Puyallup Knitting Guild

Knit One Below Class Update

2012-02-02T10:31:00.000-08:00

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Knit One Below Class

Tuesday, February 14

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In addition to the information here,

you need to know this:

Lisa will open the Rainier Manor club house at 8:30 am. She will provide coffee, tea, cream, sugar, and a sweet treat (feel free to bring your own treats to share). She will have disposable cups but it is better if you bring your own coffee/tea cup.
Milly will start the Knit One Below class at 9 am. The class will end at noon. Milly will provide the pattern for the scarf and matching hat.
The cost per attendee is $12 (cash or check only), payable on the day of the meeting. Ben Franklin Crafts Bonney Lake is donating 50% of our class fee to the Bonney Lake Food Bank.
Supplies: Two skeins worsted weight yarn, approximately 220 yards each. You can use two solids or a solid and a stripe or whatever combo you like. Size 8 knitting needles.

Please let Lisa know if you plan to attend. Her e-mail address is in the newsletter, along with driving directions.

Knit One Below Class

2012-01-19T08:54:00.000-08:00

First, many thanks to Lisa for pulling this class together for us. Now, the details:

Tuesday, February 14
Rainier Manor

Meeting on Valentine’s Day! Lisa will open the Rainier Manor club house at 8:30 a.m. for those who would like to get settled before class begins. She will provide coffee, tea, cream, sugar, and a sweet treat (feel free to bring your own treats to share). She will have disposable cups but she encourages everyone to bring their own coffee/tea cup. Lisa will pay a $50 deposit to use the club house; this will be returned to her when we leave the room as we found it; that is, chairs and tables put away and everything cleaned up, swept up, trash emptied, bathrooms clean, etc.

Milly Skutley from Ben Franklin Crafts in Bonney Lake will be available for us from 9 a.m. to noon. The class project is a Knit One Below scarf. Milly will provide the pattern for the scarf and matching hat.

The cost per attendee is $12, payable on the day of the meeting. Ben Franklin Crafts Bonney Lake is donating 50% of our class fee to the Bonney Lake Food Bank

Supplies:

Two skeins worsted weight yarn, approximately 220 yards each. The project samples were made with one skein of Cascade 220 Superwash and two skeins of Lion Brand Amazing. You can use two solids or a solid and a stripe or whatever combo you like. Milly said she made the class sample with a man in mind and was able to get both a hat and scarf out of the one skein of Cascade 220 and two skeins of Lion Brand Amazing.
Size 8 knitting needles

Lisa would like to know about how many people to expect for the class. Please let her know if you plan to attend.

Milly was kind enough to say you can work on your own project instead of the class project.

Need yarn? The Ben Franklin Bonney Lake is having a Cascade Yarn event this month.

The summer 2009 Knitter’s magazine has a scarf and beret patterns for the knit-one-below technique.

Hats and Scarves

2012-01-11T12:52:00.000-08:00

Guild members showed some great knitting — especially hats and scarves — at the first meeting of 2012. Several members seemed to have spent the holidays turning UFOs into FOs.

Cari’s hat

Sue L.’s scarf

Chris’s hat

Naomi’s hat

Anne’s shawlette

Libby’s cowl and alligator scarf

Many people were quite taken with Libby’s bulky Gap-tastic Cowl and Jeannie’s Pocketbook Slippers. Check out Ravelry for the free patterns.

~~~ Coming in February ~~~

Milly from the Bonney Lake Ben Franklin store will teach a class on knit-one-below, using a scarf as a class project. You may know the knit-one-below technique as fisherman rib or Shaker stitch. It is a versatile stitch that you can use for many garments. The class will be at the Rainier Manor community room from 9 a.m. to noon; the community room will be open at 8:30 a.m. Lisa will provide coffee, tea, and a sweet treat. The class will cost $12, half of which Ben Franklin will donate to the Bonney Lake Food Bank. More information and a class materials list will be posted here and distributed in the newsletter soon. This should be a great meeting. Many, many thanks to Lisa, Milly, and Ben Franklin.

~~~ Coming in April ~~~

So far, lucky 13 members are signed up for the Dumas Bay retreat, April, 2-4. You will have until the regular meeting on March 13 to sign up and pay, but sooner is better so the organizers can get everything in order. The final cost will be based on the number of people attending; right now it is about $145, which includes your room, meals, and the meeting room. Sue L. and Jeanne will need some help to make sure everything is paid on time and for the retreat program and details. They will come up with a list of tasks and ask for volunteers. One highlight of the retreat is that Cari and Barb (and others?) will give us a spinning demonstration so we can learn more about the yarn we love for knitting. Again, more information will be coming soon so stay tuned.

First Meeting of 2012

2012-01-02T11:07:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

Next meeting

Tuesday, January 10

10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Note time change!

Puyallup Library

Agenda

New Year’s knitting resolutions
Details about the February meeting at Rainier Manor
Show-and-tell — bring your knitting and your latest projects
Healthy snacks appreciated, or a light lunch

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Coming up...

Tuesday, February 14, 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Rainier Manor, Sumner

Tuesday, March 13, 10:30 a.m. (note time change), Puyallup Library

Monday-Wednesday, April 2-4, Spring Retreat at Dumas Bay

Tuesday, April 10, 9:30 a.m., Puyallup Public Library

And...

Madrona Fiber Arts, February 16-19

World Wide Knit in Public Day, June 9-17

Knitting, Food, Friendship

2011-12-15T09:38:00.000-08:00

The December meeting had everything — knitting, food, and friendship — to celebrate the holidays.

Yummy!

Karin's sweater

Barb's Norwegian patterns

Sue's Quincy hat and Scaruffle

Chris's crocheted ice skate ornaments

Jeannie's shawlette

Angela's scarf

We also collected a large pile of gifts that Sue L. will give to Sleep Country for distribution to foster children. Thank you to everyone for your generosity.

~~~ Schedule Changes ~~~

Mark your calendar for these schedule changes for guild meetings. The time and locations may change, but all meetings are on the second Tuesday of the month. Consult this blog for details as they develop.

January 2012 and March 2012 meetings: We will meet at the Puyallup Library from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Note time change. Bring snacks to share or a sack lunch, if you like.
February 2012 meeting: Rainier Manor, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Note location change. Lisa has arranged for Millie from the Bonney Lake Ben Franklin to teach a class on how to make your knitted items fit better. The class will cost $12 per person. Details coming soon.
April 2012: Back to normal! Meet at the Puyallup Library, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

In all cases, we need to clean up after ourselves.

Holiday Meeting

2011-12-03T11:09:00.001-08:00

December Holiday Meeting

Tuesday, December 13, 9:30 a.m.

Puyallup Library

Be sure to bring:

Your WIPs and FOs to show and share.
Food for a potluck lunch.
Plate(s) for your lunch, beverages (coffee and tea will be provided), eating utensils, and serving plates and utensils for the dish you bring to share.

And: A gift or two or three that will be given to Sleep Country for distribution to foster children.

We need to clean up after our meeting. If everyone helps, we should be able to finish the clean-up in no time at all.

And, coming soon: information on the April retreat. It promises to be a good one.

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-19T13:34:00.001-08:00

Wishing everyone a happy Thanksgiving with plenty of food and family.

In your spare time, you might want to knit a turkey hat for your favorite child. The pattern is here.

Or maybe a dishcloth? The pattern is here.

Check out Ravelry for a lot more turkey patterns.

Rainier Manor Meeting

2011-11-09T09:44:00.000-08:00

Thanks you, Lisa, for offering the club room at Rainier Manor for our November meeting. And thank you for the coffee, tea, and cookies.

And, especially, thank you for inviting Millie from the Ben Franklin store in Bonney Lake. Millie showed us some new yarns and quick-knit patterns (has anyone noticed that the holidays are coming soon?). She also provided three knitting bags from Paton’s for a drawing. We hope to ask Millie to teach classes for the guild; fit and finishing were two popular topics.

The meeting was a great success, judging by attendance and the quality and quantity of the knitting displayed.

~~~ Schedule Changes ~~~

December 2011: Regular place and time for the holiday meeting. Bring an item or two or three for donation to a program for foster children. Also bring a dish for a potluck lunch, plus your plates and eating utensils.
January 2012 and March 2012 meetings: We will meet at the Puyallup Library from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Note time change. Bring snacks to share or a sack lunch, if you like.
February 2012 meeting: Rainier Manor, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Note location change. Possible date for class from Millie. Lisa and Pattie will work out the details.
April 2012: Back to normal! Meet at the Puyallup Library, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

In all cases, we need to clean up after ourselves.

November Meeting

2011-11-02T08:56:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, November 8

9:30 a.m.

Note location: Rainier Manor Club House

Directions provided in club newsletter

Thanks to Lisa for hosting this meeting. Doors will open at 9 a.m.

