Central Maryland Knitting Guild

April is for Entralac

2008-04-10T22:09:00.003-04:00

Spring is finally here. The chance of snow is over so--our previously scheduled February meeting will now be our April program. Margaret will be presenting a workshop on Entralac.

I suggest everyone bring the yarn of his or her choice (I don't recommend anything with mohair) and whatever needles your yarn suggests. Gauge is not critical; we're just learning the technique. Here is a handout for you to print and bring along to the meeting. See ya the 16th!
Margaret

Info from Beth Brown-Reinsel

2008-04-05T08:00:00.002-04:00

I received this email via a distribution list from Beth Brown-Reinsel and thought I'd share it with the group. A couple years ago, Beth spent a weekend with the guild teaching classes on ganseys and tams. She is a great teacher and incredibly nice person.
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Not all of you know that I moved from Maryland last September to Vermont. This has been a dream of mine for many years! My first winter here was wonderful--lots of snow, but I never got stuck once! With the spring thaw comes Mud Season--a greater challenge than the snow, to be sure.

I have been busy teaching around the country and trying to finish up my elusive second book. Also, I released some new patterns last fall (Fair Isle Bag and Nordic Mittens). Now, Aran Winter Set (mittens and scarf) will be ready just in time for spring! My timing may not be so great, but I am happy to get it finished now! I have started a blog, which I utilize sporadically, but it shows photos of what I am up to--projects, etc.

I have been juggling around my teaching schedule and have opened up some new dates for this year. I will be hosting a workshop in Forest Hill, Maryland on May 10 and 11 (Saturday and Sunday) at my mother's B&B (http://www.geocities.com/bemyguestbandb/). If you love a Victorian atmosphere and some great cooking (my Mom's the best) while taking a knitting class, give me a call to schedule your reservation. 802-387-3025. The class will cost $150 for the two days. If you would like to stay at the B&B, you can contact Edith Brown for room rates, which include breakfast (410-838-8943).

I will be teaching the Norwegian Fana Cardigan over two days, limiting enrollment to a small group. If you have never sewn a steek or cut your knitting, this is the class for you! I love to teach this class--there are so many interesting techniques those clever Norwegians have come up with to create this gorgeous garment. Here's the class description:

The Norwegian Fana Cardigan, 12 hours Level: Intermediate to advanced (Experience with double pointed needles is helpful.) â?" The classic details and traditional construction of the Norwegian Fana Cardigan sweaters will be taught in this two-day workshop through the knitting of a small sweater. Techniques to be learned include circularly knitted body and sleeves, square and drop shoulder armholes, cut-and-sew armholes and front, knitted self -facings, buttonbands, and 2-color star, band, and checkerboard patterns. Designing one's own Fana cardigan will be discussed.

You can see what the little sweater looks like on my website, http://www.knittingtraditions.com/c_descriptions.htm

I also would like to let you know about some other upcoming special events:

July 19-20, 2008 Summerlude-a Vermont weekend. Hosted by Margaret Klein Wilson of Mostly Merino yarns for an intimate group. www.mostlymerino.com

August 10-16, 2008 Annual Vermont Retreat--this year in two parts! Hosted by Margaret Klein Wilson of Mostly Merino. There may still be a few spaces left!

2009: Plan now for a Baltic cruise with me and Nancy Bush on the Holland America line! August 22- September 3, 2009: St. Petersburg, Stockholm, Copenhagen, the Oslofjord, Tallin, and Helsinki, to name a few cities, plus three days at sea filled with knitting classes!

Well, that's all for now! Have a wonderful spring--get out that cotton and knit yourself something cool!

Warmly,Beth

Come Stitch-n-Bitch and Give!

2008-04-02T23:56:00.006-04:00

This charity knitting event at Lovelyarns is asking for our help.
This is Zander VonMarko. Some of you already know his mom, Heather. He has been diagnosed with Autism, and is attending the Fairmount school at Kennedy Krieger. Heather just found out that a contributing factor to his Autism is a toxic lead level in his organs. After he goes through a course of antibiotics to treat his infections, he can start the process of chelation (which is similar to chemotherapy) so that the lead can be purged from his system.The wonderful news in all this is that he may no longer have autistic symptoms once the lead has been removed from his body. The bad news is that these treatments cost thousands of dollars, and are not covered by Heather's insurance.

So what can you do? Easy. Just come to Stitch-n-Bitch Saturday, April 12 (any time between 11:00 and 5:30) and pay a measly $5.00 to sit with your friends and knit. All donations will be matched by Lovelyarns. AND those of you who feel like baking something for us all to purchase and enjoy, please bring something yummy. If it is a nice day, we will have the back porch open and maybe some wine to wash it all down with!

