This month’s meeting was a good example. In our new board’s first run, and a resoundingly successful one at that, we all came together to learn something new. Taught by our very own, no less!
Firstly, there were announcements to be had. Georgia did a splendid job getting us all caught up with the exciting events coming up. The Retreat and Fiber Fusion, which were both spectacular successes, were both touched on. We also had an announcement and discussion relating to our annual holiday crafting drive. After some great questions and hard choices, it was decided to give as a group to the same great charity as last year, though we were all reminded that it’s not only okay but even encouraged that if we’d like, we as individuals can give to another organization, either instead or in addition to the group’s choice!
We had another great Book Report from Georgi, as well! She always brings the most interesting choices, full of things that are not only just fun to make, but that always have some other aspect to them, as well. There was a bonus this month, too, as she brought in a great rare Barbara Walker book for us to take a peek at!
The next part was bittersweet, as Marion gave her last Knit News presentation. It was another hit, and don’t be too sad; she is only giving up the beloved post because as you all recall, she’s now our Vice President! With the post already filled by another eager guild member, Knit News will continue to be something to look forward to each month. One of the best parts of our guild is how we are continually learning more not just about the stitches at our fingertips, but the stories and history, both ancient and modern, that have led us as crafters to where we are today.
Before we got down to the business of learning how to make fun notions, it was time for Show and Tell! Now, as I was busily snipping away lengths of cord and sorting things for the main event that we’ll get to in a minute, I unfortunately didn’t have a hand free to take notes. But I can assure you I was awed to near distraction by our collective talents once again! Rebecca’s adorable sheep, Miss Coral, was such a cute way to lose count of what I was doing that I wasn’t even bothered. The parade of beautiful shawls was distracting, too. And there was even another hat made with the yarn from our Dye Day, which was just as awesome as could be. As the cold weather and the holidays take hold, I can only imagine how many more incredible things we’ll create and share, and can’t express enough how happily I anticipate it!
A quick break, and it was down to business. Fun business! First up was our very own freshly former President, Katie, to teach us how to make Dorset buttons. I’ll admit, I’d never even heard of them before, so it was a real treat for me, as I’m sure it was for everyone—even those who knew what they were! It turns out, as Katie so gracefully and patiently taught us, that Dorset buttons are buttons made from a firm ring and yarn. Using different techniques, types of yarn, and even ring sizes, the possibilities for making stunning buttons to adorn your projects, or anything else, is easy enough for nearly anyone to learn, while being fun enough to make that you want to just keep making more and more of them! There was even a small contingent of us who couldn’t help but wonder if with a Hula Hoop and some pencil roving, could one not make a rug? But even if we don’t go quite that mad with the idea, being able to make breathtaking buttons to match our handcrafted wares, or even to use scraps we love to make buttons for other projects, is something I think we’ll all be doing soon, if we weren’t already! I know I, for one, have already made a few since the meeting, and hope to make more. I know for a concrete fact that we, one and all, extend a huge thank you to Katie for teaching us so well, and teaching us something so fun!
For the second and final tutorial, I had the pleasure of showing the guild how to make just one of the many variations of handmade row counters. There are so many ways to keep track of where we are in a pattern, but there’s something to be said for making one yourself. For instance, if I make something myself rather than buy it, I’m far more likely to actually use it! I decided on teaching how to make row counter bracelets, because I love that when I’m not crafting it’s still something I can wear proudly. Everyone was so great, from Tandy and Marion and other helpers who ran supplies around the room and helped answer questions, to you all who took to what was a fairly complicated project, especially for anyone who hadn’t made jewelry before, like ducks to water. Even through a plier and time drought, there were smiles on faces and completed bracelets on many wrists by the time the proverbial bell rang and it was time to head out. So thank you, to the board for allowing me to show you, and to everyone, for being such wonderful students!
My love for October is really like my love for this guild. It only grows stronger each year, and I look forward to so many more Octobers, guild meetings, and fiber art events to come!