deputyknittersblog

2007-03-01T08:33:00.000-05:00

Guild Member Cathy B. sent me pictures of her latest projects - Cathy THANK YOU!!! I love posting pictures of all of the different projects everyone is working on.

Cathy writes "These are from the Speed Knitting book... fun projects!!! The sweater came out ok... the coasters were fun to make... One could go crazy with the whole charm thing!!"

The Speed Knitting Book will be in the shop (Yarn KNit All!) by March 7th. I LOVE this book and it is a WONDERFUL book for those graduating from scarf knitting AND those more advanced knitters looking for beautiful projects that are not complicated. I am thrilled to have found this book. It was reviewed in Vogue Knitting and it is definitely a great book to have in your knitting library!

2007-02-25T22:13:00.000-05:00

Guild Member Kristin works on her "besotted" cabled scarf. She has been at the shop working on this diligently. She is working with a beautiful oatmeal colored tweed and the scarf looks fantastic!

2007-02-25T22:11:00.000-05:00

The Next Guild Meeting is this Saturday. March 3. Hopefully many of you will be able to make it! For those of you that cannot... The other March meeting will take place on March 15th at 6:30. The agenda is listed herre for your information. Looking forward to seeing you!

Knit Happens
Naugatuck Knitting and Crochet Guild
March 3, 2007 and March 16, 2007

· Sign up for “Knit Crawl” in NYC will be available. Final number needed to obtain discount train tickets (from Bridgeport) by March 16th. Tickets will be $15.50

· Discussion of upcoming meetings and potential projects, programs etc.

· Discussion of possible monthly Meet up at Yarn Knit All! of any interested Guild Members to knit hats for Waterbury Hospital. (In addition potential for knitting mini blankets for the still born babies at New Britain General Hospital and possibly Waterbury Hospital).

· Discussion/Presentation of “fiber Retreats” at Sunpower Farm in New Hampshire with Lorna McMaster and dates of same (May12-13 2007 and June 23 – 24 2007)

· Other discussions/ideas by members

The next scheduled meetings for are April 7thth at 3:00p.m. and 19th at 6:30 p.m.

2007-02-25T22:05:00.000-05:00

Knitting Guild Member Amy has been working on the incredible mobius sweater on the cover of the current Vogue - you know the one - the incredible cabled jacket that is gorgoues but looks soooo complicated. The thing that really shocked me...... ???? This is Amy's FIRST sweater! I told her I have incredible admiration for her ambition! She has been in the shop frequently! She has been sitting in lounge and plugging away on this sweater and is almost done! IT IS GORGEOUS!!!!!!! GREAT job Amy! I will post full pictures once she is done for everyone to see!

2007-02-25T21:59:00.000-05:00

Yarn Knit All is open for business! Although it was so bittersweet saying goodbye to Lucille, I am so excited to have Yarn Knit All! open and exploring the new world of retail.

See www.yarnknitall.com for full details!

2007-02-25T21:56:00.000-05:00

Lorna McMaster returned to Naugatuck to teach needle felting to a new group of eager students. The gnomes all came out so differently and beautifully and an entire group of new "addicts" were created!

2007-01-21T15:00:00.000-05:00

Just a quick post today to let everyone know that Yarn Knit All! has a web site and it is up and running - please go to that for a full class and special events schedule! www.yarnknitall.com .

Meanhwile please remember that the Saturday, February 3 Guild Meeting is CANCELLED as the shop will be in total disaray as I get it ready for the grand opening on Feruary 15th - I apprecaite your undestanding! The February 15th Guild Meeting will take place but no official agenda will be discussed as it will be the same night as the Grand Opening so to recap:

Febraury 3rd Guild Meeting Cancelled
February 15th Guild Meeting 6:30 PM is scheduled - NO agenda to be discussed
February 15th 6:00 PM GRAND OPENING of Yarn Knit All!

Yarn Knit All! store hours:

Sundays/Mondays - closed

Tuesdays/Wednesdays - 11:30 - 5:00 PM

Thursday/Fridays - 11:30 - 7:00 PM

Saturdays - 10:00 - 2:00 PM

I can NOT wait to see you all at the Grand Opening!

2007-01-12T18:35:00.000-05:00

Welll, I kind of feel sad here! I feel like I am handing my baby over here BUT I so know that the blog and all of you are in VERY capable and wonderful hands. I am signing off as the manager and custodian of the blog (sniff sniff!) I have to say that the releif in knowing that Shelia will do a fantastic job keeping the Guild informed has been liberating!!!

That is not to say you have completely gotten rid of me. For the most part I will be giving my information to Shelia to work into her postings - I want to not interfere too mcuch. BUT I am sure there will be times I will "pop" in quickly to do a quick post of info! I have to say that I joke at the Guild meetings of the "self imposed" pressure I put on myself to do posts once a week. - I have REALLY had fun with it and I so hope they have kept all of you informed and (pardon the pun ladies!) in the loop during those times you missed a meeting. Joelle will give her mintes now to Shelia and they will still be posted on the blog in their entirety and Shelia is going to do an awesome job. Never hesitate to send her your info - projects etc!

I bid you all aduei for now - YAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! I can NOT wait till the 15th to show you all everyithing I havbe found for the shop! Meanwhile I will see you next week!

2007-01-12T07:25:00.000-05:00

It's official! The Guild is now registered with Lions Brand and I am hoping that it will appear on their new Club Finder shortly. PLEASE visit www.lionbrand.com and check it out! The Club Finder currently has NO Connecticut clubs - I am hoping that Knit Happens will be one of the first!

You can "rate" the club and I encourage you all to do that! I am hoping our membership will continue to grow! We will keep Sue busy! Today is just a QUICK posting to let you knw and I hope you will check out Lion Brand for our listing. If you have anything you would like me to add to our information , please let me know and if they offer the opportunity to update I will!

Have a great day and keep the needles and hooks flying!

2007-01-11T23:40:00.000-05:00

Well gals.... All I have to say is JOB WELL DONE!!!!! The GRAND TOTAL: 167 Hats!!!!!! I am so impressed with the incredible work done by everyone on the Caps to the Capital project!

Here they all are laid out by color the best I could get them and then all packaged with ribbon (in groups of ten) and boxed. They are going out tomorrow. I know we are a bit late but they will still accept them! With the store closing I had forgotten to grab them all out of the shop.

I was amazed while sorting them at the incredible attention to detail that went into each and every one. There was one that even had the most beautiful cables! Another had included little mitts! You ALL did a fantastic job and kudos to you ALl! What a GREAT project for the Guild to have taken on! You should all be very proud!

Meanwhile, as was dicussed in the Guild Meeting - Lions Brand will be having a new web site for guilds to get them known etc. They are still developming the site. Knit Happens will definitely hop on board once it is ready! Keep your eyes and ears open for that exciting venture!

I am currently trying to figure out if it is possible for Shelia and I to post as co authors to the blog. Either way she will take over the maintenance and posting of the blog after tomorrow. I will continue with contributions and I encourage you all to share your thoughts, finds, prjects, pictures and anything else. This is YOUR Blog! I will be off to do a blog for the shop and hopefully a web site as well!

I think that is FINALLY it for me tonight! Enjoy your weekends!

2007-01-11T23:23:00.000-05:00

GREAT NEWS!!!! Fiber Artist and teacher Lorna McMaster is returning to Naugatuck!!!!. She will be at Yarn Knit All! on the following dates so please save the dates! All classes will be $40 plus a $20.00 supply fee. Lorna will be prviding everything you need to particiapte. The $40.oo fee is due at the time of sign up - supply fee is paid to Lorna on day of class. In addition I am pleased to announce that Yarn KNit All! will be an exclusive supplier of hand grown, and dyed Sunpower Farm wool roving. Lorna's colors are beautiful and unique and may be used not only for sculpting but all your needle felting needs! We are truly excited to offer this to you and you will have an ability to see the entire line at Yarn Knit All!'s Grand Opening!

Saturday, February 24th 9:30 - 3:00 (a break for lunch)

Needle Felting Basics. If you missed the beginner class December 17th you definitely want to get in on this one. Basic Needle sculpting techniques will be taught. A great class and you will be well on your way!

Saturday, March 10th 9:30 - 3:00 ( a break for lunch) Needle sculpting Woodland birds and creatures. Children over 12 years old are welcome to particiapte as long as accompanied by an adult taking the class as well.

Saturday, April 14 9:30 - 3:00 (a break for lunch) ADVANCED Needle Felting Lorna will cover the Advanced Human form. Sculpting of limbs, fingers etc as wellas detailed facial features. (prerequirement - MUST have attended the beginner class on 12/16 or 2/24)

There will be more information to follopw at Guild Meetings and at the shop once it opens. Please keep checking in on the blog meanwhile so as to keep up to date!

2007-01-11T22:37:00.000-05:00

Sorry it took so long everyone but here is the schedule for the meetings of 2007. Please remember to bring any friends who may even be remotely interested. 2007 will also bring more needle felting and I am working on spinning too! It will be a FUN and exciting 2007!

Knit Happens – Naugatuck Knitting and Crochet Guild
Schedule of Meetings 2007
Meetings take place at Yarn Knit All! (fka Lula's Melange - 26 Church Street, Naugatuck)

The First Saturday of every month at 3:00 PM and the third Thursday of every month at 3:00 PM with exceptions as noted by a (*). The months of July & August will only have the Thursday night meetings. The schedule is as follows:

Saturday, January 6, 2007 3:00 PM at Lula’s Mélange
Thursday, January 18, 2007 6:30 PM at Lula’s Mélange

PLEASE NOTE: due to Tammy preparing store for Grand Opening the February Saturday meeting will be cancelled

Thursday February 15, 2007 6 PM-Yarn Knit All! Grand Opening
Saturday March 3, 2007 3:00 PM at Yarn Knit All!
Thursday March 15, 2007 6:30 PM at Yarn Knit All!
Saturday April 7, 2007 3:00 PM at Yarn Knit All!
Thursday April 19, 2007 6:30 PM at Yarn Knit All!
Saturday May 5, 2007 3:00 PM at Yarn Knit All!
Thursday May 17, 2007 6:30 PM at Yarn Knit All!
Saturday June 2, 2007 3:00 PM at Yarn Knit All!
Thursday June 21, 2007 6:30 PM at Yarn Knit All!
Thursday July 19, 2007 6:30 PM at Yarn Knit All!
Thursday August 16, 2007 6:30 PM at Yarn Knit All!
*Saturday September 8, 2007 3:00 PM at Yarn Knit All!
(2nd Saturday due to Labor Day weekend)
Thursday September 20, 2007 6:30 PM at Yarn Knit All!
Saturday October 6, 2007 3:00 PM at Yarn Knit All!
Thursday October 18, 2007 6:30 PM at Yarn Knit All!
Saturday November 3, 2007 3:00 PM at Yarn Knit All!
Thursday November 15, 2007 6:30 Pm at Yarn Knit All!

December meeting – Christmas party TBA

2007-01-11T22:25:00.000-05:00

I wanted to share another project from Speed Knitting. It is a great book for quick projects for gifts!! I highly reccomend it. This is definitely an easy and quick one. I knitted it up with a cotton from Berroco. I love the colors. I changed the bottom a little and loved the end result! My niece looked adorable in it and I was so happy that she liked it. It will wash easily for my sister which I am sure she will appreciate. The next project I plan on from that book is a GORGEOUS ballet wrap sweater and I may even try it in cashmere. Depends on how brave I get. I have never worked in that fiber before but I think it would be beautiful!

2007-01-09T21:18:00.000-05:00

...it's a "learn-to-cable" scarf pattern from Lion Brand. I've completed the first group of rows (must repeat them 10 more times or something like that) but I can't believe it actually looks like its supposed to!!! It's silly, I know, but I'm so excited!!! Guild Member Lori

There has been quite a buzz here. I have been very busy for the shop and have yet another meeting with a sales rep tomorrow. My plans are shaping up and I know that the 15th of Feb. will be here before I know it - Minor emergencies - like the woman who has done all of my printing for ten years and I trust explicitly) being laid up for the next month (ACK!) - have made things interesting to this point but that keeps me hopping. I am just so excited and the enthusiasm and excitement from all of you and your emails has been wonderful! Thank you so very much!! Word of mouth advertising IS the BEST way so I whope you will all come to the Grand opening or at least in that Grand Opening week and if you like what you see - please let friends, coworkers, neighbors - EVERYONE know!

The photo here is of Guild member Lori's first cable! Thank you Lori for sending the firts picture I have received by email! Her email was great and she was SOOOO excited and I cannot wait to cover cables with you in the shop! It seems SOOO daunting but I have to tell you that cabling is soooo easy and once you have done it you wonder what ever stopped you! I plan on having Melissa Leapman's latest book in the shop (Cables Untangled) and hopefully enough of you will be brave enough to jump in!

So you all know - I am preparing a new blog to follow the shop and am handing over the Guild blog site to member Shelia to be custodian of. This change will be coming within the week. I will email all of you her info so that you can properly inform her of news - send pictures - etc to share with the Guild's blog and hopefully there will be a link to the shop's blog (and future web site) on the blog as well.

Look for those changes soon. We will be posting the minutes from the month's meetings soon. Meanwhile continue to check in as the next few weeks will be full of exciting and happy news and changes. I hope to see you all at the next guild meeting (at the shop - Thursday, January 18th 6:30 PM) OR at the shop when it reopens as Yarn Knit All!

Please be sure to stop by Guild Member Jennie's site as she has several new and beautiful postings to her gorgeous blog!

www.yarnista.blogspot

2007-01-09T02:25:00.000-05:00

Well, the Guild meeting was a great success and there was great turnout and the news is out there and today it became OFFICIAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am taking over Lucille's shop site and I will be in on February 1st with my knitting shop - Yarn Knit All! - Rossi's Yarn and Woolworks!!!! So.... be sure to not give up hope - you just need to get through the rest of January and come February there will be a new Knitting shop! I am very excited and have been VERY busy and a bit overwhelemed at times. I totally surprised Lucille when I asked her December 17th if she would be at all interested in entertaining the thought of me buying her out. I am so grateful not only for entertaining it but supportign and being excited!!!!

After much agonized thought I decided to go under my own name and we have finished our negotiations and my lease will start February 1st. My goal is a Febraury 15th GRAND Opening Party (SAVE THE DATE!) I hope to have a "soft opening" for the Guild priro to that!

I am brimming with ideas and had my first face to face meeting with a sales rep today for 5 hours!!!! I am so excited and I really look forward to meeting the Guild's and new customers' needs. I have tons of thoughts regarding classes and offerings and cannot wait to share them with you all!

I hope that you will all come down and check things out! I promise a wonderful continued adventure in Knitting and Crocheting!

I apologize for not having the minutes to post this evening ! The BIG news is here and that was what I wanted EVERYONE to know about. I am still playing around with hours as I will still be operating my Paralegal business in the mornings but I WILL be open two nights a week and Tuesday through Saturday and see how it goes! I hope you will all freely give me your likes and dislikes and opinions as I want to make it very much your shop and continue the same excellent comfort and service Lucille gave. I am so sad that she is gone but will never be able to thank her enough for her allowing me to grab this opportunity. She is a dear friend to so many of us and I look forweard to her continued presence in everything we do. We had a nice visit tonight and I value her opinion and guidance so very much and know I will use it as I work my way through the learning curve! THANK YOU LUCILLE!

I did ask at the Guild meeting for a volunteer to take over the blog! I will be retiring as the "blog keeper" as I will be maintining a blog until I can get a website up for the shop and it would be too much. A HUGE thank you to Shelia for her volunteering! I know she will do a fantastic job! It is late and I am so very tired but I wanted to get the news to all of you and I promise a few more blog entries to get you all caught up and to help out Shelia in the beginning.