What if you can't come? We will be taking all donations at the shop up until April 12. You can mail a check, or drop a cash donation at the shop. And all donations will be matched by Lovelyarns.

Let's Help Heather help Zander
Lovelyarns
846 w. 36th Street
(410) 662 - YARN (9276)
DATE: SATURDAY, APRIL 12TH
TIME: 11:00 to 6:00, stop in any time!
DONATION: $5.00
MORE: Click here to read Heather's Blog

Sock Heel Alternatives

2008-03-17T22:12:00.003-04:00

Just a reminder that Wednesday, March 19 is the Sock Heel Alternatives presentation. Members please check your email so that you can print your handouts.

The February Entralac presentation has been rescheduled for April 16. See Feb 2 posting for details.

Please RSVP by email to centralmdknittingguild@comcast.net if you are joining us in the yarn crawl on March 29.

MAR 29 Yarn Crawl

2008-03-06T21:24:00.009-05:00

For our first all day yarn crawl we will be heading West on Saturday, March 29. We plan to meet at Lori's in Eldersburg before 9 for coffee, tea & treats, then head to Knitter's Nest Yarn Shop, Knittin' Chicks in Mt. Airy, a brief lunch break, then off to Keep Me in Stitches & Eleganza Yarns in Frederick. We plan on forming car pools and staying in touch by cell phones. If you are interested in the jaunt, please RSVP to centralmdknittingguild@comcast.net

I welcome suggestions for where to eat lunch.
Cathy

PS Thanks Denise for showing me http://www.knitmap.com/

Homespun Yarn Party

2008-03-04T09:34:00.001-05:00

I found this and thought many of you would be interested in attending.

What: Yarn Party! Check out local yarn vendors, sit and knit, meet new people!

Who: All your favorite local yarn dyers and spinners, plus some extra crafty goodness! And all our knitting/crocheting/spinning friends (you!) of course!!

Where: 7500 Maple Avenue Takoma Park, MD 20912 -- Metro accessible, plenty of parking!

When: March 30, 2008 - 2 PM to 6 PM

Why: Who needs an excuse to get together and craft?! We wanted to get together and spread some fiber love!

Vendors
C*EYE*BER Fiber Yarns
Crafty Snargle
Dragonfly Fiber Designs
Insubordiknit
Loop
Sanguine Gryphon
Storm Moon Knits
Woolarina

For more information go to their blog
http://homespunyarnparty.blogspot.com/

March Meeting

2008-03-03T19:41:00.002-05:00

Hello all! Just a reminder that the next meeting of the Central Maryland Knitting Guild will be on Wed. March 19th from 7-9 pm.

Everyone is excited about socks, and the guild is going to join into the craze for the month of March. Our presentation for the meeting is sock heels! Miss Cathy has been working hard on a number of heel turns to show you and I hope to have a couple myself.

Remember, all guild members in attendence are eligible for the monthly door prize. This month Miss Stacey has donated some Blue Moon Fiber sock yarn for the door prize. (Are you seeing a theme here?)

Also this month is the unveiling of our NEW GUILD LOGO!!!! T-shirts and sweatchirts with the logo will be ready for purchase a the April meeting so that you can wear your guild shirts to the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival in May. Be sure to be at the March meeting so that you can see what they will look like.

As always, all are welcome to our meetings so bring along a friend!

Hope to see you there.

March Sit 'n Knit

2008-02-26T19:49:00.002-05:00

A reminder to all that the next Guild Sit 'n Knit is Sunday March 2nd starting at 1pm. We meet at the Daily Grind in Fulton, Md. All are invited to join us, even if you are not a guild member. If you are a guild member, remember that your guild membership card gets you 15% off you purchases at the Daily Grind (as well as a bunch of other places).

See you there!

Fiberworks Leap Year Sale

2008-02-24T16:04:00.002-05:00

Fiberworks in Ashton, MD is having a sale for leap year. This yarn store usually gives members of the guild 10% off their purchase, however on Feb. 29th everyone who shops gets 29% off their purchase. They are open 10am-8pm. It's enough to make you want to "leap" for joy!!

No Feb. Meeting

2008-02-20T14:53:00.002-05:00

Howard County has cancelled all evening activities, so there will be no Feb. meeting of the Central Maryland Knitting Guild.

Our next meeting takes place on Wed. March 19th at 7pm. We will be learning about new heel turns for socks.

