Louise here... I think we all understand (and sympathize with) what its like to have technology issues. My very old laptop finally fell off its last legs and I bought a new one. Can I tell you how much I hate the new Microsoft OS - Vista? Nothing works easily or first time. All right already! enough about that, let's talk about knitting!
The Guild Retreat is coming up this weekend. We're heading up to Traverse City for what promises to be a fabulous weekend. A beautiful house in a great location, scheduled workshops, opportunities for fellowship, shopping, and lots of fun. And of course lots and lots of knitting! Thanks to Kim for all her efforts in planning this wonderful event and to everyone else who has helped make it happen.
Lacking Technology, but not yarn!
Can I tell you all how frustrating it is to be without a computer??? I've been on vacation this week, so it hasn't hurt quite as much, but even at school I can't update the blog. . .sorry it's been so long! (Louise, thanks for updating and keeping us current!)
I headed to Toronto this week and did some serious yarn shopping! When I have the camera next to the computer I'll post a couple of pictures from Lettuce Knit, a cute little yarn shop packed with beautiful yarn. I'm not sure if there are pictures at Romni Wools or not, but they gave me a 10% discount by showing my guild membership card! How cool is that? Needless to say, I left more than a couple of dollars the other side of the border. Unfortunetly, as of April 1 Canada no longer reimburses the GST or PST or whatever tax they used to. . .so I kept diligent track of my reciepts for NOTHING! I have lots and lots of beautiful yarn for show and tell soon! Actually considered buying an extra suitcase to pack it all to bring home. Thank heavens that Lent is over and I can cast on again. . .(okay so I cheated and cast on before Easter, but now I can do it without guilt!)
Our guild meeting this month should be extra fun. . .we have a guest speaker coming to discuss fiber with us. Ann, from The Knitting Room in Birmingham, will join us to help us understand how fiber is created, how it is best used and to generally raise our knitting IQ. She's also bringing a donation of a fabulous raffle prize and will be providing us with a special shopping day just for guild members. She owns a beautiful shop with gorgeous sample garments, if you haven't been there, you'll want to put a trip there on your calendar!
Gifted (located in Beaumont) has a special event they wanted to let us know about. . .this is from Suzi. . .sounds like fun! anyone in?
Want to let you know that Ann Hood, the author of The Knitting Circle, is going to be here to sign books and speak.The event will be held in the South Tower Concourse on Friday, April 20th, from 11:30 to 1:00 p.m.
If you want more info about her, let me know and I'll send the article that was written for the Free Press.
The book is wonderful.
I headed to Toronto this week and did some serious yarn shopping! When I have the camera next to the computer I'll post a couple of pictures from Lettuce Knit, a cute little yarn shop packed with beautiful yarn. I'm not sure if there are pictures at Romni Wools or not, but they gave me a 10% discount by showing my guild membership card! How cool is that? Needless to say, I left more than a couple of dollars the other side of the border. Unfortunetly, as of April 1 Canada no longer reimburses the GST or PST or whatever tax they used to. . .so I kept diligent track of my reciepts for NOTHING! I have lots and lots of beautiful yarn for show and tell soon! Actually considered buying an extra suitcase to pack it all to bring home. Thank heavens that Lent is over and I can cast on again. . .(okay so I cheated and cast on before Easter, but now I can do it without guilt!)
Our guild meeting this month should be extra fun. . .we have a guest speaker coming to discuss fiber with us. Ann, from The Knitting Room in Birmingham, will join us to help us understand how fiber is created, how it is best used and to generally raise our knitting IQ. She's also bringing a donation of a fabulous raffle prize and will be providing us with a special shopping day just for guild members. She owns a beautiful shop with gorgeous sample garments, if you haven't been there, you'll want to put a trip there on your calendar!
Gifted (located in Beaumont) has a special event they wanted to let us know about. . .this is from Suzi. . .sounds like fun! anyone in?
Want to let you know that Ann Hood, the author of The Knitting Circle, is going to be here to sign books and speak.The event will be held in the South Tower Concourse on Friday, April 20th, from 11:30 to 1:00 p.m.
If you want more info about her, let me know and I'll send the article that was written for the Free Press.
The book is wonderful.
More on the Yarn Harlot visit
Sadly, all the pictures taken with Tanya's camera came out all black - but not to worry...
Those who stayed to the bitter end got our picture taken up on stage during the book signing. Thanks to Camille who stood in line with all our books.
Here's the picture of us from the Yarn Harlot's blog.
Wow, that's me actually holding THE SOCK! I'm so proud.
No Foolin' on April 1st
The Guild’s trip to Ann Arbor
Sunday morning was very foggy and the YH had major airline difficulties – she arrived at 4:30 for a 2:00 speech. But here’s the amazing thing – almost no one left. The room was SRO plus there were an additional 175 people in the overflow room. When the delay was announced, folks just dragged their chairs into little groups and settled down for an unexpected opportunity to knit and socialize.