Guest and short program:

Millie from the Bonney Lake Ben Franklin

Plus

~~ Show and share ~~

~~ Plans for the December holiday meeting ~~

Request to guild members: Please mind your e-mail manners. Do not forward chain letters, purported warnings, jokes, cartoons, and other ephemera in mass mailings. Private "conversations" are appropriate but mass mailings are not. It also is a good idea to make sure your anti-virus software is up-to-date and to scan your computer regularly for viruses, malicious software, and other nasties. Thank you for your consideration.

Outstanding Knitting

2011-10-18T09:22:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Libbie for taking photos from the October meeting. She did a great job with all of the beautiful knitting.

October Meeting

2011-10-04T12:24:00.000-07:00

Time for Fall Knitting!

Tuesday, October 11

9:30 a.m.

~~ Show and share current projects and FOs ~~

Help! The guild's regular photographers are not going to be at this meeting. If someone will take photos, Sue V. will post them at a later date.

Knitting and More Knitting

2011-09-15T09:11:00.000-07:00

It was clear at the September meeting that we are knitting more and more lovely items.

Patty's hat provides lots of sun protection.

Angela's baby sweater collection

Jeanne's elegant shawl

JJ's luxurious scarf

Joan's shawlette

Joan's socks

So far, 14 people have signed up for the April 2012 retreat. If you are planning to attend but have not paid your deposit, contact Sue L. The retreat is great fun and you will learn a lot.

September Meeting

2011-09-07T08:49:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, September 13

9:30 a.m.

Puyallup Library

Fall knitting or summer knitting?

Bring it to the meeting!

Sun and Dessert

2011-08-17T09:10:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to Pattie for hosting the annual guild picnic and her beautiful lake-side home. This year's event had plenty of sun and plenty of dessert.

All of the food was yummy.

And the knitting — wow! (Click on a photo for a larger version.)

Jane's baby sweater

Angela's pillowcases

Diane's sweater

Joan's expanded mitered-square blanket

Jeanne's Fair Isle sweater

Naomi's hat with ribbons

Patty's hat needs a little more work

Jeannie's fair awards

Joanne showed us some lovely items that she “rescued” from a neighbor's house-clearing.

The picnic was great fun on a beautiful day in a beautiful location. Thanks to everyone, especially Pattie.

Knitting and Lunch

2011-08-08T08:51:00.000-07:00

Annual Guild Picnic
Tuesday, August 16
11:30 a.m.
Pattie's House

Directions to Pattie's beautiful lake-side location were provided in e-mail newsletter.

Bring a main dish or salad or dessert or snacks to share, along with serving utensils.
Bring your own non-alcoholic beverage; your knitting and Show & Share projects; a lawn or camp chair if you have one; sun blockers, such as sunglasses, hat and wrap (depending upon the weather).
Plates and flatware will be provided.

Prep Your Fair Entries

2011-08-01T11:25:00.000-07:00

The Western Washington Fair is coming up, so it is time to prepare your entries for the Knitting Division of the Home Arts exhibits. The details on the categories and how to enter are here. It is a large document; the Knitting Division begins on page 7. This year you can register your entries online, which will save you time when you take your entries to the fairgrounds.

Important dates for taking your entries to the fair:

Friday, August 26, and Saturday, August 27, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday, August 28, noon to 6 p.m.

Our guild has produced some fabulous knitting this year. Share your skill and artistry by entering the fair.

So Much Creativity!

2011-07-13T09:25:00.000-07:00

The July guild meeting was a showcase of skill and creativity.

Naomi's entrelac scarf

Barbara's Pinkerton adaptation

One side of Cheri's amazing double knitting

The other side of Cheri's double knitting

Jeannie's Philosopher's Wool Fair Isle sweater

Joan's hat

JJ's shawl

Picnic news!

Date: Tuesday, August 16. Note: this is the third Tuesday, not the second Tuesday. The regular meeting on the second Tuesday is cancelled.
Time: 11:30 a.m.
Location: Pattie's house. Directions will be provided by e-mail to members. Thanks, Pattie!
Bring: A main dish, salad, dessert, or snacks to share; utensils for serving your dish, if needed; your own non-alcoholic beverage.
Provided: A gorgeous location, plates, utensils.

Other news to note

The Puyallup Library is not available for the November 8 meeting. Lisa will make arrangements to meet at her community club room in Sumner. Details and directions will be provided later.
So far 14 people have signed up and paid a deposit for the April 2012 retreat at Dumas Bay. If you are interested, contact Sue L. and pay a deposit.

July Meeting

2011-07-06T08:39:00.000-07:00

July Meeting

Tuesday, July 12, 9:30 a.m.

~~ Bring your knitting ~~
~~ Bring your FOs to show ~~
~~ Bring your items for donation ~~

Plan for the August picnic

See you there!

June Meeting

2011-06-30T10:11:00.000-07:00

An enthusiastic crowd attended the June meeting and showed their lovely work. Thanks to Joan C. for taking pictures.

Chris's shawl

Chris's market bag

Angela's scarf

Joan C.'s sweater and scarf

Karin's backpack

Anne, her friend Margaret, and Margaret's panel quilt

Anne's Pinkerton shawl

Joan's Multnomah shawl

Libbie's jacket made from yarn spun from her dad's dog

Debbie's Noro scarf

Cheri's merino shawl

REMINDER

2011-06-12T06:22:00.000-07:00

Don't forget... Tuesday, June 14th is Knitting Guild Meeting Day.

On June 18th there will be Knitting in Public Events at the following locations:

Allyn Waterfront Park

Kent Farmers' Market

Renton Fairwood Library conference room

Knitting with Friends

2011-05-30T08:45:00.000-07:00

Two upcoming events are opportunities to knit in public with friends.

World Wide Knit in Public Day

Saturday, June 18, 10 a.m.

Allyn Waterfront Park, Allyn

Hosted by Allyn Knit Shop, Yorkshire Yarns, A Good Yarn, other local shops

More information

Tacoma Rainiers Stitch 'n' Pitch

Thursday, June 30, 6 p.m.
Cheney Stadium, Tacoma

Enjoy the game with Rainiers vs. Fresno Grizzlies, a hot dog, non-alcoholic beverage, an official Rainiers baseball cap and a commemorative goodie bag.
Tickets cost $16. Purchase from Allyn Knit Shop in Allyn; Yorkshire Yarns in Lakewood; A Good Yarn in Port Orchard; and Fancy Image Yarn in Shelton.

Time to Think About Fair Entries

2011-05-16T09:06:00.000-07:00

The Western Washington Fair has posted information about how to enter your knitting in the Home Arts exhibition (select Home Arts for the PDF file with all of the information you need). New this year — you can submit your entry information online before you take them to the fair, which will make turning in your entries quicker.

Lots of categories are available in the Knitting division; you also can enter knitting in some of the Lace division. Enter as many categories as you can to show off your beautiful work and to show the world that knitting is alive, well, and more creative than ever.

Turn in your entries on Friday, August 26, and Saturday, August 27, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, August 28, noon to 6 p.m.

Inspiration

2011-05-11T09:17:00.000-07:00

“I get so many ideas from what other people are knitting.”

That is a frequently heard remark at Puyallup Knitting Guild meetings. The May meeting provided lots of inspiration (click on photos for larger versions).

Karin and Chris have been working on their comfort dolls for children affected by AIDS. Members also contributed several hats for Mary Bridge Hospital’s Purple Hat Project.

We were thrilled to welcome founding member Patty for a visit.

Updates

► The guild potluck picnic will be Tuesday, August 16, at Pattie’s house, starting at 11 a.m. Details will follow in the newsletter. The picnic will take the place of the regular meeting on the second Tuesday.

► So far 16 people have signed up for the 2012 retreat, April 2-4, at Dumas Bay. The classroom can accommodate up to 20 people. If you are interested in attending, contact Sue L. You need to pay part of the fee (approximately $170) but monthly payments can be arranged. If you have an idea for a class or demonstration, contact Jeanne or Sue V. Carrie and Barb have already agreed to provide a spinning demonstration.

May Meeting

2011-05-02T08:54:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, May 10

9:30 a.m.

Collection basket for charity knitting projects. Add to the growing collection of baby hats for the Purple Hat Project, scarves for cancer patients and comfort dolls for children affected by AIDS.

Bring your knitting and your latest finished projects.

Discuss the summer picnic at Pattie's house.

The South Sound Yarn Crawl is May 13, 14, and 15. This is a good chance to visit your favorite LYS (local yarn shop) and to learn about the wonderful variety of yarn and shops that we enjoy.

One World Wide Knit in Public Day event will be held on Saturday, June 18, at the Allyn Waterfront Park in Allyn. Pack a picnic lunch and carpool with friends for a day of fun with fellow knitters. Other WWKIP Day events may be held in other locations. If you know of one, let Sue V. know for notice on the blog.

April Knitting

2011-04-13T09:23:00.000-07:00

Enthusiasm marked the April guild meeting. Members showed off their latest projects.