I want to thank ALL of you for your excitement and I promise not to disapoint!

Have agreat day and I will talk to you soon.

The NEXT Guild Meeting is Thursday January 18th at 6:30 at the shop! See you then!!!

2007-01-05T05:15:00.000-05:00

Well, here I sit at 2 AM with still at least another hours worth of typing for the business and all I can think of is knitting. A HUGE apology to all of you who may have tried to hop on in the hopes of new entries. The holidays kidnapped me and a busy New Year has not released too much of the grasp on me either. I promise multiple entries, pictures and interesting articles and news before the end of this weekend. Most importantly I wanted to remind you of this Saturday's Meeting. It will be held at Lucille's shop at 3PM. I certainly hope that you can come and I look forward to seeing all of you. It seems like it has been forever.I have listed the Agenda below. We of course will probably discuss even more than this but this is the outline for Saturday so far. Bring your stix and visit with us. We look forward to seeing all of you. Take Care and check back on Sunday for more postings. Keep the sticks flying.

Knit Happens
Naugatuck Knitting and Crochet Guild
January 6th and January 18th, 2007

· Finalize logo. Goal of February 1st to have finalized logo for Guild.

· Sign up for “Knit Crawl” in NYC will be discussed as will transportation. Final vote by Guild members needed if group rate is desired again traveling together by train from Bridgeport

· Discussion by Joyce of upcoming Prayer Shawl Retreat and Binkypatrol program

· Discussion of upcoming meetings and potential projects, programs etc.

The next scheduled meetings for are January 6th at 3:00p.m. and 18th at 6:30 p.m.

Upcoming events and field trips:
· NYC Knit Crawl – February 10, 2007 – Snow Date March 24, 2007
· A day of knitting and crocheting with Melissa Leapman – Spring 2007
Upcoming Dates:
Next Meetings January 6th and 18January 31, 2007 – Deadline for Red Scarf Project

2006-12-17T15:31:00.000-05:00

The Needle Felting class was a huge success!!! We had 11 people who all had a great time and made BEAUTIFUL figures. Unfortunately, I was unable to get everyone together for a group photo with their sculptures though! Everyone but Lucille's mom did Santas. Each one was a beautifully different creature and they all were fantastic. Lucille's mom Lucilia did a fantastical angel full of spun glitter for a gown - she was amazing! We all had a wonderful time and it is agreed that Lorna will come again! She was surpirsed at how close we are and she offerred to come and do another beginner class as well as a more advanced techniques class. It was a difficult time to have a class right before Chrsitmas but we had a great turnout but I know there are alot of you that were interested and could NOT make it. We will do it again. I will be looking for input from all of you! Lorna said January and February are dead months for her and she would love to come then. Also in the works is a retreat weekend at Lorna's "Sunpower Farm" to learn spinning, needle felting techniques, dyeing and even sheep shearing if we are interested. Meanwhile a date of April 14th has been set for Lorna to return. The type of class she will be teaching will be dependent upon the input I receive from all of you! There was discussion about a techniques class for faces as well as a class for making woodland faries and the possibility of learning techniques of wire base sculpting. We definitely have time to plan and there will be much discussion I am sure at the next Guild Meeting of January 6th at Lula's.

This is most likely the last posting before Chrsitmas. I wish you all a wonderful holiday that is hopefully stress free and has quiet moments smattered in between the visits and wrapping and baking and as always a quiet corner to knit every once in a while too!

I wish all of you and your families a VERY Happy Holiday season and a Happy New Year. I hope to see you all at the Guild meeting in January!

2006-12-17T15:29:00.000-05:00

Tammy and Jennie (aka "Yarnista") take a break. Lorna Tammy and Lucille for a quick pose for their Knitting album!

2006-12-17T15:26:00.000-05:00

During break - Lorna shares with group her methond for sculpting a "quick mouse".

2006-12-17T15:22:00.000-05:00

Lorna shares with group her background and how she came into needle felting as well as her expereince with sheep.

2006-12-17T15:18:00.000-05:00

Jennie and Lorna McMaster chat before class starts. Lorna shared a few of her felted figures - to left "Puck steals a pumpkin".

2006-12-10T21:56:00.000-05:00

Eleanor and her famous grab bag gift of body butter! Some scenes from the Knit Happens Christmas Party - See below for the posting and news!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

2006-12-10T21:51:00.000-05:00

2006-12-10T21:48:00.000-05:00

Scenes from Knit
Happens Christmas Party

2006-12-10T18:39:00.000-05:00

Well, a HUGE apology to all that rely on this blog for information. I REALLY slipped! The holidays put me in a tailspin and I am now realizing it has been a LONG while since posting.

I have tons of stuff to blog that I have been hoarding. It will help to pass the time once the big snows hit! So I will limit what I post for now to save my sanity with the fastly approaching holidays. I promise good stuff coming after the holidays!

First the Guild Business:

It has been decided that the Guild will keep the current schedule of meetings: the first Saturday of every month at 3PM and the third Thursday of every month at 6:30. The NEXT MEEINTG: Saturday, January 6, 2007 at 3:00 PM at Lula's Melange. The location of all meetings after that: to be announced. Most will take place at the Glendale Community Clubhouse (the site of today's Christmas party) EXCEPT for the dead of winter (ie: January- March - we will annouce the location of those) In the summer months (June, July and August) we will only meet the Third Thursday of the month.

The Needle felting class is STILL on for Saturday 12/16 - ANYONE can come and we apprecaite you spreading the word. Anything we make over the cost of paying for the instructor will go directly into the Guild's account SO the more the merrier!

The "Knit Crawl is scheduled for February 10th with a snow date of March 24th. I will get us discount train tickets again for whoever is interested in traveling with the group. More news to follow.

I am awaiting a response from Melissa Leapman regarding a crochet and knitting class anas well as a possible weekend "retreat" and hopefully a visit from a prayer shwal expert plus MORE! I will have more news on those developments at upcoming meetings!

The prayer shawls we have been recieving from the group of sisters that had been piling up at Lucille's shop were delivered by me to the Harold Leever Cancer Center last week and they were welcomed and awed over. The Guild only played a small role in all of this but the best part is that Knit Happens is now known up there and they will keep us posted if in the future we can help them in any way! Thanks to Gerry who helped get us in contact with the right people and thank you to "the sisters" who busily knitted all of those shawls. I sent thank you notes to each one of them from all of us!

I am sure you are all very busy - Doesn't it seem like December crept in like a sneaky fast paced wind!??? Gosh, I now find myslef with a stack of yarn and projects for Christmas and VERY little time to KNIT!! ACK!!! I have a feeling that some family members MAY end up with swatches and pictures of my good intentions and I will still be knitting Christmas presents well into February or March it seems! It makes me laugh. The big debate with Ray (my husband) his year was how I was going to save us so much money by knitting all sorts of gifts and I have proudly showed him my purchses and planned projects. I purchsed the yarn for all of them and I have stated my case about how a homemade gift will be treasured by the recipient. Wellll.... for those that do not know, Ray is a CPA SO Any argument reagarding money and being economical - well, I usually lose!! When he adds up all of the purchses of yarn and then the time it takes to knit them he does NOT believe my argument about saving money. He DOES agree that the recipeints will apprecaite a handmade gift SOOO much more though and although he busts me about how insane I am for knitting - he is constantly showing off my projects and now grumbles - to whomever will listen to him - how I still have not finished his ill fated cashmere blend vest I have alreday had to rip out once ( a long story but after about 18 hours of knitting in the round I realized not only was I twisted but my gauge had changed from the test swatch - I only recently started it again only to cast it aside to knit Christmas presents!)!

A hint for any of you in my predicament, Lucille learned from world famous knitter and crocheter Lily Chin - when we were at the Knit showin July......if you have been unable to finish a project for the time it was to be given, a copy of the project inside a blank card and a 4x4 inch swatch knitted in the fiber you are using is a wonderful way of letting the recipient know they are reciving something super special and made with love AND they get a double surprise - because they will also have the surprise when they open it up when it is finished.

Lucille and I had a hilariuos talk about my fiendish buying of yarn and making of items for Christmas. I commented on knitting for one of the children's teachers and stated that I was not sure what I would knit for this one teacher and that I was not sure she would like it. We staretd a hilarous conversation about "knit worthy" recipients and having people who were "knit list worthy" and those that were not on our Chrsitmas lists. Well, Ashby was in the shop with the two of us and we got silly hysterical. BUT all laughing and joking aside it is SUCH a great point. Some people are just not "knit worthy" I do not mean this in a horrendous derogatory way. There are poeple that may not really apprecaite the time, effort and depending on the fiber you are working on, the cost that is associated with knitting! I have talked to many poeple in my family and friends who are not knitters and they have no clue the cost associated with knitting some projects. In fact it is yet another repeating argument with Ray that often the $80 sweater I see in a catalogue or shop will be far cheaper to buy than to attempt to knit. Of course I am such a challenge person and there is nothing more statisfying than tackling a project that you never thought you'd finish!

So enough for my philospohies. You are all so talented and I love to see all of your projects. Make sure they are going to appreciative recipients this season! On that note, PLEASE ----Share your projects!!! I would so apprecaite pictures of your porjects - I want to make sure that the blog has EVERYONE's projects! It can not always be mine - you'd ALL be VERY bored of that! So please email me pictures - commetns ect. I would LOVE to post them!

Now, The TRUE reson for the posting! I have just come home after cleaning the floor and buttoning up the Gelndale Community Clubhouse! We had a FANTASTIC party! For all of you that were there - THANK YOU!!! What a wonderul way to celebrate the holidays and for those that were unable to make - we really missed you and certainly hope you can make the NEXT pary.

The BIG and VERY SAD news that was made public for the first time ( I HATED to even utter the words)... Lucille will be closing Lula's Melange. For all of you there you know how emotional it was for me to voice the news. I have been extremely upset for several weeks about it. That being said we all of course wish Lucille tons of luck as she pursues a teaching certificate. We ALL know how incredibly successful she will be. She is such an incredibly talented, patient and beautifully caring individual. We will all miss the shop BUT she is going nowhere! We will still have her incredible guidance and support of the Guild and she will still be a HUGE presence for us! I am persaonlly SO depressed and sad about it - her shop has been a refuge and escape for me and I will miss the ease of slipping into the shop and knitting for a couple of hours and chatting. Lucille will officially close the doors on December 22, 2006. The Shop will be open Monday through Friday from 12:00 to 5:00 and will have regular Saturday hours. Please stop by for her SALE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Evrything MUST go SALE SALE SLAE. Stop by and see her!!!!! Even if just to say Goodbye!

I am working on some sort of knitting clatch. I personally NEVER get a chance to just knit and chat at Guild Meetings. I am always anxious to get all of the news out and make sure anyone who has questions or ideas or needs anything is all set - I am a nervous host I guess! BUT I want to try and do an informal knitting gathering with some sort of regularity - outside of the Guild meetings - more news on that!

The party was fantastic and anyonme who left hungry - shame on them! A HUGE thank you to ALL of you - I have NEVER seen such an incredible display of food! REALLY!! I really was stuptified at the variety and the effort that you all put into your dishes. THANK GOD it was not pot luck - there was sooo much food! We ate, knitted and had a GREAT time with the "chinese" grab bag"!!! Eleanor had us HOWLING with her Body Butter and we will all be keeping an eye on her that she is not off on the streets looking for someone to "share" it with! Lori was the lucky person to pick the number 1 and had a great time keeping a running inventory on what all the gifts were. The gifts were great and a nice mix of knit and crochet related and non knitting and crocheting items! We all had fun with that!

The yarn swap went well for a group that has never done it before. Jenny was unable to make it last minute and she was the one I was hoping to guide us! I think those of us that brought multiple skeins may have had a hard time so we will improve that NEXT year! For everyone there, the Guild had handmade BEAUTIFUL stitch markers as goodies. A HUGE thank you to Lucille, Kristin and Joelle who helped to make them all up and Kim who found the gorgoues organza holiday bags to put them in! A huge thank you to Joyce who on her own made Beautiful yarn skein and needle pins. I have to admit we misplaced the box. I searched high and low during the party and was sick that they were not getting to the party goers! Joyce I am so sorry! I did finally find the box while cleaning up - Apparently someone mistakingly thought the box had baked goodies in it and it was placed in the kitchen! SOME people got a pin but there are still MANY left, I will have them at the next guild meeting and we will get them out to any party goers that did not get one. Joyce, thank you yhey are beutiful and it was VERY thoughtful of you.

Lastly a thank you to Debbie who made beautiful ornaments for all of the officers for their trees. Mine is on my tree and looks great and it is the first Knitting ornament I have owned. Deb, thank you.

I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of all of the officers: Lucille, Kathy,
Kristin, Joelle, Myself and Sue to wish ALL of you and your families a VERY Merry Christmas and Happy and Healthy New Year!

The Blog MAY be quiet from now through Christmas but I promise to blog all the news we have as it comes up. Without Lula's we will now have to rely heavily on each other to keep everyone informed. If you have access to the blog and know someone who does not PLEASE keep them informed. We will need to do that now without a "Knit Central (Lula's)"

Merry Christmas everyone and I hope to see you either on the 16th or at the next Guild meeting on Saturday, January 6th 3:00 PM at Lula's.

2006-11-17T22:16:00.000-05:00

2006-11-17T22:12:00.000-05:00

Santa completed in class with Lorna Mcmaster. The rest completed after her class

2006-11-17T21:36:00.000-05:00

I have TONS of news for everyone! I spent last weekend - the long Veterans Day weekend - in Vermont and did a "Knit Shop Crawl" all by myself on Friday. I decided to try three shops in close proximity to my father and stepmother's home in Ludlow (home of Okemo Mountain). My step mother told me of a shop in Jamaica. Her cousin's wife owned and ran it and my stepmother thought I would really like the shop. "Margie's Muse" (www.margiesmuse.com )was my first stop and my step mother was dead on. Margie was welcoming and her shop was an ecclectic mix of works of local knitters and artists. Margie also has a wonderful loom and weaves and had beautiful clothes. When I stopped by she was in a frenzy to rearrange her shop in preperation for a needle felting class the next day. She had two incredible gnome figures as an example and I KNEW I HAD to take this all day class! I returned on Saturday for the full day class taught by Lorna McMaster of New Hampshire. Lorna was fantastic and it was a full day of fun and information and we all finished the day with either a Santa in hand or a gnome.

Last night' s Guild meeting was a great group and everyone was so excited by the Santa I made in the class and the two subsequent figures I created (a gnome and winter warlock - see pictures!). So the Good NEWS............... Lorna is coming to Naugatuck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Knit Happens is holding a needle felting class with Lorna McMaster on Saturday, December 16th at Lula's Melange from 9:30 Am to 4:00 PM . There will be a break for lunch and we will have a fantastic time learning this great craft. Please call me if you are interested (203) 729-4865. We will be able to only take a limited amount of people and we need to have a firm count by December 11th. If you are interested please either call me or call Lula's. The cost of the class will be $40 plus a $20.oo materials fee which will provide all tools and materials you will need to complete your project! Lorna will also bring enough wool and materails for anyone interested in purchasing additional materials after the class to achieve additional projects as well. She has GREAT wool - she has her own flock of sheep andactually told me this morning that she is "going in the back yard to get more wool" for our class! I am really excited and I am hoping everyone will be happy to have her come down.

I promise to post more information on my trip - I am busting with news!!! I wanted to get the word our about the needle felting class asap though! Hope you are all doing well and I will post again BEFORE weekend's end!