Knitters are truly an amazing group. We met some very cool people. We had a great time. Oh, and the YH is funnier and more heartwarming in person than she is in her very wonderful blog – check it out http://www.yarnharlot.ca/blog/. We got our picture taken with the YH and the sock but sadly they didn't come out. But she did sign all our books - I felt like such a groupie.
Her publicist took a picture of my nametag (!?) because it had the blog's url on it - hmmm. We made sure they knew that more than half our guild members were there and they seemed pretty impressed. How exciting would it be to be mentioned on the YH's blog? We'd be, well, like famous - for a minute or so.
Sunday morning was very foggy and the YH had major airline difficulties – she arrived at 4:30 for a 2:00 speech. But here’s the amazing thing – almost no one left. The room was SRO plus there were an additional 175 people in the overflow room. When the delay was announced, folks just dragged their chairs into little groups and settled down for an unexpected opportunity to knit and socialize.
Knitters are truly an amazing group. We met some very cool people. We had a great time. Oh, and the YH is funnier and more heartwarming in person than she is in her very wonderful blog – check it out http://www.yarnharlot.ca/blog/. We got our picture taken with the YH and the sock but sadly they didn't come out. But she did sign all our books - I felt like such a groupie.
Her publicist took a picture of my nametag (!?) because it had the blog's url on it - hmmm. We made sure they knew that more than half our guild members were there and they seemed pretty impressed. How exciting would it be to be mentioned on the YH's blog? We'd be, well, like famous - for a minute or so.
Meeting Tuesday
Tomorrow's meeting begins at 7pm. We'll be at Anderson Middle School, but in the Home Ec room instead of the Media Center. (From the parking lot, walk to the end of the hallway and look to your left before turning right as you would to go to the Media Center--or just listen for the talking and laughing knitters. . .) Our program for the evening will be focusing on business. . .we've got some loose ends to catch before our fast growth pulls us in directions we don't want to go. Put on your thinking caps and be ready to participate by sharing your ideas of how to make our guild an even better place.
I've been asked by a few friends recently, "How do I join?" Just bring a check for $35 to the meeting and we'll help you out. . .and you too can participate in all of the fun we have in the works for this spring and summer!
We have 7 people registered for the retreat, don't forget to bring your deposit if you're interested in going. We have supply lists and details for those who are registered. If you're planning on going and want to take the workshops, pick up a copy of Elizabeth Zimmerman's Knitting Workshop and one of Cat Bordhi's magical knitting books and you'll have most of your supplies ready to go.
Quite a few of us are planning the Yarn Harlot trip, see the previous post for details, and join us for a fun day! See her blog for details, but Stephanie is hoping knitters will "represent". Bring a hat to donate to a local shelter if you want to stand up and have knitters as a group be noticed by the "muggles" who don't seem to think we're a group to be taken seriously.
If you've recieved your new issue of Cast On magazine, turn to page 54 and check out the Lacy Brichoe Top and page 81 (in the advertising section). Kristin Omdahl, a local designer and Black Sheep guild member, has a both a pattern featured and stunning lace shawl in the Alpaca Yarn Company ad. Check out her website for more beautiful designs. Kristin is teaching a workshop at Skeins on Main at the end of March, hopefully we can get her to teach a mini-lesson for us at guild soon!
If you missed knitting at the Coffee Beanery lately, you may have missed this:
Greg seemed flattered that we'd remember him and pleased with our gift. What a beautiful afghan created by so many of our hands. My mom used to have a t-shirt that said, "I'm greater than the sum of all my parts" and when I look at this blanket, I think that may be true of us as well. We have so many talented knitters in our midst, but when all of our work is placed together, we create something even more beautiful than one of us could create on our own. 
I think about this afghan, our nearly 80 scarves and all of the people we taught at Knit Michigan. . .we are a powerful bunch.
With that in mind, Camille sent this to us. . .consider contribuiting your handiwork to the cause.
The Michigan's Women’s Foundation is having their 2007 Women of Achievement and Courage Awards ceremony on May 16, 2007 at the GM Wintergarden. The cost of the affair is $150.00, which may be a little steep, however we can still contribute to the evening by donating knitted articles for the silent auction. I suggest we compile a basket of knitted creations on behalf of the BSKG. This way we have an opportunity to be part of this wonderful event along with getting some recognition for the Guild.
Email blacksheepnewsletter@hotmail.com with any questions or suggestion.
See you tomorrow!
--T
I've been asked by a few friends recently, "How do I join?" Just bring a check for $35 to the meeting and we'll help you out. . .and you too can participate in all of the fun we have in the works for this spring and summer!
