Class Notes: Knitting Beyond the Basics

Hearth & Home II Wk 7

2012-02-17T18:31:00.000-08:00

This week was Presidential Help Week. Linda was available to help us with anything we needed on making our presidents look good. We got quite a laugh when Lynette said that last week her president looked like a sock monkey, and this week it looks more like Woody in "Toy Story" than President Lyndon Johnson. Yarn, books, wool felt, and mohair for hair were available, and Linda bought more white yarn. There are still a few presidents left to be taken. The due date is May 1.

President Tyler Johnson by Karen Muir.
She is almost finished with 2 more.

KBB Pattern
Note: When you receive an email with "KBB Pattern" in the subject line from Linda L., that means it will contain a pattern for our class that you will need to print. "KBB Pattern" stands for Knit Beyond the Basics pattern.

Stitches West
SW is a week from this Sat. Please be prompt. The bus will leave at 7 a.m. behind Raley's in Auburn. Most people will be at the bus at 6:30 a.m. You can stop to use the restroom or buy coffee or tea at Peet's inside Raley's before the trip. There is a bathroom on the bus. You can also leave things on the bus while you are at SW. Donations are still being accepted for prizes.

Last year there was a problem with buying water, so you may want to bring plenty of water. The food there was okay, but not great; you may want to bring your own lunch and snacks. Also, bring a tote bag to hold your purchases.

There will be a beautiful surprise project on the bus that Teri found. Bring size 8 needles; it doesn't matter if the needles are straight, circular, or dpns.

Also, Rosemary found a $5 off coupon for the Market Place. It was sent to us by email today.

Debi is knitting dishcloths from the book shown. She is donating this book of 15 dishcloths for the SW bus trip. Some samples are shown.

Next Week: The Dizzy Rug
We looked over this pattern in class from our packet. This pattern uses medium weight fabric instead of yarn. Bring fabric remnants (start with 1 yd and go from there since we do not know how many yards it will take) and size 15 needles. Poly-cotton fabric or sheets are good. Or, knit with 4 skeins of acrylic yarn together (Linda is giving us permission to use Red Heart) or 2 skeins of chunky weight using size 15 needles. This rug can be made into seat cushions too.

Third Session: Chairs and Stools
The current session will end in the middle of March. Start looking for a chair or stool to yarn bomb if you are interested in this project. We will do other projects from our packets as well.

Sandy is a busy bee. She is holding a t-shirt rug that she made, plus a lace scarf, and 3 comfort dolls for Africa. Judith's wine bottle cozy in bright colors is shown in the foreground.

Teri knitted this happy cotton loopers rug for her bathroom in Kingvale.

Knit and relax!

Hearth & Home II Wk 6

2012-02-10T18:06:00.001-08:00

This week was designated to working on the rugs. Linda also demonstrated the wrap and turn. This technique is used on the "Easy as Pie" pillow.

See Gloria's huge yarn ball? It is made of loom loopers.

Stitches West
Our bus trip to SW is in two weeks, 2/25. Only five seats are left. We will be leaving the Raley's in Auburn at 7 a.m. sharp. It's better to be there at 6:30 a.m. The bus will be parked behind the Raley's building. There is a nice parking lot there for you to park your vehicle.

Donations are still being accepted. A warm thank you to Teri and Lynette for their donations this week. Linda is asking us to go through our stash and donate an orphan skein to be put into a basket as one of the raffle prizes.

Finger Puppets
The fingerpuppets are still on display in the Foresthill library. Linda met a woman in Foresthill who is interested in buying some of the fingerpuppets for her granddaughter. Linda explained to her that the puppets are not toys but a work of art. If you are interested in selling your fingerpuppets, you will need to decide on the price and make arrangements on your own. Contact Linda for a phone number.

Turbo Scan
Thank you to Cynthia who turned Linda on to Turbo Scan on the iphone. Linda can scan any pattern on her iphone and have it scanned and emailed to us asap. A buddy system was established for the ladies who do not have a computer or a printer, so they can receive a copy of the patterns sent to us.

Presidents
A big thank you to Karen M. who offered to make the tags for the presidents. We will need to give her the following information: Name of your president, Ordinal number, Years served as president, some very brief fact such as the reason is your president holding a horse or a towel...

The doll stand we will be using has a wood base that looks like cherry wood. It can be bought at Hobby Lobby in the back of the store right next to the sock monkey socks. The cost is about $2.77. Make sure to get the right size since there are three sizes. You will want the one that is about 7-1/2 to 8 inches tall.

Next week is dedicated to working on the presidents in honor of Presidents' Week. The dolls are due by May 1.

Claudia dyed yarn using peach stems pruned at the nursery. The color makes a really nice skin color.

Penny brought this old school chair for anyone interested in using it for yarn bombing. The cost was $5 and went to a good home.

Judith is wearing a Knotty Knitter shirt that Linda L. was giving away. See what you miss when you are not here?

Cynthia is working on a beautiful lace shawl. Wow!

Penny knitted this lovely lace scarf.

Carol knitted this cute drink cozy.

Linda L. made this zebra using Diane's pattern. She will mail it to a little girl in Africa.

Christianson Nature Craft Workshop in Missouri. Linda and her husband will be teaching at this camp. If you would like to attend, you will receive tuition and 1/2 off your lodging. It will be held the week of July 29.

Happy knitting!
　

Hearth & Home II Wk 5

2012-02-03T19:01:00.000-08:00

Teri made this felted yarn caddy. She embellished it with all kinds of beads.

Linda showed us what a short row design looks like. There is a pillow pattern in our packet that is covered with short rows with beads at the end. She was also going to demonstrate the wrap and turn, but decided not to.

Linda is wearing a scarf designed and made by Teri, our latest celebrity knitter.

Stitches West
Stitches West is just a few weeks away. Some beautiful yarn was donated for the raffle.

Presidential Challenge
Linda is willing to do the face and hair on your president(s) if you need help. There are 10 more presidents to be taken. I think three were taken in class. She also suggested that we use the dark stained, wooden doll stands from Hobby Lobby; these look more formal than the metal ones. Linda L. will order more books on the presidents for us if you are interested. She will wait for more orders next week.

Pot Holder Loops and T-Shirt Projects
Linda says to go ahead and start whenever you want. We will not wait until everyone is ready. Linda B. brought more t-shirts in bright colors. Next week will be devoted to these two projects. Both of these projects use size 35 needles and worked in garter stitch.

Rosemary is holding her finished looper rug.
Penny also finished one.

Linda L. and Candi take t-shirts to make yarn for a rug.

Sip and Knit
This event at the Power's Inn Mansion will be held on June 7 (a Thursday) at 6 pm. Save the date.

Claudia dyed these yarn using food color or natural plant dye such as plum leaves.

Vickie knitted this poncho.

Vickie also designed and made this entrelac purse.

Rosemary knitted a baby sweater and hat.

Sue knitted this little girl's sweater.

Sue also knitted this beautiful, soft shawl. My camera wasn't fast enough to get the right angle.

Four placemats by Sandi. Wow!

Happy knitting!

Hearth & Home II Wk 4

2012-01-28T12:16:00.000-08:00

Teri is featured in Green Planet! The article is awesome with several great photos. She is even mentioned in the Table of Contents. Congratulations, Teri!

Look at Linda B's ball of loopers. It is so huge! We all had a good laugh. She will also bring more t-shirts to class in brighter colors.

T-Shirt Rug
Linda showed us the difference in width and size when cutting t-shirts into yarn. The photo below shows the top rows cut in a 2 inch width making a larger and fluffier rug (24 sts across), nice for bathrooms; the bottom rows on the needle show a t-shirt cut into 1-1/2 inch width making a smaller, thinner rug, nice for not tripping over. The 2-inch thick rug takes 12 t-shirts, and the thinner t-shirt takes 8 t-shirts. Here are 3 steps to follow:

1. Cut hem off the bottom of the shirt.
2. Cut a point and make the shirt strip wider and wider until it reaches 1-1/2 or 2 inches. Every now and then check your width.
3. Spiral up to the arm holes. Cut it off and stretch the yarn until it curls.

We will start this project when everyone is done preparing their yarn. Need size 35 needles.

Also in the above picture is Linda's felted yarn caddy. Karen M's felted yarn caddy is below.

Pillows

We went over the new handout that was emailed to us for the Easy as Pie pillow. The handout contained instructions for wrap and turn, the provisional cast on, and grafting in garter stitch. Tip: when using a provisional cast on, always chain more than you need so you have enough stitches. Next week we will go over the entrelac pillow.

Louise was not sure if the colors in her pillow was going to turn out, but it is beautiful. Linda suggests using a color wheel, a kaleidescope, or wrapping yarn on a ruler to determine if the colors will look good together before starting.

Presidents
Several ladies have started on their challenge. There were a couple of questions on the pattern of the doll's body. Note that the neck color starts after row 25. Vickie is looking for the right skin color for her President Obama doll. Please look through your stash to see if you have something close.

Sip and Knit
Linda brought a menu from the Power's Mansion Inn for us to look over for a night to sip and knit. It will probably be in May. They can accommodate 26 people, and we might need to prepay.

Stitches West
Teri made copies of the $2 off coupon for all of us for the Market Place. Linda will give it to us as we get on the bus. Thank you, Teri! Donations are starting to come in.

Louise used a linen stitch to make this lovely scarf.

Happy knitting everyone!

Hearth & Home II Wk 3

2012-01-20T16:14:00.000-08:00

Wow! Look at Sandy's awesome yarn caddy! It is a substantial size and pretty deep. Sorry, the side got cut off.

Presidential Challenge
More yarn is here in gray and black. Dark blue and beige are also available. Linda suggests to define the separation from shoe to pants with a couple of purl stitch rows for a cuff when using the same color yarn for shoes and pants.

Trivia: "Which president's wife slept with a sabre under her pillow?"

See the sweet little dog? Amazing! Lynette made it from roving using a pattern from this book.

It will be an accessory for one of the presidents.

T shirts
Linda B. brought a huge amount of t shirts for a $2 donation to go to charity. The t-shirts will be used to make yarn for a rug.

Next week Linda P. will be demonstrating how to make yarn from these t-shirts. Please wait for her instructions before attempting this project since she will not be following the notes given to us. She will also figure out the size of needle needed for this project.

Loopers
Linda L. came back with a box of 18 bags of loops for the future rug project. The staff at the factory was so happy and nice. They made her feel very special for visiting their shop and fixed the box wonderfully for her flight home.

Sandy's beautiful rug.

Stitches West Trip
We need four more people to sign up to make this trip a "go" for $45. (I think we made it.) If you have a genuine problem with carsickness, let Linda know, and she will save the front of the bus for you. She is also asking for donations for the raffle. One of her students is donating several colorful needle holders that she makes and sells. You will want one!

Also, there may be a $2 off coupon for the Market Place on www.knittinguniverse.com. There is a lot of information about Stitches West on this site. Linda L. and Irene looked everywhere on this site for the coupon, but could not find it.

Class Registration Problems
If you are having difficulties registering for the class, call Manouch at 885-8461 ext 123 or 1123.

Material Fee
A $5 material fee is being collected. The envelope is on the front table. Write "paid" near your name.

Knit and Tea Time
Linda had tea at the Power's Mansion recently and came up with an idea that we all liked. The owner is willing to open it up for a special evening for us. Linda suggested that we meet there in May to knit and have tea and snacks. More details in the 3d session.

Pillows
We went over the pillow patterns in more detail. Linda brought color photos of some of the patterns to show how pretty they are.

On the "Easy as Pie" pillow, she strongly suggests to start with a provisional cast on. An email titled "Scan Test" was sent to us on Friday from Linda L. for Linda. There is an attachment to the email that shows the wrap and turn technique. The attachment is a PDF file. Please print it and bring it to class.

The bolster pillow (fair isle) is a good way to use up your yarn stash. Color pencils are available in class to use for the pattern.

Notice the cord edging on the "Stars with Tradition" pillow. It is done in two colors. It is hard to see in black and white, so Linda brought a color photo.

Linda has on a cute skirt made from recycled sweaters. Teri also wore one to class and looked so cute. They also bought a skirt made from recycled Christmas sweaters that is just as darling.

Jennifer finished this pretty scarf right in class.

Happy knitting!

Hearth & Home II Wk 2

2012-01-14T08:47:00.000-08:00

Lynette's darling Christmas tree made with felted wool sweaters. And, that was all the show 'n tell for the week. There were a lot of yarn caddies in process though.

Pot Holder Loops
Linda L. sent us an email that she will pick up loops directly from the company while she is in NY. Please let her know by this Sunday if you are interested. The cost is about $3.99 a bag. See her email for details.

T Shirts
Linda B., who works at a thrift store in Colfax, is collecting assorted colors of t-shirts for the class. A small rug will take about 4-6 shirts. She is asking for a $2 donation that will go to charity.

Presidential Consultation Available
Linda P. is available every week during class to help us on our presidents. Do not hesitate to ask for advice if you need help.

Trivia: Brought out during his presidential campaign, which president is married to a bigamist?

Stitches West Bus
Even though the deadline is not until Feb. 1, it would be very helpful to start signing up or turning in your check if you plan to go to Stitches West. Ten people are needed to keep the price at $45 and cover the bus. Linda did not get a big response from the ladies on the bus who signed the email list last year. An email was sent out earlier this month. Donations are also being accepted for the raffle.

ARD
Someone in the ARD office wants to talk with Linda P. about keeping us. Linda expressed her desire to move back to PSA after the copy incident, but they would like us to stay.

Yarn Caddy
Linda went over the yarn caddy in class. She finished knitting the main portion and showed where she put four running stitches. Here are a couple of tips that she gave to the class:

1. Use a lot of stitch markers.

2. Steam the edge to take the curl out. You can do this before you get to the bottom of the bag.

Pillows
Linda also went over all the patterns for pillows. There are many different styles for the variety of members we have. She will bring in a color picture of the fair isle pillow.

Fall Session
Linda expressed an interest in teaching us to make a miniature Gansey Fisherman's Sweater. Several ladies expressed an interest in yarn bombing a chair then or do that during this spring's session like the sample in Knit Picks. I think the ladies would not like to wait that long. There was discussion on joining Linda's painted stool class for a yarn bombing chair time too.

Happy knitting!

Hearth & Home II Wk 1

2012-01-06T17:03:00.000-08:00

We're back for the winter session! It is nice to see everyone again.

Present Project: Knitter's Duo
We are starting with the felted yarn caddy which we read over in class. The supplies are listed on yesterday's blog.

Please bring the pattern packet given to us last semester to class. Also, a $5 materials fee will be collected next week.

Future Project: Loop Rug
You will need 32 ozs. of loom loops and size 35 needles. Linda L. called Hobby Lobby and Ben Franklin's to ask them if they carry these loops. They are willing to order them. Ask for Elizabeth at Hobby Lobby or Tina at Ben Franklin's if you have any questions. Debi bought 100% cotton loops from Hobby Lobby that were made in the USA; the brand is Wool Novelty Company. Linda P. bought blended synthetic ones that were made in China from Joanne's, but she found that they were not always consistent in width. Another use for the loops are to knit placemats.

Also start collecting old t-shirts for knitted rugs.

Next week Linda will talk about pillows for future projects.

Stitches West Bus Trip
Reservations are being taken for Feb 25. The cost is $45. Checks will not be cashed until Feb. 1.

ATCs
Nola, Linda's sister, would like to trade ATCs. You can still make them to trade. Here are Teri's owls and Irene's Christmas tree.

Presidents
Linda and her daughter finished their presidents over Christmas break. Linda feels that the men with short hair should have ears. Here are patterns for ears and lapels that she wrote.

Ears: CO 8 sts, Row 1 = K2tog across, Row 2 = P2tog across, Row 3 = k2tog across, pull loop through to end.