Keep the needles and hooks flying!

2006-11-06T22:55:00.000-05:00

Saturday's meeting was a small but intimate group. The Chirstmas party is shaping up nicely! The Guild will have a little surprise for all of the guests at the party so all of those intending on coming really needs to sign up so we can be sure to have an accurate count! An email has gone out to Melissa Leapman and I will have more information on that as it develops. The NYC Knit Crawl has been set for Saturday February 10th with a snow date of March 24th. I will be obtaining discount group rate tickets for the train again for anyone who is interested. It turned out to be $15.50 ROUND TRIP from Bridgeport so that worked out well. I can make it from Fairfield this time if people wouild rather from there. We will hope for good weather!

Meanwhile, for those of you that missed it... Saturday's Waterbury Republican had a wonderful article about an Alpaca Farm in Bristol. Guild member Rosemarie mentioned another one in Watertown and actually Guild member Kim is friends with the owner. Everyone seemd really interested to go on a trip to see these farms so I am in the throes of trying to plan a day where the Guild can visit these area Alpaca Farms. More information to follow!

Guild Member Cathy sahred her copy of Speed Knitting which I had mentioned reading about in our last meeting. Cathy had to keep a close eye on me to insure I did not slip the book into my bag! What a great book - A wonderful compilation of projects with chunky yarn and big needles - a GREAT resource for those of us with many on our Christmas lists and little time! I ordered my edition off of www.half.com a GREAT site that Guild member Kim mentioned! I picked the book up for $12.00 and even with expidited shipping it cost less than if I had picked it up at Barnes and Noble and just so you all know the Waterbury B&N has NO copies - I left the Guild meeting to go check. So, if you are interested in that book or any other knitting books - check out the site. I was impressed - I will let you know how the quality opf service is once I receive it!

I am posting pictures of a baby jacket I completed for a shower I had on Sunday. The BEST part of the frenzied rush to get it done (Somehow I got it done in about a week - a week of totally crazed schedule for children and me! YIKES!) was the look on my girlfriend's face when she saw it. I STILL say there is nothing better than the joy of giving or sharing a project with someone who really apprecaites it. I am hoping my girlfriend will get a picture of her daughter in it once she is born. If you look closely enough the yarn may look familar! I actually used the Wool Ease I had left over from my oversized vest! I was thrilled to have it work for another project and not sit in a cabinet while I tried to guess a use!

Minutes will be posted once Thursday's meeting happens.

Next Meeting: Thursday November 16th - 6:30 at Lula's! Hope to see you there!

2006-11-03T11:20:00.000-05:00

Here is this month's agenda! Anyone with questions, please let me know!

Hope to see you all soon!

Knit Happens
Naugatuck Knitting and Crochet Guild
November 4th and November16th, 2006

· We need to finish voting for our logo. While we were there, Kim presented another new idea that included a crochet hook so she will play around with it a little bit more. The sheep seems to be winning so she will try to incorporate that as well.

· A vote for the location of our Christmas party was held and Tammy’s neighborhood club house has won – Glendale Community Clubhouse. It will be December 10th at 1:00 p.m. and it will be “pot luck”. Lucille, Sue and Cathy are working on the planning. Please call them if you have ideas or suggestions. It will also acts as a Membership Drive so anyone you know who may be interested – please invite and sign them up. The Guild Officers are working on surprises for everyone attending – PLEASE sign up so that we will have an accurate count. More information regarding food etc will be coming from the “Party Committee”. A Secret Pal sign up sheet is located in the Knit Happens corner at Lula’s. Any members unable to come to party but wanting to participate in the Secret Pal are encouraged to sign up for it. Directions to the Glendale Clubhouse are also now in the Knit Happens corner at Lula’s.

· A “Knit Crawl” in NYC is being planned for February 2007. Suggestions for dates is needed from Guild Members so that Lucille and Tammy can start planning with the Knit shops.

The next scheduled meetings for are November 4th at 3:00p.m. and 16th at 6:30 p.m.

Upcoming events and field trips:
· Knit Happens Christmas Party, December 10th 1PM Glendale Community Clubhouse
· NYC Knit Crawl – February 2007
· A day of knitting and crocheting with Melissa Leapman – Spring 2007
Upcoming Dates:
Next Meetings November 4th and 16th
Classes at Lula’s – see schedule and Lucille for sign up
January 2, 2007 – Deadline for Save the Children’s knitted/crocheted hat project

2006-11-03T10:25:00.000-05:00

I wanted tot post for everyone the latest schedule of classes that Lucille has scheduled. You can ALWAY check out her blog at www.lulasmelange.blogspot.com
The classes look fantastic and are very reasonably procved and any time at the shhop is GUARANTEED to be a fun time! Please call Lucille to sign up! Hope to see you there!

CLASSES DATES Time DESCRIPTION FEE
Cabled fingerlessGloves
Tues. Nov.14 & 21 6:30-8:30pm
This a wonderful introduction to cables and knitting on the round., and Knit up in no time! They make greatgifts! We'll show you how to add beads for fun! Pattern included. $20.00

Cozy Socks
Wed. Nov. 15 & 22 6:30-8:30pm
Learn to make these cozy socks on two circular needles to warm your toes this winter! Everyone will receive a customized sock pattern for their foot in the gauge of their choice! $20.00

Seamless Sweater
from the Neck Down Sat. Nov. 11, 18, 25, &Dec. 2. 1:30-3-30pm
We'll customize your pattern to any measurements you want. From Baby to Men's, in any gauge you want. This sweater is seamless and timeless! $45.00

Beaded Christmas
Ornament. Sat. Nov. 11, Nov.
18, and Nov. 25 11:30-1:00pm
Beautiful kits available are available at the store in a variety beaded colors for the holiday. The kit comes with a glass ball, beads, and thread. Directions are written for straight or circular knitting. $15.00

Felted Clogs, with suede bottoms!
Tues. Nov. 28, Dec.5 6:30-8:30pm
Fun and easy project to warm up your toes. Make them for yourself or someone special. Please come in to fit your foot for your suede bottoms. $20.00 Pattern included.

Needle Felting
Wed. Nov. 29, Dec. 6 6:30-8:30pm
Learn how fun it is to create beautiful designs on your felted bags, sweaters, scarf's and more with needle felting. Kit includes roving, needles, and sponge. $18.00

Special Holiday Cards
Sat. Dec. 2 1:00-3:00pm
Learn how you can use your knitting and crochet skills to make unique cards for up coming holidays ,special events and scrap booking. Free

Chunky Cabled Scarf
Sat. Dec. 2 11am-1pm
Quick and Easy Scarf makes a great gift for any one on your list. Done on Size 17 needles and a few strands of yarn, you'll have it done in no time. Finish it off with a nice wooden Toggle and you'll be all set! Free with yarn purchase

2006-11-03T10:20:00.000-05:00

2006-10-30T19:30:00.000-05:00

The second oversized vest class was great! It was a small group but we had a great time and everyone is in good shape and if not finished with their vests - they are well on their way. I completed my vest for my 5 year old nephew for Christmas! I LOVE the colors and cannot wait to give it to him. Meanwhile I FINALLY gave my sister my niece's sweater. It has been completed for a while and I had already posted pictures of it. I added some hand embroderied details to the back - They came out beautifully. A nice option if you do not know how to crochet flowers!

I also wanted to share with all of you a great supplier for labels for your knitted works. Lucille and I discovered them over the summer at the Knit Show and I FINALLY ordered labels - you MAY be able to make out the labels in the photos above. They are a great quality with TONS of options in colors fonts etc! The Company is Heirloom Woven Labels out of New Jersey. Their web site is: www.heirloomlabels.com .

I ALSO wanted to share a GREAT supplier of silver plated magnetic clasps for those of you knitting jewlery! I had been struggling to find silver magnetic clasps and these while not 100% Sterling - they ARE siler plated and really pretty and PERFECT! They are also VERY well priced. The prices will adjust according to how much you order. The order was to me in four days - REGULAR shipping. They also carry a wide selection of beads and I have added them to my favorites:

Best Buy Beads: www.BestBuyBeads.com I encourage you to give them a try!

The next Guild Meeting is THIS Saturday and I hope to see many of you there!

Next Meeting: Saturday, November 4th 3:00PM at Lula's

2006-10-22T15:05:00.000-05:00

Knit Happens
Naugatuck Knitting and Crochet Guild
October 7th and October 19th, 2006

The following was discussed:

Everyone welcomed Kathy Harris as the new Vice President. Thank you Kathy!
Everyone also welcomed Sue Gerchy as the new Membership Coordinator. Thank you Sue!
Our CGOA membership application is being processed. If you volunteered to be on the membership application, Tammy will be contacting you shortly.
We need to finish voting for our logo. While we were there, Kim presented another new idea that included a crochet hook so she will play around with it a little bit more. The sheep seems to be winning so she will try to incorporate that as well.
We currently have 39 paid members in our guild. All paid members receive a membership card. If you haven’t received one, please see Kristin at the next meeting.
A vote for the location of our Christmas party was held and it looks like Tammy’s neighborhood club house has won. It will be December 10th at 1:00 p.m. and be a “pot luck”. Secret Pal sign up sheet is located in the Knit Happens corner at Lula’s. More information will follow along with directions to the club house.
A “Knit Crawl” is being planned for February 2007.
Lucille shared a demonstration of a beautiful lap blanket using the chunky wool that many are using for their bulky vests. She used a yarn over stitch for the first few rows and then straight knit for the middle and ending with the yarn over stitch for the bottom. She used the size 50 needles and said it was very quick and easy to do!
Tammy talked about a web site she found that sells bottoms for felted bags so they won’t “sag”. The site is http://www.lazygirldesigns.com/ and they sell wonderful acrylic bottoms for your felted bag.

The next scheduled meetings for are November 4th at 3:00p.m. and 16th at 6:30 p.m.

2006-10-19T22:09:00.000-05:00

Tonights meeting went very well and we had another great crowd!! I am sorry I forgt my camera to take pictures. A big decision was made regarding the Christmas party. Lucille and Sue will work on planning and creating a great party. Anyone interested in helping out would be welcomed! We are all excited and a show of hands was taken and it was decided that instead of having the party at a restaurant that we will have it at the Glendale Community Clubhouse. It s a great spot with round tables and chairs and seating for 60 people and a working kitchen with two ovens and stoves as well as a eautiful working huge stone mason fireplace it will be a nice, comfortable and casual setting. Soooo... decision made! It will be there - thanks everyone! It will be Sunday, December 10th at 1:00 PMat the Glendale Community Clubhouse. Directions will be given closer to the date! Our new Membership coordinator - Sue - suggested making it a membership dirve as well. A great idea and I will coordinate advertising in Citizens News and Telemedia.

A link I wanted to share on the blog was a site I found and shared with the guild tonight for acrylic bottoms for bags. They are 1/8 inches thick and come in various sizes. The bottoms are called Bag-E-Bottoms and can be found at www.lazygirldesigns.com/bag-e-bottoms.php . These bottoms are for felted bags and will prevent drooping of your felted purse or bag. I am ordering one and will let you know how they are. Meanwhile I did want to share the site. I know many of you are already working on Christmas presents and thought this site would be helpful for all of you for your bags!

We have a new logo that Guild member Kim brought to the meeting - she is still doing some tweeking and many of the members at yhe meeting tonight gave input. Kim was very apprecaiteive and it helps her to create a logo we will all like. We all are grateful for Kim's creativity and work on it and look forward to her revisions and new design coming soon!

Not much else to report! The big sweater vest class part 2 is Tuesday, October 24th at 7 at Lucille's shop! Even if you are not doing the vest - come out and join us for fun and knitting and crocheting!

Do not hesitate to call me with any ideas and or suggestions for upcoming programs or speakers, visitors etc! Your input helps the guild keep going!

More news coming soon!

2006-10-15T23:36:00.000-05:00

Peggi got a head start! She had her back done and one side before we even started class and is jumping ahead to the crocheted edge with Lucille!
Joelle and Cathy now you are NOT reallly giving the full sense of the FUN we are having!!!!! Cathy looks like she is ready to give up completely and I think Joelle is trying to figure out how to use her needle as a weapon? YIKES!!!

Truly, the Vest class Saturday was fun and everyone made great progress!

2006-10-15T23:34:00.000-05:00

My daughter and I atop the Mountain at Hubbard Park.

2006-10-15T23:17:00.000-05:00

Views today from atop the mountain at the castle above Hubbard Park in Meriden!

Saturday was a huge success! We got quite a few people making vests! Nearly a dozen so we were a great group and we had fun - right gals!????! I do not know, there was some swearing and frustration as we started on the left side and not the easier part of the vest - the back. Everyone made great progress and we had some good laughs! The colors were FANTASTIC!!!!!! Everyone had a little different variation and I have to admit that they ALL looked so awesome and made me want to make 20 more (well,.... maybe one or two more!) As it took longer than expected we are reconvening again on October 24th at 7PM at Lula's. Anyone interested can join us even if it is just to knit and chat! We would love to have you and I am so looking forward to everyone getting these vests put together!

I have been wearing mine constantly!! It is warm and easy to just throw over whatever I am wearing - I do not think my down vest will be uncovered this year! I actually wore mine today on a hike with my kids and husaband (he wore his green vest for the first time! It looked GREAT on him!). It was a gloriuos day and we unexpectedly ended up at Hubbard Park in Meriden and hiked the mountain to the castle. My first time and husband's first time since being a kid! The view was incredible and worth the very steep climb! I am including pictures - I LOVE Fall!

I hope you have all enjoyed your weekend. I am sharing some pictures from the class for you as well. Looking forward to seeing you again on the 24th! Don't forget our Thursday night meeting this week!!

Upcoming Dates:

Thursday October 19th 6:30 PM - Monthly Meeting

Tuesday, October 24th 7:00 PM Vest Class part 2

2006-10-11T19:25:00.000-05:00

I hope everyone is enjoying their weeks so far....

I have hoarded a bunch of ideas so as to hopefully have a few postings up my sleeves to keep the Blog going for a bit!!!!! Great news from Guild Member Gerry today via email. She made a connection for the Guild regarding the distribution of the Prayer Shawls to cancer patients at the Harold Leever Cancer Center in Waterbury. Thank you so very much for your help Gerry! I want to again thank and give tremendous credit to Karen (who is a freind and co-worker of Guild Member Anne) who, along with family and friends, have been knitting away to meet a goal that they have set for the group of 50 shawls! They have done an incredible job (31 at last count are at Lula's awaiting distribution) and the Guild is honored to have received them with the trust that we will distribute them to people in need. I will keep everyone informed of the progress on that. Meanwhile a bit of fun for this posting. .....

Guild Member Jen (www.yarnista.blogspot.com ) mentioned a fun knitting video clip at the meeting last week and I wanted to offer the link for all of you - it is a silly nonsense video but I had a good laugh over it and my kids were convinced it was biographical of me and my obsession of knitting. I am sure you will all apprecaite it. Check it out! Saturday is fast appraoching and the oversized knitting class (for the vest as pictured in the Summer 2006 edition of Knit 1, page 52) Hope to see a good aoumnt of you then. I promise another posting before end of week (Sunday!) Keep the Needles and Hooks flying!

www.youtube.com Click on the video entitled: "The Last Knit"

2006-10-08T18:43:00.000-05:00

All new meaning to the term K1P1 arrived at our house late last week! "Patches" is a 1 1/2 pound kitten who we rescued from a feral mommy. She has been great fun but I have to admit she is a handful when yarn and my wood needles are present. Despite her flurry of jumping and attacking my yarn ball today, I was able to capture her adorable face here. My ball of yarn is bigger than her!!!! She is tiny - fits in the palm of your hand and DEFINITELY is a knitting kitty! She sat with me as I tackled my shrug (see previous posting regarding Decadent Fibers) I knitted for quite a while with her flipping over the yarn - grabbing it and attacking my double pointed wood needle everytime I went to use it! She finally settled right on my lap and purred as I continued to try and decipher this horrendous pattern. The actual work is not bad but the pattern continues to be a challenge and I ended up having to put it away as I need Lucille to help me figure out the hoorendous "code" it is written in for the next step. I really look forward to cold winter afternoons on the weekends with a CALM (ha!) Patches on my lap as I knit. Time to hide my yarn stash I guess!