We have 7 people registered for the retreat, don't forget to bring your deposit if you're interested in going. We have supply lists and details for those who are registered. If you're planning on going and want to take the workshops, pick up a copy of Elizabeth Zimmerman's Knitting Workshop and one of Cat Bordhi's magical knitting books and you'll have most of your supplies ready to go.
Quite a few of us are planning the Yarn Harlot trip, see the previous post for details, and join us for a fun day! See her blog for details, but Stephanie is hoping knitters will "represent". Bring a hat to donate to a local shelter if you want to stand up and have knitters as a group be noticed by the "muggles" who don't seem to think we're a group to be taken seriously.
If you've recieved your new issue of Cast On magazine, turn to page 54 and check out the Lacy Brichoe Top and page 81 (in the advertising section). Kristin Omdahl, a local designer and Black Sheep guild member, has a both a pattern featured and stunning lace shawl in the Alpaca Yarn Company ad. Check out her website for more beautiful designs. Kristin is teaching a workshop at Skeins on Main at the end of March, hopefully we can get her to teach a mini-lesson for us at guild soon!
If you missed knitting at the Coffee Beanery lately, you may have missed this:
Greg seemed flattered that we'd remember him and pleased with our gift. What a beautiful afghan created by so many of our hands. My mom used to have a t-shirt that said, "I'm greater than the sum of all my parts" and when I look at this blanket, I think that may be true of us as well. We have so many talented knitters in our midst, but when all of our work is placed together, we create something even more beautiful than one of us could create on our own. I think about this afghan, our nearly 80 scarves and all of the people we taught at Knit Michigan. . .we are a powerful bunch.With that in mind, Camille sent this to us. . .consider contribuiting your handiwork to the cause.
The Michigan's Women’s Foundation is having their 2007 Women of Achievement and Courage Awards ceremony on May 16, 2007 at the GM Wintergarden. The cost of the affair is $150.00, which may be a little steep, however we can still contribute to the evening by donating knitted articles for the silent auction. I suggest we compile a basket of knitted creations on behalf of the BSKG. This way we have an opportunity to be part of this wonderful event along with getting some recognition for the Guild.
Email blacksheepnewsletter@hotmail.com with any questions or suggestion.
See you tomorrow!
--T
Cupcakes and Trippin'
If you've checked your email lately, you have the details that follow, but scroll down for the cupcakes. . .
Kim has been hard at work planning some trips for the Black Sheep Knitting Guild Members! I know you'll all be excited to be a part of them, so sign up now! Put some fun knitting adventures on your calendar! If you're not a member, all it takes is a minute and $35 to join and be able to enjoy member benefits, see Jennifer or Camille at the Coffee Beanery or at our next meeting at Anderson Middle School on March 20.
The Yarn Harlot
Stephanie Pearl-McPhee is coming to Ann Arbor on April 1. Don't miss this opportunity to hear one of the funniest knitting authors speak. We'll be leaving from the Anderson parking lot at 10:15 am, caravaning to Ann Arbor, eating lunch and then hitting at least one yarn shop on the way home. We should be home around dinner time. Your cost is NOTHING! You will need to bring money to purchase lunch and yarn if you're interested, and it would be kind to contribute a few dollars toward the driver's gas. If you're interested in attending, please RSVP to blacksheepnewsletter@hotmail.com so that we can get a handle on how many people are interested and how many drivers we need. If you're willing to be a driver, please include that in your RSVP.
Kniting Retreat!
We'll be heading to Traverse City on Friday afternoon April 27 and staying until Sunday afternoon April 29. We've reserved a beautiful home with plenty of space for all of us and have planned a relaxing and (somewhat) educational weekend. For a mere $150 you'll be able to eat, knit and relax among friends. $50 Deposits are needed by March 20 (our next meeting). You can write checks to: The Black Sheep Knitting Guild and hand them to Kim, Tanya or Jennifer at the Coffee Beanery or send them to BSKG c/o 2483 Tyler Ave., Berkley, MI 48072
Two workshops will be offered, one on mobieus cast on and knitting, the other on two handed fair isle. Supply lists will be given to registrants after March 20. We'll also have the opportunity to visit a fabulous yarn store in the area if you're interested. Five meals, workshops, snacks and lodging are included in your registration fee. . .and goodie bags for those attending are in the works! Sign up now and confirm your space!
And still more. . .
Kim has plans for a Lansing trip in early June including stops at Rae's Yarn Boutique and Threadbear as well as a trip to Skeins on Main in Rochester. Looking ahead to the fall, she's made contacts with Rose, of Indigo Rose and they are cooking up a special workshop just for us! The benefits of membership just keep growing!
Looking forward to seeing you at the Coffee Beanery or our next meeting. . .--Tanya and Louise
And now, the cupcakes. . .Coralee's grandson LOVED the three knitted cupcakes on my Lenten UFO list. . .here's a picture from her daughter!