And members continued to knit hats and comfort dolls for charity. Sue's purple hats will make for some happy babies and parents.

We reviewed the April retreat (which was fantastic) and made plans for the 2012 retreat. The retreat will be Monday, April 2, through Wednesday, April 4, 2012, at Dumas Bay. We need to make a $1,000 deposit to hold the dates. If you plan to go, please give $100 to Sue L., our new treasurer. You also can arrange with Sue for a payment plan if that works better for you. The total cost of the retreat will be approximately $175.

If you have an idea for a demonstration or class for the retreat, contact Jeanne or Sue V.

Whole Lotta Learning Goin' On

2011-04-08T10:05:00.000-07:00

Two-at-a-time, log cabin squares, personal help — a whole lotta learning and laughing went on at the April retreat.

And a whole lotta hats and dolls for charity.

Special thanks to those who donated to the door prizes and gift bags: Yellow House Yarns, Shibori Dragon Knits, Lamb's Ear Farm, Unraveled, The Yarn Stash, and Pacific Fabrics. Please support our local yarn stores, especially those who support our guild. Links are on the right. Many thanks also to Lisa Brinkley for her donations.

Last, not least, extra special thanks to Jeanne and Judy, who organized the retreat; to teachers Jeannie and Naomi; and to everyone who contributed so much to a successful event. Thanks also go to the staff at Dumas Bay Center for their hospitality.

Rainy Knitting

2011-03-30T12:56:00.000-07:00

Whether we have rain or sun, we can still knit.

Retreat Next Week!

April 4-6, Dumas Bay Center in Federal Way

Review what to bring, what you can learn, what you can sell, buy, give away.

A basket of yarn will be available for charity knitting and a basket to collect your knitted or crocheted items for charity.

Jeannie will accept purple baby hats as part of a program to educate new parents about shaken baby syndrome.
Scarves and hats for adults and children will to to St. Francis House in Puyallup.
Pink scarves will go to breast cancer patients.
Comfort dolls will be given to children whose lives have been affected by AIDS. Patterns and polyfill for comfort dolls will be available at the retreat.

April Meeting

Tuesday, April 12, 9:30 a.m.

~~ Show and share ~~

~~ More charity knitting ~~

~~ Retreat summary ~~

Pack Your Bags!

2011-03-26T10:31:00.000-07:00

We're about a week away from our retreat. Pack your bags and supplies and prepare to have a good time. Review the schedule, demonstrations, and things to bring in the earlier blog posts. See you at Dumas Bay!

Catching Up

2011-03-17T13:27:00.000-07:00

Joan D. received this message:

Great Web Site!! I am one of the Tacoma Knitters that joined you last month. I plan on attending your meetings in the future. We were all impressed with the group of ladies in your club. They are not only accomplished knitters but made us feel welcome. We had a great time. Thanks for inviting us.

And thank you, Tacoma Knitters, for visiting with us.

An article on Yellow House Yarns by our resident writer, Joan C., was published in the Puyallup Herald. Great job, Joan.

And for your additional reading pleasure, Naomi offers this article about lace knitting master Gene Beugler. You may have seen his patterns for Fiber Trends and in various publications. If not, look for them; you won't be disappointed.

Those knitters attending the retreat in a few short weeks should review the information on logistics, materials for demonstrations, and the destash opportunity.

More Information for the Retreat

2011-03-15T08:43:00.000-07:00

The upcoming retreat looks like a real winner, so start gathering your supplies and review the logistical information.

Color Knitting Cuff by Joan D.

Yarn: Color A for background of cuff and Color B accent color for design.
Worsted-weight or DK-weight wool.
Needles to match your yarn, double-points or straights.

Log Cabin Squares by Naomi

Yarn: kitchen cotton, one variegated color skein and matching solid color or self-striping color skein or odd-ball remnants of several colors.
Needles: US6, US7, or US8 depending on how you knit (or all three if you want to experiment).
A printed pattern for a log cabin square dishcloth, such as this one from Blossom Knitwear.

A good reference is Mason-Dixon Knitting: The Curious Knitter's Guide by Kay Gardiner and Ann Shayne. If you have this book, bring it along.

Two At A Time By Jeannie

Two balls of yarn.
Appropriate circular needles, with a 40" to 47" flexible cable.
Tapestry needle.
Pattern: You could use your favorite baby hat pattern with 2 balls of purple yarn to make hats during charity knitting time, or any type of yarn and simple pattern for a baby hat.

Schedule

This is a casual retreat. You can participate in the demonstrations or not, as you wish. You also can visit (as long as you don't disrupt the demos), nap, or walk the grounds at Dumas Bay.

Monday

If no one else is using the facility, we can arrive any time after 9 a.m. At this point, it looks like we are good for 9 a.m. check-in.
Check in at the desk, locate your room, bring your knitting, and come to Banquet Room #1.
11 a.m. — Color Knitting Cuff by Joan D.
Noon — Lunch
1:30 p.m. — Two at a Time with Jeannie
2:30 p.m. — Open knitting
6 p.m. — Dinner
Evening —Open knitting

Tuesday

8 a.m. — Breakfast
10 a.m. — Log Cabin Square by Naomi
Noon — Lunch break. Lunch is not provided at Dumas Bay today; this is your chance to go out, perhaps visit a yarn store or two.
2 p.m. — Charity Knitting by Nita
6 p.m. — Dinner
Evening — Open knitting

Wednesday

8 a.m. — Breakfast
9 a.m. -4-ish p.m. — Open knitting. Check out and leave at your leisure.

If you cannot attend the whole retreat, you can attend part of the retreat. The day charge is $5, plus $10.50 if you stay for lunch and $16.50 if you stay for dinner, all plus tax. Pay Joan D. and let Jeanne before Monday, March 28 so she can provide a head count to the Dumas Bay staff.

Welcome Visitors! And Retreat Info

2011-03-10T08:27:00.000-08:00

Puyallup and Tacoma came together when a dozen or so members of the Tacoma knitters group visited the Puyallup Knitting Guild. The Tacoma group meets at Fibers Etc. in downtown Tacoma on Wednesdays from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. They also have a Ravelry group.

April retreat — what you need to know

Jeanne and her team are putting together a great retreat. So far, retreat participants include Joan C., Joan D., Pattie, Nita, Jeannie, Sue L., Jeanne, Naomi, Anne, Chris, Sue V., and Jane. You still have time to sign up by contacting Jeanne. The cost is $168, a heckuva deal that includes room, meals, demonstrations, camaraderie, and fun.

General details:

Dates: Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, April 4, 5, and 6. We can check in at 9 a.m. We can stay until 4 p.m. on Wednesday. Jeanne is working on costs for those who want to attend only one or two days.
Location: Dumas Bay Centre in Federal Way. Check the link for directions and more information about the facilities.
Meals: The fee includes lunch and dinner on Monday; breakfast and dinner on Tuesday; and breakfast on Wednesday. Meals are served buffet-style. You can go out to lunch on Tuesday or nibble on snacks. Note that while we can stay until afternoon on Wednesday, lunch on Wednesday is not included so if you stay you will have to forage for lunch.
Coffee and tea service are not provided. Nita will bring a coffee pot and Sue V. will bring a kettle for boiling water. Two refrigerators and two microwave ovens are available, which are shared by all groups using the facility. Cooking is not allowed, nor is alcohol.
Rooms are singles. All rooms have a sink and toilet. Showers and other restroom facilities are nearby down the hall. Linens are included. Each room has a clock-radio.
Our meeting room is Banquet Room #1. The room has wireless Internet access.

What to bring:

Snacks to share (can't have too many snacks). If you bring something that needs a serving utensil or plates, bring those also.
Special blankets, pillows, back support/cushions, camp chair — whatever you need for comfort.
Hair dryer, if you want one. And a big bath towel, if that's what you prefer.
Tea bags, coffee, milk/creamer, sugar, soda, water. Bring your own cup for your beverage of choice.

Learning opportunities

Jeanne is still working on the schedule. Some of the demonstrations planned are:

Two at a time on a circular needle — Jeannie
Log cabin square — Naomi
Two-handed Fair Isle — Joan D.
Charity knitting, including Comfort Dolls for children with AIDS — Nita

Joan's Fair Isle wrist warmers, inside and outside

Naomi's log cabin square

Information on supplies needed for the demonstrations will be posted on this site in the near future. Generally, figure on using worsted-weight yarn and appropriately sized needles.

Destash opportunity

If you have yarn, needles, patterns, books, supplies that you want to clear out of your house, bring them to the retreat to sells, swap, or give away. Only three easy requirements:

You are responsible for your own pricing.
You are responsible for your own sales, including making change.
You are responsible for taking home anything that you don't sell or give away.

Easy!

MARCH MEETING

2011-03-01T18:48:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, March 8

9:30 a.m. - 12:00

Bring show and tell from Madrona or Stitches

Bring your projects to work on

Learn more about our upcoming retreat to Dumas Bay

and look forward to SPRING!!!