2006-10-08T15:30:00.000-05:00

October 7, 2006 Knit Happens Meeting

Lucille shares the latest edition of Vogue Knitting with the Guild! (Pictured behind her are the 31 Prayer Shawls knitted for donation to the Leever Center)

2006-10-08T15:23:00.000-05:00

Top to Bottom: Guild Member Jennie shares her recently finished hat which was her first attempt at knitting with two colors. Fantastic Job Jennie - it is adorable!, Jennie shares her latest project with me from the book Last Minute Knitted Gifts The Hourgalss Sweater. Her yarn was gorgeous!
Lastly Jennie sahred a gift she received from her Aunt. An antique knitting book dating to 1910 loaded with knitting tips and tons of patterns - a real treasure and gorgeous projects!

2006-10-08T15:20:00.000-05:00

Guild Member Shelia working on her oversized vest in red!

2006-10-08T15:17:00.000-05:00

Knit Happens Meeting Saturday - October 7, 2006

2006-10-08T15:14:00.000-05:00

Just a sampling of some of the 99 hats knitted by Guild Members for teh Hats to the Capital project - Great job by everyone!!!!! Prayer Shawls are seen in the back numbering 31 so far!!!

2006-10-08T15:09:00.000-05:00

Prayer Shawls by
Karen and her family and friends given to guild for the Cancer Center - 31 so far!

2006-10-08T14:40:00.000-05:00

What a fun meeting for the Guild yesterday. It was a smaller crowd and the Agenda was really light and self explanatory and I have to say that it was the first Guild meeting that I actually got to circulate a bit and get some pictures! Lucille has a new way to take minutes right on a laptop during the meeting and she did that as both Joelle and Kristin were unable to make the meeting. Rather than a demonstration Lucille talked a bit about the new Vogue Knitting that was out and we shared the incredible progress of Knitting Guild member Anne's friend Karen and her fanily and friends that have been knitting Prayer Shawls. I put them out for all to see before the meeting and everyone was VERY impressed. They have set a goal of 50 among just them and they have given the guild 31 so far!! VERY impressive and each one more beautiful than the next! Guild Member Gerry will be speaking to her friend who was instumental in starting the shop at the Leever Cancer Center in Waterbury as to details on how we can get them there. Meanwhoile there was discussion of doing labels for all of them and Lucille said she has an embrodiery machine she never uses and will bring it to the shop and we will actully try to make our own. If that does not work she did volunteer to donate labels that the Guild can put in all of these shawls so the receipient can know where it came from. Meanwhile, Gerry thanks for voluteering to coordinate our connection with the Leever Center!

The hats are pouring in for the "Hats to the Capital" Project!!! We had a new member walk in and sign up for membership and she brought a 1/2 dozen hats from her and her mom - Thank you Joyce! We are now at a total of 99 hats - yes, 99!!!!! We can Easily make 200 I am sure we can make it to 200 for the Guild by January! I KNOW we can!! Thank you to everyone who has been knitting so diligently. Meanwhile PLEASE do not forget that we have baby yarns that were donated to the Guild that are available to ANYONE who wants to knit hats for the Capital! Just stop by7 the shop and Lucille will let you choose what you would like to work with!

We discussed the Christmas Party and I suggested an alternate location of the neighborhood Clubhouse in my neighborhood. It has a wonderful working fireplace and is a large building with kitchen facilities and we could gather and have awonderful cocktail and appetizer Christmas Party. We could all bring our projects and knit comfortably as well. I have contacted Jesse Camilees and will have details on Tuesday of whether the restaurant will be availbale on December 10th and what the cost will be. More information to follow on that! I asked for anyone that would be willing to help coordinate this party I would so apprecaite them volunteering. So far Lucille has said she would like to help and we would sooo apprecaite anyone else who would be willing to work on a this party committee!

There were many projects being worked on during the meeting and I have some of them posted above. Great work ladies!!!! More news is coming as well as some fun postings.

Meanwhile, please do not forget to check out fellow Guild Member Jen's blog www.yarnista.blogspot.com and GREAT NEWS!!!! Lucille has started a blog - I KNEW she'd cave in to that! I am sooo looking forward to her future postings and all the great ideas, thoughts and creativity she has to share! www.lulasmelange.blogspot.com . Enjoy them and keep the ideas and input coming! See you all soon!!!!

Don't Forget:

Big Sweater Vest Class: Saturday, October 14 12- 3:00 PM - Lula's - Join us for the calss or just to knit along - it is sure to be a fun afternoon!

2006-10-07T10:19:00.000-05:00

Well Better late than never!!! I am sorry the Agenda is so late but herre it is HOT off the presses for the October meeting - more news to follow! I look forward to seeing all of you at the meetings!

Knit Happens

AGENDA
Naugatuck Knitting and Crochet Guild
Meeting – October 7 and 19, 2006

Discussion of the following:
Vice President found!!!! Announcement of Kathy Harris as Knit Happens New Vice President. Thank you Kathy and WELCOME!!!!
Membership person found!! Announcement of Sue Gerchy as Knit Happens new Membership Coordinator. Sue, thank you we welcome you and are glad to have your assistance ! WELCOME!

CGOA Membership application being processed. If you are a crocheter and volunteered last meeting to be on membership application Tammy will call you if she is using your name to ok with you first!

Members votes needed for logo – please vote so we can finalize logo! We still have not finalized the logo and many have not voted PLEASE log your vote so we may finalize this! Thank you! A final tally will be taken at the October 19th meeting.

Sign up sheet (schedule of events attached) for NYS Sheep and Wool Festival in Rhineback , NY October 21 and 22

Progress of Guild: Last meeting there was discussion of progress made so far by the Guild and the hard work that has been done. Accomplishments thus far are as follows:
A Membership list of 60 plus people and a core group of serious members of approximately the same amount (a MASS mailing list of approximately 255 people), A current list of 35 PAID members, Name determined for group of Knit Happens and Incorporation and registration in Hartford of the Corporation, Creation of three logos currently being voted on to become official logo of Guild, Application and Assignment of a Federal Id Number, Opening of Guild Account and establishment of a checking account. Advertisement of the Guild on multiple occasions on Telemedia and local paper Citizens News, Name tags for all members for use at meetings, Membership cards for all paid members (thanks to Lucille and Kristin for obtaining GORGEOUS cards FREE of charge through a web site offering first 500 cards at NO charge!), Application to CGOA and TKGA for the Guild to receive national recognition as a Guild underway and nearing completion, A membership coordinator for the Guild volunteered and will handle all membership related issues, Successful contact of professional crochet instructor and author recommended by member Shelia Sweet and Professional Knitter, crocheter and author Melissa Leapman – future classes being planned (see sign up sheets for interest in Knit Happens corner at Lula’s), Successful kick off of charitable project “Hats to the Capital” as well as recruitment of outside knitters (by Member Anne Butler) for knitting of hats for same project as well as Prayer Shawls for local cancer patients, Start of kick off of the Guild’s participation in charitable project: “Red Scarf Project” for February 2007, Successful planning and attendance of trip to NYC Knit out last month, Planning of Christmas party in December, planning of a NYC “Knit Crawl” in February 2007, Informative handouts and Knitting demonstrations at Guild Meetings by Lula, Establishment and upkeep of a Guild Knitting Blog (www.deputyknittersblog.blogspot.com ).

It is an impressive list and a thank you goes out to all the hard work of the officers and Lucille. We have quite a list of accomplishments in the FOUR months of our existence. As always ideas, thoughts, likes and dislikes are ALWAYS welcome and encouraged. This is YOUR Guild and we rely on all of you to make it a success. Please keep in mind the hard work and effort that is going into it to make if FUN for everyone!
Christmas Party December 10 (Sunday) 1:00 PM - $15 limit Secret pal sign up for participation needed by November meeting. Sign up sheet in the “Knit Happens Corner” in back room of Lula’s Mélange – Please sign up so we can start planning. If anyone is interested in helping to coordinate this event the help would be very much appreciated. Please let one of the officers know if you are interested.

Ideas for location: Jesse Camille’s was mentioned as a location – Tammy is working out details on the availability as well as the cost per person of an hor’dorve party – mores news will follow – PLEASE check out blog for developing details! www.deputyknittersblog.blogspot.com

Spinning Demonstration being worked on by Kristin Leary for future meeting – more news to follow.

Oversized knitted and crocheted edge vest class – 3 hour class on oversize vest as found in knit1 taught by Tammy has been scheduled for Saturday October 14th from 12 noon to 3:00 PM. Please contact Lucille if you are interested in participating for thoughts on yarn substitution if you do not already have yarn called for in pattern

Upcoming events and possible field trips:
Franklin County Fiber Twist October 28 Deerfield MA
Upcoming Dates:
Next Meetings October 7th and 19
Saturday October 14th – Knit 1 over size vest class with Tammy 12 – 3 PM Lula’s
October 28 - Franklin County Fiber Twist
January 2, 2007 – Deadline for Save the Children’s knitted/crocheted hat project

2006-10-01T21:21:00.000-05:00

A "ROGO" Original Knitwear design!

2006-10-01T20:56:00.000-05:00

I wanted to share another oversized vest - this one for a man. After all of the success with the button vest that I knitted for myself (pattern in Knit1 magazine ) on the 50 needles (see previous posting) that was such a hit with everyone - and after wearing it to my son's football game on a cooler day - I thought wouldn't it be nice to do one for my husband! Our anniversary was last week and I decided to do this about three weeks ago. I was admiring the yarn Lucille had used in the early September meeting to exhibit cable work. I thought the green was awesome and it was a nice chunky and it showed off the cabling so well. When I told Lucille of my thoughts she asked why I would not do a cabled vest?! Despite having taken the Melissa Leapman cable class in PA at the Annual TKGA Knit Show- I still had not actually done a cable project and I figured why not? I then started the hunt for a vest that I liked the look of and brought it to Lucille. Ray has always been a vets person and prefers v necks so I searched the internet and magazines for ones that I liked the looks of and brought them to Lucille. She told me I could do a plain back and three cables up the front of the vest - I told her I wanted a v neck pull over and I wanted the vest to be a heavy one that was large enough that Ray could wear over a few layers and use in place of a jacket. She then suggested a v neck in which the cable spluits and climb either side of the V in the neck.

The more Lucille and I talked and planned the more I became determined to do it. We are big Army football fans and spend alot of time tailgating and going to the games and I thought this would just be a great peice of knit wear to keep him warm and if I did not mess it up too badly he would love it!

Lucille went to work on her new sweater wizard software and perfected a pattern for me. She walked me through the pattern and I started in panicked frenzy to get it done for September 28th. I knitted in closed rooms and at the shop. I snuck around with that big thing and every spare minute away from him I was furiuosly working - I actaully was LOVING baseball for those two weeks because it kept him downstairs and allowed me to work in secret - HA! It went pretty quickly and despite some difficulty in figuring out different steps and having to alter the size (because Lucille entered "oversized" the computer I would have ended up with a virtual dress of a sweater!) while I was knitting - it did come out well. The only problem at the end was knowing the v would be too low. I presented it to Ray on our anniversary - had him put it on and the v was too low. Lucille helped me get it to a reasonable opening and Ray loves it. He even said this morning not to share his "original ROGO knitwear designed sweater" on the blog and refused to model it for a picture. "ROGO?" I asked - he said "Yes,your two last names combined!" I laughed - Hey Lucille, what do you think?? - he may have something there! You could do the design work and I can be the frustratated knitter! Hey - maybe a change in careers in the works.... NOT!!!!
Lucille was wonderful and I am so thankful to her that I could make my husband a beautiful unique piece that he will wear for many years to come! It is actually the first piece I have knitted for him (and completed - I have been battling a cashmere blend vest (he knows of THAT project and reminds me of its unfinished state quite often) for him for almost a year now!).

Well, Another project done and I told Lucille I am becoming frightened that I will never do anything but chunky patterns now - they are so satisfying and Instant gratification too! In fact Lucille and I uncovered a bunch of chunky patterns this week and I found myself drawn to them and wanting to do them. So perhaps there will be more projects in the near future on "Big stix"!

Speaking of BIG projects ....
I will be calling all that signed up at the shop for the oversized vest class. it will be held Saturday, October 14th from 12 to 3. I look forward to seeing you all there. Meanwhile, if you did not originally sign up and are interested... please get to the shop and see if Lucille can order your yarn for that date or offer a substitution! I am looking forward to seeing all of you there!

I WILL be calling the people that signed up and telling them in person - probably on Tuesday. Any questions - please give me a call!

Keep the needles and hooks flying!

2006-10-01T20:51:00.000-05:00

Crocheted Hats to the Capital

2006-10-01T20:34:00.000-05:00

I have to apologize to everyone - it has been a nutty week and I had every intention of posting much sooner than now and it just never happened! Now that my desk is free of the pile of paperwork and bedtime is looming I am finally getting the Guild "stuff" in order and have, of course, three postings in mind for the blog. BUT... First and foremost! The Guild meeting last week!! We had a great turn out. It was a fun meeting. We all missed Lucille who has been tending to her sick grandmother in the hospital who, I am happy to report and much to Lucille's relief, is now out of the hospital and comfortable in her home!

The Guild meeting went well. Shelia Sweet shared her crocheted hats to the capital and we all marveled at how they looked like little berets! I have posted photos above so that everyone could see how different in shape and look they are! I photographed them with a regular knitted hat - They are precious! Our collection is ever growing and a huge kudos and thank you to all of the Guild members who have knitted and crocheted hats already! Meanwhile we shared a great project for Valentines Day. Scarves to be sent to Foster kids in college. We learned of the project at the NYC Knit out. Care packages are sent to Foster children in college and red scarves of every hue are needed for Valentines Day. It sounded like a great project and I know there are Guild Members that are interested in using their left over red yarns for the project. If you are interested connect to this link: www.orphan.org/red_scarf_project.html
The page will give the specifications of what they are looking for. Please know that we have a huge stack of information cards on the project listing details as well in the shop - please stop by and grab a couple and share with your friends! What a great way to help kids have a piece of "home" and recieve, quite possibly, the first handmade item they have ever owned! If you are interested in particiapting - please start your needles and hooks flying and know that we will have a collection basket in the shop to collect them and we will ship them out in January for the group!

I have listed the minutes below and hope they are informative. Please keep in mind there is a "Knit Happens" corner now at Lula's and all Guild Members are welcome to take a look if they need to catch up on the guild happenings. It is located in the back room and is updated very regularly. Meanwhile if there is anything you would like to see added - please let me know and I will do my best! Keep the hooks and needles flying!!

Knit Happens
Naugatuck Knitting and Crochet Guild Meeting
September 21, 2006

The following was discussed:

- A slip stitch demonstration will be given by Lucille next month.

- Some members of the guild attended the NYC Knit Out and had
a wonderful time. There are some photos of the trip
on Tammy's blog www.Deputyknittersblog.blogspot.com .

