Our focus this year is hats for kids; this is not to say she won't accept other items. So get busy knitting. Charli Osborne, Suzanne Jones, Marguerite Winer, Merritt Collins and Kathy Pawlik provided this month's raffle items. We had a lot of happy winners: Donna Mrozek - cotton sock yarn, Kelly Kencik - 9 skeins ribbon yarn, Linda Dean - Heritage hand-dyed bulky yarn, Sue Waid - sweet summer sock kit, Heather Perrone - a book & yarn, Dawn Jenson - Upstairs shawl kit, Kelley Andersen - a book & cotton yarn, Diane Dininsky - a book & silk/wool yarn,...

and time to say Happy Birthday to Toni Loiacano, Barbara McAuliffe, Rita Perrone and Erika Proschkow. Tanya too, I believe, though she doesn't seem to want to tell us. Welcome to our new members that joined us last month!... Kara Hamilton, Dawn Jensen, Joan LaForest, Ellen Rancilo, Adina Rubenstein, Cecile Scott and Marie Woodcox. I think that sets a record for new joins at one time! Linda F

I don't know why these pictures aren't in the previous post ... but here they are:

We enjoyed a beautiful trunk show by Erica Proschkow ~ what great examples of her beautiful work! From her first knitting - of doll clothes - to the weaving with Siberian iris leaves and all the gorgeous knitting in between it was definitely exciting and inspiring. A big thanks to Michele Dagenais, Diane Dinisky, Suzanne Jones and Charli Osborne for donating terrific raffle items! The luck recipients were Kara Hamilton - yarn and a handmade bag, Merritt Collins [forgive me, I don't remember the 2nd part of your last name] - sock yarn, Adina Rubenstein - sock yarn, Joan LaForest - sock yarn, Kathleen Hearne - a knitting book, Linda Francisco - sock yarn and a hat pattern, Kate Pulta - sock yarn, and Katy Race - yarn and knitting magazines. Lori Sheffield of Skeins on Main gets a big thank you for sharing the fall trends with us. Everyone enjoyed trying on the Origami sweater ~ we know it will soon be on many BSKG member's needles! Designers that sparked interest: Candace Eis...

Our October meeting is Tuesday, October 13, at St. Columban in Birmingham. IMPORTANT CHANGE: Beginning with the October meeting, we cannot enter the church until after 7 p.m. If you arrive before 7 p.m., you will need to wait in your car—we need to be sure that we do not interfere with the group that will be in the church before us, and give them time to finish and leave before we enter. So! Now the doors will open after 7 p.m.,you can check in, buy raffle tickets, and socialize a bit before the meeting starts at 7:30 p.m. October program: Lori Sheffield, co-owner of Skeins on Main in Rochester, is our guest speaker. She will be highlighting fall yarn trends, sharing what is new and exciting in the world of fiber. October will also kickoff our member trunk shows. We want to thank and welcome the members who volunteered to fill the positions we need—their contributions and help will be vital to the guild! • Part of the Secretarial Team—Katy R. • Raffle Coordinator—Suzanne J. • BSKG Mer...

was a great time to renew friendships and see everyone's projects!

Our kickoff guild meeting is Tuesday, September 8 , at St. Columban in Birmingham. The doors open at 6:30 pm , so you can check in, buy raffle tickets, and socialize a bit before the meeting which starts at 7 pm . Don't forget to wear your name tags! : ) Should you find yourself sitting next to a new member or guest, please make them feel as welcomed as you did at your first meeting. We have set our calendar for the year--we’ve got some great programs and plans that you’re sure to enjoy. Bring your calendar so you can make plans for some exciting field trips. We will be asking for some members to take a more active roll in the guild — we have a variety of positions that need filling. This is an opportunity for you to step up and feel the satisfaction and energy of being a vital part of the workings of the guild. Think about joining us as • Part of the Secretary Team • Raffle Coordinator • BSKG Merchandise Manager • Web Master • Tech/Hardware Manager • Field Trip Committee Member...