February Guild Meeting

2011-02-09T14:46:00.000-08:00

The February meeting was a full house with 17 members and three guests attending. Jeanne Miller gave us the details of the Dumas Bay Retreat to be held in April and deposits were collected from those planning to attend.

There followed a lively show and tell with lots of beautiful and interesting projects.

February Meeting

2011-02-01T09:34:00.000-08:00

Lots of interesting discussion is in store for the February meeting.

Tuesday, February 8

9:30 a.m.

~~~~ April Retreat Update ~~~~

~~~~ Show and share your current knitting ~~~~

The April retreat at Dumas Bay promises to be a good one. Here's what you need to know:

Dates: Monday, April 4t, to Wednesday, April 6
Check-in is 9 a.m. on Monday.
Fee: $181 per person
Fee includes lunch and dinner on Monday; breakfast and dinner on Tuesday; and breakfast on Wednesday

Please bring deposit of $91 to the February 8 meeting.

Jeannie shared this upcoming event: A popular new literary genre, the “needlework novel,” reflects the renewed interest in the domestic arts, especially needle crafts. The books center on the themes of knitting, lace-making, weaving, quilting and a variety of embroidery arts. Join us for this book discussion combined with an art lecture.Covington Library, Sunday, March 20, 2 p.m.Sponsored by Friends of the Covington Library.

New Yarn Shop in Puyallup!

2011-01-30T19:40:00.000-08:00

Opening this week

Yellow House Yarns

315 2nd St. NE, Puyallup

(across from McDonald's)

253-840-5648

Opening February 1

Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Grand opening party

Saturday, February 5

Look for the Yellow House Yarns group on Ravelry

Opportunities

2011-01-13T08:51:00.000-08:00

Opportunities to learn and to knit for others are available.

Sheep-to-Fabric

The Olympia Chapter of the American Sewing Guild is holding a public event on spinning and weaving on Saturday, January 29, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Puyallup Library. Members of the Moonspinners and Arachne spinning and weaving guilds will present a sheep-to-fabric lecture and demonstration. You will see spindle, treadle, and walking wheels; swifts; niddy-noddys; lazy kates; ball winders; carders; combs; and a small portable loom. They will display new and vintage hand-spun and woven fabrics. The demo will include a variety of fibers, including linen and coarse and fine animal fibers, including wool. The discussion will include the dye process. This will be an excellent opportunity to hear, see, and touch.

Contact Sue L. if you have any questions.

Hat and More Hats

At the January guild meeting we learned about two opportunities to knit hats for others.

Jeannie described the Purple Hat Project to help prevent Shaken Baby Syndrome. The idea is give the parents of every newborn a purple hat, an 11-minute DVD, and a book that explains this very difficult time for new parents. Baby crying increases between the second week and fourth month of life, which wears on new parents and potentially increases cases of Shaken Baby Syndrome. Jeannie is collecting hats sized for preemies and newborns in any and every shade of purple. She will give the hats to Mary Bridge Children's Hospital in Tacoma.

Guest Virginia introduced her new project, Somebody's Grandma. She is collecting hats for children who might otherwise not have a warm hat. Hats can be any size, any color, any technique (knit, crochet, loom, sewing). So far she has distributed dozens of hats through various charitable organizations. Each hat is delivered with a tag that says, "Somebody's grandma made this just for you." Sue V. will collect any hats and deliver them to Virginia.

Both Jeannie and Virginia prefer hats made from machine washable materials.

Whole Lotta Knitting Going On

January's meeting included a lot of fun and beautiful knitting.

First Meeting of 2011

2011-01-04T09:28:00.000-08:00

January Meeting

Tuesday, January 11, 9:30 a.m.

~~ Knitting resolutions? ~~

~~ Show and share current and finished projects ~~
~~ Upcoming retreat ~~

Save the Dates

2010-12-29T09:18:00.000-08:00

Puyallup Knitting Guild Retreat

April 4-6, 2011

Dumas Bay Retreat Center

Jeanne and Judy are planning a fabulous retreat. You'll learn new techniques, share your knitting successes, and find answers to your knitting questions.

And Dumas Bay is a great facility in a beautiful location.

More information will be available at upcoming guild meetings and on this blog.

Russian Join — A Technique to Know About

2010-12-22T12:54:00.000-08:00

Sue L. heard this technique for joining yarns — called Russian Join — described in words. But because sometimes pictures are more descriptive, she found these instructions with pictures. It looks like a site mostly for machine knitters, but the technique works equally well for hand knitters. The Russian Join is especially useful for yarns where spit splicing will not work; that is, for yarns that do not felt.

If you learn a new technique or want to share an old favorite, contact Sue V. for posting on our guild blog.

Party Time

2010-12-16T15:52:00.000-08:00

The annual holiday potluck was great fun. The food was plentiful and tasty.

Some Washington foster kids will enjoy the gifts that members donated. Sue L. will take them to a local Sleep Country store that supports foster children.

Knitters shared their latest creations, such as Joan C.'s kangaroo sweater...

Naomi's hat...

Joan D.'s teddy bear for her new great-granddaughter...

Angela's first sock...

Jeannie's felted bag...

And Chris's collection of mitten ornaments for her family.

Celebrate the Holidays

2010-12-06T10:44:00.000-08:00

Knit, chat, eat

December meeting

Tuesday, December 14, 9:30 a.m.

Bring:

An item for a potluck buffet. Deanne is supplying plates, napkins, and utensils.
Your own cup for coffee or tea or your own non-alcoholic beverage. Joanne will provide coffee and tea.
Your knitting and your show-and-tell items.
A new, unwrapped toy to donate to charity. Sue L. will deliver them to an appropriate agency to give children in the community a happier holiday.

Get out your favorite Christmas sweater, throw a holiday scarf around your neck, pull on those special knitted green and red socks, and join the festivities.

Lots of Beautiful Knitting

2010-11-09T13:51:00.000-08:00

Knitters displayed lots of beautiful and fun projects at the November meeting.

Jane is making progress on her sweater.

Joan D.'s entrelac felted bags are too cute.

Naomi modeled Sue V.'s screaming pink Haruni shawl.

Karin designed her hot knee socks.

Joanne is making a hat.

The group enjoyed a lot of socializing and sharing...

...while we watched it rain and rain and rain.

December holiday meeting: Tuesday, December 14, same time, same place. Potluck! Joanne will provide coffee and tea; Deanne will provide plates, napkins and utensils. Bring a dish to share, your coffee or tea cup and your knitting.

Also, if you want to, bring an unwrapped toy. Sue L. will make sure they are are donated to an appropriate agency for distribution during the holidays. We decided to donate toys instead of having a gift exchange.

More information on the holiday meeting will be posted later.

November Meeting

2010-11-02T10:41:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, November 8

9:30 a.m.

Bring your knitting and your latest projects for show-and-tell.

Have you tried one of the new cast-on techniques we learned last month? If so, tell us about it.

Share ideas for our December holiday meeting.

Speaking of the holidays, several members will participate in upcoming holiday bazaars and craft shows.

JJ will have a booth at the Northwood Holiday Boutique on Saturday, November 6, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. She has an interesting display of handmade gifts, including her beautiful totes, bags, and scarves. Nita will be helping, so come by and say hello! Northwood Elementary is at 9805 24th St. E., just west of Meridian Ave. in Edgewood.

Joan D.’s neighborhood holiday bazaar is coming up on Friday and Saturday, November 5-6, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Azalea Gardens clubhouse, 19525 100th Ave. Ct. E. Take Meridian south to 194th, turn right at the light, then left into Azalea Gardens. The clubhouse is straight ahead on the left. Along with holiday items there will be food, coffee, soda, and the like, and Joan may have a few items there as well.

Joanne S.'s park is having a holiday bazaar on Friday and Saturday, November 12-13, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. All items must be handmade so she will have potholders, dish towels, pillowcases, table runners, casserole carriers; pumpkin, zucchini and ginger breads; and peach and orange marmalade. The address is 2500 Alder St. in Milton.

Successful Class on Casting On

2010-10-14T10:15:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to Shirley and Terry for a fabulous class on cast-ons. The four hours went quickly as we learned and experimented with different ways to cast on for knitting. As is typical of guild meetings, members helped each other master the cast-ons,

Special thanks to Shirley and Terry for a great class, and to Sonya at Yorkshire Yarns. And, thanks to Joan D. for organizing the class, and to JJ and Nita for the cake and muffins.

Cast-On Class This Tuesday

2010-10-11T08:30:00.000-07:00

The long-anticipated class on casting on is tomorrow, Tuesday, October 12, starting at 9 a.m. Bring your supplies and enthusiasm for this great opportunity.

A small amount of smooth worsted-weight or DK-weight yarn in two colors; light colors make it easier for you to see your work.
Needles in an appropriate size, usually 5, 6, 7, 8. One needle needs to be a circular at least 24 inches long.
A medium-sized crochet hook.
Scissors, pencil, paper for notes.