- The guild is looking for a membership person. Anyone
interested please let Tammy know.

- Patience is very much appreciated in bringing the guild
together. We are awaiting paperwork for the CGOA and
TKGA. We are short 3 members for the CGOA so if anyone
would like to join, please let Tammy know. The guild cannot be
registered until these individuals are registered.

- Name tags are made and membership cards are available for all
paid members.

- The Sheep and Wool festival in Rhineback , NY will be
October 21 and 22.

- Jenny's blog is available up for everyone to check out. The
address is Yarnista.blogspot.com.

- We all are continuing to make our hats for the Save The
Children Project.

- Discussed a possible Knit Crawl maybe in January or
February. More information to follow.

- Shirley Legen showed everyone the beautiful socks she made and
offered to have a class to teach if anyone is interested. Thank
you Shirley!

- We will have a Christmas party in December with a Secret Pal
sign up sheet for anyone who would like to. There is a $15 limit.
Next month meeting dates are October 7th at 3:00 p.m. and October 19th at 6:30 p.m.

2006-09-18T20:16:00.000-05:00

Scenes from the NYC Knit Out Fashion Show

2006-09-18T20:10:00.000-05:00

top to bottom - the "gang" in front of Purl in Soho. One of the views of the "spread" at NYC Knit out. Lucille and I pose with Lily Chin

2006-09-18T16:41:00.000-05:00

We had a great time at the NYC Knit out and only had one scary moment when poor Cathy ended up stuck in a turnstile in the subway while the rest of us had gotten on the subway and thought she was behind us. We all arrived back home safe and sound and while the day was hot and sticky and the crowds at the knit out a bit pushy - we all had a good time!!!! I personally missed the demonstrations - I foolishly waited on lines for free needles - that ran out by the time I got to the Clover counter and fighting the crowds or free patterns and give aways. We all agreed the crowds were a bit rough but the dmonstarions were wonderful and included Lily Chin. The fashion show was alot of fun - especially the dog fashion show! Lily was sporting a gorgoues crocheted dress and as always was very approachable and allowed Lucille and I to get a picture!

We arrived iun the City before 10 and went directly to Knit NY. A GREAT knitting shop and cafe! We refueled, browsed and chatted before heading over to the Knit out. It was a neat shop and had a great selection of books an fibers and several members made great purchases!!

After leaving the Knit out around 3 we headed to a great Cuban restuarant for a long break and relaxing lunch and then headed to Soho to another wonderful shop called Purl. We JUST made it into the store before they closed and were not diappointed. While the shop is tiny it is a neat store and had wonderful books, patterns and luxouriuos fibers!!!

Our visit ended with me convinvced that a "Knit Crawl" would be alot of fun. Perhaps in the winter when everyone is bored and looking for something to do we could go into the city on a Saturday and explore the many knit and crochet shops in the City. So many of them were closed yesterday and I thought it may be something people would be interested in. I will be mentioning at that next meeting which it THIS Thursday, September 21 at Lula's shop at 6:30! I hope to see you there!!!

2006-09-14T23:46:00.000-05:00

2006-09-14T22:48:00.000-05:00

It has been a long week and very busy with very little time for knitting unfortunately. I did get some time in Lula's Shop and I am in the process of trying to figure out a horrible pattern. As I posted a while ago, Lucille and I went to the Knit Show in PA in July and one of our favorite booths was the Decedant Fibers Booth (see pictures in earlier posting). The yarns are reasonable priced and just the most gorgeous fiber and all hand dyed. I forgot to take a picture of a shrug I fell in love with that was displayed. When I bought the yarn I received the pattern for "free". The pattern has been a nightmare! Lucille and I huddled over it for quite a while and I ended up having to rewrite it because it was so badly convuluded!!! There was not even a flat sketch to help out! ARGH!!!! Lucille said that getting patterns from yarn companies can be a nightmare as they are often more worried about selling the yarn and the pattern is not a huge concern! You learn something new every day! I STILL say Decadent Fibers had fantasic yarn and their employees were wonderful and helpful and I will definitely order from them again but they could use some improvement with their patterns. A flat sketch at a minimum would certainly help you demystify the convuluded writing of the pattern at least! I hold out hope and I have started the pattern and am going to brave it! The yarn is a wonderful red verigated color. I love it and hope to finish the shrug soon and share with all of you!

Meanwhile I am working on a large vest as a surprise for my husband for our anniversary and it is my first chance to tackle cables in a full project and am looking forward to posting that - it is knitted on 17 needles and I will have it done before the end of the month and will post photos!

Guild News!: There is still tons of room for the NYC trip on Sunday! Anyone interested can show up as late as Sunday morning at the Bridgeport train station BY 8AM. For those interested and want a ride to the station - please call me and we will be meeting in front of Lula's at 7:15 and driving down in my suburban! It should be a great trip and we are all excited for it! I will be taking tons of pictures and posting them so you can all see them.

I am working on finding a Saturday for the Big vest class. Everyone wanted a Saturday Afternoon so I am working with Lucille to come up with a date and she has orderd the yarn for the same.

Now the real reason for this posting ...............................

I had a real thought while talking to my cousin and fellow Guild Member Peggi last night. Peggi is a great knitter and has been knitting scarves for a while and with some begging she joined the guild. She has moved onto felted purses. She has done great and after one "Knitting 911" session she has been cruising on these purses!!! She emailed me yesterday that she was suffering from a moment of delusion and wanted to try a sweater vest for her husband. I got right on the phone with her and encourage her and commit her before she changed her mind. She is a great knitter and I KNEW she could do it and had the perfect pattern for her and it turns out that she had pulled the same pattern off of Berroco that I had (Peter Easy - a great vest pattern) . She is petrified and is second guessing and not sure and positive it will take her a decade to complete. She said she was not me -

WWWWWELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLl... I am here to tell you... The awful pictures above is that of a blanket I made. Ok have you syopped laughing yet?????? When I was first learnning to knit from a wonderful woman at our local Senior Center she kept encouraing me and kept telling me not to worry abnout the holes the GAWD awful pattern developing (it was NOT intentional!) I casted on way too many stitches and ended up with the most BIZZARE pattern throughout the blanket - when I wasn't dropping stitches!! She ended up putting a silk border all around it to hide all the awful flaws on the edges. The thing is I DID just kept knitting and knitting and knitting. It was great practice and I just ignored how horrendous it looked! When it was all done I gave it to my daughter who was 8 at the time - she cried!! She LOVED it and has slept with it every night since then (that was three years ago!)- So it goes to show you a few things....

First: Most people appreciate a hand made item. In our world of buying and rushing and just trying to "get it all done" there is nothing more refreshing than a wonderful hand made gift.

Second: It shows that you CAN get better and move to more advanced projects. I hope this proves inspirational to all of the knitters and crocheters out there!! Lucille and I spoke about it today and she said she finds it sooo frustrating the fear and lack of confidence so many of us show her (myself included) . Trying something new is always frightening! Lucille always reassures and says "You can do this!" She is right - it may take time but as we tackle each new project and try new stitches, patterns, techniques and fibers we are not only opening all kinds of possibilities for ourselves with more new projects but we are learning. To me that is the best part of this craft. I hope that has inspired you all to try that pattern you have fallen in love with but have been too anxiuos to tackle!! Remember you CAN do it and when all else fails.... Lucille is always in that cozy shop of hers waiting to help you out!!

I hope to see some of you on Sunday and look forward to seeing you on Thursday, the 21st for the next Guild Meeting!

Keep the hooks and needles flying!!

GUILD NEWS:

Sunday September 17th - NYC Knit Out Trip

Thursday September 21 6:30 at Lula's - Knit Happens Meeting

2006-09-09T19:25:00.000-05:00

Thank you to Yarnista and Sqdanzer for your comments. Sqdanzer asked when I was having the vest class. There is a sign up sheet at Lula's for people to sign up if interested and it asks for their preference of a day to have the class. I am looking forward to that. I was sorry not to make the meeting today but on my way to the West Point football game (they won by the skin of their teeth in overtime - - GO ARMY!) and back and even while tailgating I knitted my brains out ( I did NOT bring it into the stadium though!)! My boys groaned when the knitting bag came out but my husband is used to it! I did get a few looks from other tailgaters but tailgating is all about having fun so why can't you sit, visit and knit??? It works for me!!! I am Attempting to finish a cashmere vest for my husband. I started it last Fall and after knitting for days on end while my daughter recuperated from her tonsils and adnoids being removed - I realized I had tiwsted my work!! I was devestated and ended up having to totally undo the entire sweater. Lucille said that is the most common mistake on circulars. I am on straights now! I started it up this past Spring and ended up putting it down and have now come on strong and am determined to finish it! It is my hope to finish it before the really cold weather and that I will be able to post it on the blog as another finished project!

As soon as I get a date pinpointed on the Vest class I will post it and you can sign up at Lula's or by contacting me directly.

Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend. Next weekend will be the Knit out and I am really looking forward to the event and posting pictures on the blog for everyone! Take care and keep the hooks and needles flying!!!

2006-09-07T21:29:00.000-05:00

AGENDA FOR SEPTEMBER MEETINGS:

Knit Happens
Naugatuck Knitting and Crochet Guild
Meeting – September 9 and 21, 2006

Discussion of the following:
Vice President needed – responsibilities include aiding in running of meetings, representation of Guild, aiding in planning of trips and events and other general duties
Membership person needed needs to be familiar with Excel. Work with officers to keep membership list updated. Periodic reporting of membership status during meetings and to officers required as well as tracking of name tags and membership cards. Possible coordination for phone calls to members if needed and general tracking of members and membership

CGOA Members needed for Knit Happen’s Affiliation

Members votes needed for logo – please vote so we can finalize logo!

Sign up and checks needed for the NYC Knit Out, September 17th

Sign up sheet (schedule of events attached) for NYS Sheep and Wool Festival in Rhineback , NY October 21 and 22

Christmas Party - $15 limit Secret pal sign up for participation needed by November meeting
Ideas for location

Spinning Demonstration being worked on by Kristin L for future meeting – more news to follow.

Oversized knitted and crocheted edge vest class – 3 hour class on oversize vest as found in knit1 taught by Tammy – sign up sheet for class interest and day and time preference – if interested PLEASE sign up.

Upcoming events and possible field trips:
Boston Knit Out September 24 Boston MA
Rhineback, NY NYS Sheep and Wool Festival (www.sheepandwool.com) October 21 and 22 – please see list of events and sign up sheet
Franklin County Fiber Twist October 28 Deerfield MA
Upcoming Dates:
Next Meetings October 7th and 19
Sunday September 17, 2006 12 noon – 5:00 PM – NYC Knit out
September 24, 2006 Boston Knit out
October 21 and 22 NYS Sheep and Wool Festival – Rhineback, NY
October 28 - Franklin County Fiber Twist
January 2, 2007 – Deadline for Save the Childrens knitted/crocheted hat project

2006-09-07T21:05:00.000-05:00

I hope everyone is having a good week! We received sad news yesterday. Darron has had to step down from being Vice President. She has alot going on in her life right now and while she will remain a member of the Guild she could not continue on as Vice President. We were so sorry to hear of it as we love her exuberance and excitement for knitting and crocheting and the Guild. We hope she will be able to make many Guild members and continue to be a familar face!

Which means..... we need someone that will be willing to take on this role for the Guild. The Vice President responsibilities would include aiding in the running of meetings and possibbly running meetings in the event of the absence of the President, aiding in planning of trips and events, representation of the Guild and other general duties. We are also trying to get a member to help out with Membership. It would be best of the person were familar with Excel and would keep the Guild informed of membership as well as keep track of membership cards, name tags for meetings and possible coordination of phone calls/trees if ever needed.

The Guild has come such a long way in such a short period of time and it has involved a tremendous amount of leg work and paperwork. I want to send my deep gratitude to Lucille, Kristin and Joelle. You have been so fantastic and I could NEVER have done it without you! The Guild is intended to be fun and a great way for us all to get together and share a real passion. If we are able to split up the responsibilities that come with running a formal organization we can make the load light and keep it FUN for everyone! It is my hope in the September meetings that some of the memebrs will be willing to help out in ways to spread some of the responsibilities.

I have posted above - the September agenda for the meetings. I unforunately will be unable to make Saturday's (10/9) meeting. My apologies to everyone but my husband and I are season ticket holders to the Army football games and Saturday is their first home game of the season (GO ARMY!). We make an entire day and night out of it with seriuos tailgating and the children come as well. It is a huge family outing and I am looking forward to it! I am hoping it will get chilly enough in the evening to wear my new vest! I am hoping this will be my only Saturday meeting I will miss! I am leaving you all in good hands with Lucille, Joelle and Kristin who will go over all of the items on the agenda. Lucille is also working on a treat she will be sharing with you!

The NYC Knit out is coming up!!!! We have our travel arrangements. Unfortunately - Habu Textiles is closed on Sundays so we will be unable to visit them but Lucille has taken on the itinerary for the day and has a bunch of ideas she is woprking on! Thanks Lucille!!!

WE REALLY need votes on the logo so please make sure you vote either by email to me - in the shop or at a meeting! It is our hope to be able to tell Kim which one is the winnner by the end of the month so she can get a final copy of it and we can start using it!

I am working on getting renowned knitter and crocheter and author - Melissa Leapman to visit us and offer a day full of classes. She is booked well in advance so the earliest we would be looking at would be Spring of 2007. If you are interested - please let us know (there will be a sign up sheet at the Guild Meeting). The more people that participate the less expensive the fee for everyone taking part! So please let us know your interest!

I welcome any suggestions and entries for the Blog. Please - send me pictures of your projects, have a great pattern? PLEASE share it! I have only so many ideas by myself and with your help we can keep the blog diverse and interesting!

Keep the needles and hooks flying!

2006-09-06T07:16:00.000-05:00

2006-09-06T07:15:00.000-05:00

2006-09-06T06:29:00.000-05:00

It has been a crazy week! The children are all in school for full days now and the cool weather has brought all kinds of thoughts of knitting projects I am anxious to start. The crispness in the air does seem to have that effect on everyone I know that knits or crochets and it is similar to an exciting buzz!

With the onset of the Fall season comes the Goshen Fair. On Monday I attended the Goshen Fair - a family tradition and I was especially taken with the handcraft barn. The knitted items were beautiful and as I looked at all of the items I realized that I knew the woman and children (both boys and girls from Naugatuck) that had submitted more than 80% of those items displayed. The mom has seven children and home schools them. I was truly impressed but another thought struck me and that was that we never think to have our items entered and competing in that manner! I know I would be a nervous wreck myself if I were to do it but actually my husband was the one that really got me thinking. Many of the items were extremely traditional - afgans, baby outfits etc. He said to me "You should do that - your pieces are different fresh and colorful - you would win ribbons!". I do not know if I would share in that confidence BUT it would be a fun thing to do. I will be getting together information on that and posting the information on the blog in the future. I think it would be really neat to have a bunch of the Guld members submit their pieces! We truly havce talented members and I KNOW ribbons would be brought home by them for their talent!

I finished the rug made with the wool from Prince Edward Island's own McAuslands Woolen Mill. It is pitured above. It came out beautifully and the colors were inspired by the beauty of the sky water and fields on the island. It is a gift for our hosts that offered their vacation home on the Island to us and it is my hope they will enjoy it for many years to come. The yarn felted beautifully and I am really looking forward to using some more of the wool I purchased for felted bags and other items. The wool is wonderful to work with and even smells good!

The trip is a go for NYC KNit out and we hope that many people will take advantage of the trip. We have secured discount train tickets and we are all looking forward to a great day.

