At the 10/13 Guild meeting, members attending heard more information and had discussion about three local organizations under consideration for our Holiday Gift Giving outreach (has also been called charity knitting). There was a majority interested in again making gifts for the Evergreen Recovery Centers (formerly Evergreen Manor), located in Everett.

Here’s a reminder about their work with mothers with children. Evergreen Recovery Centers ) provides long-term residential daycare and addiction treatment and recovery support for mothers. Those with children under age 5 may keep their children with them during their treatment. While they are in treatment sessions, the children attend their state-licensed therapeutic daycare program.

The Center will appreciate any amount of handmade hats, mittens or gloves, scarves, and socks for both adult and teen mothers and children under age 5. 

Completed unwrapped gifts will be collected at the December 8 Guild meetings. Not able to attend either meeting? Contact me and we’ll arrange a convenient time to meet!

Yarn: Please use acrylic yarn—it’s washable and does not shrink. You could consider using washable or super wash wool but please attach a note with a safety pin that “washing machine OK, no dryer just hand dry!”

Patterns: Members are very welcome to use patterns that they like. Again, please consider using washable acrylic yarn for easy care.

Also, here are Ravelry links to some pattern searches that focus on acrylic yarn, usually one color, and with 150-300 yards. (You will need to be logged into Ravelry and then copy and paste the links for them to work – Ed.)

Adult-size
​Some free knit patterns for mittens
Some free crochet patterns for mittens
Some free knit patterns for scarves
 Some free crochet patterns for scarves
Some free knit patterns for socks

Children, babies and newborns
​Some free knit patterns for mittens
​Some free crochet patterns for mittens
Some free knit patterns for scarves
​Some free crochet patterns for scarves
​Some free knit patterns for socks and booties

If anyone needs help with printing any of these free patterns, send me an e-mail and I’ll be glad to mail you some free patterns—let me know which ones you’re interested in! Average meeting attendance has been about 45 lately. If everyone could try making two items, that would generate almost 100 hats, mittens, scarves and socks! And, any number of items will be welcome. I’d be glad to help with any questions! Please add them here or send me an email. 

Marion  [email protected]  

    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