Get ready to cast on!

Get Ready to Cast On

2010-09-26T10:34:00.000-07:00

Cast-on Class!

Tuesday, October 12

9 a.m.

Joan D. has arranged for a four-hour class on different types of cast-ons to be held during our regular meeting at the library, except that we will start promptly at 9 a.m.

For the class you need:

A small amount of smooth worsted-weight or DK-weight yarn in two colors; light colors make it easier for you to see your work.
Needles in an appropriate size, usually 5, 6, 7, 8. One needle needs to be a circular at least 24 inches long.
A medium-sized crochet hook.
Scissors, pencil, paper for notes.

There is no cost to guild members. Thanks to Joan, Sonya from Yorkshire Yarns in Lakewood, and instructor Shirley for bringing this useful information.

Stars at the Fair

2010-09-21T08:25:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to our guild members who won ribbons at this year's Western Washington Fair in Puyallup.

Sue V. won five ribbons (two firsts, a second, a third, and an honorable mention).

Joan M. won an honorable mention for her beautiful baby outfit.

At the September meeting, the guild discussed setting a goal of at least six (maybe eight?) members entering at least one knitted item in the fair. Any takers?

Pretty Projects!

2010-09-15T09:17:00.000-07:00

Guild members continue to produce fabulous knitting for family and friends, and to learn new skills and techniques.

Anne is working on a vest and on a sweater she is designing:

Nita and Joan M. finished sweaters for children:

Angela and Naomi have hats on their minds:

Sue V. finished a doily:

Coming events!

Cascade Yarns warehouse visit, Saturday, October 9, 2-4:30 p.m. Contact the Burien Yarn Stash for details and reservations.
Northwood Holiday Boutique, featuring JJ's beautiful bags and scarves, Saturday, November 6, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., 9805 24th St. E., Edgewood. Contact JJ for more details.
Cast-on class, Puyallup Knitting Guild, Tuesday, October 12, 9 a.m. Details will appear on this blog and in the newsletter. If you plan to attend but did not sign up on Tuesday, contact Joan D. so the instructor knows how many people to expect.

September Meeting

2010-09-07T15:25:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, September 14

9:30 a.m.

Bring your WIPs (works-in-progress) and FOs (finished objects) to show and share!

Be ready to tell Joan whether you plan to participate in the October cast-on class (see below):

October Preview: Joan D. has arranged for a four-hour class on different types of cast-ons to be held during our regular meeting at the library on Tuesday, October 12, except that we will start promptly at 9 a.m. There is no cost to guild members. Thanks to Joan, Sonya from Yorkshire Yarns in Lakewood, and instructor Shirley for bringing this useful information.

For the class you need:

A small amount of smooth worsted-weight or DK-weight yarn in two colors; light colors make it easier for you to see your work.
Needles in an appropriate size, usually 5, 6, 7, 8. One needle needs to be a circular at least 24 inches long.
A medium-sized crochet hook.
Scissors, pencil, paper for notes.

Potluck Knitting

2010-08-04T09:17:00.000-07:00

We're famous! Joan C. wrote this great article for the Examiner online newspaper. Recognize Naomi's socks?

Many thanks to Pattie for offering her beautiful lakeside home and gazebo for our annual fest of knitting and eating. The day started out chilly — as bundled-up Judy and JJ demonstrated — but the sun came out to warm the proceedings.

Jane is making great progress on her sweater.

Carole helped Millie, a new knitter, with her knitting.

Joan D. showed us her beautiful shawl, knit as a sample for a local wholesaler of yarn and knitting supplies.

Coming events:

Western Washington Fair. Knitting entries are accepted August 27, 28, 29.
October 12 regular guild meeting, start at 9 a.m., class on cast-ons. Supplies: worsted weight yarn and appropriate needles. Details will be posted here and in the newsletter.

Summer Picnic and Knitting

2010-07-23T16:11:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, August 3

11 a.m.

Pattie's house

(directions in last newsletter)

~~~ Bring ~~~

Item for potluck lunch

Your beverage of choice
Plates, flatware, napkins provided

Knitting

Show-and-tell items

Folding chair or camp chair

Sunglasses/sun hat

Item for gift exchange, wrapped or in a bag to hide it

Possibilities: A book or pattern you no longer use, yarn you no longer want, knitting accessories — use your imagination!

The annual picnic and potluck is always great fun. Many thanks to Pattie for hosting.

Show and tell introductions

2010-07-15T11:42:00.000-07:00

Show and tell time was an opportunity to introduce ourselves to new member, Millie.

Jane explaned her progress on this garment, Joan M showed her very cute baby sweater that was having a hard time getting a second sleeve to match the first. Joyce is color coordinated, as usual, with her gorgeous new bag.

Karen is back from Germany and working on another skirt, while Jeannie continues with her socks. Millie discusses her yarn choice and Naomi displays her sock blank dyeing and sock knitting. Pattie found her fingerless gloves that just need a little more work and Sue shows us what she learned about linen stitch and shoulder shaping at the Salt Spring retreat.

After show and tell we planned the upcoming picnic at Pattie's at which we'll have a potluck lunch and then hold a white elephant exchange. We then discussed and decided to have the four-hour Cast-On class in our library meeting room on October 12th.

Summer (?) Meeting

2010-07-04T15:34:00.000-07:00

Maybe summer will arrive before the next meeting? Sun, rain, clouds, or snow, the meeting will be Tuesday, July 13, at 9:30 a.m., at the Puyallup Library.

~~~~~~~

Joan D. has been working with Yorkshire Yarns in Lakewood to plan a fall class for all members. She has solicited ideas from the group, following up with a written proposal that has been presented to Sonya, the shop owner. If you’re a Yorkshire customer, you have probably met Shirley, who will be our instructor. Details will be discussed at the July meeting.

~~~~~~~

Pattie is looking forward to hosting all of us for the annual potluck picnic at her place on Lake Tapps on Tuesday, August 3, at 11 a.m. Let’s hope for blue skies and sunshine so we can enjoy her beautiful lakeside home and gazebo.

What should you bring? First of all, your knitting and show-and-tell items. Second, a beverage for yourself and a potluck item to share with everyone. Third, a folding lawn/camp chair if you have one. Plates, napkins, and flatware will be provided. We always have good food and lots of fun at this annual event.

You received directions to Pattie's in Nita's last newsletter. If you have questions, ask Pattie.

Note: We will not meet on our regular meeting day of Tuesday, August 10.

~~~~~~~

Are You Ready for the Fair? The 2010 Western Washington Fair at the Puyallup Fairgrounds is September 10-26. Look over all those projects and select what you would like to enter in the Home Arts exhibit. Entries will be accepted August 27, 28, and 29. You will find the Puyallup Fair exhibitors’ rules and regulations on the Web site.

In addition to your knitting, you may have a crocheted project, quilting, stitchery, needlepoint, lace, rug, or weaving project to exhibit. Entering an item for display at the Fair is a good way to share your enthusiasm for knitting, and it is always interesting to see what other knitters and crafters are doing.

Such Great Knitting!

2010-06-09T09:27:00.000-07:00

It is baby season for many Puyallup Knitting Guild knitters. Joan D.'s great-grandchild will be cozy in this lovely blanket.

Deanne's friend's baby will cuddle in this beauty.

Joan M.'s granddaughter will be very stylish in her sweater.

Hats also are popular, as Sue L. and Carole show.

Sue V. finished her feather-and-fan shawl.

And JJ is producing beautiful bags that are perfect for carrying precious knitting projects.

*** Updates ***

The summer potluck at Pattie's house will be Tuesday, August 3 (not August 10), at 11 a.m. Bring your knitting and something yummy to share. If the weather cooperates, we will meet in Pattie's gazebo by the lake; otherwise, we will be inside. Nita will provide details and directions in the newsletter.

Pat has offered to host a winter meeting in the community room at her retirement community. Maybe our December holiday meeting?

The guild has some money left over from the Spring Retreat. Joan D. is going to contact a local yarn store about hosting a one-day class for the guild. Topics? Maybe entrelac, maybe cast-ons and bind-offs? Joan will report on possible topics and dates.

June Meeting

2010-06-02T09:24:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, June 8

9:30 a.m.

Puyallup Library

~ Plans for World Wide Knit in Public Day ~

~ Yarn crawl experiences ~

~ Charity knitting opportunities ~

~ Show and share ~

~ Possible guild knit-along? ~

Note that the August meeting (August 10) traditionally is a potluck picnic at Pattie's beautiful house on Lake Tapps. Pattie has graciously invited us to return. Let's start planning!

Sue will have a picture CD from the 2010 retreat for those who attended. Judy and Jeanne have volunteered to organize the 2011 Spring Retreat. Let them know if you can help.