Meanwhile, for those of you that have not seen it, I received and email from Berroco (a wonderful site that is chock full of free patterns and just awesome ideas! - to sign up to receive the weekly emails - www.berroco.com ) The "Doll Bag" is a fantastic bag and I am seriuosly considering doing it for my daughter for Christmas. The colors are awesome and if you have never done Fair Isle knitting I am here to assure ytou it TRULY is easy. You follow a chart and I have to say charts make projects soooo easy - I wish more patterns were done that way! To take a look at the pattern check out www.berroco.com/exclusives/doll_bag/doll_bag.html . It is just a great pattern!

I will be trying to post again this week. Have a knitingful week!

2006-08-29T19:01:00.000-05:00

Below is a copy of the email that went out to all Guild members tonihgt that we have emails for:

Hello Everyone!
I hope you have all had a great summer and are still finding time to knit and crochet! The Guild is busy and we have a lot going on. As always, please keep in touch with the Guild blog at http://www.deputyknittersblog.blogspot.com/ for all of the up to the minute information.

Our recent meeting was well attended and we have now set a schedule of meetings for the balance of the year. If any one has any ideas for the Christmas party as far as location, food etc, please let one of the officers know. A HUGE thank you to Lucille for an incredible and chock full hand out of knitting and crocheting happenings – websites and patterns etc. at the meeting!!!! I spoke to Lucille today and we will now have a small area with folders for all of the Guild information (ie: handouts from previous meetings, officer information – schedules, trip sign ups etc). It will be available at the shop for your convenience to insure you miss none of the fun! Lucille also gave a GREAT talk about Fall 2006 Trends and Fashions in regards to knit and crochet wear and colors – That was awesome Lucille! In addition she gave a wonderful hands on demonstration on cables! FANTASTIC JOB – Lucille – Thank you !!!!

The minutes are listed below as well as a sign up sheet for the NYC Knit out. If interested please get money to Kristin or myself as soon as possible. I am trying to coordinate a trip to Habu Textiles while we are there and I know Lucille is trying to arrange a trip to Parsons. We will keep you informed of our efforts. We are looking to leave a little later from the City to allow us to have dinner in the City. We will inform you as soon as we receive confirmation of the time for departure. We MUST travel together as a group to qulify for the discounted rate so if you are interested in coming but the times do not work out for you – please make separate arrangements and as always, please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions.

Lastly a BIG Thank you to Kim P. for working on a new logo for us! I have attached the three choices and I am hoping that you will be able to open the attachment and give your vote. Kim was working on making the center one (with the sheep) have the Knit Happens be written with the sheep’s wool – that’s the only anticipated change. If you are unable to open the attachment – please stop down at Lula’s and take a peek. She will have the logos as well as the sheet for you to register your vote. IF you have a different idea, please let us know and Kim will try to work it up.

I wish all of you a great Labor Day weekend and I hope to see you soon!

KNIT HAPPENS
NAUGATUCK KNITTING AND CROCHETING GUILD
AUGUST 24, 2006

The following was discussed for the meeting held on August 24, 2006

A huge thank you to Anne B., Karen K. as well as the rest of the Guild Members for all the beautiful hats and prayer shawls that they have already knitted for our Save the Children project.
Please sign up for any upcoming events as soon as possible so that travel arrangements can be made. There is a sign up sheet available for the NYC Knit Out happening on September 17th. Also coming:

Janet Kemp Fine Yarns Renaissance Fiber Arts Faire 9/16 and 9/17, Stratford, CT.
18th Annual Vermont Sheep and Wool Festival 9/9 and 9/10, Essex Jct, VT
Boston Knit Out, 9/24
Franklin County Fiber Twist 10/28, Deerfield, MA

The following dates have been set for future meetings for the rest of the year:
September 9th - 3:00 p.m. @ Lula's
September 21st - 6:30 p.m. @ Lula's
October 7th - 3:00 p.m. @ Lula's
October 19th - 6:30 p.m. @ Lula's
November 4th - 3:00 p.m. @ Lula's
November 16th - 6:30 p.m. @ Lula's
December 10th ~ CHRISTMAS PARTY ~ 1:00 p.m. Location to be announced
Judy C. talked about a very good friend Helen L. and she has had Alzheimers for quite some time now. She was known for always knitting and especially for babies. Unfortunately, she is unable to knit anymore and she and her husband would like to donate all of her yarn to our guild. She has a very large amount of yarn, mostly for babies. The guild would like to send a special thank you to Helen and her husband and will let them know of how we use the yarn for our community projects.
Tammy would be willing to teach a class on how to make a vest using size 50 needles. Tammy has completed her vest and everyone loves it!! If you are interested please let her know.
Lula talked about cabling and the different ways you can achieve the cable knit. She had a few examples to look at showing two different techniques.
The deadline for the Save the Children knitted and crocheted hat project is January 2, 2007.

The next guild meeting will be Saturday, September 9th at Lula's. We hope to see you there.

Knit Happens – Naugatuck Knitting and Crochet Guild
Trip to NYC Knit Out
Sunday, September 17, 2006

Details: Guild will travel together as a group (no children please). All people traveling with guild must meet at the Bridgeport Train Station BY 8:00 A.M.

We will be taking the 8:19 Am train from Bridgeport and be arriving at Grand Central Station at 9:40

We will depart Grand Central Station at 7:07 PM and return to Bridgeport at 8:31 PM

Discounted Rate is $15.50 per person
If you are interested, please fill out the form below and attach your check/cash (payable to “Knit Happens” Naugatuck Knitting and Crochet Guild) and mail to Tammy OR Kristin . You may also drop off at Lula’s. If dropping Hello Everyone!

I hope you have all had a great summer and are still finding time to knit and crochet! The Guild is busy and we have a lot going on. As always, please keep in touch with the Guild blog at www.deputyknittersblog.blogspot.com for all of the up to the minute information.

Our recent meeting was well attended and we have now set a schedule of meetings for the balance of the year. If any one has any ideas for the Christmas party as far as location, food etc, please let one of the officers know. A HUGE thank you to Lucille for an incredible and chock full hand out of knitting and crocheting happenings – websites and patterns etc. at the meeting!!!! I spoke to Lucille today and we will now have a small area with folders for all of the Guild information (ie: handouts from previous meetings, officer information – schedules, trip sign ups etc). It will be available at the shop for your convenience to insure you miss none of the fun! Lucille also gave a GREAT talk about Fall 2006 Trends and Fashions in regards to knit and crochet wear and colors – That was awesome Lucille! In addition she gave a wonderful hands on demonstration on cables! FANTASTIC JOB – Lucille – Thank you !!!!

The minutes are listed below as well as a sign up sheet for the NYC Knit out. If interested please get money to Kristin or myself as soon as possible. I am trying to coordinate a trip to Habu Textiles while we are there and I know Lucille is trying to arrange a trip to Parsons. We will keep you informed of our efforts. We are looking to leave a little later from the City to allow us to have dinner in the City. We will inform you as soon as we receive confirmation of the time for departure. We MUST travel together as a group to qulify for the discounted rate so if you are interested in coming but the times do not work out for you – please make separate arrangements and as always, please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions.

Lastly a BIG Thank you to Kim Pruchnicki for working on a new logo for us! I have attached the three choices and I am hoping that you will be able to open the attachment and give your vote. Kim was working on making the center one (with the sheep) have the Knit Happens be written with the sheep’s wool – that’s the only anticipated change. If you are unable to open the attachment – please stop down at Lula’s and take a peek. She will have the logos as well as the sheet for you to register your vote. IF you have a different idea, please let us know and Kim will try to work it up.

I wish all of you a great Labor Day weekend and I hope to see you soon!

Tammy Rossi
Knit Happens - Naugatuck Knitting and Crochet Guild
home: 729-4865/Cell: 203-910-5998
fax: 203-729-0113

The yarn forms the stitches, the knitting forges the friends, the craft link the generations.”
-Karen Alfke (designer and knitting instructor)

KNIT HAPPENS
NAUGATUCK KNITTINGAND CROCHETING GUILD
AUGUST 24, 2006

The following was discussed for the meeting held on August 24, 2006

A huge thank you to Anne Butler, Karen Kish as well as the rest of the Guild Members for all the beautiful hats and prayer shawls that they have already knitted for our Save the Children project.
Please sign up for any upcoming events as soon as possible so that travel arrangements can be made. There is a sign up sheet available for the NYC Knit Out happening on September 17th. Also coming:

Janet Kemp Fine Yarns Renaissance Fiber Arts Faire 9/16 and 9/17, Stratford, CT.
18th Annual Vermont Sheep and Wool Festival S9/9 and 9/10, Essex Jct, VT
Boston Knit Out, 9/24
Franklin County Fiber Twist 10/28, Deerfield, MA

The following dates have been set for future meetings for the rest of the year:
September 9th - 3:00 p.m. @ Lula's
September 21st - 6:30 p.m. @ Lula's
October 7th - 3:00 p.m. @ Lula's
October 19th - 6:30 p.m. @ Lula's
November 4th - 3:00 p.m. @ Lula's
November 16th - 6:30 p.m. @ Lula's
December 10th ~ CHRISTMAS PARTY ~ 1:00 p.m. Location to be announced
Judy Crosswait talked about a very good friend Helen Lockwood and she has had Alzheimers for quite some time now. She was known for always knitting and especially for babies. Unfortunately, she is unable to knit anymore and she and her husband would like to donate all of her yarn to our guild. She has a very large amount of yarn, mostly for babies. The guild would like to send a special thank you to Helen and her husband and will let them know of how we use the yarn for our community projects.
Tammy would be willing to teach a class on how to make a vest using size 50 needles. Tammy has completed her vest and everyone loves it!! If you are interested please let her know.
Lula talked about cabling and the different ways you can achieve the cable knit. She had a few examples to look at showing two different techniques.
The deadline for the Save the Children knitted and crocheted hat project is January 2, 2007.

The next guild meeting will be Saturday, September 9th at Lula's. We hope to see you there.

Knit Happens – Naugatuck Knitting and Crochet Guild
Trip to NYC Knit Out
Sunday, September 17, 2006

Details: Guild will travel together as a group (no children please). All people traveling with guild must meet at the Bridgeport Train Station BY 8:00 A.M.

We will be taking the 8:19 Am train from Bridgeport and be arriving at Grand Central Station at 9:40

We will depart Grand Central Station at 7:07 PM and return to Bridgeport at 8:31 PM

Discounted Rate is $15.50 per person

If you are interested, please fill out the form below and attach your check/cash (payable to “Knit Happens” Naugatuck Knitting and Crochet Guild) and mail to Tammy Rossi, 100 General Patton Drive Naugatuck, CT 06770 OR Kristin Leary 18 Francis Street, Naugatuck, CT 06770. You may also drop off at Lula’s Melange. If dropping off at the shop please do so BY Saturday, September 16th.

Name: _________________________________________
Address:_________________________________________
Phone Number: __________________________________

Number of people attending trip

2006-08-29T06:28:00.000-05:00

The most recent project I wanted to share is a WONDERFUL oversized vest that I saw in the Summer 2006 issue of Knit1 (see page 52 "Factory Girls" actual pattern is on pages 94 and 95). I did this while on vacation and it was a really fun project! This magazine is a great publication that offers trendy and "hip" knitting. When I first saw the vest (paired with what I thought were awful looking shorts - at least nothing I would ever wear!) I passed it by. I ended up flipping through the magazine again and fell in love with this big CHUNKY vest ! As a season ticket holder of West Point football games I figured it would be perfect for those cold days paired with jeans and a turtleneck. It was knitted on size 50 needles and literally took 2 hours to knit and maybe another 40 minutes to crochet the edging. My vest differs from the pattern as I decided not to do a black edging and opted for charcoal instead and I decided not to do the collar. I like the look better without a big floppy collar and I added a button. The people that have seen it have commented on the fact that the button makes it. I purchased a bagful of these oversized antique buttons on eBay a few months ago thinking they would come in handy - They are GORGEOUS buttons and I bought them for a song! the shipping cost more than the bag of buttons! The yarn is Lions Brand Wool-Ease which is the SOFTEST wool blend! Four strands are knitted on size 50 needles at a time. The size 50 needles were interesting to work with but after adjusting to such a large size it was sooo easy!

I have gotten a hold of the Metro North office and will hopefully be posting later today the arrangements for the trip to the NYC knitout! Check in later and I will keep you all posted!

2006-08-27T15:08:00.000-05:00

Antique yarn skiening wheel purchasedon PEI but found by dealer in Nova Sctia. Believed to be from Europe.

2006-08-27T14:49:00.000-05:00

Yarn from MacAuslands Woolen Mills. Throw rug (later to be felted) being made with 3 ply wool from MacAusland's

2006-08-27T13:41:00.000-05:00

Prince Edward Island was breathtaking and beautiful. Lighthouses and farming everywhere all surrounded by beautiful beaches! It was relaxing and I did quite a bit of knitting. PEI is home to MacAusland's Woollen Mills LTD in Bloomfield. I can not even begin to describe what a neat shopping experience that was. The mill is on the edge of the Coastal Highwahy and is a huge Red old mill building (I di not have my camera that day - I was so mad!) You walk right into where these huge machines are combing the wooldand then others are spinning and winding the wool. The building is not that big and very contained. It was so interesting to watch! The sop is on the second floor and you have to climb these narrow stairs and the upstairs opens up to a small and no frills shop that has seconds of the blankets that have made MacAusland's famous and then bins and shelves of wool. The colors are incredible! See the posting above for some of the colors I purchased! The wool is gorgous and I LOVE working with it. The best part is it is so reasonable!They chage $9.90 per pound (I was told 1 pound amounts to about 4 skeins) for2ply and $11.40 per pound for 2 and three plys. The best news is theyDO ship witihin about two weeks! The owners were friendly and were so helpful! I will be ordering from them in the near future so if any guild members are interested they may piggy back onto my order.

In addtion, while on our trip I found a beautiful antique yarn skein wheel. It is from the 1800s and was found in Nova Scotia. The antique dealer told me he believes it to be of European orgin due to the wood. I was thrilled to have found it and have already used it several times and it is wonderful!

2006-08-27T13:26:00.000-05:00

The knitting Guild meeting was informative and full of baby hats!!!! Lots of baby hats and Prayer shawls have been finished and they look GREAT!!! We will photograph all of them before we ship them off. Great job by everyone! Thanks so very much!
Finally the Guild's schedule of meetings is set for the remainder of the year. All meetings will take place at Lula's Mealange at 26 Church Street. We are open for suggestions for other locations to hold them and hope members will give suggestions. The meetings will by the first Saturday of every month (except for September as it is Labor Day weekend) at 3:00 PM and the third Thursday of every month at 6:30 PM. December will have only one meeting and it will be a holiday party with Secret Pals. The schedule is as follows:

September 9th at 3PM and September 21st at 6:30
October 7th at 3PM and October 19th at 6:30PM
November 4th at 3PM and November 16th at 6:30PM
and Sunday December 10th at 1PM - LOCATION TO BE ANNOUNCED

NYC Knit Out Sunday, September 17th:
Meanwhile anyone interested in signing up for the NYC Knit out should stop by Lucilles OR mail a check for $10 to me to reserve your space. I am working with Metro North for dicsounted tickets on the train for the Knit out. We will depart from Bridgeport as a group. If you are interested, please be sure to sign up and I will be posting again the deadline for reservations for the train. Lucille is working on arranging for a possible class at Parsons and Iam working on a visit to Habu Textiles, a WONDERFUL shop Full of all kinds of GREAT fibers to puchase.

