For this the second installment of the introductory series, where we meet each of the people working hard both behind the scenes and out in front of the cameras, so to speak, we’ll be meeting our newest chairperson, Marion Scichilone!

    Firstly, let’s cover what the Knit News is, and what the chairperson of Knit News is responsible for.

    Knit News is almost exactly as it sounds; a bit of news from the wider world of crafting around us. I say “almost”, because it isn’t, just as our guild isn’t, strictly knitting. The news may be about crochet, or a new breed of sheep. It could be trends, designers, or what other guilds around the country are up to. You can even email your own suggestions of what you’d like to know more about, or send any other newsworthy tips to her official email here: [email protected]

    So what does the Knit News chairperson do, exactly? They're our very own world news reporter, of sorts. They dig around and see what’s happening out there, and then they share it with us. After researching what’s happening, they pull it all together into a convenient little package and submit it to the guild’s website and newsletter for us to read, and they report “live”, too, during a five-minute segment at guild meetings.

    The Knit News chairperson is an invaluable member of our team, and now let’s introduce to you just who she is!

    Fiber arts of any variety are a fairly time consuming pastime. There are rare exceptions, of course, but for the most part the time it takes to complete a project is measured in hours at least, but marking time in weeks, months, or in some cases even years isn't uncommon. Even the swiftest stitchers can't whip out enormous shawls or afghans in a day.

    So you may wonder why on Earth we'd use some of our precious crafting time to do anything else? The answer is simple; the internet is an evil place.

    Maybe "evil" is too harsh, but certainly it's a temptation. Because I'm the consummate enabler, I'll show you just how tempting it can be. At the end of the blog, those wishing to tar and feather me for sucking up your entire afternoon may form a line to the right.

    Few things in life are as enjoyable as sitting with a bunch of great people, happily stitching away. Crafting, for all that it's an individual sport, is really best accomplished in good company; a fact that's been well-known for centuries.

    For the last five amazing years, the company has been far better than good; it's been fabulous. Our guild has such a diverse cross-section of wonderful, talented people, and you all never cease to surprise me with your genuine warmth.

    Charitable deeds are the rule, not the exception. Kindness is bestowed on friend and stranger alike with equal ease. Laughter and smiles are never far away. Assistance is offered without a moment's hesitation, be it a dropped stitch or a meal in time of need.

    We've had adventures and triumphs. We've weathered illness and injuries, and even loss. We've gained strength and knowledge, and many new faces. We've celebrated a multitude of wonderful occasions. But through it all, both joy and sorrow, we've developed an overall sense of community that is as rare and precious as even the most coveted jewels.

    I have little doubt that every member, regardless of age or number of years (or even decades!) of crafting, has learned something new. Many of us have learned more than we even could have imagined was possible. We've taught each other, learned from each other, and our skills as well as our lives have improved because of it.

    In five years we've crafted something beautiful, patterned by each member's touch. I thank you all, both those just joining and those who have been here since it began, for adding to it. And I can't wait to see what colors and textures are added in the many wonderful years to come.

    I hope to see you all tonight, to celebrate this guild and its members, and to just spend another fantastic evening enjoying the pleasures of a favorite pastime and some fabulous company!


    ~Krystin
    

    We are approaching fall, which is my favorite time of year! I love the crisp air, fresh
apples, the routines of school, and the browns, reds, and oranges of changing leaves.
We settle in with a cup of hot tea or coffee, or a bowl of homemade soup. We pull out
the afghans and shawls to curl up with an engaging book or listen to the rain. I choose
larger projects to cover my lap while I knit.

    In September, we are excited to hold our elections and celebrate a birthday! Our guild
was formed in the fall of 2009 and is now 5 years old. I have been honored to serve as
your guild President over the past year and look forward to hearing the results of this
year’s election. I will not be able attend our meeting in September as I will be visiting
my husband’s family in Arizona. I do hope you will attend as we need a quorum for
the vote to be valid. We will also be voting on a revision of our Bylaws to better reflect
the descriptions of our officer duties and procedures. The September 9th meeting will
be run by our Vice President, Katherine and our Member-At-Large, Maureen. There
will be door prizes and cake!

    Thanks so much to those of you who offered suggestions for programs at the last
meeting. Our new Board will be discussing those ideas and will come up with a slate
of fantastic speaker and learning opportunities for our meetings. It is time for
membership renewal and we hope many of you will join us for another year of fiber,
fun, and friendship.

    Hello there! My name is Krystin, and some of you may recognize me from the monthly meeting recaps in the newsletter. I've been given the immense honor of being the newest SKG Blogger, and I hope I do the task justice!

    For our first little miniseries of posts together, I'll be introducing you to the busy bees running this hive. Today I'll tell you a bit about myself, and as September rolls along, I'll post introductions of our Guild Council and Chairpersons.

    So without further ado, click "read more" below to find out a little bit about your new SKG Blogger!