Lapels: CO 6, knit 2 rows of 6 sts across, knit 2 rows of 4 sts, then knit 2 rows of 2 sts.

For stuffing, Linda discovered that Mountain Mist brand is the best. Pack stuffing with some of the same yarn color so the white stuffing doesn't show through.

Abraham Lincoln and Howard Taft by Linda's daughter

Zachary Taylor and James Madison by Linda

Sandy's oven mitt and scarf

Lynette's angora hat

Pat's projects over Christmas break

Louise made these wristwarmers for her daughter.

Louise also made this vest for her husband.

Rosemary knitted this candleholder out of wire and beads.

Rosemary has almost finished the scarf that she is wearing.

Jake gave us a Thank You card.

Happy Knitting and January birthdays: Happy Birthday!

Class Starts Jan. 5

2012-01-04T20:18:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

Our first project is a Knitter's Bowl. Bring:

2 skeins each of 2 colors worsted weight Cascade 220 or Lambspride

24" circular needles, size 10
Size 10 DPN (don't need these until the finishing part)

See you soon.

Hearth & Home Wk 12

2011-12-09T16:57:00.001-08:00

The Christmas party was wonderful. It was commented that the potluck was one of the best.

Linda L. and Sandy make wassail while Linda P's husband waits patiently.

It was also the last class for the year. The new session starts on Jan. 5, same time and place. An item to look for between now and then is a jumbo bag of pot holder loops from Beverly's. The bag is about $7 each, and you will need 2 bags. These loops will be connected to knit a rug. If you would like to see the company's website, it is www.pepperell.com.

Reminder sign ups for Stitches West are being taken. The cost is $45. No refunds after Feb. 1. The bus is already 1/3 full.

Operation Christmas Gifts for Jake was a success. He kept saying, "Wow, this is too much." Here he wears a knitted football hat by Irene. Pattern was available in class.

Jake models a hat and gloves made by Karen M.

Which one to choose? All of them were great.

Linda reads from the new game, Last Knitter Standing

Team 5 concentrates on a challenge.

We were invited by the dance instructor to join his class in a Greek dance.

Diane made this darling doll to teach her class.

Rosemary's wire basket and beret below.

Sue knitted this sweater that was finished by a yarn shop in Washington.

Sue also made these hats and scarves for her son and his girlfriend.

Louise made these cute hats for gifts.

Claudia dyed this beautiful yarn.

Gloria is finishing up these wire bracelets.

Teri and Irene came ready to trade ATCs. Teri designed 3 outstanding series of Whoville Owls and Irene made a beaded snowy Christmas tree scene. Regretfully, photos were forgotten in the excitement. Here is one that Teri made; sorry it is blurry.

Have a wonderful holiday. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! See you on Jan. 5.

Hearth & Home Wk 11

2011-12-03T09:44:00.001-08:00

Happy Birthday December knitters!

If you missed this week, one of our super talented knitter had a huge announcement. We were so excited and delighted that I forgot to write down the details, so here goes from memory. This person entered a contest in Green Craft magazine this summer taking old scarves and recycling them into other items. She entered a belt, a bag, and other things I wish I remembered. After much anticipation, she finally heard from them this week and found out that she won! Not only that, they were so impressed that the magazine wants to feature her work in an article in the Feb. issue! Warmest congratulations to Teri!

Christmas Bash Next Week
What to bring? Potluck item, gift exchange item ($10 value, knit related), Jake's gift, ATC card(s) if participating, for Last Knitter Standing game bring sz 8 needles and ww yarn (have 10 sts casted on and 2 rows knitted -- all garter sts), and any show n tell if you like.

Operation Contact Cheryl
Remember Cheryl, the lovely knitter who made several felted bags? Linda requested for several of us to email her to invite her to our party.

Presidents
Linda is almost done. She offered to help us with the shoes, and she brought a wonderful book to help embroider the presidents' faces. Louise brought more yarn. Trivia question: Which president remained a bachelor?

Stitches West
The bus is already 1/3 full. Linda is taking sign ups. Checks will be cashed on Feb 1 with no refunds after that.

New Session
Next week is our last session for 2011. The new session begins Jan. 5. Linda gave us the handout for the first project with high hopes that we will return. The first project is a felted roll-up pouch for knit notions and a yarn caddy with four separate dividers. You will need 4 skeins of Cascade 220 or Lamb's Pride.

Fundraiser at Meadow Farms Yarn Shop
Sue announced that there will be a fundraiser at Meadow Farms in Nevada City on Dec. 10 to help with expenses from the tragic car accident overseas. They are accepting donations of knitted/crocheted items and baking goods before then and/or would like people to come to buy.

Pattern for Llama or Alpaca Toy Doll
Diane's granddaughter wants to know if anyone knows of a knit pattern for a llama or alpaca toy doll.

For show n tell, I didn't take pictures of everything; there were so many.

Mother/Daughter beaded wire bracelets (Carol and Jennifer). Carol made the scarf too.

Candi was busy making baby gifts, a dishcloth, and a beret.

Rosemary knitted two matching baby sweaters and finished the cross stitch pillow!

Very festive, Sandy's dishcloth

Sandy also knitted a wire basket and another pretty dishcloth.

Judith finished this beautiful dishcloth. She is making a smaller one to match in a 1/2 linen stitch.
You can see a little of it to the right.

Linda B. made several dishcloths with a lady bug and frog designs.

Karen made two beaded wire napkin rings and finished Jake's gift below.

Happy knitting!

Hearth & Home Wk 10

2011-11-18T18:25:00.001-08:00

Wow! Cynthia finished her cross stitch bag! It is lined too!

It is wire knitting week. Several ladies started their wire projects, and it was fun watching them try to keep their wire from tangling. One tip that Linda did not mention until the end is just pull on the wire while it is in the packet instead of taking it out of the package. This keeps it from tangling. Also use a knitted cast on. The hardest part about making the basket is the cast on and the first row. After that, it goes very fast. If you plan to add beads, put them on before starting the basket.

Linda demonstrated the cast on for the president's shoes and leggings. And, for anyone who wanted a pattern for an 18th century coat, Linda wrote one out. This week's presidential trivia is: Who was the first president born in the United States? President Cleveland was the answer to last week's trivia (had surgery secretly on a yacht).

We received several handouts. Three of the handouts were copies to replace the patterns that were cutoff, a wine bottle sweater, coffee clutch, and woven wire basket.

Reminder: there is no class next week on account of Thanksgiving. We will meet again on Dec. 1 continuing the projects we have been working on. In the new session in January, we will knit pillows and rugs. Start saving t-shirts and pantyhose (knee highs are okay too) for the rugs.

Three weeks from tonight is the last class, Dec. 8. We will have a Christmas party with a potluck, gift exchange, Jake's gift, knitting game, and an ATC exchange. Sign ups were passed around.

Linda is accepting reservations/checks for the Stitches West trip in Feb.

Sandy's panel

Vickie's projects. The one on the left is a felted oven mitt that she feels came out too small. She recommends doubling the pattern for a better fit.

Diane's hand warmers.

Jennifer's scarf that she designed herself.

Linda B.'s sequinned scarf and Penny's dishcloth

Claudia dyed these bags of wool with different natural plants.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hearth & Home Wk 9

2011-11-13T20:41:00.001-08:00

A special thank you goes to Linda L. for taking the class notes and photos this week.

Linda demonstrated one of the cast ons, and oven mitts was the main project.

Next week we will begin on the wire basket, wire napkin rings, or wire bracelet using metal needles and wire. The supply list is on last week's blog.

Presidential Challenge
More Cascade 220 is being ordered for the presidents and should be here in a week or two. Sandy won last week's trivia. This week's trivia is something like: Which president secretly had surgery on a ship at sea so a financial crisis would not start in the US?

Leftover Yarn
Linda asked us what we should do with the left over finger puppet yarn from last season's challenge.

Reminders
The Salvation Army is still collecting mittens, gloves, and hand warmers for the homeless.
Sandy is still collecting comfort dolls for missionaries in Africa.
The date for the new session is Jan. 5.

Stitches West
Linda is accepting sign ups and checks for this fun trip. The cost is $45, and the check will not be cashed until Feb. Anyone outside of class may sign up starting Jan.

Christmas Party
Dec. 8 is the last class for the Fall session and our Christmas party. There will be a gift exchange, potluck, and a knitting game. We will need to bring size 8 needles and yarn for the game.

Operation Christmas Gift
This is a special gift basket that we are preparing for Jake, the nice custodian at ARC. A sign up sheet was passed around so we will not duplicate the gifts. Bring the gift wrapped, and Debi will bring a basket for us to put them in.

Happy Birthday November knitters!

Judith and Sandy-Wine cozys

Kelly-Hand towels

Rosemary- Pillow cross stitch

Vickie-Oven glove, VHS coaster, VHS/yarn bag

Sandy-Kitchen hand towel

Pat- Scarf

Debi-Kitchen gloves

Pat- Her mother crocheted this dress for her doll.
Bag was for taking her glass jar of grape juice to school.

Penny-Ohh, do you like my ruffles?

Penny-fuzzy scarf

Knit and be happy!

Hearth & Home Wk 8

2011-11-04T17:01:00.000-07:00

It was ATC night, but we also worked on several projects. First of all, we went through all of the copies of patterns we received and discovered that two of the pages need to be recopied since they were cut off. We read through the oven mitt patterns and were given a few tips. Linda demonstrated the crochet cast on and the provisional cast on. We will continue the oven mitts next week.

Linda brought samples of ATCs.

Wire Baskets
In two weeks we will begin the wire baskets. Pattern for two sizes are available, but Linda suggests starting with the smaller one. Supplies needed are: size 9 metal needles, 30 yds of wire for the smaller basket or 90 yds of wire from the larger one (26 gauge from Joanne's or 28 gauge from the hardware store). Buy at least 35 yds of wire for the smaller one. Joanne's carries many fun colors of copper wire. Note: the smaller the wire number, the heavier the wire; the larger the wire number, the lighter the wire. These supplies can also be used for the napkin rings.

Presidents
There are some available. Four colors of Cascade 220 are available to start a president. Linda typed out the pattern for shoes, stockings, and knickers for the 18th century presidents. She has already started one of hers. Sandy won last week's trivia; Jimmy Carter was the first president born in a hospital. This week's trivia: who was the first president born in a log cabin?

Free Batik Material
Leslie Rogers had extra batik material to share with the class. Great for lining small purses and bags. Please take some.

Salvation Army Donation
Linda will drop off our mittens and gloves to the Salvation Army in Roseville. They are collecting sizes from infants to adults. Keep in mind that 65% of the customers are men.

Operation Christmas Gift
Linda reminded us about gifts for Jake. Details are in last week's blog. A sign up sheet will come around next week.

Hobby Lobby
This craft store has opened in Roseville on Douglas Blvd in the old Mervyn's store. They have a good selection of fabric and some fun low-end acrylic yarn. A 40% coupon can be found online every week.

Sandy's plarn waste basket

Karen M's plarn coasters

Karen M's entrelac hat

Carol's dishcloth

Carol's comfort doll

Judith's baby surprise jacket

Candi's entrelac cowl

Cynthia's amazing panels

Lynette's darling mittens for a grandchild

Lynette's hat and mittens

Lynette's comfort dolls

Karen W's market bag

Live, Laugh, Knit!
　

Hearth & Home Wk 7

2011-10-28T17:17:00.000-07:00

This week was Linda's birthday. Karen made delicious chocolate cupcakes with chocolate filling. We worked with alternative yarn: plarn and the VHS tape. Linda demonstrated how to fuse plarn. A few things to keep in mind when fusing plarn is to set the iron on "wool" or hotter, put the plarn between parchment paper, keep the iron moving, and let the plarn cool down completely before cutting. Even though the piece is melted together, it is still important to cut the edges for a clean line. Also the plarn will shrink in one direction more than the other similar to felting.

Diana is selling the cute felted soap on the right for $8.
It makes a nice gift.

ATC Night
Next week will be ATC Night. Eight or Nine ladies plan to trade ATCs in Dec. We can work on ATCs or catch up on our many fun projects.

Potholders
The week after next will be potholder night. You will need to bring 300 yds of wool in a main color and a little bit of a contrasting color for stripes or checks, size 6 needles on 16 inch circulars, size 7 needles for the i-cord trim, size 6 dpns, and a size H or 8 crochet hook.

Diana made this potholder for Linda's sample.

Presidents Challenge
Louise will purchase the Cascade 220 this week. The colors are black, flesh tone, gray, and off white. Presidents are still available. Linda will write out the pattern for shoes, stockings, and knickers for the first 5 presidents. Congratulations to Pat who won last week's trivia question. This week's question is who was the first president to be born in a hospital.

Cynthia made this celebrity icon of Jesus.

Gloves and Mittens
The Salvation Army will be collecting any kind of hand wear during the month of Nov. to give to the homeless during the holidays. Linda will collect any we knit during the Christmas party.

Comfort Dolls
If you would like to knit a comfort doll for the next shipment, please finish by mid Nov. Sandy's church will be sending a package to missionaries in Africa at the end of Nov.

Holiday Gift for Jake
For this year's gift for Jake, we will be putting together a gift basket of goodies and knitted items. A sign up sheet will be available next week so there will not be so many duplicates. Linda did some snooping and found out that Jake likes chocolate, caramels, but no fruit-flavored items. His favorite color is navy blue. His shoe size is 13 or 11 inches.

Vickie knitted and felted this bag.

She also made a knitted dishcloth, crochet dishcloth, a little bag, and a heating pad.

Linda and Sandy's bottle cozy. And, Sandy's plarn project.

Cynthia made these socks for her grandmother.

She knitted her teddy bear some clothes.

Sue knitted this sweater with yarn called Nautica.

Karen made a dishcloth and four bottle cozies.

She also crocheted this table top adding bottle caps.

A cowl by Louise

Linda also showed us cute ideas from two catalogs: Uncommon Goods and At West End. Claudia shared a book that she checked out from the library using natural fibers called "Aware Knits."

Knit and be happy!

Hearth & Home Wk 6

2011-10-21T17:09:00.000-07:00

We received a whole lot of handouts this week: patterns for coasters and placemats using alternative materials, potholders, the ruffled bottle sleeve, and patterns for two sessions. Bring all copies in order to class next week so we can check that nothing is missing. Several projects were going on this week: the linen panel, the dishcloth, and the bottle sleeve.

Kelly's dishcloth

Next Week

We will work with alternative materials. For the VHS coaster, bring a VHS tape and size 6 needles. One tape will make millions of coasters.

To make the plarn coaster, bring 8 or 9 shopping bags and size 9 needles. The plarn placemat takes 54 shopping bags. Linda will also show us how to fuse the plarn either next week or the week after.

The week after next, we will begin potholders.

Presidential Challenge

In response to the yarn feedback, the class fund will be used to order black, gray, and offwhite as well as flesh tone. Linda said offwhite is better than white. The rest of the books ordered by Linda L. will be brought to class next week. Linda L. and Sandy won last week's trivia. This week's trivia is which presdient has never voted in an election until he ran for office.

Charity Knitting

Linda found out that the Salvation Army is collecting gloves and mittens for the homeless to be given during the Christmas holiday. Linda thought this would be a good project for us. She said to use the glove/mitten pattern that we received about a year ago (I think from Knit Picks). She will find out when they are due.

Claudia spun and dyed her own wool using elderberries.

We decided to give our Comfort Dolls to Sandy. Her church sends baby sets to missionaries in Africa (Mali) on a regular basis. They then hand them out to children in a hospital. These dolls are made by Karen M. and Irene.

Teri crocheted sleeves on a short sleeve shirt. The pattern is from the Double Stitch Twins book.