Kim has been hard at work planning some trips for the Black Sheep Knitting Guild Members! I know you'll all be excited to be a part of them, so sign up now! Put some fun knitting adventures on your calendar! If you're not a member, all it takes is a minute and $35 to join and be able to enjoy member benefits, see Jennifer or Camille at the Coffee Beanery or at our next meeting at Anderson Middle School on March 20.
The Yarn Harlot
Stephanie Pearl-McPhee is coming to Ann Arbor on April 1. Don't miss this opportunity to hear one of the funniest knitting authors speak. We'll be leaving from the Anderson parking lot at 10:15 am, caravaning to Ann Arbor, eating lunch and then hitting at least one yarn shop on the way home. We should be home around dinner time. Your cost is NOTHING! You will need to bring money to purchase lunch and yarn if you're interested, and it would be kind to contribute a few dollars toward the driver's gas. If you're interested in attending, please RSVP to blacksheepnewsletter@hotmail.com so that we can get a handle on how many people are interested and how many drivers we need. If you're willing to be a driver, please include that in your RSVP.
Kniting Retreat!
We'll be heading to Traverse City on Friday afternoon April 27 and staying until Sunday afternoon April 29. We've reserved a beautiful home with plenty of space for all of us and have planned a relaxing and (somewhat) educational weekend. For a mere $150 you'll be able to eat, knit and relax among friends. $50 Deposits are needed by March 20 (our next meeting). You can write checks to: The Black Sheep Knitting Guild and hand them to Kim, Tanya or Jennifer at the Coffee Beanery or send them to BSKG c/o 2483 Tyler Ave., Berkley, MI 48072
Two workshops will be offered, one on mobieus cast on and knitting, the other on two handed fair isle. Supply lists will be given to registrants after March 20. We'll also have the opportunity to visit a fabulous yarn store in the area if you're interested. Five meals, workshops, snacks and lodging are included in your registration fee. . .and goodie bags for those attending are in the works! Sign up now and confirm your space!
And still more. . .
Kim has plans for a Lansing trip in early June including stops at Rae's Yarn Boutique and Threadbear as well as a trip to Skeins on Main in Rochester. Looking ahead to the fall, she's made contacts with Rose, of Indigo Rose and they are cooking up a special workshop just for us! The benefits of membership just keep growing!
Looking forward to seeing you at the Coffee Beanery or our next meeting. . .--Tanya and Louise
And now, the cupcakes. . .Coralee's grandson LOVED the three knitted cupcakes on my Lenten UFO list. . .here's a picture from her daughter!
March and April Socks
I'm a month ahead on my New Year's Resolution. . .March and April socks are here! I'm working on a pair from my unfinished pile that are a grey and black lace pattern, but I don't like them too much. The leg is a bit tight for me, so they'll wind up being for Joanie. I've decided that when I finish them, I really can't call them my May socks, since they won't be for me--
I don't think you can see it in the picture, but on the tan socks, I had to rip and re-start and didn't do it properly. Technically, I should have wound the already knitted yarn into a hank, soaked it in some wool wash and then hung it to dry. That would have taken the kinks out of the yarn and would have allowed my knitting to look smoother. Because these are more utilitarian, and less heirloom, I thought it wouldn't matter so much. In a something I cared about, I would certainly take the time to wash before re-knitting. The kinks in the yarn may effect gauge and that portion of your knitting would just not be "right". I figure these socks are going to be washed a lot and the stitches will wiggle their way into looking okay. . .and then they'll have holes in them, so I didn't spend the time.
I don't think you can see it in the picture, but on the tan socks, I had to rip and re-start and didn't do it properly. Technically, I should have wound the already knitted yarn into a hank, soaked it in some wool wash and then hung it to dry. That would have taken the kinks out of the yarn and would have allowed my knitting to look smoother. Because these are more utilitarian, and less heirloom, I thought it wouldn't matter so much. In a something I cared about, I would certainly take the time to wash before re-knitting. The kinks in the yarn may effect gauge and that portion of your knitting would just not be "right". I figure these socks are going to be washed a lot and the stitches will wiggle their way into looking okay. . .and then they'll have holes in them, so I didn't spend the time. Louise sent a list of her UFOs. . .she's not nearly as bad as I am, she only had around 20 on the list, but she's worked through a good portion of them. Unfortunately for her, she has quite a few large projects to complete that should take her well into next year. . .Louise, this is me taunting you. . .how 'bout no new projects 'till they're ALL done?
How about the rest of you? I know Sally has joined in, but afraid to post her UFO list. As you saw yesterday, she's made tremendous progress on her fair isle sweater. . .I'm waiting for pictures from Kim, she's working fast and furious on her Baby Albert (Einstein) sweaters. . .Who else has pictures to share? email them and I'll post them! We want show and tell!
No one has weighed in on the sweater question from this weekend. . .bummer.
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