Knitting in Public

2010-05-19T09:04:00.000-07:00

Guild members plan to be involved in two World Wide Knit in Public Day events in June.

Saturday, June 12, Frontier Park in Graham. Joan D. will have details.

Saturday, June 19, Allyn Waterfront Park in Allyn, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Plans include participation by several yarn shops a vendors, live music, door prizes.

For both events, plan to bring your knitting, a comfortable lawn chair, sunscreen and hat, water, and a picnic.

We will talk more about these events at the June guild meeting.

May Meeting

2010-05-12T08:50:00.000-07:00

Members of the Puyallup Knitting Guild had a lot to show at the May meeting.

Demonstrating what she learned at the Spring Retreat, Nita showed off her mitered squares scarf.

Sue L. finished her cotton-linen market bag.

Joan D. is working on a sweater for great-grandbaby #2.

JJ enjoyed her alpaca lace scarf.

We also welcome Tanya to our group. Tanya is a beginning knitter. Her first project? Socks! Looks like she will be a fantastic knitter.

In club business: Jeanne and Judy offered to organize the 2011 Spring Retreat. No doubt they can expect lots of help and support from guild members.

Coming soon: World Wide Knit in Public Day, Saturday, June 12. An event is being held at Frontier Park in Graham. Joan D. will find out the details and report at the June meeting. Joan M. will check with Yorkshire Yarns to find out if that shop is participating in an event. Watch here for further details.

May Meeting

2010-05-03T10:10:00.000-07:00

May Meeting

Tuesday, May 11

9:30 a.m.

Puyallup Library

Bring your:

Show and share items
Mitered square or lace projects you have finished or are working on
Current knitting projects
If you took photos of the retreat, bring them on a CD for Sue to include in a CD of the retreat.
Your name tent from the retreat
New books, patterns, or knitting supplies to show

Joan's Salsa

2010-04-28T10:26:00.000-07:00

One highlight of the retreat was Joan C.'s Addictive Salsa. She graciously agreed to share her recipe.

1 can shoepeg sweet corn, drained (in the grocery store near the regular canned corn)
1 can black-eyed peas, drained
1 small jar chopped pimentos, drained
1 red onion, diced
1 jalapeno, seeded an diced (optional)
1 red, green, yellow or orange pepper, seeded and diced

Mix all of the above in a bowl with this marinade:

1/2 cup oil
1 cup vinegar
2/3 cup sugar
1 Tablespoon Tiger Sauce (by the Tabasco)
Salt and pepper to taste

Marinate 2-3 hours or overnight. Drain before serving.

Spring Retreat a Success

2010-04-22T09:00:00.000-07:00

The Spring Retreat provided three days of knitting, learning, sharing and friendship.

Thanks first to JJ and Nita for their hard work organizing the retreat. The skills they brought to their teaching careers were evident in the planning and creativity of the retreat, including name tags, gift bags, donated door prizes, and needle cases. Even flowers on the tables! There are not enough superlatives to describe their work. Thanks, JJ and Nita!

Thanks also to Naomi and Joan for their class on mitered squares. We learned how to construct mitered squares and discovered many ways mitered squares can be incorporated into knitting projects. Joan and Naomi provided excellent instruction and endless patience. Thanks, Joan and Naomi!

And the results — ta-da!

Sue V. taught a short class on lace knitting to enthusiastic knitters.

Thanks also to Unraveled Yarn and Gifts in Federal Way and Pacific Fabrics for the gifts and door prizes. And thanks to Rob and his staff at Dumas Bay for their hospitality.

More photos and Joan C.'s recipe for Addictive Salsa (it really is addictive!) will be published here in the near future.

Sue V. will prepare a photo disk of the retreat for those who attended. If you took pictures, please edit them, put them on a disk, and give them to Sue V. at the May meeting. Sue V. will compile them and make copies.

More Beautiful Knitting

2010-04-14T09:20:00.000-07:00

First, welcome to guests Anne and Helen. We are delighted they will be joining us at our Spring Retreat.

One of the best parts of guild meetings is seeing all of the beautiful knitting. Some knitters are recycling yarn by taking a garment apart and using the yarn for something else.

Some knitters are resurrecting UFOs and looking to finish them, even turning a pullover into a cardigan.

Many are knitting for children.

Some are knitting for others.

Socks are a perennial favorite.

One last item for the Spring Retreat: Bring your camera. We will collect photos and compile them onto a disk for those who attend. Of course, some photos will posted here as well.

April Meeting

2010-04-07T09:32:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, April 13
9:30 a.m.
Puyallup Library

~~ Spring Retreat final plans ~~

~~ Show and share ~~

~~ Knit! ~~

Spring Retreat Again

2010-04-03T09:38:00.000-07:00

Just a few more weeks until our Spring Retreat at Dumas Bay. Details are in the February 14 and March 14 posts in this blog.

Any changes must be submitted to Dumas Bay by Tuesday, April 13. If you have not already registered and paid, and if you want to attend for a day, a meal or two, or a one-night stay, be prepared to provide that information and payment to JJ at the guild meeting on April 13. Costs are $7.75 for breakfast, $10 for lunch, $15.50 for dinner, and $43 over an overnight stay, plus tax.

Retreat attendance is now at 11 for the whole retreat and two for a half-retreat each.

Spring Retreat Part 2

2010-03-15T13:27:00.000-07:00

First, read about the logistics of the Spring Retreat in the February 14 post on this blog. We now have 12 knitters signed up.

This post, Part 2, is about the class. Joan and Naomi are going to teach a class on mitered squares, using a dishcloth as a starting point. For example:

Fantastic, aren't they? It promises to be a fun class with excellent instructors.

Here is what you will need:

Copies of these free patterns: basic modular dishcloth and mitered dishcloth. Please print your own copies of these patterns to use in the class.
1 ball of kitchen cotton. Light colors are better so you can see what you are doing.
Needles (straight or circular) in a size that gives you a fabric that you like. Size 6, 7, or 8 is good for kitchen cotton, depending on how tightly or loosely you knit.

In addition, Sue will teach a mini-class on lace. Your project will be a lace face cloth, such as these from the 2009 retreat.

If you want to take this class, you should bring:

1 ball of kitchen cotton, preferably in a light color so you can see your stitches.
Needles (straight or circular) in a size that gives you a fabric you like. Size 6, 7, or 8 is good, depending on how tightly or loosely you knit.
Markers, pencils, highlighters and other supplies to make following a chart easier.
Homework: So that we can jump right into the lace, you have a little homework. Cast on 43 stitches loosely. Knit 5 rows. For row 6, knit 3, purl to the last 3 stitches, knit 3. That's it. Sue will provide the pattern for the cloth in class.

Schedule:

The tentative schedule for the retreat is below. Times may vary depending on how long classes last and knitters' preferences.

Monday

If no one else is using the facility, we can arrive any time after 9 a.m.
Noon-1 p.m. — Lunch
1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., with a break mid-afternoon — Start mitered squares class
6 p.m. — Dinner
Evening — Knitting and chatting

Tuesday

8 a.m. to 9 a.m. — Breakfast
9:30 a.m. to noon-ish — Mitered squares class
Noon to 2 p.m. — Lunch break (lunch is not provided at Dumas Bay; this is your chance to go out, perhaps visit a yarn store or two)
2 p.m. to 5 p.m. — Knitter's choice: more mitered squares, beginning lace, or knit whatever you want
6 p.m. — Dinner
Evening — Open

Wednesday

8 a.m. to 9 a.m. — Breakfast
9:30 a.m. to noon — Knitter's choice
Noon to 1 p.m. — Lunch
Leave at your leisure

Questions? Leave them as a comment here and we will try to answer them here for everyone to see.

Spring Knitting

2010-03-10T08:22:00.000-08:00

Knitters showed off their spring knitting at the March guild meeting.

And if you missed the Jane Pauley interview on the Today show with Betsy McCarthy, you can see it here and here. Parts of the interview were filmed at Madrona Fiber Arts and Yorkshire Yarns.

March Meeting

2010-03-03T09:17:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, March 9

9:30 a.m.
Puyallup Library

Spring Retreat

Show and Share

Knit!

Spring Retreat Part 1

2010-02-14T10:56:00.000-08:00

Here is the first round of details for the Spring Retreat. More information will be available at the March meeting and on this site, so check back often.

Eleven people have signed up so far, and we have room for more. You do not have to be a Puyallup Knitting Guild member to join us for the retreat.

Spring Retreat Part 1 is about logistics.

Dates: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, April 19, 20, and 21. If no one else is using the facility on those dates, we can check in at 9 a.m. on Monday and stay until 4 p.m. on Wednesday. The early check-in and late check-out may change if other groups are using the facility before, during, or after us.

Location: Dumas Bay Centre in Federal Way. Check the link for directions and more information about the facilities. We will talk about carpooling at the March, or even April, meeting.

