2017 Knitting Guild Retreat

Knitting Guild of Santa Cruz Annual Fall Retreat

September 22-24, 2017

St. Francis Retreat Center, San Juan Bautista

Come join us for one day, two nights, or three nights. Get away from it all in beautiful, peaceful surroundings with all meals taken care of for you. This is an annual tradition with our Guild, but we welcome new people.

This year we are offering even more than before!

• Welcome table with all the information you need and a list of participants
• Well-prepared meals
• DIY Runway
• Tech corner for going online, scanning, copying, and printing
• Lanyard station for your name tag: Kumihimo
• Sharing/swapping table of knitting-related items
• Sharing ideas and patterns and getting/giving help

All activities are totally optional. You can knit, work on other projects, hike, read, socialize, take this time to be alone, and just do whatever you wish.

• Friday dinner through Monday lunch
  • $400 shared room
  • $515 private room
• Friday dinner through Sunday lunch
  • $280 shared room
  • $360 private room
• One day, breakfast through dinner
  • $ 65
• Non-member fee
  • $ 20

Early-bird discount if paid in full by June 16th:

• $10 if staying over
• $ 5 one day only

 

Questions? Contact Lisa Hoesing (821) 247-7201 lhoesing@earthlink.net

 

May 2017 Program- Felting

Felting – Presented by member Lisa Hoesing

Who has not admired those multicolored felted bags seen around town, or those felted bracelets on strangers’ wrists and colored felted bowls at our friends’ houses? But, just what makes them felt and how do you make those things?

Member Lisa Hoesing, who has an extensive background in crafts, will present the history, whys and wherefores of felting and will lead us in making a felted wrist band at the Knitting Guild this month. Using the concepts presented, you will be able to make your own felted objects.

To participate in this presentation, please knit a 5 stitch 10” i-cord of 100% wool, or 60/40 wool/silk using needles that are normally too large for the yarn leaving a 10” cast on end. For instance, if you are using 100% worsted wool, knit using size 10 or 11 needles. (The wool needs room to felt.) Fasten the ends together with the cast on end and bury the tails in the center of the i-cord. (If you don’t have leftover wool yarn, types that work well are Brown Sheep, Cascade 220 or Schoppel-Wolle Reggae Ombre, all available at The Swift Stitch.)

We hope to see you at a meeting this month!

Dates and Locations:

 The NIGHT MEETING will be on Tuesday evening, May 9, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Fireside Room at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church, 2500 Soquel Ave.

The DAY MEETING will be on Thursday, May 18, from 10:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at Vintage Faith Church (aka The Abbey), the large brick church at the corner of Mission and Highland.

From Highway 1 North, Highland is the first right after the light at the top of the hill where Highway 1 merges into Mission Street.  Parking lot is the first right turn off Highland.

From Highway 1 (Mission Street) South, turn left at the light on Walnut to Escalona.  Turn right on Escalona to its end at Highland. Parking lot is across Highland.  Enter through the Office; our meeting is straight ahead in The Fireside Room.

 

April 2017 Program Sock Machine

Have you ever wanted to knit socks faster, or just plain knit socks? This month’s program will be a very special one on machine sock knitting.

Have you ever wondered what a hand crank circular sock machine was and how it worked? Did you even know that they existed? These machines have been around since the 19th century and there are many groups around the world and on the web dedicated to using them.  With a circular sock machine (CSM), knitters can create a pair of socks in just an hour or two!  Member Heddi Craft will discuss the history of CSMs and their role in World War I as well as demonstrate her antique reproduction sock machine in action.  Using a sock machine can be summed up by this quote from a CSM enthusiast:   “The Sock Machine is definitely the Be-All, End-All of Knitter’s Toys. It takes a lot of patience to make it behave, but when I see that sock (or pair of socks) come to completion, it’s all worth it.”

 Be sure to join us for an extraordinary demonstration.

 Dates and Locations:

The NIGHT MEETING will be on Tuesday evening, April 11 , from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Fireside Room at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church, 2500 Soquel Ave. No host dinner before at Jeffery’s starts around 5:15.