Other News
The bus for Stitches West has been reserved. The cost is $45. We still don't know if Ernie will be our bus driver. Reservations start Dec. 1. Knotty Knitters get to sign up first.

Diane has muslin pieces to share for the ATC cards.
The game, "Last Knitter Standing" arrived for the Christmas party. The authors want pictures from us while playing the game.

Creative Urges, a craft and gift shop near Monkey Cat, is moving to old town Auburn near where Gypsy Wind use to be. They are having a 50% off sale before their move.

Linda's husband is teaching a broom class this Saturday. The cost is $45 including materials. This broom is well made and will last for years. Call Linda for details.

Happy knitting!

Hearth & Home Wk 5

2011-10-13T22:23:00.000-07:00

Happy birthday October knitters! This week Linda demonstrated how to cross stitch on the linen panels we knitted.

Linda asked us if we wanted to start a new project next week. The class was divided. So, Linda will bring a fast project that we can do in class, the wine cozy. This is a good stash buster. Bring leftover sock yarn and size 3 dpns. It is knitted in the round. She also showed us the future projects using melted plarn and video tape.

She asked us if we wanted a night for ATCs. I think we decided to wait a couple of weeks to give everyone time to knit a piece, 2-1/2 by 3-1/2. Teri found an ATC rubber stamp and donated it to the class. She also donated an ink pad, cardboard backing, and plastic sleeves. Thank you, Teri!

Adopt a President
There are about 13 presidents left without an owner. Please adopt one or two. Louise ordered the skin tone color Cascade 220. Linda would like feedback on other colors that we might use a lot such as black or brown, etc. She also suggested that we use Mountain Mist for the stuffing.

Congratulations to Sandy and Linda L. for answering last week's presidential trivia questions. This week's question is: who was the shortest president and how short was he?

Candi and Diana brought their celebrity dolls, Amelia Earhart and Barbara Eden

Stitches West
Linda reserved a bus for Saturday, Feb. 25. We can start signing up for the bus in Dec. The check for the bus will not be cashed until Feb. 1, but it will hold your seat.

Linda L. suggested that we all wear the same shirt such as a T-shirt with a silk screen design. Diana suggested that we have a shirt with "Knotty Knitters" in rhinestone and "Auburn" in a stitch. Both ladies will look into this for us. We will vote on a color. Some colors suggested were black, turquoise, red, royal blue, lime, hot pink, and purple.

Our Future
We will stay with ARD until May. Linda will decide later whether to stay with ARD or return to Placer School for Adults for the Fall session. She would like to spend time calculating the numbers for the fee to make it reasonable for everyone.

Some of Linda's projects come from these two books.

Rosemary's gloves

Lynette's Comfort Dolls

Karen M. is back from vacation. She bought buffalo yarn in Oklahoma. It costs $69.99.

Cynthia made these color print outs on the computer. She emailed them to the group this week.

These are for the side panels or handles. Thank you, Cynthia!

Diane mentioned that a couple of parents at her school is selling dyed yarn. The website is www.ladybugfiber.etsy.com.

Diana will be at the Peddlar's Fair this Sunday in Roseville. She will have a booth near the entrance. The time is from 8 am to 3 pm at the Antique Grove on Harding right next to Clam Jumpers. She also mentioned that Auburn will have its Fall Festival at Rec Park on Saturday. She will be dressed as a fairy at that event.

Happy knitting!

Hearth & Home Wk 4

2011-10-07T19:34:00.000-07:00

This week was a knit night. We were going to learn how to cross stitch on the linen panels we knitted, but there were no panels that were blocked to work from and most of us were not done. It was postponed until next week. Linda gave us a copy of the Knit cross stitch pattern that she magnified and brought color pencil for us to make the pattern easier to see. During the Show n Tell, a few of the ladies said that they tried knitting a panel but decided to give it up after several tries. Linda suggested that we make smaller sizes as a sampler or for the ATCs instead of panels.

By the way, Cynthia is looking into finding a rubber stamp for the back of the ATC cards. There were no stamps at Michael's or Joanne's. (On a side note: Cynthia has three utube videos of her cat online: Saddie's in the shower; Saddie on Lacey's? chair; Saddie's love of concrete.)

We received several patterns in a packet for future projects: several dishcloths and Swiffer cover. Most of them use cotton yarn.

Library Display
We found out that the waiting list to display the fingerpuppets at the Auburn library is a year long, and the new Rocklin library does not have a display case. Linda will take a few of the fingerpuppets relating to children's stories to the Foresthill library; the rest took our fingerpuppets home.

Needle Cases for Sale
Leslie Rogers made some cute needle cases that can be purchased for $18.

Items for Class
We have $298 in our fund. Linda proposed that we purchase the following items:

1. A game called Last Knitters Standing, $24.95 from Pattern Works.
2. Several skeins of flesh-color Cascade 220 yarn for our presidential challenge. (There are several presidents left to be taken. So far, only one knitter in Linda's morning class has signed up.)

Linda L. is taking orders on books about all the presidents (except the present one) written by Mike Venezia. Each book is about one president and costs $7.95. Linda P brought two to show us, and Linda L. and Irene thought they were informative and entertaining. She is placing the order this Saturday morning.

Presidential Trivia
Linda will have a couple of questions for us every week, so we can learn about the presidents while we knit them.

1. Name the presidents that were generals.
2. How many counties are named after Washington? (Hint: Think no more than the 50 states.)

Stitches West
Linda asked for a show of hands for anyone interested in going to Stitches West next Feb. Most of the ladies were interested.

What To Do
Linda shared with us that she has had three sleepless nights this week. Last week there were a couple of disgruntled ARD staff members that didn't like our class using the copy machine free of charge. Linda received an email from ARD saying that they will charge her 25 cents per copy from now on. The next day, after Linda replied to their email, they changed the date to starting in January. This is a very high cost, and Linda's integrity was in question. She contacted Placer School for Adults to check if we can switch back. After some thought, Linda decided to finish her contract with ARD instead of breaking it after this session so she does not burn any bridges. She asked for our opinion. Here were some ideas suggested:

Diana and Cynthia said that they will print handouts at home. (We can use our fund to pay them for ink.)
Cynthia volunteered to bring her printer to class.
The class can take turns making copies each week.
Linda can scan the handouts and email them to us.

We told her that we would honor her decision. Linda suggested that we (as individuals) not use the copy machine at ARD from now on.

Sandy's gloves

Linda B's gloves

Judith's market bag

Diana made this hat for her daughter.

Linda B's gloves and bag; Nancy's bag

Claudia's bag

Debi's scarves using novelty yarn bought in Cambria.

Diane brought her celebrity icon of Linda.

3 bags of wool were dropped off for our use. Great for spinning or stuffing.

Happy knitting!

Hearth & Home Wk 3

2011-09-30T18:58:00.000-07:00

This week we started the rubber glove cuff. Linda demonstrated how to measure, cut, and start the cuff. There is an error in the pattern that was handed out. Under "Prepare Your Gloves," mark 24 dots instead of 25. Several knitters finished their market bag, and some are working on the background piece for the knit and purl pillows.

Next week Linda will show us how to cross stitch on the pillow pieces. She spent quite some time talking about the Persian yarn for the pillows. Auburn Needle Works is the only supplier of persian yarn in the Sacramento area. Lisa, the owner, is willing to cut the yarn into 8 yd lengths for this project. Two of the colors will take more than 8 yds.

Sneak Peak
A wire basket is one of the future projects. Joanne's carries various colors of wire to choose from.

Linda also mentioned that we will be making coasters out of VHS video tape.

Finger Puppets
We discussed libraries to contact for displaying the finger puppets. The Foresthill library is excited to display them soon. We agreed to split up the finger puppets since it is difficult to see so many at one time. Diana will contact the Auburn library. Linda L. will contact the Granite Bay and Rocklin libraries. Diane will contact the Loomis library.

Presidential Challenge
Linda brought several books and flash cards for ideas. About half of the presidents are already spoken for, but plenty are still left. Sign ups began this week. Linda is thinking about purchasing the yarn for the skin color yarn from our class fund for us to share. The color is Cascade 220 #8021. For more details, see last week's blog.

Reminder
Don't forget about the ATCs and the Big Event next May at Lake Superior.

Show 'n Tell
This darling horse was made by Diane who shared the pattern with the class. She used scraps of yarn left by her students.

Market bags by Sandy, Vickie, Linda L, and Irene

Baby set and market bag by Louise

Projects by Pat

Socks by Cynthia

Persimmon colored market bag by Penny

Live, Laugh, Knit!

Hearth & Home Wk 2

2011-09-24T09:37:00.000-07:00

It was a very warm day. We continued working on the Fruit Flavored Market Bag. Good thing it is made with cotton yarn. Several ladies finished their cute bags. We also went over the pattern for the Knit and Purl Pillow, which will be an ongoing project. We received several handouts:

1. The Knit & Purl Pillow pattern (2 pgs). Note: Linda did not use as much yarn as indicated on the pattern.
2. The pattern for THE CHALLENGE, due May 1, 2012.
3. The Big Event Workshop at Lake Superior, Minnesota, May 21-23, 2012 (flyer was on table, not handed out).

Reminder, there is a $5 materials fee that is being collected. Mark that you have paid at the table.

Next Week's Project
Rubber gloves with cuff. You will need the following items:

Rubber gloves, any color 1 skein of any acrylic yarn or 2 skeins of cotton yarn (Linda prefers acrylic for its stretchiness and washability.)
Small, sharp scissors for cutting into the gloves
Pen or pencil to mark your gloves
Ruler or tape measure
Tapestry needle
Set of dpns, size 7

THE BIG ANNOUNCEMENT (CHALLENGE)
(Pretend that you hear the music played for the President's appearance in the background...) Our next big challenge will be all of our presidents, past and present! We will be using the same pattern that we used for the celebrity icons. Linda brought her knitted doll of Uncle Sam as an example. It will be the same size, about 12 ft, unless the president you choose is taller or shorter. Note there is a correction to the pattern, under Body, the cast on is 32 stitches instead of 16.

The presidents should be knitted well and showcase their personality in some way. For example, Taft was really big and got stuck in a bathtub once, so he can be made really fat with a towel around his waist (this one is already taken); Bill Clinton playing his saxophone; George Washington with an ax for chopping down a cherry tree; Johnson with a 10-gallon cowboy hat; Grant smoking a cigar.

This project is due May 1, 2012. Everyone should use Cascade 220 and size 6 needles so the stuffing will not show. We will use the same doll stands as for the celebrity dolls, and we will discuss how to label the stands at a later date. Any suggestions will be welcome. Linda will have a list for sign ups. The choices will be first come, first serve; and for us indecisive or don't care who we pick, we will draw names for the presidents to knit. Linda is hoping that we will pick about 2 each since there are about 44 of them.

ATCs (Art Trading Cards)
Linda is going to ask Nola if we can do our ATC swap on Dec. 8, which will be during our Christmas party. If so, the ATCs will not be due until the week before Thanksgiving week in Nov. Linda thought it would be a good idea to thermabond the back material on to the ATCs. She is planning on getting a stamp with the information we need to add to the back.

The Big Event
This is the creative workshop led by Nola and Linda at the Bluefin Baby Resort in Minnesota right on the lake. The date is May 21-23, 2012. The cost is $295 which includes classes, breakfast, lunch, and sightseeing. For more information, pick up a flyer on the table.

Show n' Tell

Bags by Rosemary, Cynthia, Karen

Kelly is going to use hers as a lunch bag.

Sandy is going to add a leaf to her bag.

Teri's bag has a double purpose: bag and cap (hee, hee)

Debi is set to go with her watermelon-color large bag.

Knit and enjoy!

Hearth & Home Wk 1

2011-09-16T18:12:00.000-07:00

Welcome back to class! It was nice to see everyone. Diana made us delicious ginger cookies. There was a lot of show n' tell, and the photos are below.

Linda gave us the Fall list of projects and a pattern for the fruit flavored market bag that we started in class.

Next Week
The big challenge will be announced!

We will continue the Fruit Flavored Market Bag, and Linda will give us the pattern for the Knit and Purl Pillow. For the pillow, use either Cascade 220 yarn or Fisherman's Wool about 440 yards and size 7 needles. The gauge is 5 sts per inch.

A $5 materials fee is being collected this week and next week.

A Few of the Future Projects

Felted oven mitt, bottle drip catcher, glove cuff

Special Event Sep 21
The Whistlestop Quilt Shop in Colfax is having a "Meet the Author" Day with Lisa Bogart who wrote a book called "Knit with Love, Stories to Warm a Knitter's Heart." Ladies will be knitting a sample square, and she will give each person a circular needle. You must call in advance if you'd like to attend. There are two sessions to choose from. The phone number is 530-346-8482.

Big Event with Nola and Linda
Hooking and knitting at Lake Superior. Details to come.

Spring Class Date
We took a vote, and the first class for the Spring session starts on Jan. 5. The theme for all three sessions this year will be "Hearth, Home, and Me."

New Yarn Shop
Got Your Goat is a new yarn shop located at 2030 Douglas Blvd, Ste 36 in Roseville. It is open 7 days a week from 10 am to 7 pm. The website is gotyourgoatyarn.com.

Artish Trading Cards (ATCs)
Reminder: we will be swapping ATCs with Nola's hookers at the end of October. The cards are the size of a sports card, 2.5 x 3.5, and should include some information on the back. For more details, check the June 2011 blog archive.

Diana's ATCs

Fingerpuppets
Diana has our fingerpuppets and will hold them until the Fall art walk. We may or may not be accepted for this event. Linda suggested that we display them in the ARD office show case.

Recommended Websites
Diane mentioned www.knittingparadise.com
Candi suggested www.sweaterbabe.com

State Fair and Gold Country Fair Awards
Honorable Mention, First Place, and Best in Division

Gold Country Fair Display

Cynthia's socks and project bags

Cynthia's lace shawl

Cynthia's lace scarf

Karen's comfort dolls

Sandy's comfort dolls

Cheryl's comfort doll

Cheryl's felted bag

Louise's baby sweaters

Rosemary's baby sweaters

Pat's felted grape vine bag

Pat's many projects

Penny's baby set for her new grandson

Lynette's scarf made with a yarn called Poem.

Happy knitting!

Time to Register for Fall Class

2011-09-04T21:37:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday September Ladies! Here is a message from Linda L.

Hello to all the Knotty Knitters.

It's back to school and back to Knitting Class time!!!!!!

KNITTING BEYOND THE BASICS HEARTH, HOME & ME

Online Registration is open at Auburn Recreation District Web-site for our next Knitting Class with Linda Pietz starting on September 15 & ending on December 8.

The theme of our class this semester is Hearth, Home & Me. Besides other projects we will be knitting with recycled materials such as t-shirts, vhs tape, pot holder loops, & wire knitting to just name a few. We hope you will join us for lots of knitting fun & the camaraderie that knitting together brings to everyone.

The following is information from Linda P. to all of you: “I need everyone interested to be thinking about Spring Class dates. I need those turned in the first day of class. E-mail feedback will be appreciated. I hope everyone that wants to is knitting *ATC’s to exchange with Nola’s hookers. Finally, I know what I would like to do this year for the knitting challenge. I am going to announce it the second week of class as I would like sign-ups right away and give everyone time to work on it. It is pretty easy, but timely and fun. Yes, there is a pattern.”

First Week Materials List:
2 skiens worsted weight cotton yarn in green & your favorite fruit color,
10.5 DPNeedles**, 10.5 circular needles 16”, stitch markers, row counter.