Meals: The fee includes lunch and dinner on Monday, breakfast and dinner on Tuesday, and breakfast and lunch on Wednesday. Meals are served buffet-style. You can go out to lunch on Tuesday or nibble on snacks. Coffee and tea service during the day will not be provided (see below). Alcohol is not permitted. Two refrigerators and two microwave ovens are available, which are shared with all groups using the facility. Cooking is not permitted. If you have special dietary needs, contact JJ.

Rooms: The rooms are singles. All of our rooms have a sink and a toilet. Showers and other restroom facilities are nearby down the hall. A few adjacent rooms have a pocket door between them. Linens are included. Each room has a clock-radio. Hair-dryers are not provided.

Meeting Room: We will be in Banquet Room #1. Bring a pillow, back support, or a camp-style chair if you think you might need one. A map of the facility is on the Dumas Bay Web site, noted above. The meeting room has wireless Internet access.

Classes:

Naomi and Joan will teach a class on mitered squares, which will take the majority of the teaching time. Sue will offer a short version of last year's lace class for those who missed it (and if anyone wants it).

You will have plenty of time for your own knitting, talking with others at the retreat, and enjoying the beautiful grounds.

Details about the classes, supplies, and schedules will be posted here in the near future.

What to bring with you:

Supplies for the mitered squares class and for the lace class if you want to participate.

Your favorite snacks and utensils and serving pieces for them, if necessary.

Tea bags and coffee, milk or creamer, sugar, anything coffee- or tea-related, including a cup. Nothing outside of the meals will be provided. Coffee and tea service during the day will not be provided. Sue will bring a pot for boiling water. Someone (?) offered to bring a coffee pot. A refrigerator is available for milk and for water or pop that you bring.

Special blankets or pillows, back support, cushions you might need, and a hair-dryer if you want one.

Copies of any materials you want to share (make sure you respect copyright). You will have to pay for any copies you want to make at Dumas Bay Centre.

Costs were discussed at the February meeting. If you have questions, contact JJ.

If you can't attend the whole retreat, you are welcome to visit for a day. If you want to enjoy a meal with the group, contact JJ so she can reserve a place for you and tell you the cost of the meal and day-use fee.

Many thanks to JJ and Nita for making the arrangements for the retreat, and to Naomi and Joan for the class.

The retreat promises to be a chance to improve your knitting skills in a fun, supportive environment.

Socks and More

2010-02-10T09:07:00.001-08:00

Much of the February meeting was about socks, socks and more socks. Some members are veteran sock knitters; others are new to socks. Some socks are toe-up, some cuff-down. Some are knit on double-pointed needles, some on circulars. Some are knit two at a time, some are knit solo. Whatever style, needles or techniques are used, all are beautiful.

But socks were not the only beautiful knitting on display. Take a look at Joan's baby outfit:

Plans came together for the April retreat, now scheduled for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, April 19, 20 and 21. Watch this site next week for more details.

February Meeting

2010-01-31T11:01:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, February 9
9:30 a.m.
Puyallup Library

We will finalize plans for the spring retreat, Tuesday-Thursday, April 20-22, at Dumas Bay Centre in Federal Way; Nita included pictures of the facilities in the February newsletter. Joyce will tell us about costs, meals, choices, and what's included. We can decide what else we will need. Bring your checkbook to reserve your place. Many thanks to Joyce for all of her hard work on this!

We also will decide the class topic and select our instructor(s). It is important to decide the topic now so the instructor(s) can prepare for the class. Possibilities include:

Mitered squares
Short rows
Gaia shawl
Entrelac
Stashbusting ideas
Quincy hat by Jared Flood

Past retreats have focused on the Baby Surprise Jacket and lace knitting.

Bring your WIPs and your FOs to show. We also can talk about classes members are taking at the upcoming Madrona Fiber Arts retreat.

Whole Lot of Knitting Going On

2010-01-15T08:56:00.000-08:00

The January 12 meeting was a showcase for fabulous knitting. For instance:

The guild decided to hold the spring retreat Tuesday-Thursday, April 20-22, at Dumas Bay Centre. Thanks to Joyce and Nita for finding the location. Joyce will talk more about costs and what's included at the February meeting. We'll decide on a class topic at the February meeting.

January Meeting

2010-01-04T09:08:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, January 12

9:30 a.m.
Puyallup Library

Discuss the spring retreat:
~~ classes ~~
~~ dates ~~
~~ location ~~

Plus:
~~ Holiday knitting review ~~
~~ Current knitting ~~

Decisions, Decisions

2009-12-14T08:55:00.000-08:00

We have enough good ideas for our spring 2010 retreat that we could fill several retreats. During the next few months, we need to choose our topic for 2010. The choices so far are:

Mitered squares — here is an example
Short rows — here is a tutorial
Gaia shawl
Entrelac — here is an example
Stashbusting ideas
Quincy hat by Jared Flood, a.k.a. Brooklyn Tweed. This is a pattern for purchase, either in Jared's Made in Brooklyn booklet for Classic Elite (approximately $16) or as a Ravelry download ($4.75). We may be able to negotiate a lower price for the pattern as a group. Each person would have to buy a pattern to stay in line with copyright requirements.

Think about what you might want to do at the retreat, and who you might want from our group to teach. We'll talk about this at the January meeting, so gather your thoughts and preferences.

If you have any thoughts in the meantime, you can post them in the comments section.

Happy Holidays

2009-12-09T09:28:00.000-08:00

Guild members welcomed four visitors to our holiday meeting. Pattie invited her friend Angela, who came with her friend Maria. Maria is a new knitter — welcome to the knitting community! Angela is coaching Maria. For herself, Angela is learning to knit socks on two circular needles.

Joanne invited Joan, who invited her friend Deanne. That gives our guild three Joans and a Joanne; the Joans are slowly outnumbering the Pattie/Patricia/Pat contingent.

The potluck was yummy. Members are talented cooks as well as talented knitters.

We also shared knitting projects, such as Karin's re-designed sweater. Karin removed the striped top of the sweater and replaced it with black, saving the beautiful color border.

Sue modeled her sweater that fits her perfectly. Sue really understands fit and how good fit can flatter.

Thanks to Joan and Naomi for organizing the gift exchange, and thanks to members for their clever and thoughtful knitting gifts.

And special thanks to Pattie for securing our library room each month, organizing the room for the potluck and for everything she does to make our guild run smoothly. It looks effortless, and we appreciate how much work Pattie does to make it look that way.

Celebrate the Holidays!

2009-12-02T10:07:00.001-08:00

Holiday Meeting
Potluck and Gift Exchange

Tuesday, December 8
Set up at 9:30 a.m.
Clean up at noon

Wear Christmas colors

Bring a dish for the buffet table

Bring a white elephant gift in a brown paper bag

Bring your knitting to show and share

Show and Teach

2009-11-16T08:51:00.000-08:00

One of the benefits that Puyallup Knitting Guild members enjoy is the opportunity to show off recent work and share ideas and techniques.

Such as Naomi's mitered square blanket.

And Nita's scarf and mitt set.

And knitting time.

A Star in our Midst!

2009-11-11T08:56:00.001-08:00

This month's guild meeting included finding homes for several back issues of Knit 'N Style magazine (all of the magazines were adopted). While glancing through the magazines, Joan noticed that her Lace Diamond Shawl, which she designed for Skacel, had been published in the February 2009 issue.

Congratulation, Joan, on your accomplishment. It is a beautiful shawl.

November Meeting

2009-11-04T10:41:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, November 10
9:30 a.m.
Puyallup Library

~ Show and share recent projects ~
~ Plan for holiday meeting ~

October Meeting

2009-10-17T13:11:00.001-07:00

The October meeting was great fun. Joanne brought a new member, Debra, with one section of a five-section shawl. Joyce brought a red hat. Patti worked on a fingerless mitt. Nita is working on an afghan. Joan wore a left-over glitz scarf for her neighborhood craft sale.

Thanks to Joan for the photography.

Next meeting: Tuesday, November 10.

Cruising Knitters

2009-10-09T14:48:00.000-07:00

It was only two days aboard the MS Zaandam, but the experience was outstanding in every respect. Even the weather was better than predicted. We departed Seattle on Friday at 5 pm and had some quality knitting time on the Lido deck.

Our entire group received upgrades to the Verandah deck, the above cabin shot is from our verandah.

The ship was beautiful with works of art on every deck, the food excellant, service top-notch.

The best part is that our travel agent, Sandy, is already planning next year's cruise. It will be a four day round trip from Seattle. So start your long-term planning knitters, the next one will be even better.

Stash Enhancement

2009-10-03T13:05:00.001-07:00

Note the new list of local yarn shops. If your favorite is not listed, add it as a comment and we'll add it to the list.

Knitting and Dyeing with Steph and Tina

2009-09-28T09:57:00.000-07:00

Here's a nearby opportunity to knit and dye with experts Steph and Tina, the team that brought you Sock Summit. Sounds like a great weekend.