The DAY MEETING will be on Thursday, April 20, from 10:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at Vintage Faith Church (aka The Abbey), the large brick church at the corner of Mission and Highland. Lunch after ask at meeting!

From Highway 1 North, Highland is the first right after the light at the top of the hill where Highway 1 merges into Mission Street.  Parking lot is the first right turn off Highland.

From Highway 1 (Mission Street) South, turn left at the light on Walnut to Escalona.  Turn right on Escalona to its end at Highland. Parking lot is across Highland.  Enter through the Office; our meeting is straight ahead in The Fireside Room.

March Program 2017

Have you ever wondered how all those gorgeous and dramatic colors are created on the gorgeous yarn you love to knit and crochet? Discover many of the mysteries at the Knitting Guild this month.

Dye Happy – Presented by Kris Nardello 

The presentation will be on the many kinds of dyes for natural fibers (cotton, wool, rayon, alpaca, silk, etc). Kris’ personal favorite is natural dyes, but she will also be covering other categories of commercial dyes so that knitters can select the best dye for the fiber and their own situation when they attempt their own creations.

Kris, a very popular, knowledgeable and busy speaker, is an experienced spinner, dyer, weaver and knitter.  She is currently writing a book on natural dyeing.

Hope to see you at a meeting!

Dates and Locations:

 The NIGHT MEETING will be on Tuesday evening, March 14 , from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Fireside Room at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church, 2500 Soquel Ave.

The DAY MEETING will be on Thursday, March 16, from 10:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at Vintage Faith Church (aka The Abbey), the large brick church at the corner of Mission and Highland.

From Highway 1 North, Highland is the first right after the light at the top of the hill where Highway 1 merges into Mission Street.  Parking lot is the first right turn off Highland.

From Highway 1 (Mission Street) South, turn left at the light on Walnut to Escalona.  Turn right on Escalona to its end at Highland. Parking lot is across Highland.  Enter through the Office; our meeting is straight ahead in The Fireside Room.

2017 Knit Along

Santa Cruz Knitting Guild

2017 Knit Along

Fingerless Gloves

This year’s Knit-Along will be a little different than in the past. We will be knitting four pairs of fingerless gloves and you will be able to choose three of those pairs. The fourth, and first one that we knit, will be one that we will knit. It is so flexible that we will learn several knitting techniques to start you on your way.

Why Fingerless Gloves?

1. They are fast
2. Use up leftover stash
3. Portable
4. We get exposed to many knitting techniques
5. We get a head start on Christmas presents
6. Knit things for the fair
7. Knit gloves for the Homeless Garden Project Holiday Store and other charities
8. Knit them over a period of time, yet since they are short projects, we get a sense of accomplishment

Outline of the Knit Along

1. Begins in February
2. First Project is Camp Out Fingerless Mitts
3. After that one, knit any three or more other different patterns you wish, remembering that the idea is to challenge yourself to learn new techniques.
4. Ideas on where to look
   1. Check out bundles in Ravelry’s Fingerless Gloves Fanatics Group for patterns.
      1. There are 30 Bundles of different styles
      2. There are over 2,200 patterns in these bundles from simple to difficult, including crochet
   2. Use the leg design on a sock pattern
   3. Make up your own pattern
   4. Find some in books
   5. Use this year’s Program and Workshop topics in your gloves
   6. Need inspiration? Select categories put together by the Fingerless Gloves Fanatics Annual Challenge (see chart on next page) – Choose one from each column. How many can you check off?
5. Ideally knit one pair per quarter or one pair per month
6. Ends in November

First Project

Camp Out Fingerless Mitts

• The first fingerless mitts are worked in two directions.
• The hand portion is provisionally cast on and worked flat in garter stitch.
• The two ends are joined using a 3-needle bind off.
• Stitches are then picked up and the thumb is worked.
• The rest of the glove is worked in rounds.
• The pattern has directions for aran, worsted and sport weight yarns (bulky, worsted, sock).
• You may use either double points or magic loop.

Where do I get help?