*Check the Website for description of Art Trading Cards at http://www.cedarseed.com/air/atc.html & Irenes blog: June class notes at http://knitbeyond.blogspot.com/

**Linda P. has an extra set of 10.5 DPNs & 10.5 Circular Needles 16” if anyone wants a bargain price.

Reminders: Continue working on Comfort Dolls.
Gold Country Fair September 8-11 where our puppets are on display.

Happy knitting! See you soon.

It's August!

2011-08-16T17:49:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to all August birthday girls!

Knit and enjoy!

Finger Puppets to Gold Country Fair

2011-07-28T17:20:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone. Here is a FYI from Diana:

"Hey Girls -
The Finger Puppets are entered into the Gold Country Fair.
I am having Rosemary pick them up from the State Fair on Fri Aug 5 or Sat Aug 6 as I will be out of town. I will get them from her after that and I will make sure they are delivered to the GCF on Tues. Aug 23rd. Judging is Weds Aug 24. The fair opens Thurs Sept 8 and closes Sun Sept 11 and I will pick up the puppets on Mon Sept 12. I entered them under Home Arts/Clothes and Textiles/Division 152 Knitting/Class 8 Any Other. Under Arts and Crafts there was no knitting category, only under Home Arts.
Hope you all are enjoying your summers! D"

Sorry No Photos

2011-07-21T16:56:00.001-07:00

Irene wasn't able to attend the July gatherings, so she doesn't have any photos. Karen M. wrote about the state fair visit, "The people loved our puppets!!"

Yeah! Happy knitting!

New Plan for July Gatherings

2011-07-15T10:10:00.000-07:00

Update to yesterday's entry

On Jul 14, 2011, at 08:31 PM, Diana W wrote:
I say we designate a lunch place and time and a fair meeting spot and time and everyone is on their own to get there....carpooling with whoever you contact yourself rather than make it a group organized thing.

And for the picnic, just bring whatever...it always works out.
Just my 2 cents....for what it's worth, which ain't much!
PS I would prefer to not drive this time and will kick in a few bucks if anyone can stand me in their car.

Linda L wrote:
I think Diana's ideas are great! I assume we would picnic at same park as last year: Auburn Park near Auburn-Folsom Rd (on Racetrack Rd -- at the stop sign, turn left. You will see park on the left side. Go straight back to the deadend parking lot. Turn left up the hill to the covered picnic tables.)

Also please invite any knitting friends, especially those that might be interested in our class. Bring projects for "show & tell."

Please contact one another directly since e-mails are difficult for me as I am limited to one finger typing with my left hand.

The updated list is on yesterday's blog entry below. Please take pictures for the blog and send them to Irene. Thank you.

Need Coordinator for July Gatherings

2011-07-14T14:45:00.000-07:00

You may have heard that Linda L. is recovering from wrist surgery after taking a tumble while on vacation. She has been grounded for now and needs someone to coordinate the carpool for the state fair and a food list for the picnic. Her doctor also said "no knitting!" Her cell phone is not working, but she may be contacted via her home phone or email. I would also appreciate getting photos from these events for the blog.

State Fair & Picnic: Diane A, Candi D, Karen M, Rosemary P, Cynthia P, Diana W, Louise I, and Linda P.

Picnic: In addition to the above, Cheryl D, Vickie T, Sandy T, and Debi S.

Knit Trip
Here are a few pictures from Irene's trip to the 2d Annual Fiber & Textile Arts Festival in Oakland.

Knit and enjoy!

July Gatherings

2011-07-07T21:05:00.000-07:00

Linda L. sent us an email this week. It says, "Hi Knotty Knitters

We have dates for our July Gatherings:

July 18th-Monday: State Fair & Lunch. State Fair opens at noon with early lunch before.

July 19th-Tuesday: Picnic in Auburn. Afternoon/evening (details later)

Let me know if you want to be included in these events and which parts you can attend. We will be able to view our Finger Puppets at the State Fair and catch up on "Show & Tell" Summer knitting projects at the Picnic.

I will send out another e-mail when I hear from you so we might arrange meeting and carpooling for the State Fair and what to bring for food for the picnic. Let me know if there is something special you wish to bring for the picnic, and I will let you know what else we need.

Hope everyone is having a great summer."

Happy 4th of July

2011-07-01T10:06:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday July knitters and Happy 4th of July!

Wagon Wheel Rug by Rose, who came to class with Irene.

We discovered that it is easier to work on one rug together rather than work on our own rug by ourself. Also she just learned how to knit this week!

Please email me a photo of your WWR.

Knit and enjoy!

Summer Knitting

2011-06-24T14:51:00.001-07:00

Hi. Hope you are enjoying your summer. Below are a few projects that I already finished. I would like to put a photo of your wagon wheel rug or summer projects on the blog too.

Wagon Wheel Rug by Irene. Size fits a footstool perfectly.

Possible Summer Meeting Dates
Linda L sent us an email from Linda saying, "I am suggesting three possible dates for the state fair. Please ask everyone that is interested to express their preference.
July 16 when they open with a lunch option at Tower Cafe
July 17 in the afternoon
July 18 when they open at noon

For a picnic, how about either Tuesday, July 19 or Thursday, July 14? We could meet at the same park as last year."

Please reply to Linda L's email if you have a preference.

Show N Tell
Yorkie in need of a hair trim by Irene. From Linda's book of dog knit patterns.

Doll for a friend by Irene

Knit, Laugh, Relax!

Color Techniques III Wk 9

2011-06-05T17:35:00.000-07:00

Last class! We finally met Linda's sister, Nola. We had a wonderful potluck, a hook rugging demonstration, and learned how to make a wagon wheel rug.

Contact List
New names will be added to the contact list by Linda L, who is in Hawaii, so we can stay in touch during the summer. Linda suggested that we go to Cal Expo together in July to see the finger puppets on display, and Debi is looking into the dates for the SF weekend trip.

A sign up sheet was available to receive a monthly newsletter called "In the Loop" from Nola and Linda. It comes by email.

Summer Projects
Linda and Nola came up with the idea that we in CA trade ATCs (art trading cards) with Nola's group in Missouri. ATCs are like baseball trading cards; here is a really good website explaining ATCs with examples: http://www.cedarseed.com/air/atc.html. Nola's group will probably hook rug their cards. We can knit, crochet, felt, or use any type of fiber to make the cards. The size is 2-1/2 x 3-1/2 with a cloth backing such as muslin. The back should have the following information on it: name, title of the piece, and date. Linda will get a stamp for us to use for the back information. Our deadline will be the end of October so Linda can ship them to Nola, and we will trade in December.

Don't forget about the comfort dolls, which will be collected in the Fall class.

Make sure to write down the date for the next class called "Hearth, Home, and Me." It starts Sep 15.

Photos of Class
Nola brought hook rugs and cookbooks for us to buy.

Wagon Wheel Rug Lesson

Knitting with Linda

Show n Tell
Diane and Vickie's entrelac samples

Karen's entrelac hat

Jennifer's Fair Isle bag

Carol's Fair Isle bag

Congratulations to Cynthia for finishing her Masters degree, and Happy Birthday June knitters! Have a wonderful summer everyone, and happy knitting.

Color Techniques III Wk 8

2011-05-28T21:19:00.000-07:00

Linda demonstrated the entrelac technique. We received handouts with technique instructions and a pattern to make an entrelac cowl.

Diana received the judge's result on our finger puppets. We did not take 1st, 2d, or 3d place, but we did receive an Honorable Mention. The judge felt that we "are over the top on creativity, but low on knitting difficulty." However, she felt that people would enjoy looking at them, so we were awarded an honorable mention.

Next week is the last session. Linda suggested that we come a little earlier than 6 pm to set up for our potluck and eat. Then, knitters will spend time with Linda while the wagon wheel rug class meets at the other end of the room. Linda's sister, Nola, will be demonstrating how to hook rug, bringing extra wool to purchase for the rug, and also have her cookbook for sale.

Fall Session
The class is called "Hearth, Home, and Me." It will begin Sep 15 and end Dec 8. We will experiment knitting with other materials other than yarn too.

Show n Tell

Diana's felted entrelac bag made in a previous class.

Sandy's Fair Isle Pouch

Vickie's FI Pouch

Vickie's FI Tam

Live, Laugh, Knit!

Color Techniques III Wk 7

2011-05-22T08:51:00.000-07:00

This week Linda demonstrated the 3 needle bind off, the Fair Isle (FI) cable technique, and showed us a sample of the FI corregated ribbing. We read through the instructions for FI cable and the ribbing that we received in class. The FI cable looks really cool.

Linda shared that the corregated ribbing is slower to do, uses only one hand instead of two, the yarn cannot be locked, and the yarn has to be moved in the appropriate direction. For the FI cable technique, it is all done in stockinette stitch, uses two hands, and is awkward to handle.

Next week we will learn to make an entrelac sample. You will need to bring two colors of worsted weight yarn and a pair of #8 straight needles.

There was also a yarn auction for the leftover fingering wt yarn used for the finger puppets. An offer was made during class, and the yarn went to a good home. By the way, Linda and Diana delivered our puppets at Cal Expo last Friday. They have not heard yet if we have been accepted to show at Cal Expo.

Last Class, Jun 2
There are two classes left this session. We will have a potluck during the last class, and a sign up sheet was passed around.

Linda's sister, Nola, will be teaching a wagon wheel rug class at that time. It is not too late to sign up. Ladies who do not want to take the rug class is encouraged to come anyway to knit with Linda. I'm sure we are all curious to meet the person who instigates Linda's wild side.

Fall Session
Linda asked us if we wanted to start the Fall class on Sep 8 and end on Dec 1, or start on Sep 15 and end on Dec 8. The class decided to start on Sep 15. The theme is Hearth and Home, and Linda has some interesting projects lined up. She hopes that all of us will be back.

Show N Tell

Diane's Fair Isle pouch

Vickie's two Fair Isle pouches: same pattern knitted tighter makes a different size

Kelly's Fair Isle bag

Lynette's baby sweater

Nancy's scarf

Happy knitting, everyone!

Color Techniques III Wk 6

2011-05-15T21:28:00.000-07:00

I forgot to wish April and May knitters a Happy Birthday. Here it is: HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Finger Puppets
The final two finger puppets are finished! Diana took them to the State Fair on Fri.

Winnie the Pooh by Linda L.

This Little Piggy Went to Market by Claudia

Fair Isle (FI) Projects
We continued the Fair Isle technique using both hands, and Linda went over the two Tam patterns. We received the tam pattern with the clock design which we read in class.

Next week is the last time for Fair Isle. Linda decided to wait until next week to go over FI with corregated ribbing and FI with cables. Bring cable needles and two colors of yarn.

On May 26, we will knit an entrelac sample.

Nancy's Fair Isle Bag

Coin Purse by Irene

Head Band by Rosemary

Vickie made these two bags. One is Fair Isle, and the other is intarsia felted.

Samples of Fair Isle Projects by Linda and Students. Linda showed us the book in the photo that showcases some of her gourd baskets. She is also a hand model for several of the pages.

Need Milk Cartons
Linda will be teaching how to make this milk carton wallet for summer camp in Florida. She is in need of milk or juice cartons.

Teri's basket made out of recycled materials such as milk carton, plastic bags, electric/phone wire, computer parts, etc.

Wagon Wheel Rug Class
This class will take place on the last day of class with Linda's sister, Nola. It is not too late to sign up. We will also have a potluck that night.

Summer Retreat
Linda recommended that we have the retreat before Aug 28 without her. Debi is looking into the dates for this event. Linda L. will send us a link to the summer house in South Lake Tahoe.

Fall Session
The theme for the Fall classes is Hearth and Home. Linda hopes we will all sign up next season.

Show n Tell

Baby blanket by Rosemary

Debi made the scarf that she is wearing. I like the group photo.

Peace, Love, Knit!

Color Technique III Wk 5

2011-05-08T08:11:00.000-07:00

The due date for the finger puppets has finally arrived! Photos are at the bottom. Rosemary volunteered to pick up the finger puppets this summer from Cal Expo while Diana is on vacation.

There are four sessions left: May 12, 19, 26, and Jun 2 (bonus class). We will work on Fair Isle for three weeks and hope to do some entrelac before the end. Nola, Linda's sister, will teach a wagon wheel rug class on Jun 2. However, it is still a knitting class day, so it would be nice to have all ladies present. The two classes will meet on opposite sides of the room. Linda said to think about whether we want a pot luck that night too.

Fair Isle
Linda went over handouts from our packets and new ones that she gave us in class for Fair Isle (FI). She also demonstrated this technique. Only two colors are used at a time. It is important to check your gauge since the stitches are not the same width as stockinette. FI also uses more yarn. It is traditionally done in the round.

Next week Linda will show us how to rib and make cables with FI. Bring two-colors of scrap yarn and cable needles.

Here are samples of Fair Isle made by Linda and class members.

Sandy's Intarsia Purse.

Comfort Dolls
Several of the ladies expressed an interest in making comfort dolls for children in Africa. Linda suggested that we make them over the summer and collect them during the beginning of the Fall session so we have a good amount to give to the Sacramento Stockinettes to send.

Vickie made these Comfort Dolls.

Wagon Wheel Rug Class
This class will take place on Jun 2. The materials list is available. Use cotton or wool. You can buy wool or hand dyed wool from Nola. More projects can be made with the larger hula hoop than the smaller one such as rugs and chair covers.

Summer Retreats
Debi checked into the house in downtown San Francisco. It is available for most of the summer. We decided that Aug 27-28 would be the best date, so she will look into reserving that date. There are 28 bedrooms; some are double occupancy with a bathroom. Ten to 20 rooms are single with a bathroom in the hallway.

Show n Tell

Sesame Street by Diana

Who's in Rabbit's House? by Diane

Peter Rabbit by Candi

Spamelot by Colleen

Shrek by Karen

The Simpsons by Karen

Star Wars by Sandy

Drummer Boy by Irene

Penny's felted modular purse. Lynette noticed that it matches her felted purse perfectly.

Happy knitting!

Color Techniques III Wk 4

2011-05-01T14:27:00.000-07:00

We are back from spring break, and we were excited to start seeing finger puppets. All of them are adorable and fantastic! By the way, all fingerpuppets are absolutely due next week. After some discussion, we decided to use double-sided sticky tape to hold the puppets in place. Karen passed out a form for us to write down information and the order of our characters for the label she is making.

Babar by Louise

Narnia by Priscilla (Linda's daughter)

Hamlet by Linda

Robin Hood by Linda

The Wizard of Oz by Debi

Under the Big Top by Kelly

The Stages of a Butterfly by Teri. In her absence, her husband kindly brought them to class.

This week Linda demonstrated the duplicate stitch to use as details on our intarsia projects.

Next week we will begin Fair Isle. Please bring two colors of scrap yarn. Think about doing one of three projects that are in our packet. Linda showed us samples of these:
1. Andean folk bag (simplest).
2. Tam using either finger wt, sport wt, or worsted wt yarn (not difficult).
3. Norwegian gloves (most difficult).

Wagon Wheel Rug
We will receive a materials list for this class next week. Debi said that Grocery Outlet carries the large hula hoops. (I bought two of the largest ones after class.) The Dollar Tree near Belair has a smaller size.

Summer Retreat
Debi and Linda L. will look into setting up a summer retreat. Most of the ladies were interested in getting together during the summer for a one night (Sat/Sun) trip. Debi will find out about the house in the Bay Area and suggested having her sister cook for us since she is a professional chef. Linda L. feels the Bay Area trip will be less complicated than the So. Lake Tahoe trip.

Cartons and Liter Bottles
Linda will help her daughter teach a summer art camp for childen in Florida this summer. She is asking us to save milk/juice cartons and 1 liter soda bottles for her. They will be making recycled art projects.

Show N Tell
Debi's Shawl using the purple yarn she won on Lorna Miser's blog.