Our next sit 'n knit is Sunday March 2nd at the Daily Grind in Fulton, MD. We start knitting around 1pm and go until they kick us out.

See you in March.

Snow Policy

2008-02-20T10:45:00.002-05:00

While many of us would ride a snowmobile to get to anything related to knitting, the guild does have it's limits. So, just a reminder, if Howard County Schools close we do not have our guild meeting. This is the public schools or the community college.

Here's hoping we can still meet tonight!

Lovelyarns

2008-02-11T09:06:00.000-05:00

We are pleased to announce another Yarn Store participating in our 2008 Membership Card Program.

Lovelyarns is located in delightful Hampden, MD. and is offering card carrying members of the guild 10% off their purchase. This fun shop is right down the street from Cafe Hon, and has a Saturday sit 'n knit that lasts from 11am-6pm. That's my kind of sit 'n knit!

For baseball fans, they carry 'Crash into Ewe' sock yarn in the 'Opening Day' colorway, orange and black. Just in time for the Orioles training camp!

Happy Knitting!

Entralac Workshop

2008-02-02T10:52:00.000-05:00

At our Feb meeting, I will be presenting a workshop on Entralac.

I suggest everyone bring the yarn of his or her choice (I don't recommend anything with mohair) and whatever needles your yarn suggests. Gauge is not critical; we're just learning the technique.
Here is a handout for you to print and bring along to the meeting.

See ya the 20th!
Margaret

5th Anniversary Sale

2008-01-30T22:08:00.000-05:00

Just got this in - thought I'd share.
m

Please, come down and join us in Celebrating our 5th Anniversary here at the Celtic Knot Yarn Shop.

We will be having our Anniversary Sale Friday, February 1st thru Sunday, February 3rd.

We are happily STILL located at 8480 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City, in the Normandy Shopping Center.
We will be having:**

15% off all Yarn
10% off all Needles
40% off all Debbie Ware Kits
30% off all Bags and Cases
10% off all Patterns, Books and Magazines

We will be giving away a copy of "Son of a Stitch and Bitch, Knits for Men", signed by Lindsay Henricks, a gift basket of yarn and needles, several gift certificates, and much more.

With each purchase up to $20.00 ($1.00 - $20.00) you will receive a raffle ticket for the door prizes. For each additional $20.00 you spend, you will receive another chance to win.

As usual we will be raising money for the SOS Gift Bags. You can purchase 3 Raffel tickets for $10.00 (ALL MONEY GOING TO SOS). For more information on SOS, please visit our website.

Winners will be drawn on Sunday and be notified by phone.

Come down and join us for Great Sales, Great Knitting, Great Friends and Great Door Prizes!!

Thanks for Five FABULOUS Years!!,

Carole, Linsay, Sara, Sarah, Karoline & Jes

Super Bowl Sit 'N Knit

2008-01-28T18:54:00.000-05:00

This Sunday February 3rd is our monthly Sit 'n Knit. We meet at the Daily Grind in Fulton. This is in the new Maple Lawn shopping center. This month we are meeting from 1-3pm. (Next month we will start staying later.)

Since it is the day of the Super Bowl, the first 21 knitters to arrive with an NFL logo will receive a small knitters gift. We are looking forward to seeing you there!

Tangled Skein is 1 Year Old!

2008-01-22T19:11:00.000-05:00

I just got this e-mail and thought you all would like to know about the birthday activities at 'A Tangled Skein'.

It seems like only yesterday (well, maybe last week), but it’s been a year since we opened our doors. Naturally, we view this an excuse for some first-anniversary parties and sales. So here’s our plan: Our actual anniversary date is Wednesday, Jan. 23, so we’re having an enhanced sit and stitch from 7 to 9 p.m. with special goodies and some great door prizes.

On Friday, Jan. 25, we’re taking a page from our Friday the Thirteenth book and holding a stitch-in and sale starting at 7 p.m., with great refreshments and live music. From 9 p.m. to midnight, everything in the store except classes, gift certificates and special orders will be 20 percent off.

And because first anniversaries only happen once, we’ll be continuing the 20 percent off sale throughout the weekend. But if there’s something in particular you’ve been waiting for a sale to buy, we advise you not to wait until the last minute. Lots of other people may have the same idea.

The festivities will continue into early February, when we hold a fashion show and announce some other exciting developments at A Tangled Skein. We hope to see you soon!

A Tangled Skein
5200 Baltimore Ave.Suite 101
Hyattsville, MD 20781301-779-3399
www.atangledskein.com

And The Winner Is....