1. Knit meet-ups on last Friday of the month
2. Call another member and get together
3. You-tube
4. Knitty
5. Ask for help in a meeting
6. Library books
7. Attend the workshop in April
8. Attend the retreat in September
9. For beginners, please sign up for a class at my house
   1. Choose your needles – DP or magic loop (24”)
   2. Learn helpful techniques

Chinese Menu of Knit Along Categories

Kira K Workshop

It was a SUCCESS

The Annual Spring Workshop filled up so fast this year that this may be the first you’ve heard about it unless you’ve been coming to the meetings. Kira Dulaney, from Kira K Designs, was the teacher and presented a terrific three part workshop. Beading, a trunk show and Yarn Substitution.

February 2017 Program

Stash is it a problem, challenge or a JOY!!!!

 

What does stash represent? How do I store it so that I can find it? How do I keep track of it? Moreover, how do I use it? And what do I do with leftovers and yarn I no longer want?

What do the yarn masters think about having stash? We’ll tell you.

• Then, member Barbara Cordes will present a short explanation of how she effectively stores her stash and leftover stash.
• We will discuss how to keep track of stash on line.
• Bring your questions. Bring your own leftover stash solutions. (This means finished items, folks.)
• At the conclusion, we will have our ever popular stash swap.

 Our February meeting will also announce our Knit Along project for the year.

 We can’t wait to see you there!

Dates and Locations:

The NIGHT MEETING will be on Tuesday evening, February 14 , from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Fireside Room at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church, 2500 Soquel Ave.

The DAY MEETING will be on Thursday, February 16, from 10:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at Vintage Faith Church (aka The Abbey), the large brick church at the corner of Mission and Highland.

From Highway 1 North, Highland is the first right after the light at the top of the hill where Highway 1 merges into Mission Street.  Parking lot is the first right turn off Highland.

From Highway 1 (Mission Street) South, turn left at the light on Walnut to Escalona.  Turn right on Escalona to its end at Highland. Parking lot is across Highland.  Enter through the Office; our meeting is straight ahead in The Fireside Room.

January 2016 Program

Happy New Year, Knitters!

Heirlooms and Vintage Knitting – January Program

Did you know there’s a whole category of knitting called Vintage Knits? The concept is based on either knitting from vintage patterns (old patterns from previous eras, such as the 19th century, but also the 1930s, 40s, 50s, 60s, etc.) or patterns adapted from earlier time periods.

In January, we’ll showcase some sources for vintage knitting patterns and ideas. But bring your own ideas,too, including any books or patterns you might have to show and share.

And speaking of sharing, if you have an heirloom knit in your family, bring that along, too. This program is all about honoring the craft of knitting through treasures our families have saved or future treasures we might make from classic vintage patterns.

Dates and Locations:

The NIGHT MEETING will be on Tuesday evening, January 10 , from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Fireside Room at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church, 2500 Soquel Ave.

The DAY MEETING will be on Thursday, January 19, from 10:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at Vintage Faith Church (aka The Abbey), the large brick church at the corner of Mission and Highland.
From Highway 1 North, Highland is the first right after the light at the top of the hill where Highway 1 merges into Mission Street. Parking lot is the first right turn off Highland.
From Highway 1 (Mission Street) South, turn left at the light on Walnut to Escalona. Turn right on Escalona to its end at Highland. Parking lot is across Highland. Enter through the Office; our meeting is straight ahead in The Fireside Room.

Holiday Party 2016

Current members are invited, but if you aren’t you can join up at the party!!

Knitting Guild of Santa Cruz

Holiday Party

Tuesday, December 13, 6:00 p.m.

St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church (see directions below)

We will enjoy our usual fabulous pot luck dinner, conduct a very brief (!!) business meeting, and then have our annual holiday gift exchange!  And featuring again this year: Silent Auction (details below).  Plus this year we are including a holiday charity drive:  Bring a knitted chemo cap made from soft, non-animal fibers.

5:30  Setup (volunteers welcome, party starts at 6:00)

6:00-7:00   Potluck Dinner – Bidding for Silent Auction begins

7:00-7:15   Annual meeting

7:15-8:00   Gift exchange – Silent Auction closes

8:00-8:30   Cleanup (we have to be cleaned up and out by 8:30, so volunteers to help will be greatly appreciated!)