Diana is selling these beautiful felted pins. They are $14 each, but she is selling it to us for only $12. She made copies of the delicious ginger cookies for us.

Pat made this soft, delicate garter for the bride using the couple's favorite colors.

Rosemary made several baby hats using Cascade Fixation, an elastic yarn, that she bought in Crescent City.

Cynthia made a pair of short top socks.

I hope there are no sweat, tears, or giving up on completing the finger puppets this week. Keep Calm and Happy Knitting!

Color Techniques III Wk 3

2011-04-17T10:32:00.000-07:00

The main focus was intarsia this week. Linda went over the do's and don't's of intarsia design from our packets. We will have one more class of intarsia, then we will move on to Fair Isle. This 3d session will wrap up with entrelac in May.
Please note that there is no class next week, Apr 21.

Karen's cute intarsia sweater in the making.

Finger Puppets
Can you believe it? The due date for the finger puppets is just around the corner, May 5. It would be ideal if they could be done by the next class, Apr 28, so pictures can be taken for the wrist bands.

Guild
We spent some time talking about starting a guild in Placer County. Lorna Miser is interested in starting one and wanted to know if there was any interest, and Linda wanted to know if we wanted to have the guild in place of her classes. Many of the ladies decided that they were interested in being a part of both. One of the reasons for the guild is to reach more ladies who only want to meet once a month instead of weekly and who may not be a part of Linda's classes. It will also take more commitment from members to head various responsibilities, but the annual dues are very low.

Summer Plans
We also had a fun time talking about places to meet this summer. Teri is planning the World Wide Knit in Public Day for one of the Saturdays in June; it will be the first event held in Auburn. Linda L. suggested we meet in So Lake Tahoe and spend a night in a 5-bedroom house that she rented recently near Tahoe Keys. Debi knows a 100 yr old place that we can stay in SF with 28 bedrooms for a good price! Irene suggested we go to the 2d Annual Oakland Fiber & Textfile Festival on July 10 sponsored by local art and craft shops. See information on some of these events under "Knitting Events."

For Show N Tell, Linda L. took her time (hee, hee) to show us her latest finished projects. Here is her SW link scarf that she felted and a sweater that was started by Bea.

Linda also made this beautiful scarf from Katia Triana yarn.

Teri models a lovely cape/shawl that Pat made for a bride.

Kelly made these two adorable Comfort Dolls (one for the guild and one for her daughter's school, I think). One of the Sacramento Knitting Guild ladies will pick the dolls up for us to use as packing for meds sent to Africa. Please use dark color yarn for skin color for dolls going to Africa.

Debi finished this colorful silk scarf.

Linda M. made this nice scarf a few years ago. Yes, we have 3 Linda's.

Happy knitting and Happy Easter!

Color Technique III Wk 2

2011-04-08T18:56:00.000-07:00

We started intarsia this week. Linda demonstrated the butterfly, interlocking yarn, and hooking yarn on bobbins. Several handouts were given to us: intarsia patterns, knitting graph paper, and the Comfort Doll pattern. A $5 materials fee was collected. There is class next week, but we will be off for Spring Break on April 21.

Karen made a comfort doll that will be used as packing for medication to be sent to Africa. The pattern was given to us by the Sacramento knitting guild.

Regarding intarsia, knit on the tight side. Do not knit loose unless you are going to felt it. If you plan to felt it, use size 10 needles instead of size 8. Intarsia is not knitted in the round. Straight knitting is recommended. There will be a lot of tails to weave in. Two colors of yarn is not carried like in Fair Isle knitting. Work on intarsia in the morning or early evening, not when you are tired or travelling. Use duplicate stitch for smaller details instead of intarsia such as in argyle design. When locking yarn, remember that the old yarn goes to the left and over; new yarn goes underneath and to the right.

Next week, Linda will go over design do's and don'ts.

Linda shows us the fish hook bobbins. She is wearing a hand made intarsia sweater from Chino's.

Sacramento City Camellia Stockinettes
Our visit on Saturday was really nice. Here is one photo. More photos are on http:\\knittrip.blogspot.com. Click on the left side under "Knit Trips."

Fix It Sticks and Bobbins
Auburn Needleworks has the bobbins and the fix it sticks ($18 for 3 in a pack) that we requested. Please purchase them from ANW, so she will continue carrying our requested items.

Wagon Wheel Rug Class
Sign ups are still being accepted for the last class of this session. Fee is $20.

Finger Puppet Names
We voted between "Stories by Hand" and "Once Upon a Hand" as our entry name. "Once Upon a Hand" won.

Karen designed a bracelet for the stands. She designed the Simpsons.

Extra Money and Guild
A couple of things to think about. There is extra money in our kitty, so Linda mentioned sharing a well known knitting celebrity with the Sacramento Knitting Guild at some time. Also, Lorna Miser would like to start a knitting guild in this area.

Show n Tell

Pat's scarf made with Lion Brand Amazing.

Diane's first grade student made this dog.

Sandy's coasters.

Rosemary's scarf. Yarn was bought at Stitches West.

Debi made three scarves.

Cheryl's knit one below scarf

Karen's scarves made with Flounce yarn. Linda L. brought a similar yarn that she sold in class. I think it was called Triana.

Louise's purse made with cotton, 3-color yarn. She fused lining inside and on the handle.

Cynthia's socks.

Peace, Love, Knit!

Color Techniques III Wk 1

2011-04-01T15:55:00.000-07:00

It was the first week of the 3d session which runs for 9 weeks. Welcome to Carol, Jennie, and Candi! In this session, we can look forward to learning techniques such as intarsia and entrelac. We also get to meet Linda's sister, Nola, who will be visiting in May/June and teaching the wagon wheel rug class for only $20. Linda will be collecting a $5 materials fee at the next class.

Wagon Wheel Rug, June 2. Sign up with Linda. A large hula hoop is needed.

We received patterns for intarsia, and Linda went over one in class. She also showed us some of the bobbins that are available in the yarn shops. If you want to knit the patchwork purse, please order it through knitwhits.com. For class, bring 2-3 colors of yarn, needles, and bobbins. It helps to have a chart holder. Linda suggests to not mix yarn. For example, use all wool or all acrylic; no novelty yarns. Intarsia is not knitted in the round, so straight needles are okay. Carol is going to ask her mother, who is Japanese and knits, to translate the Japanese patterns.

Sacramento Knitting Guild (SCC) Visit
This coming Saturday, Apr 2, we will be visiting the Sacramento Camellia Stockinettes in Rancho Cordova around 11-ish and returning about 1 or 2-ish. Directions to the meeting are on last week's blog. Several of the ladies plan to meet for breakfast at Sweet Peas at 8 a.m. first. Linda has already called in the reservations. If you would like to carpool with them, meet around 9-ish at Sweet Peas. Please call Linda first if you did not come to class this week. Don't forget to bring any of the following items: knitted bra, celebrity icon, state flower, Nola's Challenge, bra calendar or notecards, and any other creative bit of knitting you have done. We will be stopping at Babetta's on the way to the SCC visit.

Finger Puppets
The finger puppet challenge is due the first week in May. There are a couple of hand stands left. Please bring any of the Knit Picks yarn you have to the next class, so ladies can take part of it.

Fall Session
The class theme for the Fall session is Home and Hearth. Linda showed us a picture of a huge knitted ottoman/cushion that she plans to figure out how to knit over the summer.

Stitches West 2012
We already know the date for next year: February 23-26. Linda will reserve a bus for that Saturday.

Show 'n Tell

Kelly's double knitted coasters

Karen's double knitted coasters

Cheryl's extra large felted bag

The bottom of Cheryl's bag

Cheryl's felted red tote

Karen's shawl, pattern and yarn purchased at Stitches West

Karen's beaded scarf, also from Stitches West

Irene's too large baby bootie turned bunny basket

Diana's Nuno felted scarf and flowers. She plans to sell the scarves and flowers.

Diana's scarf from her vest pattern.

Knit in the sun and enjoy!

Color Techniques II Wk 12

2011-03-27T19:52:00.000-07:00

It was the last week of the 2d session with a terrible snow storm in the Foothills. The snow was coming down pretty heavy, so I could not attend class. Once again, Linda L. came to my rescue and took notes. Sorry there are no photos. I heard Diana brought beautiful Nuno felted scarves for show 'n tell, Cheryl made a cute felted red tote, and several ladies finished their heart sampler. Linda demonstrated the Kichener stitch which is on pages 138-139 in our packets. No new handouts this week.

Last Class
Linda L. sent us an email on Friday from Linda saying, "Apparently, I can't count weeks. Last night was the last class of the twelve week session. Next week is the new session...Yes, we are in the system. It is nine weeks long ending on June 3 with a week off during Easter week. Because it is shorter the cost is less. I will be collecting a $5 material fee, but not until the first week in April. We will still start the intarsia on April 7. Next week students can catch up or I will have something for those that are."

For the intarsia technique, we will need small bobbins. Linda recommends the patch purse from Knitwhits.com as a beginning intarsia project. The patch purse will need to be ordered through Knitwhits if you are interested. A photo can be seen on the main table in class.

Finger Puppets
I also heard that Karen and Vickie, in their absence, were voted to come up with a label idea for the finger puppets. Of course, they were joking. Some ideas mentioned were a little booklet, a bracelet, and a ring.

SCC Visit
We will be going on a field trip on April 2 (Saturday) to visit the Sacramento Camellia Stockinette's in Rancho Cordova. The meeting is about 11ish, but we will meet for breakfast first. Please remember to bring your knitted bra, celebrity icon, state flower, Nola's challenge, and notecards/calendars.

I hope this is correct, according to their website (http://stockinettes.org), they are located at Riverview Community Center
Formerly Riverview Elementary School
Multipurpose Room
10700 Ambassador Drive
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670-2406

Directions from Google Maps are:
Suggested routes
1. 42 mins, I-80 W, 26.0 mi
2. 46 mins, I-80 W and Fair Oaks Blvd, 31.2 mi

- more info » Auburn, CA

5. Take the ramp onto I-80 W, 15.0 mi
6. Take exit 103 for Douglas Blvd toward Sunrise Ave, 0.3 mi
7. Turn left at Douglas Blvd, 79 ft
8. Take the Sunrise Ave S ramp, 0.2 mi
9. Merge onto Sunrise Ave, 8.6 mi
10. Turn right at Coloma Rd, 1.1 mi
11. Turn right at Woodlawn Dr, 0.2 mi
12. Turn right at Forestlake Dr, 0.1 mi
13. Turn left at Ambassador Dr, Destination will be on the left, 0.2 mi

Happy Knitting!

Color Techniques II Wk 11

2011-03-20T14:03:00.000-07:00

It was St. Patrick's Day, and many of the ladies wore green. I took a of picture of Debi, who was dressed very festively. We practiced double knitting this week. Linda demonstrated the 2-color cast on and gave us the pattern for coasters in the design of playing cards. She would like us to make at least one design. The heart and diamond are the easiest.

Next week we will learn the kichener stitch. For this technique, we will need a yarn needle. We will also continue working on our double knit projects with patterns Linda gave us.

There are two sessions left before we start the 3d session. We will start the new session with intarsia.

Don't forget about the Sacramento Camellia City visit on April 2. It's coming up.

We are without electricity in the Cool/Greenwood area so I am not able to add photos since they are on another computer. I will get them up some time this week. In the meantime, happy knitting! Here are the photos:

Cheryl's link scarf

Diana's vest (front)

Diana's vest (back)

Rosemary's afghan

Rosemary's slouch hat

Sandy's getting started on the Star Wars fingerpuppets.

Cynthia's socks for her father

Roni's dishcloth

Vickie's felted entrelac tote

Irene's stitch marker necklace

Irene's doll for her niece

Irene's nesting dolls, pattern from Itty Bitty Toys book

Enjoy!

Color Techniques II Wk 10

2011-03-12T13:30:00.000-08:00

The long awaited Nola's Challenge is here! We had fun looking at the completed results of the crocheted caps. The 11 projects are fabulous which made it very hard to pick just three winners. Congratulations to everyone who entered for a job well done.

1st Place, Debi's Bee

2d Place, Irene's Reversible Toy (one side)

The other side

3d Place, Lynette's Frog

More photos below.

This Week
Linda demonstrated a two-color cast on for double knitting that we practiced in class. We will be given a pattern for playing card coasters next week that we will try in class.

Karen's Double Knitting and Helix Samples

Coming Up
We will start intarsia next. Linda showed us two patterns that we might want to choose from. One of the patterns is already in our packet. It is a shoulder bag; the other is a patchwork bag that may be ordered from Knit Picks if interested.

Sacramento City Camellias Guild
Please sign up if you plan to go to the SCC visit. We will be bringing past challenge projects, plus the Nola's challenge that we just completed. We will either go to breakfast or lunch too.

Placer School for the Adults
Linda gave us a $5 off coupon for upcoming classes with PSA. She is teaching the Gourd Pine Needle Basket embelllished with gems and beads on a Saturday.

More Photos of Nola's Challenge

Show N Tell
Bonnie's shawl

Kelly's double knit watch band

Claudia's knit one below scarf

Irene's shawl made with Red Heart 6 in 1 (gray) bought at Stitches West w/other yarns

Sandy's Baby Surprise Jacket and Hat w/yarn bought at Stitches West

Vickie's great idea! Hot Rocks! They sell for $6 each or 2/$10.

Knit and Enjoy!

Color Techniques II Wk 9

2011-03-06T11:38:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday March Knitters!

Linda demonstrated double knitting with a special cast on, and we practiced making a swatch in class. A 4-page handout was distributed. She would like us to make at least one coaster from one of the patterns. This technique can be knit closed for a scarf/potholder or opened on one end for a pouch.

Next Week: Nola's Challenge is Due
We will continue double knitting, and remember Nola's Challenge is due! We will be judging each other for prizes.

Sacramento City Visit
A sign up sheet for the April 2 visit to the Sacramento City Camellia (SCC) Knitting Guild led by Lorna Miser was passed around. Linda would like to know how many are coming and what projects will be available to show.

River Cats Stitch n Pitch
The SCC is planning to attend the Stitch n Pitch at the River Cats game this Spring. We are invited to come too. Linda needs to know how many are interested in going so the SCC can purchase tickets.

Finger Puppets Deadline
The deadline for the state fair application is due mid April. We will need a few puppets finished for photos to send in with the application. This challenge is due the first Thursday in May.

Wagon Wheel Rug Class
A photo of Nola's rug is on her website: www.nolahooks.com. Even if you do not take this class, we are invited to come and knit.

Jake's Afghan
Thought you'd like to know that Jake loves his afghan. He said it is beautiful.

Show n Tell
Linda bought this top at Stitches West. The front is colorful too and has different buttons. The website is www.handjivewearart.com.

Debi's chain link scarf. She is excited about Nola's Challenge that she finished.

Vicky felted two large purses. Recently, she and Roni shopped at the Whistle Stop in Colfax where they bought yarn for 25 cents a skein.

Vickie crocheted this vest.

Vickie also made this bag filled with rice using the Helix method.

Cheryl made the knitting needle pouch from last week's pattern.

Roni sewed this quilt for a friend.

Penny knitted a scarf.

Laurie used yarn that she bought at Stitches West for this scarf.

Teri's chain link scarf

Diana could not attend class tonight, but she dropped by to show us her costume for Celebrity Chef in Auburn

Happy Knitting!

Color Techniques II Wk 8

2011-02-27T10:18:00.000-08:00

It hadn't snowed yet, so several of the knitters made it to class. We had a fun time looking at the purchases from Stitches West. The shoppers did a great job finding beautiful yarn and patterns. After drooling over everyone's purchase, Linda taught the class how to make plarn, plastic yarn, out of shopping bags. We received two patterns: a Designer Plarn Market Bag and a Straight Needle Pouch.