Ker knit -aka Luke - popped in at Panera on Monday to join the knitters there. His mom, Kim, came along for the fun. Looks like a lot of *stash enhancement* was acquired at the Mich Fiber Fest! Sally was spotted lusting after yarn with the traveling sheep looking on. After a fun day LindaLu, Sally, Kathleen & Aunt Joyce, Harriet, and the sheep spent time nibbling & knitting in the hotel lobby.

I haven't seen LindaLu out here in Colorado. :-( I did, however, have lunch with a friend who is a knitter and a lover of horror movies. When I said something about the BSKG she said she'd seen a movie the night before from New Zealand.... the name is Black Sheep . Might be something we need to check out. Here is what it's about: "An experiment in genetic engineering turns harmless sheep into blood-thirsty killers that terrorize a sprawling New Zealand farm." Speaking of Black Sheep, happy birthday to our August-born members: Barbara Sump, Harriet Atlas, Dawn Lemon and Sally Pituch. Linda F.

NEW VENUE: STARR PARK 13 Mile Rd just east of Crooks, in Royal Oak. The pavilion has probably been rented so we will just set up in an open area. Look for the "green chairs" It has been long-discussed and *suddenly* decided upon! This Saturday, July 18, at 1 pm (rain date Sunday, July 19) BSKG members will meet for an afternoon of knitting & food. ** Original plan was Shain Park in Birmingham...we now hear that the park is under construction and closed. Please check back here...a new location will be selected shortly! Bring your knitting, bring a chair/blanket, bring food or drink if you want. Any questions? Leave a comment & someone will get back to you pronto!

Rita Perrone talked to Gary at the Tigers office and he has plenty of tickets. The date for getting money to Rita, Heather, Kate or Harriet is now July 22nd. Tickets are $15 , with a one time fee of $6. The extra $6 can be divided amongpeople going. BAD NEWS - no goodie bags this year. Rita talked to the people at City Knits and the participating stores are not providing goodie bags. Be sure to get your ticket order in by July 22. If you want to carpool from Anderson Middle School tell Rita, Heather, Kate or Harriet. Linda F.

this week. Here we are, hard at work. We talked about a BSKG picnic, Stitch n' Pitch, and other fun ideas for the guild. This year Stitch n' Pitch is August 30 at 1PM. The Tigers play the Tampa Devil Rays. This is an "unofficial" event and you need to buy your own tickets. You can find a store selling them here: http://www.e-offinger.net/tnna/public/retail_search.cfm Happy Birthday to July lambs: Joyce Crabtree, Sharon Hagen, Colleen Robbins, Helen Taylor and Carrie Jones.

Nice temperature. Lovely breeze. Great people/dog watching. Four knitters did our part to KIP. Tanya wants me to remind you to work on premie caps to give Judith in September!

If you check this out http://www.wwkipday.com/date_change.htm you'll see that world-wide Knitting in Public is continuing through this week-end. In that spirit some knitters are meeting at Shain Park, in Birmingham, at 1:00 this Saturday. Here are directions: http://www.scleroderma.org/Chapter/michigan/directions_shainpark.htm Look for us near a bench ~ be sure to bring your BSKG chairs ! Edited to add: if it's raining, we're welcome to go to the Oak Park Library....as long as we don't create a big scene. :-)

I'd love to say something definite about world-wide Knit in Public day, but I'm thinking it's going to be kind of up-in-the-air as to the final spot for BSKGers. Around 1, in front of ...have you any wool? seems to be where people are meeting. Just be sure to look for the BSKG lime green chairs! And have fun.