2008-01-20T15:02:00.001-05:00

Congrats to our very own Vice-President Miss Cathy for winning third place in the Kraemer Yarn pattern contest.

Here is a picture of her grand daughter modeling the award winning sweater with some booties and a blanket to match. Way to go!

We Swapped!

2008-01-17T16:30:00.000-05:00

Last night was the first meeting in the year 2008 for the Guild, and we saw lots of new faces mixed in with our old friends. Those who came were greeted by our 'Welcome Table' that had fresh baked cookies as well as membership forms and other guild information.

Two door prizes were given out last night. Every meeting in 2008 will have a drawing for a door prize. The winner must be a member of the guild in good standing who is in attendance that evening. January winners were Miss Judy and Miss Sheila.

After some short business announcements, we moved right into the swap. Members brought yarn and other related knitting items that they no longer wanted, and left with items they did want. What a great way to bust your stash and go shopping for free!

We got a chance to make some new friends as well as be inspired by some great projects during a 'get to know you session'. Many of our new visitors to the guild joined our membership by the end of the meeting, and we are glad to have them!

Next up for the guild is a Super Bowl 'pre-game knit' on Feb. 3rd from 1-3pm at the Daily Grind in Fulton, MD. The first 21 knitters to arrive with an NFL logo will receive a small gift. Bring a friend along who has never been to the guild!

Our next meeting will be Wednesday February 2oth from 7-9pm. We will be having a hands on entralac class presented by Miss Margaret. We will still be accepting membership forms at this meeting, so feel free to join us if you are not yet a member.

Don't forget the Felted Clog class being presented this Saturday at the Lakeside Cafe from 10am-4pm. See you there.

January Meeting Reminder

2008-01-11T08:34:00.000-05:00

This Wednesday January 16 from 7-9 pm we will be hosting the first meeting of the new year. This means that you can pick up your 2008 membership card when you pay your dues at this meeting. Everyone paying their $20 at this month's meeting will also be receiving a $5 off coupon for The Blue Star Grill in Arundel Mills Mall!

This month we are doing our semi-annual swap night. Remember to bring all your yarn, patterns, notions, magazines, books, etc that you would like to swap with other guild members.

This is a great meeting to invite knitters who have never joined us for a meeting before, so bring along a friend or two. See you on Wednesday!

Supplies

2008-01-07T14:16:00.000-05:00

For those of us taking the felted clog class on January 19th, here is the supply list.

Women's Medium

Needles: US size 13, 24" and 16" circular needles

Yarn should be 100% wool so that it will felt. (Inexpensive wool, like Lion Brand Wool works great. Be sure that you do not get any "superwash" wools, as these will not felt.)

One Color Clog Yarn: 540 yards per pair. This yardage allows for yarn to be held double throughout. If you are using a bulky yarn like Lopi, you will only need half as much.

Two Color Clog Yarn: 180 yards of top color and 360 yards of bottom color. Again, this is yardage to be held double. If you are using a bulky yarn you will only need half as much.

See you there!
Margaret

Cabin Fever???????

2008-01-06T18:38:00.001-05:00

Today's Cabin Fever Sit 'n Knit at the Daily Grind in Fulton, Maryland had us all saying, "Wow, it's hot!" So much for needing all those hats, mittens, and scarves in the immediate future. It was a wonderful day to be out and about however, and we had a great turnout for our first monthly gathering.

A variety of projects were being worked on today, but socks seemed to be the most popular. Those of us who stuck to the warm and woolly theme were very warm to say the least.

Many of today's participants paid their 2008 membership fee for the guild and began using their membership cards for a 15% discount on their food and beverages today.

Here is a list of area businesses currently participating in our 2008 membership card program:

*The Daily Grind in Fulton
15% off food and beverages
*The Lakeside Cafe in Columbia
10% off your purchase
*A Good Yarn in Fells Point
5% off yarn
*Knittin' Chicks in Mount Airy
10% off regular priced merchandise
*The Knit Wits in Laurel
10% discount
*Fiberworks in Ashton
10% discount
*The Celtic Knot Yarn Shop in Ellicott City
*10% off your purchase

Many more discounts are on the way, just for joining the 2008 Central Maryland Knitting Guild. (Please note that no other discounts will apply when using your card) Like they say, membership has it's privileges!!!!!!

Our next monthly sit 'n knit for the guild will be on Super Bowl Sunday February 3rd from 1-3pm. Once again we will enjoy the atmosphere of the Daily Grind. Next month's theme will be football of course, so the first 20 people who arrive wearing any NFL logos will be in for a treat.

