Letter from the President
7/19/04

It must be summer, because I have now missed my personal deadline for submitting this letter to you within one week of the meeting. My apologies.

We had a small group at the July meeting, including Dallas, Laura, Christine, Kathleen, Cassandra, Donna J., Alana, Beth, and Valerie. Four of us brought samples and patterns of our favorite gifts to make: I brought a baby doll which I make entirely from yarn, including the body and clothes; Donna and Kathleen brought potholders; Dallas usually makes cookies, but not for us 8-( ; and, Laura brought felted soap made from wool roving.

This was a very informal meeting that began with a question from Dallas about whether we go shopping for yarn with or without a purpose. Most of us agreed that we usually go with a purpose in mind. And, Kathleen told us that Ira of Hand Knitting by Ira is closing his storefront around mid-August. Everything is 20% off until then and he will continue to do business by email, including shipping.

Show and Share
There may have only been a few of us at the meeting, but there were many busy hands as we shared our latest creations.

Alana is working on the third incarnation of “the shawl”—the same shawl that her son has helped her with at least once.

Christine is crocheting a peach colored cotton top. She finished a similar design in 9 days, but the English translation was wrong so she left out one of the stripes. No one noticed until she pointed it out. What is it you all always tell me about mistakes and the design?!

Dallas is working on another baby blanket. This yellow one is for an October birth.

Cassandra started working on a pink afghan to take a break from her husband’s sweater. That green sweater has suddenly turned a cream color. Hummm? I guess I am not the only one who has difficulty knitting with dark colors.

I finished an ugly pillow, of my own design, for a friend who had hip surgery. With the groups’ support I decided to give my friend the gift to show her that I was thinking about her as she recuperated.

Donna J. is working on more summer tops and a “serious sit and pay attention” lace shawl pattern, which is made in three sections.

Kathleen is working on a third top for her daughter, this one in fuschia; a sweater for her husband in Harrisville yarn (mohair, silk, and wool); and, of course, socks.

Laura is working on the “stripey” jacket that she has found difficult to make, particularly picking up stitches and decreasing. It may be difficult to make, but it looked adorable on her.

Valerie brought a turtleneck sweater with cap sleeves in hopes of getting some help with the neck.

Meeting time and room
Our meetings will start promptly at 7:30 and end at 9:00. They will be held in the youth room of Ensor Hall, lower level. Park in the lot on the side of the church and enter through the door by the playground.

Membership
O.K. I know it’s summer time and there are few people around to “sell” to. So, take the next month off, but don’t forget us in September!!!

Programs
August – Sit-N-Stitch

Things to think about
We should start finalizing the retreat plans at the August meeting. I hope to see many of you there.


www.mdmetroguild.blogspot.com For Directions and Calendar of Events