Next Week
We are starting double knitting next week, beginning with the heart pattern that is in our packet.

Karen's double knitted potholder; the backside is the squirrel in reverse colors.

Nola's Challenge is Postponed
Because of the winter storm warning, several ladies were not present, and we heard that the weather could be bad again next week. So, we took a vote and decided to postpone Nola's Challenge with the crochet hats. The new due date is March 10.

Finger Puppets
Karen brought the finger puppets of the Shrek characters that she is working on. They are so cute and perfect! Linda announced that there are still a couple of hand stands left.

Wagon Wheel Rug Class
Nola has a photo of the wagon wheel rug on her website, nolahooks.com, under "Items for Sale." You can click on "Linda & Sister" on the left column. This class will be taught by Nola on June 2 for $20; a book is included with the class. There will be a supply list. You will need to get a hula hoop, the largest size.

Sacramento Guild Visit
We have been invited to the Camellia City Stockinette's meeting on Saturday, April 2. We have been asked to bring our knitted bras, celebrity dolls, state flowers, and finished finger puppets. Linda plans on carpooling, having breakfast or lunch, and a visiting a lys together. There will be a sign up sheet.

Show n Tell
Several of us left early since it started snowing in the outer areas of Auburn, but I was able to get photos for Show n Tell. We hope to see the rest of the Stitches West purchase at the next class.

Cheryl's helix sample

Cheryl's felted bag that she thinks turned out bad, but we disagree.

Cynthia's lace scarf

Rosemary's beret

Knit on!

Color Techniques II Wk 7

2011-02-20T13:52:00.000-08:00

It snowed today in nearby towns near Auburn, but Linda made it to her classes with the help of her husband who picked her up and drove her three times during the day. I didn't feel safe to drive in the snow, so a warm thank you to Linda L who took the class notes and photos for me.

This week Linda demonstrated Helix knitting using four colors of yarn. A few of the ladies tried it, and it turned out very nice. She also passed out a typed handout of the double knitting pattern that she hand wrote the week before.

Next Class
We have four choices for next week:
Double knitting a straight needle pouch
Double knitting with size 13 needles to make a plarn shopping bag
Twine knitting
Finger Puppets

Stitches West
We were all excited about the trip to Stitches West, and we had a great time. Photos are on http://knittrip.blogspot.com. Click on first post under "Our Knit Trips."

Show n Tell
Diane models the vest that Diana bought from Fibers.

Happy Knitting!

Color Techniques II Wk 6

2011-02-12T20:05:00.000-08:00

Since we are waiting for the circular needles to come in, there was a change of plans this week. Linda demonstrated double-sided ribbing instead of Helix knitting. We appreciate Cynthia for ordering the needles for us.

Next Week
We will learn Helix knitting next week. Please have four colors. We will be using size 8, 9-inch circular needles.

Stitches West
The bus is full, and there is a waiting list! Please meet behind Raley's (near the Foresthill exit) promptly at 6:30 on Feb 19. Linda showed us the special project for the bus ride, it is a chain link scarf! Lorna Miser will be at SW teaching multiple market sessions and selling books in booth #814, the Coloratura booth.

I forgot to mention in class that cameras will be allowed at SW for the first time. However, there are a few vendors who are against it, so there will be signs posted outside the market place asking attendees and market-goers to please be considerate and ask for permission to take pictures or shoot some video of a vendor’s booth/merchandise. If you see a ”No Photography or Videography’ sign in a booth, we need to honor their wishes. In fact, they would like us to ask for permission (from vendors, designers, or anyone) before taking any pictures or record video.

Nola's Challenge
The March 3 due date is coming up. There will be prizes!

Linda started her fingerpuppets of Hamlet.

Wagon Wheel Rug
If you are interested in the special classes coming up in May and June with Nola and Linda, the sign up list is on the table.

Camellia City Stockinette Meeting
We have been invited to meet this special knitting guild on April 2, a Saturday, in Sacramento. Lorna Miser is the president. They would like to see our felted state flowers. Linda would like us to bring the celebrity icons, the knitted bras, finger puppets, and Nola's challenge too. We may meet for breakfast or lunch and drop in on a yarn shop.

Show 'n Tell
Kelly's shadow knitted dog coat (front and back). See the dog bone?

Vickie's twine knitted sample. She gartered stitch part of it which adds some stretch and a nice design.

Karen's scarf.

Rosemary made a pair of sweaters of two sweet girls.

Linda B's knit one below scarf.

Debi's knit one below scarf.

Happy knitting!

Color Techniques II Wk 5

2011-02-05T19:08:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday February Valentines!

Linda went over the twine knitting handout and demonstrated this technique. We spent the evening learning the cast on and beginning a sample.

We voted on learning the Helix knitting next week instead of spending another week on twine knitting. Feel free to go at your own pace though.

Stitches West
We need to be on the bus promptly at 6:30 a.m. on Saturday, Feb 19. The bus will be behind Raley's in Auburn near the Foresthill exit.

Future Special Meetings
Linda announced that Lorna Miser, the president of Camellia City Stockinettes in Sacramento, invited us to show our state flowers, celebrity icons, and knitted bras to their members. The date will probably be on April 2 (a Saturday).

Linda and her sister, Nola, are also coming up with some special classes in June. Some of the classes will be at Linda's house. Classes will be on making a hook rug, a wagon wheel rug, a rag rug made with a toothbrush, projects using scrap yarns, and a luncheon made by Nola. A sign up sheet is available for either a weekday or weekend.

Show 'n Tell
I'm sorry I forgot my camera this week. Some of the Show 'n Tell included:
Diane's blue neck warmer;
Cheryl's XO shadow knitting sample;
Kelly's dog bone shadow knitting sample;
Sandy's round place mat;
Vickie's vest, a fused-lined bag, a felted shadow knitting sample, and a felted crocheted sample;
Rosemary's news boy hat, and
Cynthia's shadow knitting hat and a soft sweater.

Happy Knitting!

Color Techniques II Wk 4

2011-01-28T17:14:00.000-08:00

It is nice to be back after a fast trip to Texas and back.

This week Linda reviewed shadow knitting and gave us more shadow knitting patterns. She also taught us how to gauge it since it is different from regular gauging.

Karen taught the class how to fuse lining on knitted projects. She was well prepared, and we enjoyed learning how to do this. Vickie was ready to try it.

Next Week
I think we are going over both Heliz and twine knitting next week. For the Helix knitting, you will need a minimum of four colors of yarn plus size 8, 9 inch long circulars (11 inch is okay too; you will need to CO more sts). Linda recommends the Hiya Hiya brand. For twine knitting, you will need two different colors of yarn. The photo below shows the Heliz sample on the left and the twine (back side) sample on the right. (Updated 1/30/11: On second thought, I think Linda will start with twine knitting first, so we have time to buy our needles. Cynthia sent an email this weekend that she will place a group order for about $10 each. Please contact her at willow.74@hotmail.com if interested.)

Stitches West
The checks for the bus trip will be cashed on Feb 1. Please turn in your payment if you have not done so. Prize donations are still being accepted. There are some nice prizes donated. Supplies for the bus project and a website for the $2 off coupon can be found under "Pages" in the lefthand column of this blog.

Show N Tell
Teri made this awesome pendant out of knitting needles. Linda announced that she is selling them too!

Vickie's shadow sample and vest.

Sandy's sample and plarn bag.

Kelley's sample and gloves. She also made a dog bone pattern for shadow knitting.

Karen's gloves.

Rosemary is finishing this afghan for a friend.

Linda L made two scarves. This one is made out of angora, alpaca, and mohair yarn from Lambtown USA with beads trimming the edges.

And, she made this alligator scarf.

Knit on, everyone!

Color Techniques II Wk 3

2011-01-23T16:46:00.000-08:00

A big thank you to Linda L. for taking the following class notes below in Irene's absence.

Welcome to Linda Martinez, a new student!

Show & Tell
We had lots of knitting projects to share & hopefully will be brought back for photos for the blog when Irene returns.

Flower Cards
Linda suggested that we might want to check on making up note cards from our knitted flowers challenge project for ourselves and to sell.

Shadow Knitting
Linda demonstrated the technique of shadow knitting. Pat shared a book on SHADOW KNITTING by Vivian Hoxbro.

Next week Karen, Teri, & Vicki will give a demo on fusing fabric to our knitting projects to create a lining.

Linda will check on the possibility of ordering sz 8 circular needles in 11” for the Helix knitting.

Stitches West
Bus trip: There are about 2 spaces left on the bus. Everyone must pay the $45 by next week. Linda is taking donations for door prizes for the bus ride. Some nice things have been donated.

For the knitting project on the bus trip, you will need 1 skein of ww yarn and size 8 double point needles in solid or variegated, but no novelty yarn. Also, you will need a stitch marker, a tape measure, & a row counter.

Reminder
Nola’s ugly hats project is due 1st session in March.

Happy knitting!

Color Techniques II Wk 2

2011-01-14T18:04:00.001-08:00

Welcome to our newest member, Pat! She just moved from the Colfax area to nearby, so she couldn't attend class last week. Pat has been knitting about 10 years. She attended Stitches West last year for the first time and was overwhelmed. We have two Pats now.

Linda had to attend an open house this week, so Diana delightfully started the class and led Show n Tell. Here she is showing us the scarf for Ernie, our Stitches West bus driver, that Karen completed.

Louise presented Karen and Vickie a gift of appreciation for their generous offer in putting together the outfits for our charity project and Jake's comforter.

A $5 materials fee was collected in class, and we continued the Knit One Below technique. Linda showed us two different bind offs for this project.

Next Week: Shadow Knitting
Here are photos of Linda's sample swatches for next week's lesson. The first two photos are the right side of the work from the front and side view.

This is the wrong side.

Linda suggested using two highly contrasting colors for shadow knitting, so you can really see the pattern. Worsted weight yarn using size 8 needles is good, but no novelty or variegated yarn. If you do not have a magnetic chart holder, bring post it notes to help with chart reading.

Finger Puppet Challenge
A reminder: the finger weight yarn is available if you want to get started.

Stitches West Bus Trip
We still need 8 people to make this trip a go on Feb 19. The cost is $45. Irene will post an announcement on ravelry.com under Auburn Knit Nights and Stitches West to get the word out. Door prizes are being accepted.

Show N Tell
Penny's bright variegated scarf

Bekah bought this beautiful sequence yarn at Auburn Needleworks.

Rosemary is almost finished with her Knit One Below scarf.

Pat used yarn that her husband bought for her to make this scarf.

Karen made a cowl with baby alpaca yarn.

Cheryl knitted a scarf this week. (I love the way that Lynette is right there looking at the show n tell.)

Here is an Adult Surprise Jacket that Cheryl knitted last year.

Happy knitting!

Color Techniques II Wk 1

2011-01-07T17:35:00.000-08:00

Welcome back to class! There was a huge attendance inspite of the fog. It was nice to have new students, Kelly and Barbara, join us and to see Cynthia back from student teaching. Several ladies said when signing up for class, there was a note that said class was full. They called ARD and were able to sign up. Happy Birthday January purls!

Knit One Below
Linda went over this technique which is on our syllabus demonstrating the special cast on and how to k1b (knit one below) and p1b (purl 1 below). The special CO is a backwards loop cast on. She will show us the special bind off next week.

This technique is similar to mosaic knitting but no stitches are slipped. The advantages of K1b are the following:
You knit on one side and purl on the wrong side.
It is a stable fabric.
It does not curl up.
You can knit on the round.
It is a wider stitch than regular stockinette stitch.
You can combine different weights of yarn such as bulky with fingering wt, or ww with dk weight yarn.
You can stitch the first stitch to get a candy cane effect.
Both the right and wrong sides make a nice design.

Tips for this technique are:
Do it slowly.
Be on the alert: sometimes you are turning and sometimes you are sliding the work.
You must use dpns or circular needles; you cannot use straight needles.
Do not drop a stitch; it is very difficult to fix.
You will see the pattern after row 8.
Try not to put down your knitting until you finish an entire pattern (4 rows).
We worked on the Inside Out Scarf pattern in class. Linda feels that the Chroma yarn in the Knit Picks catalog is perfect for K1b. A K1b vest pattern was handed out. With this pattern, you do not have to worry about increasing or decreasing. We will work on this technique for a couple of weeks before going on to shadow knitting.

A $5 material fee will be taken next week.

Stitches West Bus Trip
There are 10 spaces that need to be filled for the minimum amount of passengers from Auburn to Santa Clara. The trip will take place on Sat, Feb 19, and the cost is $45. Checks will be cashed on Feb 1.

Yarn for Finger Puppets
Yarn is available to work on the finger puppet challenge. It is due on May 1.

Debi knitted and felted this morning glory scarf. She got the idea from the Cornish Fair. She made a couple of morning glories and a black roses scarf.

Vicky and Roni made Moebius scarves over the holidays. Roni is wearing hers.

Laurie feels like a real knitter now. She made this vest!

Nancy made a tweed scarf over the holidays.

Cynthia made an infant Baby Surprise Jacket that she saw at Stitches West last year.

She also knitted 3 pairs of socks; two are shown here.

Bonnie made a scarf out of Marble yarn. It is in her knitting bag.

Rosemary made this flame design hat.

Karen is knitting a scarf that was made for a Hallmark movie. It was designed by the editor of Knitter's Magazine.

Happy Knitting!

New Session Starts Next Week

2010-12-29T10:37:00.000-08:00

Hi. I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and are enjoying the holiday break.

According to Linda L's email message, you can sign up with ARD starting Dec 27. The second 12-week session will be a continuation of Color Techniques. Class starts Jan. 6.

We also received an email from Bea asking how the yarn bombing went in Auburn. I am also curious in knowing how long the outfits were left on or if our charity projects are still wearing them.

Wishing you a Happy New Year and happy knitting!

Color Techniques Wk 12

2010-12-10T09:45:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful Christmas party.

The gift exchange was a great hit. There was a lot of stealing, in fun. Poor Linda, her gift was taken from her at least 3 times.

The potluck was yummy and good.

Jake's present. Vickie spent hours putting the squares together and working the ends. Thank you so much, Vickie.

Jake was shy opening the gift in front of us.

We had a special presentation on the history of handmade brooms by Linda's husband.

These brooms are handmade by Linda's husband, and they are available for sale.

Next 12-Week Session and Extension Possibility
It was also our last class for the Fall session. The next 12-week session begins on Jan 6. You may sign up online starting Dec 27. We hope you all come to continue our new friendships and learn more color techniques.

Linda forgot to mention that KBB can have an extension next Thursday, Dec 16, if there are enough people interested. Linda L. sent an e-mail about it on Saturday. Please reply soon. We would be in the room down the hall on the right as our room is booked. If there is not enough interest, Linda will let them know not to set up the room. She will not be able to attend, but some had expressed interest in meeting one more time before the end of the year. (12/14: This extension has been cancelled due to low attendance.)

Stitches West
If you plan to go, reserve your space. Checks will not be cashed until Feb 1. Also Ernie's scarf may be taken home over the holidays. We will present it to him on the Stitches West bus ride.

Finger Puppets
Yarn may be taken home over the holidays.

Nola's Challenge
This challenge is due on Mar 1. Details on last week's blog.

Charity Project
It was a success! Thanks to Linda for a fun project. And, thank you to Karen, Teri, and Linda L. for sending me photos.

Teri's Photos (2 below)

Karen's Photos (2 below)

Show 'N Tell
Debi knitted a Santa's cap and fuzzy slippers.

Claudia made a tiger out of the lamb/zebra pattern Linda gave us.

Louise made this dinosaur vest for her grandson.

Teri used the color techniques to knit this snake for her puppy, Penny. There is a label on it that says, "Tender loving care from Mother."