These sit 'n knits are a great way to invite fellow knitters to experience the guild without attending a meeting. Be sure to invite all the knitters you know to join us for some fun next month.

See you at the next meeting on January 16th at 7pm!

Yarn Rep Position Available

2008-01-04T17:52:00.000-05:00

Head Office:
155 Champagne Drive, Unit 8
Toronto, ON, Canada, M3J 2C6
Tel. 416.398.3700 Fax 416.398.5300
U.S. Distribution Centre:
60 Industrial Parkway, PMB #233
Cheektowaga, NY, USA, 14227
Toll Free: 1.866.800.4700
info@needfulyarnsinc.com

NEEDFUL YARNS INC, currently hiring Sales Representatives.

Dear Holly Anne,

We are sending you the following information which we hope will be of interest to you or some members of the Guild. We would greatly appreciate if you could convey the following information.

Needful Yarns Inc, an importer and distributor of fine hand knitting products is currently hiring Sales Representatives for the territory of Maryland.
The position provides the opportunity to make full time wages while working only part time hours. Integrity, honesty, an outgoing personality, along with an ability and desire to visit and correspond with independent retailers are merits required for this position. Someone with sales experience and knowledge of hand knitting is preferred. Interested candidates are encouraged to forward their resumes via fax or e-mail to the attention of, Jessy Pagliaroli Managing Director.
e-mail: jessy@needfulyarnsinc.com

About Us:

Needful Yarns Inc. ™ is a family owned and socially conscience company with a twofold agenda: to passionately and ethically promote the creative fiber arts industry. And to create, import and distribute the finest and most luxurious yarns and accessories for the hand-knitting market. In terms of the former, Needful Yarns is involved with a number of different community projects and charities that benefit both the craft of knitting and our brothers and sisters in need. With regard to the latter, we work with materials, artisans, designers and only reputable mills and companies to produce products that are innovative, inspiring, and profitable for independent store owners and their clients. It is also worth noting that all the yarn we sell is supported with fashion forward patterns created by top knitwear designers that are accessible and appealing to knitters of various experience, body type and taste.

Regards,
Farida SaniCustomer Service

Happy New Knitting Year!

2008-01-02T18:16:00.000-05:00

Welcome to 'Everything's great in 2008!' as Miss Margaret has taken to calling this year. Lots of good knitting wishes are being sent your way!

2008 Central Maryland Knitting Guild Membership Cards will start being distributed at the next guild meeting on Wed. Jan. 16th from 7-9pm. This is a new project for the guild and we are thrilled with the response so far. Every member of the guild will receive a membership card when they pay their dues, and these cards will be good for discounts at many Local Yarn Shops as well as area businesses. The Membership Cards are just a small part of how your membership dues will reward you in the coming year.

Hope to see you all at The Cabin Fever Sit 'n Knit this Sunday, where you will get a sneak peak at the membership discount in action since we will be receiving 15% off our food and beverages at 'The Daily Grind' in Fulton.

Meeting Highlights

2007-12-26T14:49:00.000-05:00

I hope everyone is enjoying the holiday season. We had a good time at this year's holiday party and missed all of you who could not attend. A full set of minutes will be sent out soon. Here are some highlights:

2008 officers were voted in:
President = Sheila R.
Vice President / Programs = Cathy F.
Treasurer = Jackie Z.
Secretary = Beth S.

These positions do not require a vote:
Photographer / Historian = Jessie S.
Membership = Holly Anne C. & Christine E.
Newsletter = Margaret L.
APL sponsor = Dolores R.

Upcoming Programs:
Cabin Fever Sit and Knit
Sunday January 6
1p - 3p
Daily Grind coffeeshop in Maple Lawn

Felted Clog Class (Fiber Trends pattern)
Saturday January 19
10 am - 4 pm
Lakeside Cafe at the Columbia waterfront
$12 class fee
Breakfast, lunch, coffee etc. available for purchase
RSVP to centralmdknittingguild@comcast.net

Yes, we now have an email address!!

Next meeting = Wednesday January 16, 2008. It's swap time! Gather all your unwanted yarn, fiber, patterns, books, needles and notions. A new good home will be found for everything. And the word on the street is that the Wednesday night Border's group will join us for swap night - yeah! More found treasures and new knitting friends.

Happy New Year!

Sale

2007-12-22T15:04:00.000-05:00

I just received a postcard advertising a 20% off sale at Fiberworks yarn store from December 26 to January 9th. They are also having a sale bin containing skeins of yarn for a dollar. For more information you can contact them at (3010) 774-9031.