Saving an EZ Sweater

2009-09-21T09:02:00.000-07:00

Read the story of how a "lost" Elizabeth Zimmermann sweater was found and recreated here.

Then see photos that Jared (a.ka. Booklyn Tweed) took here.

If you are not familiar with Elizabeth Zimmermann, you can learn more here and here.

Come to the Fair!

2009-09-14T08:47:00.000-07:00

When you visit the Western Washington Fair this year, you'll see some fabulous knitting in the Home Arts section. Beautiful shawls, darling baby clothes, elegant sweaters, toe-tickling socks, and head-warming hats — and award ribbons on work submitted by guild members Joan and Sue.

Among Joan's winners are a sweater and her leftover sock yarn blanket.

Sue won ribbons for doilies and a beaded scarf.

September Meeting

2009-08-31T08:46:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, September 8
9:30 a.m.

~ Show-and-share ~
~What are you reading? ~

Now Here's Something Amazing

2009-08-18T12:52:00.000-07:00

Look at this. Amazing!

Fun, Food, Knitting

2009-08-13T10:48:00.001-07:00

The guild's annual picnic moved indoors this year because of weather, but the enthusiasm and fun was as lively as ever.

There was lots of knitting:

And showing of finished work:

And a raffle:

And Pattie's sewing-together of the blocks we made for the seaming lesson. The result will be a child's blanket that will be donated.

Many thanks are in order:

To Pattie, for hosting the group and sewing together our blanket squares.
To Joan, for sharing her Sock Summit experiences and for organizing the raffle.
To everyone for their yummy food for the potluck and their raffle items.

And, special welcome to our new member, Carole.

A Better View of Sock Summit

2009-08-11T09:10:00.000-07:00

I have deleted my jumbled up last post and now suggest that for some really good photos of Sock Summit you go to visit It's Otrembarific at http://Otrembarific.joelandkeri.com/

Also, if you would like to see the video taken at the Guinness World Record event go to:
http://blog.oregonlive.com/knitting/2009/08/video_at_sock_summit_knitters.html

(at the very end you'll see a brief shot of me peeking out).

Picnic!

2009-08-10T11:54:00.000-07:00

Puyallup Knitting Guild
Annual Potluck Picnic

Tuesday, August 11, 11 a.m.
Pattie's House
(directions included in last newsletter)

Bring
~ Food or beverage to share ~
~ An item for a raffle ~
~ Your knitting ~

Not sure what to knit next? Sue L. suggests this as a possibility:

Sock Summit Report

2009-08-07T09:18:00.000-07:00

Greetings from Portland. Sock Summit is everything I expected plus more, much more.

There were classes yesterday, I had a one-hour on Hooked on Beads, then the market opened at 4:30 with masses of knitters in line to get in. I had a map marked with booths to visit, but never looked at it... just wandered in a daze. But did get a few skeins of yarn and a book (Cookie A's) to get started.

Last night's Opening Reception was jam-packed with attendees, teachers and luminaries. A very nice hors d'oeuvre buffet was served, then Stephanie and Tina told the story of how the summit came to be in a hilarious tale of how to convince the powers-that-be that this wild, crazy scheme could ever attract ANY attendees! Hah! (I'll have to share the story about my elevator encounter with Barbara Walker before I knew that she was Barbara Walker when I get home.)

Now soon, I will soon return to the convention center to enter the huge room where we will certainly set a Guiness record for knitters knitting in one place for 15 minutes.

Right now I don't have time to play with posting any pictures, but will try to do that tomorrow.

Shawl Pin Contest

2009-07-24T12:14:00.000-07:00

For those who like to wear shawls and those who like contests, go to http://rosemarygoround.blogspot.com/ to see her beautiful sheepy shawl pins. If this blog post wins her contest, I'll contribute the winning pin to our raffle at the August picnic.

A Wild Log Cabin Blanket

2009-07-22T19:25:00.000-07:00

This post is a practice shot for me learning to upload pictures to the blog. So here is my latest Project Linus blanket. It's a log cabin using all the leftovers from the bottom of my acrylic yarn bin.... no color plan here at all folks, just grab and knit. Hopefully some kid will really love it.

I've also added a shot of the jacket project I've started for Skacel. This is the original garment, mine will be in a fall colorway. I'm working on the back, which is solid color and in seed stitch, the fronts and sleeve cuffs are done with short rows. Should have something to show you by picnic time.

The photo practice is to get me ready to send you some on-the-scene news from the Sock Summit coming up in a couple of weeks. Stay tuned.

Readers

2009-07-21T13:58:00.000-07:00

You probably have noticed the sidebar that lists books recommended by members. During the last meeting, a good deal of the conversation was about book recommendations, along with knit talk. Instead of trying to remember recommendations, or scratching notes on napkins, we've added this feature to the blog. If you have a book — fiction, nonfiction, cookbooks, even knitting books! — to recommend, let Sue or Joan know so you can share your book find with other members.

You'll also notice a link to a list of books, TV shows and movies that contain knitting or crocheting references.

Enjoy!

Sharing Knowledge

2009-07-15T08:19:00.000-07:00

One of the great pleasures of the Puyallup Knitting Guild is the sharing of knowledge among members. Members also are the biggest fans of individual achievements.

Nita has become an expert on left-leaning decreasing and is exploring lace. Hooray!

The August meeting will be a picnic and raffle. Look for details in your next newsletter.

Heads-up ladies

2009-07-11T08:36:00.000-07:00

Just to get you thinking before the July meeting; we're going to ask for donations to a raffle that will be held at the August picnic at Pattie's. I've got some books to offer and maybe a skein or two of yarn. Others?

July meeting

2009-07-09T09:10:00.000-07:00

~ Next meeting ~

Tuesday, July 14
9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

~~ Plan for August picnic ~~
~~ Show-and-share ~~

Yipes! Stripes!

2009-06-29T08:30:00.001-07:00

Sue has been experimenting with self-striping kitchen cotton for face cloths. Clockwise, from upper left: Octagonal Swirl; Feather and Fan from "A Treasury of Knitting Patterns" by Barbara Walker; Eleeomanator's Diagonal Lace Dishcloth; and Eyelet Check from "A Treasury of Knitting Patterns" by Barbara Walker.

What else can you do to take advantage of self-striping kitchen cotton?

Left-Leaning Decreases

2009-06-18T09:36:00.000-07:00

During our lace knitting retreat, we talked about different ways to make left-leaning decreases. The talented Evelyn Clark has created a sampler dish cloth so you can practice four types of left-leaning decreases. They all lean left but each is slightly different; practice all four to add to your knitting repertoire.

While you are at it, browse Evelyn's Web site and look for her designs published by Fiber Trends. Her lace patterns are always beautiful, with clear instructions.

World Wide Knit in Public Day in Allyn

2009-06-14T07:57:00.001-07:00

The Puyallup Knitting Guild was well represented at World Wide Knit in Public Day in Allyn, Washington, on Saturday, June 13. Joan, Naomi, Sue and Karin, plus friends and family, enjoyed a knit-filled day in a beautiful setting.

Thanks and congratulations to the five knit shops that sponsored the successful event:

Allyn Knit Shop in Allyn
Yorkshire Yarns in Lakewood
Yarn Garden in Gig Harbor
Linda's Knit N' Stitch in Silverdale
Fancy Image Yarn in Shelton

They are all great shops and well worth a visit if you are in the area.

The organizers plan to repeat the event in 2010, so save the second Saturday in June for World Wide Knit in Public Day.

Seaming Tutorial

2009-06-09T13:38:00.000-07:00

The June 9 meeting included a tutorial on seaming, with lessons on seaming both garter and stockinette garments. Pattie suggested the topic based on her experiences as a knitting judge. The quality of the seaming can be the difference between an outstanding project and a so-so project. Joan and Naomi agreed to provide instruction.

Guild members brought 10-inch by 10-inch squares for practice. Bring your completed and seamed squares to the July meeting so we an assemble them into a blanket or two to donate to a charity that supports children.

Thank you, Naomi and Joan for such helpful instruction. You can learn more about seaming here and here.

Naomi modeled her new scarf, one of the trio in the Fiber Trends Versatile Scarves pattern, knit with Noro sock yarn. Beautiful!

Members are encouraged to show off their finished projects on this site. Send a picture to Joan or Sue, along with details about the project.

Seaming lesson for the June Guild Meeting

2009-05-29T21:13:00.001-07:00

To all members interested in learning some seaming techniques, there will be a tutorial at the June meeting. To participate, knit a 10" square using worsted weight washable yarn. Any color, variegated, novelty, whatever is in your stash. Naomi used Plymouth Encore from her stash and got a gauge of 4 sts to the inch using a size 8 US needle. Others may need to change needle size. She cast on 40sts. You may want to dampen and dry the square to have flat edges for easier seaming. Bring the squares to the meeting and we can practice seaming them together. Who knows, we may produce a blanket at the meeting for some lucky child.