Pat hand dyed this yarn to make this cross stitch scarf. She calls it something like "swarms of orange birds flying over a meadow."

Lynette knitted this hat and added a button on top.

Happy Holidays and Happy Knitting! We hope to see you in the new year.

Color Techniques Wk 11

2010-12-03T13:45:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday December ladies!

It was nice to come together after the break, and we have a lot of show 'n tell items to see. This week we worked on a variety of projects such as the squares, mosaic knitting, and sample color squares from new handouts we received this week on Three Layer Tweed, Dice Check, and Three Color Wave Stripes, and Christmas stocking ornaments from Linda L.

Linda L. also sent an email on Sat. to say that the chart on the Triple-L Tweed pattern on page 50 in the Essential Guide to Color Knitting Techniques that Linda taught at the last class is incorrect. Following the written instructions will give you the correct pattern.

It is good to know that we have enough small squares for Jake's gift, and we only need about four big squares for our charity project, but Karen will need to have them before the next class. Vickie and Karen are working hard in putting the squares together. Diane's niece will make a dozen 24 inch i-cords to keep the large squares up. We will be presenting the gifts next week. Bring a flashlight if you plan to help complete our charity gift. We also discussed wearing dark clothes and masks (hee, hee).

Nanci's mosaic pouch

Christmas Party
Next week is our last class and Christmas party. A potluck sign up sheet was passed around. The three categories are: Meat, Eggs, and Cheese; Fruits and Vegetables; and Bread, Pastries and Other. All three categories were equal across the board; so if you were absent this week, you can add to any category. Linda will bring the plates and utensils, and Linda L. will bring wassail. Please bring your own drink if you do not like wassail.

Don't forget about the gift exchange (about a $10 value and knitting related). Please bring it wrapped.

Next Session
The new session will begin on Jan. 6. We will learn how to knit one below. You should be able to sign up online with ARD.

Stitches West 2011
A sign up sheet for the bus ride to Stitches West was started. This event will take place on Sat., Feb 19. Checks will not be cashed until Feb. 1, and donations for door prizes are being accepted. Debi is donating some great knitting books. Linda has a special knit project in mind for the trip, so prepare to bring worsted weight yarn and size 8 double point needles or Hiya Hiya circulars.

Linda began Ernie's scarf by knitting 12 rows. Diana volunteered to knit the next 12 rows while we were in class.

Finger Puppets
The yarn is in! A few ladies took some yarn home to start the challenge, but several skeins are still available. Stands are available too for anyone who has not signed up for the challenge. It is not due until May 1.

Nola's Challenge
We were given a special challenge this week! Unbeknownst to Linda, her sister Nola, sent her a box filled with crocheted caps. Apparently, the homeless shelters and chemo clinics near Nola have an overabundance of caps that she has contributed. So, she sent extras to her beloved sister and the Knotty Knitters for a challenge. Her challenge to us is to make something creative out of these caps. For example, turn the caps into a tissue cover, a bag, or keep it as a hat, etc. You can keep what you enter or we will send them back to Nola to donate to Lutheran Social Services. She is offering prizes. This is due on Mar. 1.

Lorna's Purse Fusing Class
Here are some completed projects from Lorna Miser's class that we had at the last minute at Linda's house. Teri took the class at Auburn Needleworks. She created a scene with owls on a branch, and she created the handle from inner tubes of bicycles. Clever! Unfortunately, none of the projects show the fused lining that we learned to do.

Karen made three purses using Lorna's technique.

Irene discovered that her Bible fits perfectly in the pouch she made.

Linda L found a perfect holder for her color samples. They are plastic DVD holders that fits into a binder. She bought them at Office Depot. She also laminated the patterns.

Linda B felted a red hat.

Sandy made a face mask for her grandsons. She will need to make more than one.

Sandy's hat and Vickie's catnip mouse for her cats.

Debi was one of the winners of Lorna Miser's lace skeins for the purple lace shawl.

Bekah's socks.

Penny's modular scarf.

Diane crocheted a bag for her tin lunch kit.

Diana's ruffle scarf for a friend. She bought the yarn called Marble at Auburn Needleworks, and she is making a little one for her friend's two year old.

Happy Knitting!

Purse Class with Lorna Miser

2010-11-23T12:11:00.000-08:00

As you all know from the email we received this past weekend, there was a last minute purse class with Lorna Miser at Linda's beautiful home. It was a good class with six in attendance. I'm glad I learned to "fuse" my knitting since I don't have a working sewing machine for lining and adding accessories. I think our heads are spinning with ideas, and we will be sure to share our finished projects with the class on Dec. 2. Here are a few photos. Please check the last blog for items to bring to the next class or check under "Pages," Materials for Dec 2.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Color Techniques Wk 10

2010-11-19T15:41:00.001-08:00

We had a very special night with our guest speaker, Lorna Miser, a well known knitting designer. She brought samples from her book on color techniques using hand dyed and variegated yarn and gave us really good tips. We were all inspired.

Linda is introducing Lorna.

Lorna is explaining to us why she chose a certain shawl pattern for this yarn called Lorna's purple mustang. This shawl pattern is free on her website, lornamiserdesigns.com. She is also having a free giveaway on Thanksgiving Day from her blog, lornamiser.blogspot.com. It will be 3 skeins of yarn and a pattern.

We are waiting in line to purchase and have her sign one of two knitting books she has written.

Lorna was very curious about our squares. So, of course, she had to be sworn in.

Charity and Christmas Projects
We need more big and little squares! Vickie needs over 70 little squares for Jake's gift. I think Karen needs over 30 big squares, for the charity project. It was decided that we will present both gifts on the last day of class (our Christmas party), Dec 9. Needle sizes and patterns are written in previous blogs. Look in the archive in the lefthand column.

Linda showed us a sample of the scarf and yarn that we will be making for Ernie. She decided on red yarn with a basketweave design scarf.

Bus to Stitches West
Sign ups for the bus ride to Stitches West will start on Dec 2. The date is Feb 19, Sat. We will depart behind Raley's in Auburn on Lincoln Way at 7 am. We must be there by 6:30 am. Tickets are $45, and your check will not be cashed until Feb 1. There will be a special project on the bus and door prizes. Donations are being accepted.

For the Next Class
Instead of working on the knit one below technique at this time, Linda will bring in new patterns on Dec 2. Please bring 4 worsted weight yarn of different colors and size 8 needles.

She is thinking about giving us a Christmas project too. And, two weeks from tonight, our yarn for the finger puppets should arrive. That project is not due until May 1.

A sign up list for the Christmas party potluck on Dec 9 will be going around during the next class.

Show n' Tell
Take a look at Karen's notebook. It is well organized, labelled, and she can glimpse at all of the color swatches easily. It is better than the photo.

Bonnie made a scarf from the 3-color pattern Linda gave us.

Cheryl's mosaic horses in two colors.

Bekah's prancing horse.

Rosemary knitted this baby sweater.

Pat's marigold dyed yarn, and little knit hats for the handmade doll.

Penny's second sampler scarf.

Linda L made this hat with flower.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving! Take time to knit.

Color Techniques Wk 9

2010-11-12T18:11:00.000-08:00

It was Veteran's Day, a holiday for many, yet we had a good gathering.

We dyed yarn with Marigold blossoms which turned white yarn into a pretty butter yellow. Claudia also brought Cosmos seeds to dye yarn with which turns into a pretty peach color.

Spaghetti! Not! Marigold dyed yarn. Depending on the yarn, the colors varied.

Linda also gave us a handout with two patterns for color knitting: Two-Tone Lattice (CO 20 sts) and Three-and-One Stitch (CO 19 sts).

Many of the knitters worked on squares for our charity knitting project. Karen is already crocheting the pieces together.

Bea is sworn in to work on this project.

Guest Speaker Next Week
Lorna Miser is our guest speaker next week. We will have Show 'n Tell at 6 pm, and Lorna will speak from 6:30 pm. Her book on dyed and variegated yarn is about $22, and we found out that she also carries a line of sock yarn. (11/16: Correction--She no longer sells yarn. See Teri's comment.) Don't miss this opportunity to hear her speak; she is very knowledgeable about color knitting.

Charity Project and Gifts to Make
Besides working on the squares for the charity project, it was suggested by Vickie that we make a throw for Jake, the kind, hard-working custodian. The instructions are as follows:
One strand (4 ply) of worsted weight acrylic yarn of a manly color. No girly colors.
Size 8 needles
Cast on 20 stitches
Row 1 Knit across
Rows 2 through 40 - Slip the 1st stitch knitwise, knit across until the last stitch, purl the last stitch.
Bind off. Work in the ends.
We would like each person to make 2 or 3 squares by next week since there will only be two sessions left after Thanksgiving break. Vickie will stitch the squares together over the break.

We also talked about the scarf for Ernie, our Stitches West bus driver. A cable pattern was passed around as a suggestion; a scarf from squares was also suggested. Color and pattern are still undecided. We will start on it in January.

Christmas Party
There are only three sessions left for this semester. A potluck sign up list will be passed around next week for our Christmas party. We will have a gift exchange with a value of $10 if you would like to participate.

Finger Puppets
Karen shared that a box from Bev Mo fits two hand stands with finger puppets nicely. There are seven stands left. Linda will order the yarn this week.

Linda's birthday present, the white board, is up. She wrote Yeah! Thank you Knotty Knitters.

Pat made this mosaic bag a few years back in Linda's first mosaic class.

Karen made the mosaic cats and more Christmas ornaments.

Louise made the two hats below. One is a mosaic design.

Bea had fun making this ruffle scarf that Diana shared with us a while ago. She suggests increasing on the edge instead of on the inside for a better look.

Bea recommends this issue of "Knitters" magazine. It is a double issue for only $6.

Happy Knitting!

Color Techniques Wk 8

2010-11-05T16:41:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday November Knitters!

Linda demonstrated Mosaic knitting once again and gave us graph paper to make our own mosaic designs. Teri shared an article from Vogue on yarn bombing around the world.

We also learned how to make a hank using a knitty knoddy. Hanks are made to prevent tangling and keeping yarn from overlapping. This is especially good for dying yarn. When using a knitty knoddy, keep yarn in front of you. Turn top and bottom ends in opposite directions. Do not overlap yarn. Do not pull too hard on the yarn. Tie yarn in eight places: 2 on top ends, 2 on bottom ends, 1 in the four middle areas. Weave the string in the middle areas, not in a knot.

Next Week
For those interested, we will be dying yarn with dried Marigolds. Prepare your yarn ahead of time by presoaking the yarn for at least 30 minutes in cold water before arriving to class. You can throw in a tsp of alum and cream of tartar if you have them. Bring your wet yarn in a plastic bag. Also bring an extra plastic bag to take home your dyed yarn; it will be wet. Vickie and Karen will bring a hot pot/plate, and Louise will bring an extra pot.

If you are not dying yarn, you can work on the mosaic knitting, new color samples that Linda will give us next week, finger puppets, or the charity project.

Charity Project
Linda and her husband took measurements for our charity project. The pattern is to use size 17 needles, knit squares by casting on 20 stitches, knit 40 rows of garter stitch with two strands of acrylic worsted weight yarn together.

Guest Speaker
On Nov 18, Knitting Designer, Author, and past president of the Sacramento Camellia Stockinettes, Lorna Miser, will be our guest speaker. She will be showing us samples from her new book on color and varigated yarns which will be out on the market next week. Her first book is called Faith, Hope, Love Knitting. You may be able to purchase a signed copy in class.

Thanksgiving Break
There is no class on Nov 25 for Thanksgiving. Two more sessions left after break. We will finish with Knit One Below, and start shadow knitting on Jan 6.

Christmas Party
Our Christmas party will be on Dec 9. We will have a potluck and a gift exchange with a value of $10 or less and something that is knit related.

Stitches West 2011
Linda has already secured a bus for Stitches West 2011. We got Ernie! The road trip is Sat, Feb 19. The cost is $45. No refunds after Feb 1. Tickets will be sold starting Dec 1. There will be a fun project on the bus. Donations will be accepted for door prizes. If you are interested in going on Friday and spending the night, contact Linda Leman.

Show 'n Tell
Claudia shared that Grocery Outlet has food color on sale for $1.99 a box.

Vickie is getting ready for the holidays by making a felted basket and pin cushions.

Irene turned her mosaic knitting into gift cards and a post card. She also completed a sheep she started a year ago.

Louise made some hats for the holidays.

Karen made several Christmas ornaments and stuffed animals.

Brit knitted this sweater!

Lynette made a hat with Noro yarn.

Diana made this felted purse from squares. She will add rosettes to it.

Diana took a class at the Tin Thimble on Nuno felting. She made this beautiful scarf.

Teri's mosaic needle case.

Pat's scarf using two needle sizes.

Bekah's diagonal scarf.

Cheryl's gloves.

Laurie made this baby blanket and hat with a cotton blend.

Bonnie is making baby pants for someone special.

Live, Laugh, Knit!

Color Techniques Wk 7

2010-10-29T16:13:00.000-07:00

Isn't this fantastic! Karen finished Lord Farquaad from Shrek. She said it was a lot of fun making him. She dyed the red yarn herself using Kool-Aid.

We practiced making two- and three-color i-cords. Linda demonstrated these techniques plus Mosaic knitting. Here are samples of Linda's Mosaic knitting projects: an eye glass case, a knitting needle case, and a needle holder.

On the lower left corner of Linda's free form purse is a sample of a horse she knitted using the Mosaic knitting technique.

Mosaic knitting can be done flat or in the round. You do need to read a chart. It can be knitted in stockinette or garter stitch. Linda prefers the garter stitch method. Please read through the notes on Mosaic knitting in your handouts.

Next Week
We will prepare hanks for the Marigold dying that will take place in two weeks. Linda will bring the knitty knoddies to make our hanks of yarn. If you are interested in dying yarn with Marigold, bring string or crochet cotton and no more than 100 yds of any 100% animal fiber (wool, angora, alpaca, mohair...) No acrylics, synthetics, cotton or linen yarn.

Charity Project
We started a charity project this week. Linda's instructions are to make a square by knitting loosely two strands of acrylic worsted weight yarn together (colors can be different): 20 stitches, 40 rows, garter stitch, size 17 needles. Rosemary brought two pairs of straight needles we can borrow, and Irene has a pair of size 17 Denise needles to share. It is not due for several weeks. Project will be explained in class.

Next Sessions
The second 12-Week Session of Color Techniques Continuation will start on Jan. 6. Tuition will be the same, but a $5 material fee will be included. The third session will be 8 weeks long with a tuition of $50.

Show 'n Tell
Noelle showed us yarn that she bought from Ross. Yes, Ross! She said there is a lot of Etta Rae, 100% wool, yarn in the household aisle in the back of the store. The price was marked down from $9.00 to $4.99 to $2.49! And, there is plenty for everyone. The wool comes in sock wt, sport wt, and I think, worsted wt.

Pat made a scarf using the probability math method. She used alpaca yarn, so it is very soft.

Sandy finished her felted modular purse. She made a matching coin purse too.

Lynette also finished her felted modular purse!

Pat made a felted modular purse too. She made a Kumihimo string that we learned to make earlier in the year for a fastener.

Diana brought her Knit Boutique items to sell, and several ladies bought gifts for the holidays.

Diana also treated us with M&Ms in these cute little boxes.

Happy Knitting Everyone! P.S. Hi Linda L!

Color Techniques Wk 6

2010-10-23T09:21:00.000-07:00

This week we continued to work on variegated yarn. The variegated yarn experiment turned out very well, creating some interesting looks. Teri made a scarf with several different variegated yarn combinations below.