A plethora of Black Sheep are celebrating birthdays in June. Hippo birdie 2 ewe : Amy McRae, Kelley Kencik, Linda Lutomski, Kelley Andersen, Mary Moylen, Andrea Lafferty, and Sarah Turner. did ewe know...... that Eileen Patra and Julie Miller are mother & daughter? what was your first project & when? Eileen: First one I remember was in college - I crocheted a soft sculpture of gigantic jingle bells Julie: a black & pink Jiffy scarf. I think it's about 6 feet long what was/is your favorite project? Eileen: cabled socks Julie: I'm making a crochet zombie army for my husband... it's sort of an ongoing project. I soon hope to have many tiny hordes around the house. salty or sweet? Eileen: sweet [used to be salty - love them both] Julie: salty! tell us something interesting about yourself Eileen: I was in a TV commercial as a child. I advertised Twin Pines Milk on the Milky's Party Time show, extension phones on The Bell Telephone Hour , and cars for...

Tuesday was the final meeting of the 2008-2009 season for the guild. It was fun and a busy meeting! Official BSKG folding chairs were delivered--you will see these bright green chairs this summer in a park near you...and there will be knitting! Plans for a WWKIP June Road Rally and a July PicKnit were revealed...watch this blog and Ravelry for details. August will be the Detroit Tigers Stitch 'n Pitch. Again, when we have more info we will post it. The meeting began with a dinner catered by Panera Bread (the Southfield location--Matt did a wonderful job for us). Tables were cleared to let the Stash Swap begin...and there was some serious swapping! Tanya actually had a lovely display (which itself ended up being swapped!), Linda Lu had a wonderful spread of tempting yarn on a whole table, Rhys offered yarn from our favorite indie dyer and a spinning wheel. The silent auction was full of great items...and a little cut-throat in the last few minutes of bidding...although I think ever...

Our annual dinner and swap is Tuesday, May 12, from 7 to 9 pm at St. Columban Church. Please sign in when you arrive—if you did not RSVP and pay for dinner ($10) you may do so at the door. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.—use this time to arrive and sign in, socialize and catch up with your friends before the meeting begins at 7 p.m. We had four newcomers join last month—we have 80 members now! The new members are Merritt C., Marilyn G., Michele D. and Barbara S.—be sure to make them feel welcome. In fact, think about mixing it up a bit and sit with someone you don't know very well this month! Agenda: Dinner will begin promptly at 7 p.m. The dinner is being catered by Panera and includes a variety of sandwiches, salad, chips, pickles, cookies and cake. A limited selection of soda will be available. We will have the BSKG logo chairs ready to distribute when you sign in. Chairs were preordered and payment ($25) is due upon delivery. If you missed out on ordering, never fear—you can bid on one...

Happy Birthday to all our May Black Sheep [and there are a lot]: Barb Boren, Marguerite Winer, Annette Ervin, Linda Seley, Margie Tate, Sue Carter, Katy Race and Phyllis Evans. Thanks for the thanks [you know who you are]. Only 11 days until the May dinner/swap! Are you all clearing out your stash to trade, barter & sell?

Chris has saved the day with more pictures from S3.2!! Besides the fun S3.2 swap that was the focus of the meeting we had another great round of raffle items. Big thanks to Sharon H., Linda L. and Laurie G. for the donated items. Kelly also brought an item donated by City Knits--what a wonderful surprise! 15 items in all were raffled off, including a special raffle item—a beautiful new Jordan Paige knitting bag donated by Sharon. It's hard to decide if that or the thongs were the best items in the raffle! • • • • • Remember, the May meeting is our annual dinner. RSVPs are being taken until Tuesday, April 28. The dinner will be at St. Columban, and is being catered by Panera. $10 per person. Also the May meeting is the swap...bring your unwanted yarn, notions, books...and barter, bargain and be ready to trade. We will also have a few silent auction items that will be up for bidding...you'll want to bring some money for that so you don't miss out.

Tuesday's Sneaky Sheep Swap was beyond wonderful! I wish I could post pictures of all the beautiful items we were treated to, but my camera pooped out. Everything was beautiful... and created so thoughtfully. Colors were selected with care, patterns were examined & tested, thought given to what the recipient likes. It was a special night. If, for any reason, you didn't RSVP to the May dinner, please let us know right away so you can be included.