I will post the final plans for the trip as soon as we get them all finalized.

2006-08-22T22:23:00.000-05:00

I am finally back! I had a fantastic trip to Prince Edward Island and have tons of knitting news to share with you. Unfortunately my camera batteries got wet on vacation and I am experiencing technical difficualties. I am also busy getting ready for the Guild Meeting Thursday, August24th at 6:30 Lula's Melange 26 Church Street. I promise a better entry in the next day or so. I hope everyone is enjoying their summer so far and knitting and crocheting!!!!

2006-08-02T15:25:00.000-05:00

I saw Guild Member Anne B. today for a meeting and she handed me a small ziploc and inside was this ADORABLE TINY HAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Anne... fantastic!!! I had actually seen her at a meeting last night and she mentioned that not only her, but friends and co workers who knit were busy doing hats and prayer shawls. The Guild is definitely off an running with this!! I feel guilty having not started a hat yet - I better get moving! Anne said the hat was so simple and she had it done in a couple of hours! I am again giving the link to obtain the pattern. I can not get over how beautiful it is and CUTE!!! So Tiny!

As I receive more news on progress and projects of members whether for C"caps for the Capital" other charitable groups or even personal prjects. It is always so much fun to see what other people are up to!

My phone and email has been buzzing and we gain more members every day and I am sure as Knit Happens existence gets out we will be growing even more. It is so exciting and I so look forward to the coming months! Keep the word out there and hopefully we will see everyoine on Thursday night, August 24th at 6:30 at Lulas Melange - 26 Church Street. If you can not make it - never fear! We will be starting back up with a monthly Thursday and monthly Saturday meeting to widen the opportunity for people to get to meetings.

Hope everyone is keeping cool and still finding time and a quiet corner to keep the hooks and needles flying!

www.savethechildren.org look for "Hats to the Capital" Action pack

2006-07-30T18:04:00.000-05:00

Well, it is FINALLY DONE!!! My first sweater. It is for my niece who is a toddler and I pray it will fit - I am pretty confident it will. It was a fun project and I am psyched to say I have a sweater accomplished. I feel like I am a graduated knitter (of course this pattern was very simple - but STILL!!!).

Looks like I have yet another new member for the Guild and Shelia, Good News!! She's a crocheter!!!! I told her all about the guild and she is new to the area and I think she will fit right in and she seemed excited - I am hoping she will be at August's meeting. Still working on the cuff - now necklace and hope to have it done and post a picture before vacation!

Still waiting for memebers to send pictures so I can spotlight their achjievements! Keep cool and keep the hooks and needles flying!

pattern:
#046 Childrens Button Jacket (Mac & Me 22 Hay Street Newbury, MA 01951 978-465-7940 or macnmeprod@aol )

the yarn:Frog Tree 100% Alpaca Wool - Type 2204 Sport Wieght
Colors: Green:#46
and Watermelon: #213

I purchased the pattern (in Summer2004) and yarn (finally in Summer 2006) at Adventures in Knitting a great shop up on Cape Cod in Harwichport. I know the shop still carries the Frog Tree and they are wonderfully helpful www.adventuresinknitting.com 557 Main Street Harwichport, MA 02646 (508)432-3700

2006-07-27T22:00:00.000-05:00

Exciting moment today! After having a childs sweater pattern purchased in July 2004 and having it in handd for an entire year before finally buying the Alpaca wool yarn for it last July - I was so scared and intimidated to start it I was sure there was NO way I could do it! Today I finally put my final row on it!!! A sweet sweater and once it is blocked and the seams are all sewed I will post a photo as well as the pattern and yarn info. It was a simple pattern and I marvel at how easy it was I have to stop being so intimidated.

My tassar silk (from Habu Textiles) and sterling silver cuff I was knitting went wrong! As I bounded off it started to curve! I was so upset but after 4 hours of knitting and three hours of stringing on the glass beads onto the silk and the pearls onto the silver - I think I may actually end up with a beautiful necklace - The picture above does not do it justice! It is beautiful and I know the second "life" of a necklace will work! I am releived I could envision a second life for what is a GORGEOUS piece!

Our Guild Member Shelia emailed me yesterday to tell me she has finished a hat for the Save the Children "Hats to the Capital" project (www.savethechildren.org ). She said it is adorable and tiny! She is a die hard addicted crocheter. I can not wait to see it in corcheted form and I guess I better get off my butt and get knitting!!!! Shelia does not have a digital camera so the picture will have to wait until I can photograph it at our next meeting (August 24th 6:30 Lula's) I am hoping there will be a BUNCH to photograph - it is such a good cause.

I hope everyone is keeping cool and their needles and hooks flying! A new posting soon - with pictures I hope!

2006-07-25T15:26:00.000-05:00

A very busy day today - I had the day off from work and have been taking all day to do a bunch of work for the Guild - Knit Happens. I am busy trying to plan two field trips to Massechusetts and Vermont. Both have fiber fairs coming up that sound wonderful. If interested check out the sites for each. The Vermont Fair is the 18th Annual Vermont Sheep and Wool Festival www.vermontsheep.or/festival and takes place on September 9th and 10th. The Massachusetts festival is Saturday, October 28th in Old Deerfield MA the site is: www.fibertwist.com . I am hoping we can arrange the guild to travel to both depending on interest. I have requested information from both groups and am awaiting that. Meanwhile, I am arranging for disocunt train tickets for the NYC Knit out and have set up a sign up for the Guild members on that as well. Our membership forms for TKGA and CGOA are prepared and waiting for officer signatures and checks and I am waiting to hear from Hartford on our incorporation status. Those documents went out last week.

In addition I have contacted Melissa Leapman and Margaret Hubert for potential dates for workshops for the Guild. I also contacted the yarn craft council and asked that our group be added to their mailing list. I am awaiting a reponse. I am excited and our schdule for the Fall is shaping up nicely. I am hoping to start planning some form of a Holiday party as well - an opportunity for the guild to get toegther and perhaps do a crocheted or knitted grab bag? We may even think about incorporating a charitable work into that as well. I am waiting to pitch top the group at the next meeting for which I have already started to create an agenda. The next meeting is Thursday, August 24th at 6:30 at Lula's - 26 Church Street . Keep checking the blog if you are unable to make the meeting to be sure to keep up to date on the Guild's activities and plans. Meanwhile I welcome any member's photos of projects, information and or articles that they may want to post. I do not want to get stale and I know we have alot of talent so I would love to draw from that!

Keep cool and keep the needles and hooks flying!

2006-07-23T16:33:00.000-05:00

FINALLY!!! The dreaded purse is done and I LOVE IT!!!! Lining it was a bear but I found wonderful fabric to use and I lucked out and found a purse handle (yes I only use one - two was too overpowering!). The original tortoise purse handles I got were too small and I ended up with a really large tortoise handle that I can slip over my shoulder. They say not to stitch the suede together but I do not like the way it kind of hangs. I am afraid to sew those ends as it may interfere with accessing the purse. Maybe I just need to get used to it. The lining is folded on bottom so the only seams I had were on either side. I am hoping it will help make it stronger. For this pattern go to www.berrocco.com The pattern is the free Lorraine purse. It is a Feragamo bag that reatils for $1,600.00! SO...... if you are up for a challenge and want a gorgeous bag I say GO FOR IT! Despite all the frustration - it was well worth it!

2006-07-23T09:40:00.000-05:00

Habu Textiles 2006 Knit and Crochet Show

2006-07-23T09:35:00.000-05:00

HABU TEXTILES AT 2006 KNIT and Crochet Show

2006-07-23T09:20:00.000-05:00

Knit Happens - Naugatuck Knitting and Crochet Guild
Meeting Thursday, July 20, 2006 6:00 Pm at Lula's Melange

- Among the topics discussed:

Dues - $15/ year. Dues will carry members through September 1, 2007 and can be submitted at the meettings or mailed to Kristin - Treasurer. In addition, membership cards are being created for all memebrs so that they may start to use them for discounts when purchasing yarn.

Trip to NYC in September for NYC Knit out on Sunday, September 17th - also trip to Habu Textiles. Discussion on visiting while there for the knit out. Tammy to look into that possibility. Also Tammy will look into getting a group rate on the train.

Charitable project - Save the Childrens Kntiing and crocheting of baby caps. More information and patterns available at www.savethechildren.org Deadline is January 2, 2007. Great way to get our Guild known! Anyone interested in particiapating is encouraged to start working on caps and a box will be kept by officers to fill and mail to appropriate address for Save the Children.

Discussion of Boston Knit out in Boston on September 24, 2006 - Possible guild trip.

Guild is registering with Hartford Secretary of State and funds ($65) will be used from Guild account for this.

Tammy in process of registering guild with TKGA and CGOA

Name tags for meetings will be created by Joelle and will be used for meetings to help everyone get to know names. A basket will be at door at beginning of every meeting so everyone can grab tag and leave it behind at end of meeting.

Would love to create website for guild. Officers looking for any member willing to help with this. in addition anyone with pictures of projects or ideas for articles or desire for writing articles for guild should see Tammy about getting them to her for posting!

A choice of logos will be presented to the guild hopefully in August - member Kim will be creating them and a formal vote will be taken in order to adopt one.

Member (and our official Crochet point person) Shelia discussed a crochet instructor that she would love to see come to the guild. She will get information to Tammy and planning will be made to have that happen.

NEXT MEETING: AUGUST 24, 2006 6:30 at Lula's Melange

2006-07-23T08:40:00.000-05:00

I have saved this vendor to stand on their own! They were by far my most favorite of all the vendors and had Lula and I transfixed. While the booth was only about 7 feet by 10 feet with a large table in the middle it took us hours to get through! They had the most incredible textiles I have ever ever seen!!!! If you are ever looking for something different and non traditional Habu Textiles is for you! Many of the material LOOKED to be one way (rough - heavy etc) and upon touch would be totally the opposite! We had a blast touching EVERYTHING in this booth!

Habu Textiles has a studio right in the city and we are planning a guild trip to their studio which is open to the public and you are able to buy at the studio as well. The textures and materials put you into sensory overload and the best part is believe it or not the fibers/materials are very affordable. Lula tells me the studio actually has panels knitted up of the different yarns so that you can see exactly what it looks like in finished form. At the show the only thing they did have room for were sweaters that were so unique in design and material that I KNOW I will be buying a kit on the trip with the guild. There will be more news to follow on when we will take the trip. It was hoped that perhaps we could do it on the same Sunday as the NYC Knit out!

Here is my review and pictures of Habu Textiles. Please do check them out and I promise you will not be disappointed!!!

Habu Textiles Booth Number: 307
135 W 29th St Suite 804
New York, NY 10001
(212)239-3546
Fax: (212)239-3546
Email: habu@habutextiles.com
http://www.habutextiles.com/

ONE OF MY FAVORITES!!!!!! This booth was tiny and yet it took me 40 minutes to get through it the first time and Lula and I returned three more times! It was a tactile DREAM. Truly the MOST INCREDIBLE fibers I have EVER seen or touched. Fiber after fiber I would touch expecting one thing and finding it to be different than I thought ! You would expect one fiber to be heavy and rough and it would be light as air and as soft as could be. The most incredible combinations including bamboo, banana thread, traditional fibers mixed with real metal. There are NO WORDS to describe what an incredible display this was. The best part was that the skeins are small and affordable. Kits were available and there were some of the most incredible sweaters – VERY unique and different! I was on overload on this booth and returned multiple times to admire and touch these INCREDIBLE fibers! Lucille stated that their studio is incredible and has the various fibers knitted into pieces on display. I confirmed with vendor that the studio was open to public and that we could have a guild visit and as long as it was 20 people or under it could be done without even calling first if we chose. She stated we were welcome and could call and let them know we were coming but that the studio was open to the public.

IN FUTURE: Order the grayish sweater that was loose and with a collar (do NOT remember the fiber – VERY light and airy!!!) – kit was $90.00. Purchase the twine for the chair seat knitting pattern (to redo an antique chair)
ALSO: Arrange for a Guild trip to the studio – the Guild Members would LOVE this trip.

Purchased:
1 Spool of green nubby thread with an iridescent purple running through it.
Item # A-172 1/14 spiral slub Color 5, 51% wool, 20% polyester 29% nylon 435 yards/ 1 oz $6.45

1 skein creamy grayish ecru100% tassar silk. Item #A-142, 1/7.5 tassar silk, Color 41, 100% silk. 116 yards/0.5 oz $7.30

1 reel of fine silver 30 gauge Item # AC-1 fine silver Color 1 99.9% fine silver 33 yards $19.50

2006-07-20T20:08:00.000-05:00

White bins - Blue Santa BEads

Colorful buttons - Copeland Glass

2006-07-19T20:49:00.000-05:00

Well, I waited a little long to post the next entry BUT I have been busy compiling a book for me and one for Lucille to document our trip. Both of our cameras crashed on us so pictures were limited BUT we got some! I have catalogued our classes as well as all the vendors we visited with little notations and pictures. I am sharing with all of you because they were wonderful vendors AND I hope you would keep them in mind for future projects as they had WONDERFUL fibers and goodies. Lucille and I will defnitely use them in the future!

2006 CGOA TKGA Knit & Crochet Show – Valley Forge, PA
Impressions:

Upon signing in we received a bag from Berroco loaded with 5 skeins of specialty yarn and a Red Heart bag with three skeins of yarn and a couple of free patterns. The Marketplace was enormous and we stayed at the Raddison Hotel which was connected to the Scaticon Convention Center. Room was a special rate of $106.00.

So upset that camera batteries died on last day when Lucille and I wanted to take pictures of various vendors!!! While we did not photograph as much as we wanted to we were able to get some! Also disappointed I did not have one of Melissa Leapman’s books for her to sign for me – she was incredible as was Galina Khmeleva (lace Knitting FULL day class and the Leader of the Gossamar shawl cottage industry out of Russia). I would have loved to have one of her lace books to have her sign.

Affectionknit Booth Number: 612
296 McCaffrey Rd.
Newmarket ON L3X 1J4
CANADA
(888)836-9187 or (905)836-9187
Fax: (905)836-8962
Email: info@affectionknit.com
http://www.affectionknit.com/

Lucille and I met the husband and wife team of this shop on the elevator and we fell in love with the name of the shop! We did not make it to their booth until Friday but were NOT disappointed. They had beautiful fibers and incredible sweater kits and beautiful sweater clasps in pewter that looked very Irish!
Purchased:
Norwegian made pewter sweater clasp $7.00
(plan: on using on the green Mohair blend sweater I will make from Mohair purchased at Newtown Knits!)
IN FUTURE: Remember they had a wonderful silk blend lacy cardigan kit for $90 (the yarn by itself was $45/skein and the pattern in the kit (which included all yarn) kit required 3 skeins! Great deal! Would be a nice project in the future

Blue Santa Beads Booth Number: 213,215
18 N Pennell Rd
Media PA 19063-5520
(610)892-2740
Fax: (610)892-2847
Email: bluesantabeads@aol.com

Tons and Tons of Wonderful beads! An incredible selection of beads, bugles, crystal beads, hand painted and fired beads and an incredible selection of buttons! Both handmade and unique! The vendor told us she will be in Connecticut on September 9, 2006 at the bead show in East Haven.
Purchased: 1 tube iridescent grey “tube” beads - Item number: 8R-29AF-T $3.50,
1 tube purple, green iridescent matte oval beads – Item number: 6R-134FR-C $3.50
Panel of 2 Reproduction Vintage buttons made in Czech Republic. Clear buttons with iridescent purple glazing background with gold paisleys encrusted on them (Wave of the Wand, Designer Buttons) $12.00

Copeland Glass Booth Number: 315
Judith Copeland
201 Ray Street
Manchester, NH 03104
(603)623-3294
judy@copelandglass.com
http://www.copelandglass.com/
The most beautiful buttons and shawl closures. Judith does all of her own work and her tables in her booth were just explosions of color!!!! She has her own studio and NO two buttons are exactly alike! We spent a bit of time in her booth admiring all of the buttons which were like mini art pieces. She had many that were iridescent and we LOVED her things!
Purchased : 1 square button. White background with specks of brownish purple dots and a light and dark pink swish in the center (hope to use this with the hand made silver, silk (from Habu) and freshwater pearl cuff I want to make for me) $8.00
IN FUTURE: remember her for buttons for future knitted works whether garments or jewelry. Lovely woman and so talented!