Linda demonstrated how to make several swatches that changes the texture and color of a variegated yarn:
Color of the Stitch - Adds texture and it is used to highlight one of the colors in the variegated yarn.
Color of the Working Yarn
Slipping Based on Stitch Color
Slipping Based on Working Yarn Color - Minimizes the color you select.
Varying Yarn Position

We also celebrated Linda's birthday which is this weekend. Karen made this delicious, moist cake with almond-flavored white frosting. She also had time to make a couple of felted pumpkin bowls. And, did you know that she is already putting finishing touches on her finger puppets? Wow!

Next week we will learn how to make a two-color and multi-color i-cord, and we might start mosaic knitting. Bring at least two different color yarns for the two-color icord, three different color yarns for the multi-color icord, and double point needles. For mosaic knitting, you can knit either flat or in the round.

It was announced that there is an alpaca show at the Auburn fairgrounds this weekend.

Rosemary bought this very useful color chart from a quilt store for about $18.

Teri knitted this multi-color sweater. She also showed us a beautiful gold color yarn which she dyed from marigolds and a pine needle gourd bowl that she learned to make from one of Linda's various classes.

Teri also finished the cross slip stitch scarf.

We all had fun laughing with Lynette as she showed us how big her bee hive hat turned out.

Irene models Cheryl's beret that she made for the Thurs. morning class.

Vickie knitted a hat using the Seed Stitch Speckles technique.

Penny made a baby pumpkin hat. You can see the sample swatches she made underneath.

Bonnie knitted this sweather using an alpaca blend.

Knit on!

Color Techniques Wk 5

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

What a warm night! It's still not cool enough to wear our knitted accessories, but there were so many excited ladies holding up their Stitches West brochure. Linda plans to reserve a bus that will depart from Auburn to Stitches West and back. We had a great time last year.

This week we went over four stripe techniques: the Circular Knit Stripe Jog, Seed Stitch Speckles, Solid and Variegated Single Row Stripes, and Two Variegted Single Row Stripes.

For the Circular Knit Stripe Jog, cast on 36 stitches and knit in the round to form a tube. There are two different techniques to learn which were demonstrated. Linda suggests that we knit 4 rows of color A and then 4 rows of color B without using the techniques to show the regular way with the jog. Then knit 4 rows of color A and 4 rows of color B using Option 1. The last 8 rows are color A and color B using option 2.

For the Seed Stitch Speckles, use three colors of yarn that are harmonius. You do not want a lot of contrast.

Next week we will do nothing but variegated stripes. Linda showed us samples of the first two variegated stripes. The first one is subtle. To be most effective, use a solid color yarn that has the same color in your variegated yarn.

For the Two Variegated Single Row Stripes, the two variegated yarns do not have to match. It will give a totally different look.

Linda also answered any questions we had about Color Theory and reminded us to pick out colors we wanted her to order for the finger puppet challenge.

Diana will have a booth at the October Festival this Saturday, Oct 16, at the Rec Park on Racetrack Drive. She will be selling her knitted and felted pumpkins and purses. See photos below.

Louise knitted this sweater from yarn that she bought at Stitches West.

She also knitted this sweater for her daughter that is exactly her style.

Linda B made this felted purse using three types of yarn: 100% wool, Fun Fur, and a sparkle yarn. The brooch is actually a ring that can be used to hold keys.

Lynette went to town making three hats and a purse that she lined.

Sandy is making round dishcloths that can be used as doilies or placemats as well.

Our warm thoughts and prayers go out to Bea who has been missing class due to medical issues. We also wish Linda L a wonderful two-week trip to Alaska where she will be babysitting her grandbaby while the parents are in Las Vegas.
Happy knitting!

Color Techniques Wk 4

2010-10-08T21:34:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday October knitters!

Tonight was all about color theory. Linda gave us a thorough lesson with handouts about various color combinations. The majority of the class made a color wheel with yarn. This lesson is important for us to know because we will make better choices of color that will look good on us based on our skin's under tone.

Linda showed us many samples of color combinations from this book, Color Works by Deb Menz. The samples were made from various fibers.

For next week's lesson, bring one skein of variegated yarn and one skein of solid color yarn that coordinates with the variegated color.

We also received patterns for the finger puppets. Fingering weight yarn will be ordered for us to use. Linda would like us to let her know what colors we would like her to purchase. The finger puppets are little tubes with embellishments. You do not have to knit everything such as the accessories to go with the puppets.

A stripe pattern called Cat Wrap was shared with the class.

Linda bought a grab bag at the Tin Thimble for $6. This wooden knitting needle case was in the bag. A big sale is going on this weekend there. They plan to specialize in felting and fibers in the future and not so much on fabric and notions.

Linda also sewed this cathedral window purse. She planned on having a class.

Debi knitted this scarf made from pom poms. She bought the yarn at Beverley's and was able to make two scarves from one skein.

Diana gave us this cross stitch scarf pattern in class. She bought this hand painted yarn at the Tahoe Yarn Company in Truckee. This pattern comes from the 101 Designers One Skein Wonders book.

Louise knitted a hat for her nephew and made this little purse choosing yarn from throwing dice.

Karen's cat. She studied Irene's sample and made her own. She also wore socks that she knitted and brought information about a lavender farm.

Happy knitting!

Color Techniques Wk 3

2010-10-01T19:18:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Bekah, the newest member of the class!

Linda demonstrated the three stripe patterns below which is our assignment for the week: Odd Number Single-Row Stripes, Reversible Garter Stitch Stripes, and the Diagonal Stripes.

The Odd Number Single-Row Stripes use three colors of yarn.

Double point needles (dpns) are needed for the Reversible Garter Stitch Stripes. You will know when to slide: the yarn will not be waiting for you. Linda knitted 3 rows for her stripes.

On the Diagonal Stripes, the first line says to increase one stitch, use kfb (knit front and back). Increases or decreases will be made on the second stitch of the row, not the first stitch.

Just thought you'd like to see how Karen organized her swatches. She cut out the instructions and stapled it in the folder. Cheryl shared that she used post-it notes on her swatches.

A sign up sheet was passed around to make this Knitters' Color Wheel next week. If you are interested in making one, let Linda know if you did not sign the sheet. You will need to bring 50 cents, scissors, and a ruler.

We will also learn the Circular Knit Stripe Jog and Seed Stitch Speckles. You will need dpns and 3 harmonius colors of yarn.

The date to start the next session was discussed in class. The first session ends on Dec 9. We will take the rest of December off for the holidays. The majority voted to start the second 12-week session on Jan 6, with a few voting for Jan 13. We'll see what Linda decides. This session will end in March. We will probably have a six-week session in the Spring. Linda's sister, Nora, will be visiting at the end of May to teach a class.

The Fair Isle pattern for the tam below will be given to us in the future. Linda dyed most of the yarn in this hat herself.

Just a reminder, Linda will be bringing a few hand stands every week for the finger puppet challenge which is due May 2011. The puppets will be made with fingering wt yarn. Some ideas taken are Shrek, Gilligan's Island, Sesame Street, Hamlet, and Robin Hood.

A new phone and email list was passed around in class. Extra copies will be brought next week for anyone having difficulty printing it out.

Rosemary shared a pattern with the class to make 7 x 9 inch squares to send to the Warm Up America project. The squares will be attached to make blankets.

Laurie's coded purse that spells Sydney.

Bonnie made a kindle cover using the dragon scale pattern.

She also lined it with polar fleece.

Teri will use her coded scarf to yarn bomb a tree. She dotted the "i" in her name.

Sandy made a zebra scarf from Linda's pattern.

So did Karen.

Irene used the same pattern to make this cat scarf.

Diana brought samples of projects from past classes.

Diana will be selling these felted items at the October Festival on Oct 16 at the Regional Park on Racetrack Dr. Linda says that we can share a premium site booth. If interested, please contact Linda or Diana as soon as possible.

Karen made this darling sheep that unties into a little pillow. She got the idea in Apple Hill.

Britt knitted this tank top using a pattern from one of the One Skein Wonders book.

Diane finished her modular purse which is really roomy.

Until next week, live, love, knit!

Color Techniques Wk 2

2010-09-24T17:00:00.000-07:00

Random Stripe Game, Top Secret Cipher Stripes using Dice

Diana felted her dice stripes and made a coin purse.

Pat's "pair of dice" scarf.

Vickie spelled out her name for a binder cover.

Karen knitted her name and added pockets.

Linda went over the first three stripe methods on the syllabus and gave us a demonstration on two. On most of her samples, she CO 18 stitches and did 24 rows for a 4-inch sq. We are working on these three techniques this week. No cutting of yarn on any of these methods.

1. Two-Row Two-Color Stripes (demo).
Tip: You can carry yarn up to 4 rows. After 2 rows, twist the yarn. To twist the yarn, old yarn goes to the back left and above; the new yarn comes in from underneath and to the right.

2. Ribbed Stripes.
Linda knitted 4 rows and then did 3 rows of ribbing. Tip: Whenever you are doing a stripe in ribbing, do the first row just in knit (not ribbing), then resume your ribbing. This way, the yarn will not show through.

3. Single Row Stripes (demo).
Must have row counter for this one. The pattern should come out as stockinette, not garter.

Here is one of the patterns Linda gave us for a striped zebra scarf.

Next week, Linda will go over the Odd Number Single-Row Stripes and the Reversible Garter Stitch Stripes. We will need to bring three colors of yarn for the Odd Number Single-Row Stripes. We should also be prepared for the Circular Knit Stripe Jog and the Seed Stitch Speckles techniques even though we may not get to it until two weeks from now. Bring dpns (double point needles) for the Circular Knit Stripe Jog. For the Seed Stitch Speckles, the three colors of yarn should be harmonius; Linda used raspberry, hot pink, and orange.

We also received handouts of the lessons for the whole 12-week session. No going ahead please.

Finger Puppets
The sign up sheet for the finger puppet challenge is on the front table. This project is not due until spring 2011. The hand stands for the finger puppets are available for $12 each.

Linda L sent around the email sheet to be corrected. It will be ready soon.

Teri finished her sock yarn jacket (front and back below)!

Debi knitted squares to make a shawl from sock yarn.

Bonnie knitted this scarf and skirt!

Bonnie also gave us a copy of the dragon scale pattern. Here is the sample she is working on.

Karen made a Raggedy Ann doll this summer.

Linda bought this felted crochet bag on summer vacation. The yarn shop's husband cut up several felted bags and sewed them together to make this bag. It has a cute pocket inside too.

Linda will be teaching how to make this skull pin at Tin Thimbles on Oct 9 from 10 am to noon. She made several of these for her son's wedding party.

Happy knitting!

Color Techniques Wk 1

2010-09-17T16:35:00.000-07:00

Welcome to everyone who attended the first class: Louise, Teri, Noelle, Diana, Laurie, Rosemary, Claudia, Bonnie, Gloria, Ilene, Pat, Karen, Sue, Diane, Vickie, Cheryl, Roni, Vicki, Penny, Lynette, Britt, Linda B, Debi, Nancy, Sandy, Linda L, and Irene!

This class will be focusing on stripes to begin with. You will need two solid color ww yarn, sz 8 circular needles or dpns (straight needles will not work), a row counter, at least two variegated yarn , and 3 related solid colors (heather is ok). Look in your stash; there's no need to make a purchase.

Here are samples of Linda's swatches for the class lessons on stripes. Pocket folders and little tags will help keep your samples organized.

The lessons in stripes comes from this book. Purchase of book is not required.

Linda gave us two handouts: a syllabus and the instructions to various ways of knitting a striped scarf or sampler by using dice. We worked on this in class, and it is our project for the week.

A Future Project

Optional Project: Finger Puppets

This is an extra curricular activity. You are to tell a story, using 5 finger puppets. A sign up list for this project is on the front table. The antique hand stand for the puppets is $12 each.

Summer Show 'n Tells
Unfortunately, there are no photos for Linda's show 'n tells, but she was busy this summer making knitted skulls for her son's rehearsal dinner, attending his wedding 10 days ago, and buying an antique sock knitting machine that knits a pair of socks in a couple of hours.

Gloria's felted modular purse.

Sandy's felted modular purse.

Teri's fingering wt yarn jacket in progress.

Vickie's fingering wt yarn jacket just starting. Yarn bought at Stitches West.

Linda L's Alaskan musk ox yarn scarf, $90 a skein.

Karen's pine needle basket. She showed us 3 different styles that she made after taking Linda's pine needle basket class. This class is being offered on Oct 30 with the Sierra College Community Classes, http://www.sccommed.org.

Vickie's open finger mittens.

Diana's felted, beaded pin.

Karen brought a folder with all the knitted state flowers in it. The photos can be found on knittrip.blogspot.com.

An announcement was made that an alpaca ranch tour will be taking place this fall season in the Nevada County area. Yarn and knit-related items are sold at the ranches. See Pat for details.

If you are new to Linda's knitting class, there are several items that are available for student use. The swift and ball winder can be used in class if Linda is given notice in advance to bring it. A DVD on socks and blocking boards can be checked out for one week.

If you need help, please sign the white board on the front table. Linda will go to each student in order of the names on the list.

Also an email list of the students in the class will be made and given to us, in case you need help, have questions, or need a ride, etc.

All projects are optional. You do not have to make all of the projects given. Go at your own pace, do the ones you like, and take as much time as you need.

Happy knitting!

Class Starts This Thursday

2010-09-12T20:30:00.001-07:00

Yeah! Class is starting again. As of Saturday, there were 24 signed up. I am looking forward to seeing all of you and meeting new classmates.

The materials list for this Thursday is under "Pages" on the lefthand column.

Karen M took this nice photo at the Gold Country Fair this weekend. I didn't see any prize ribbon this time.

Live, Laugh, Knit!

Class Starts on 9/16

2010-08-29T11:10:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder, our first class for the ARD Fall session will be on Sept 16 at 6 pm. The session will end on Dec 9. The material list can be found on the lefthand column of this blog under "Pages."

The Gold Country Fair will be held from Sept 9-12. There is FREE ADMISSION on Saturday and Sunday from 11 am - 12 noon with two non-perishable food items! We may find our state flower entry there.

While camping on the coast, I discovered a friendly yarn shop in McKinleyville called Knitter's Lane (http://www.knitterslane.com). It opened some time this year.

I enjoyed looking at the nice yarn, cute accessories/patterns, and finished samples. There are more yarn on the other walls.

The ladies were having a good time knitting when I dropped by.

A few darling mice greeted me at the door.

I bought a pretty cup at this shop that says, "Knit One, Sip One at a Time."

Looking forward to seeing you soon in September.

Art Walk Photos

2010-08-16T15:35:00.001-07:00

The following photos of the Auburn Art Walk on Aug 12 were taken by Karen M. Thank you, Karen!

Reminder, knitting classes with Linda start in September. Happy knitting!

Art Walk Schedule

2010-08-12T08:45:00.000-07:00

Hi. Diana sent us a schedule for the Art Walk on Thurs, 8/12.

"Thanks to all who responded and are willing to help tomorrow night.
My husband and I will arrive in front of City Hall at 5pm to set up.
Linda P. will also be there at 5. Most of you did not specify a time, and so to accommodate those of you who did, I put the rest of you where needed. I hope these times work out for you all. I am sure others will show up to just hang out....so if it turns out that anyone can't make it, I am sure it will be fine. Plus I can fill an empty shift.

6:00 - 6:30 Karen M and Linda P
6:30 - 7:00 Diane A
7:00 - 7:30 Louise I
7:30 - 8:00 Candi D
8:00 - 8:30 Pat M
8:30 - 9:00 Teri B

Teri - Thank you for offering to help take down. I have not signed up for a shift as I will be there all night...at the art walk....walking around....so if anyone cannot come, I can just take over the shift. I will have my cell phone on my person all night. (530) 566-4070."

Love, Peace, Knit!