– Bring something scrumptious for the pot luck dinner.  We’re not keeping track of who’s bringing what…if there are too many desserts, well, is that really such a bad thing? Finger foods work well.  Plates and utensils, cups and napkins and beverages (alcoholic and otherwise) are provided, but if your dish needs a serving spoon bring one with your name on it. Note: St. Stephen’s has allowed us access to their kitchen, but it is not adjacent to our room.

– This party and meeting is the one time a year we limit it to members only.  During our brief business meeting, we’ll elect officers for 2017 and vote on a couple of minor changes to our bylaws.

– For our annual gift exchange, bring a knitting-related gift.  If new, don’t spend more than $15, but re-gifting out of your stash or library (nice quality, of course) works, too. As we’ve done before, we’ll have a hilarious game that will result in swapping gifts.  If you don’t know what this means, come and find out!

– We will feature again a Silent Auction of fabulous, high quality yarns in project-appropriate amounts.  Here’s your chance to grab some fine yarns to give as gifts or just to pamper yourself.  Be sure to bring cash or your checkbook.  Proceeds from the sale of the yarn will support Guild educational programs.

– Note, too, that if you have your checkbook with you, this is the perfect time to pay your dues for 2017…still at the 2016 rate of $36.

If you have any questions about the party, contact Martha Dexter, 831-600-8834 or mmdexter@gmail.com

Directions to St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church, 2500 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz:  It’s between Pottery Planet and Jeffrey’s Restaurant on the same side of the street, the nearest freeway exit is Soquel Avenue/Drive.  Enter the parking lot and go past the church to the back where the lot opens out.  Enter the alcove where the two buildings meet and you will see the Fireside Room.  [Note:  Due to construction in the rear of the church, the parking lot is smaller and difficult in the dark.  So use caution or maybe even bring a flashlight.]

November 2016 Crocheting on the edge

Hello, knitters —

**** Crochet on the Edge ****
Lots of great patterns call for a wonderful finishing technique that gives a really professional look to a project: Crochet edging. Some knitters feel a little intimidated by this, especially if they aren’t regular crocheters. Don’t let this stop you from knitting that project you’ve had your eye on!

At the November meetings, member Kathy Haber will guide us through this technique with hands-on demonstration.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
To participate in the lesson, you’ll need to do a little homework:

Using worsted weight yarn and size 8 needles, CO 20 sts. Longtail cast on is best, cable CO is OK. Keep it loose; you will be inserting a crochet hook into the stitches. If they are tight, it will be harder to do this.

Work up a square in stockinette st. Length and width should measure the same. Bind off loosely. Do NOT cut yarn.

To work the crochet, you will need to bring a size G,H, or I hook.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This lesson isn’t really a beginning crochet class. You need to know how to work slip stitch, chain and single crochet: the simplest elements of crochet. If you need a refresher on these techniques, check out YouTube.

We hope many of you will take advantage of this opportunity! To make the lesson more effective, we will apply the principle of “each one, teach one”. If it all works out, knitters who already have this skill will be sitting next to learners and will jump in to help.

**** Multnomah Shawl Knit-Along Finale ****

Also at the November meetings, we’ll celebrate the end of our Multnomah Shawl KAL. Bring your completed projects for show and share and we’ll take pictures. No worries if you’re aren’t done…bring what you’ve got and we’ll celebrate that, too!

The NIGHT MEETING will be on Tuesday evening, November 8 [yes, election night], from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Fireside Room at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church, 2500 Soquel Ave.

The DAY MEETING will be on Thursday, November 17, from 10:15 a.m. to 12:15 at Vintage Faith Church (aka The Abbey), the large brick church at the corner of Mission and Highland.

From Highway 1 North, Highland is the first right after the light at the top of the hill where Highway 1 merges into Mission Street. Parking lot is the first right turn off Highland.

From Highway 1 (Mission Street) South, turn left at the light on Walnut to Escalona. Turn right on Escalona to its end at Highland. Parking lot is across Highland. Enter through the Office; our meeting is straight ahead in The Fireside Room.

Hope you can make it,

Tamsin