Damaris Booth Number: 609
California (not pictured/listed)
(415) 334-1414
Damaris_hanson_@yahoo.com

An incredible Asian woman from California with incredibly gorgeous Asian jewelry – she had a necklace Lucille fell in love with and on I fell in love with – both out of our price range at $150.00 a piece ( we still had yarn to buy!). She deals wholesale and mentioned beads in her closet from the 70’s she would love to wholesale to Lucille. She had the most exquisite simple shell circle clasps with either simply carved dark wood sticks or sticks with charms (one had shells another had wooden beads etc) hanging off of them. These were the perfect shawl and sweater closures. The ones with the plain sticks were $15.00 and those with the more ornate were in the $20 range.
IN FUTURE – remember her for ordering of these shawl and sweater Closures.

Decadent Fibers Booth Number: 505,507
7 Cortland Drive
Kinderhook NY 12106-1800
(518) 758-8670
Fax: (518) 758-8671
http://www.decadentfibers.com/

ONE OF MY FAVORITES! Besides being just the friendliest and fun people – the yarns were fantastic! The yarns hung in huge loops on racks in the most delectable colors! All hand dyed, Pat encouraged that you buy enough yarn due to the fact that there was no guarantee that one lot to the next is exactly the same due to the fact that the yarns are all hand dyed. The most spectacular felting kits were available. Felt kits – pumpkins, carrots and full floral arrangements – referred to as “penny candy”! Also incredible Sunflowers and belts that were all in kits for felting! They also carried supplies of felting needles and Lucille and I watched Pat work on a felted Southwestern belt that was full of vibrant color and was a real piece of art! The belt kits come with the cords already felted and you do the rest! There was a beautiful belt kit with pink flowers that looked perfect for a little girl or person who loves pink and delicate flowers!. Lucille purchased a skein and received a pattern for an incredible scarf with hanging cords.
Purchased: 1 skein of “Cookie Dough” 80% Merino blend, 20% Mohair Approx 8 oz 490 yards per skein $28.00
*** received free pattern for the Cookie Dough shrug with purchase!**** The shrug is SOOO different and GORGEOUS!!!!!!!
IN FUTURE: remember the pumpkin felting kit and the baby blanket kit with pocket in middle for adding a felted plane or elephant. Also the belt kit in pink for daughter.

Dream Weaver Yarns, LLC Booth Number: 413,415
158 Division Avenue
Massapequa, NY 11758-7106
(516) 316-0367
Fax: (516)570-0786
Email: ann@dreamweaveryarns.com
http://www.dreamweaveryarns.com/

Drawn to this booth because of the HUGE selection of knitting bags. Fabric hobo slough knitting bags with wooden handles and the plush leather bags for knitting needles. Beautiful selection and a higher end retailer for sure! Also carried incredible needles including Namaste needles (made of a pyrex glass http://www.namasteneedles.com/ ). My one really guilty purchase was a set of these needles and a silk Lantern Moon needle pouch. The most difficult part was deciding what type of top and the size of the needle.
Purchased: US 13 glass cone toped (with dark and light blue spirals) Namaste glass needles $42.00
Lantern Moon silk Needle sleeve $7.00

IN FUTURE - remember them for the beautiful round Namaste knitting needle bag – perhaps ask for a Christmas present?

The Elegant Ewe Booth Number: 308
71 S. Main Street
Concord, NH 03301-4828
(603) 226-0066
Fax: (603) 226 – 0601
Email : infor@elegantewe.com
http://www.elegantewe.com/

ONE OF MY FAVORITES! They had incredible fibers and WONDERFUL patterns. They had a wonderful scoop cardigan of which I purchased the pattern and a wonderful shawl stick closure in the shape of a sheep. The bonus is after three years I have FINALLY found someone who carries Pre de Provence! Lucille bought a small tub of bunny cream. It smelled so wonderful – we think it was because of the lemongrass. I was afraid to purchase as there is a nut extract in the cream – keep in mind though (it smelled so wonderful!!!)! Young women manned this booth and they were friendly, helpful and very enthusiastic. Lucille and I loved this booth!
Purchased:
Pre de Provence Lavender Body Lotion 5% Shea Butter $12.95
Pre de Provence Lavender Hand Cream 20% Shea Butter $12.95
Pewter Sheep closure pin $12.00
Back Scoop Cardigan sweater pattern $5.00

IN FUTURE: Keep them in mind for the cabled sling bag pattern. Also remember they carry the complete line of Pre de Provence (distributed by European Soaps, Ltd. Seattle, WA 98133) and wonderful patterns and fibers.

2006-07-16T14:01:00.000-05:00

Well, we are back!!!!! What an incredible trip and there is just so much to talk about! The show was fantastic and the classes unbelievable! There is so much that Lucille and I want to share about all that we learned but do not want to spill the beans before sharing with the Guild. The classes were incredible and we learned so very much and we are so excited to share everything with everyone!

We left Lucille's house on Thursday at 4:40 AM - both exhausted from not sleeping well (due to excitement, a lightening storm and fear that we would miss the alarm and get up late) We arrived in King of Prussia around 7:45 and immidiately registered and figured out where our first classes were (they started at 9AM). The classes all weekend were not only fun and the instructors informative and experienced but we often left with added goodies which was awesome.

The Market place was incredible and a sensory overload was experienced the first two visits! After getting through our first class and checking in - The Radisson was wonderful and we had a great room! - we were off to afternoon classes and then our (paid for) sneak preview of the Marketplace Thursday night! My first postings will cover our favorite vendors and email links to help you be able to "discover" these incredible shops/ suppliers as well!

The classes were wonderful our only tough ones being very technical classes from 6PM to 9 PM on Friday night! While we both enjoyed the classes - Friday night was tough for everyone!! We were not the only tired ones that night - even the instructors stated it was a tough time DESPITE the fact that all classes were suspended for Friday afternoon which meant we had from 12 noon until 6 PM to cruise the Marketplace and chill out- which we definitely did!

Lucille had "Lily Chin's Hints, Trips and Tricks with Crochet". I had "Cable Ready" with Melissa Leapman. Funny story.... I signed up for the Cable Ready class - which by the way was fantastic!!! I am cabling like I never thought possible!!!! Anyway, I signed up for the class and did the homework and reviewed the information without every connecting the fact that Melissa Leapman was teaching the class. I walked into the class AGAIN not ever making the connection - yeah, I know ...............DUH!!!!

Well, Melissa starts the class and still no light on upstairs for me. She starts to talk about her Cable book that is coming out THIS November - it looks INCREDIBLE!!! - Still nothing - then she starts to pull out her other books: Hot Knits and Cool Crochet - well, ding... ding..... ding!!!! The light FINALLY goes off - I know, I know I AM slow! I finally realize that this is THE Melissa Leapman!!! I have always loved her books and admired her talent!

Classs got underway and we were transferring our saved homework to our needles. She wandered my way and I told her I could not believe I was in a class with her. I am convinced she thought I was a kook! I got the picture from her after class and I was sure she probably was convinced by that time I was some derranged stalker! Lucille's running joke the rest of the weekend was what an impression I made on Melissa and that she thought I was some whacko! We even bumped into her coming out of the elevator late Saturday - just before heading home and again Lucille teased me that Melissa was probably frightened of me and we had a great laugh over it!

All joking aside, Melissa is incredibly talented and sooo down to earth and I learned so much from her. She has another book coming out next year. She shared it with us and explained it was intended to teach people who only knit scarves and do simple straight forward knitting some extra techniques and knitting (like purling!) and actually gives BEAUTIFUL projects to practice and put it all to use. The projects looked fantastic and I can not wait for it to come out! I think I will get it! Meanwhile, Melissa is headed to Italy to finish writing her latest book. I wish her so much luck! She was really excited and very animated when talking of her trip. Her class was fantastic!

More on our classes and details of our Marketplace experiences in next entry - off to spend some family time with kids and roast marshmellows over the barbque!

Upcoming events we learned about in the knitting and crocheting world:

Save the Children and Warm up America's effort to knoit and crochet baby hats for children around the world struggling to survive:
savethechildren.org

Eighth Annula Knit out and Crochet:
Sunday, September 17, 2006 Union Square PArk - NYC 17th Street Noon to 5 PM

2006-07-09T17:01:00.000-05:00

What a gorgous weekend! Successfully completed all of my "homework" for the TKGA knitting convetion and show and am so looking forward to leaving for that! I really hope to gleam much new and exciting information and ideas to share with everyone! I am especially looking forward to the "make a skirt" class. I need to finish picking out all of the different yarns for that - I decided to go with suede and I REALLY think I will love the results. I also have to choose some bulky weght yarn for a tunisian crocheted shawlette I will be learning in another class! I am TOTALLY intimidated by the crocheting element as I barely know how to make a chain and I can NOT rememebr the "rules" but I am sure I will muddle through the class. Saturday is an entire day (6 hours) of learning to knit lace and I really am interested to see how that class goes. Very busy getting house - children - husband and myself ready to leave the end of the week. So far my wonderful husband has been encouraging and I PRAY he will be able to hold down the fort and somehow manage to get all three children to their three camps as well as manage the house and animal menagerie and still get to work and do what he has to. I am grateful to him for letting me take off like this as I KNOW it will really do me good! I Map quested the directions and looks like by leaving at 4AM on Thursday Lula and I will have plenty of time to get down to PA and settle a bit before our 9AM classses!

Great day today at the lake and my oldest son's ball game - I FINALLY finished panel one of the Berrocco bag - without ONE mistake!! A miracle!!! What a sense of accomplishment I feel on that! Perhaps the second panel will be easy??? I DOUBT it!! But I am looking forward to taking it on and trying to do so with no help and guidance from Lucille! We'll see how many rows I last! It really is looking beautiful and I am DEFINITELY keeping this one for myself. I love it so much I may have to do a second one in more wintery colors! I will post pictures of my progress as soon as I can.

Meanwhile my niece's sweater - which I was ALMOST done with - until I ran out of yard ARGH!!! - will be done soon! I panicked as I was working in Frog Tree Alpaca sport wieght which was purchased at the same store as the pattern - Adventures in Knitting - Harwichport Cape Cod (MA). I just hopped on the internet and it looks like they still have the color I need THANK GOD! I am so relieved as I need to get it done before her birthday! As soon as that project is finished I will post pictures as well! It looks beautiful and I know she will be adorable in it! The pattern was soo simple. The pattern is written by a mom out of Massachusetts: Mac & Me 22 Hay St, Newbury MA 01951 978-465-7940 the email is listed (I am not sure if it is still a valid email though!) is macnmeprod@aol. I was so afraid to try the pattern but it was so easy and it really is a darling sweater (#046 - childrens button jacket)

2006-07-05T22:05:00.000-05:00

Still working on the Berroco purse pattern that Lula gave to everyone at the initial Knitting Guild organizational meetings. I wanted a challenge - YIKES! I guess I got one! The ONLY solace I have had is that I am NOT alone in the difficulty I have experienced. Lula assures me EVERYONE has been having problems - even the most experienced knitters. A hint and helpful trick that Lula finally did for me is to place markers for every grouping of nine stitches. I must say that this did help tremendously. While the orginal of this designer bag retails for $1,600.00 I have to say that it will be priceless to me if I ever - ever get it done! I was actually sitting on the beach over the holiday weekend with sweat beading on my forhead CURSING this pattern!!! I REFUSED to let it get the better of me and figured out my mistake - an hour later!!!! BUT I got past it and was stumped again when I visited Lula today and she got me back on track. I am cruising and in a decent rythym and am now on the SECOND round of rows 1-20 - I am keeping my fingers crossed I will keep the rythym!

I am determined and I LOVE the color I am using - the top border will be a cream colored suede and I changed the handles a little and decided to go with tortoise handles. Actually everyone I know knitting it has choosen such incredible colors! Joelle has an incredible and vibrant red, Kristin's is the coolest plummy, purple grey - just a really cool color - and Lula has a soft and plush looking purple - hers is actully not a cotton like Kristin's, Joelle's and mine and the texture is different so although the colors and yarns are varied I have to say I cannot wait to see all of them becasue they are all incredible colors!I really think the end result will be incredible but I have decided not to make myself nuts trying to get it done before the TKGA convention next week. Lula and I are headed to King Prussia PA on Thursday morning to go for three days of realxation and some AWESOME classes. It is my hope I will come back and be able to share a bunch of tricks and tips that I gleam from the 20 hours of instruction I will be taking. Lula and I are in diffrernt classes so hopefully we will come back with all kinds of new and fresh ideas and tricks and tips. We are also really excited to explore the "marketplace" and sample all the different knitting and crocheting items and supplies! It does not hurt that we both have no classes on Friday afternoon and we have been told King Prussia is home to a huge mall as well! YAHOOO!!! We will be shopping. I am really looking forward to the break and change of sceneary. More news soon - I hope (if I do not throw this darn project to the wind! (HA!) )on the progress I am making on this Berroco bag!

2006-06-30T09:48:00.000-05:00

So excited! Today I finally got up the nerve to knit using real fine metal and the picture shows the result! I have been stock piling gemstones and fresh water pearls but had only been working with craft wire. I was practicing my technique of knitting with it and wanting to make sure I was totally confortable knitting with wire. Craft wire - while pretty is inexpensive and if I made a mistake - so I cut it up! I did NOT want to be making mistakes with Sterling silver. The bracelet is actually fine silver (I was told by an incredible jewlwery maker a couple of years ago - fine silver will not tarnish but sterling will), fresh water pearls and turqouise. I used a sterling toggle clasp and I am really pleased with the results! I casted on a little over 30 but I would do less next time. I was afraid the silver would be too pliable but worked beautifully and I knitted four rows total with just two rows containing beads. I am looking forward to trying it with chandelier earrings - Lula gave me a pattern and I am really looking forward to making more of these and experimenting with different colored and variations of pearls and gemstones! The fine silver came in a 75 yard spool so several bracelets should be possible from one spool. Great web sites out there to order from. Next I hope to experiment with a wonderful groupingof extremely varied pearls I ordered - in fact the starnd is so beautiful several people have said it would be a crime to cut up - BUT I can always order more! If I get up enough nerve I may even try a choker/necklace!. I know I will be making plenty of these for gifts!

2006-06-30T09:34:00.000-05:00

The Knitting Guild Meeting took place last night and we finally have a name!!! Knit Happens! (the official name for all of the "official" documentation : Knit Happens - Naugatuck Knitting and Crochet Guild). We have registered for our ID number and are up and running to start bringing in dues! We had a great showing and everyone is really excited about such a great group! Lots of knitting was going on and some fantastic projects! I am in the middle of mutliple projects myself and wehn I get this site figured out I will photograph them and get them on the blog!
Meanwhile I hopt ot make this blog about all of the members and their projects and have a central location for everyone from the Guild!