GMKG Newsletter May 2011

PURLS OF WISDOM
A NEWSLETTER OF THE GREATER MILWAUKEE KNITTING GUILD May 2011

Membership: We had 2 new members join at the meeting.

Treasurer: Balance is $3980.51 Pat explained the need for more income since this amount will not cover room rental for the year.

Programs: May will be our Baby Shower. Bring your hand knit orpurchased baby items, diapers, formula etc. Representatives from the Christ Child Society will be there to accept them and talk about their program.Charity: Peg reminded us that we are currently making Chemo Hats for St Mary's Oncology Department. She had some made using fun fur thatwere really cute.

Old Business: None

New Business: Karen M provided the following notice: "The Milwaukee Public Library is planning a regular drop-in for those who knit and/or crochet. No reservation needed. They will meet every last Saturday of the month except May and December at a location within the Central Library that will be posted in the Rotunda. 1:30-3:30.

The Central Library will also be hosting a location for Milwaukee 2011 Knitting-in-Public Day. The date they were told is June11. A time has not been provided yet. You can check their website for more info on events at www.mpl.org.Robbie Rose spoke with us about a charitable group she and friends have started for the HOT unit at Childrens Hospital. (HOT-Hematology, oncology and transplant) She spoke on the need for kit or crocheted toys for the kids to use for comfort. Their website www.palsbringjoy.com has ideas, patterns and book suggestions and drop off locations. Knitch in Delafield is also supporting their effort by offering incentives for donations. Peg donated the yarn from Charity Knitting

Meeting adjourned.Our program was presented by Jan Massie of Just 4 Ewe. She had an interesting topic on Sweater Recycling.. The processes used in China and 3rd world countries use many toxic chemicals. It is to our advantage to recycle. Jan encouraged us to buy yarn made in the USA because the harsh chemicals are not used in processing. She showed us the problems you might encounter when pulling apart a sweater. She also takes sweaters and cuts them into slippers and purses to felt and create a new item.

NewMembers

Nancy S has been knitting for over 40 years. She knits a great variety of items from scarves to sweaters and likes easy patterns.Besides knitting she does silk flower arrangements, including wedding flowers, and other crafts. In the summer she likes to garden. Nancy probably would win the contest for living the closest to Mount Mary. She lives on 93rdand Burleigh and says she could just cross the street, hop the fence, and be on campus. Her daughters are Mt Mary graduates. Welcome to the Guild Nancy.

Anja H has been knitting for 30 years. She learned to knit and crochet as a child but stopped when she was in high school. Afterc ollege she picked up her needles again. She has knit 3 children’s sweaters but she really enjoys knitting stuffed animals and booties. She learned about our group through the central library. Welcome Anja.

Jennifer D has been knitting for 30 years and has now completed level 2 of the Master Knitter of the TGKA program. She likes to knit everything but especially lace and socks. She learned about us from Ravelry. Welcome Jennifer.

Dawn O has been knitting for over 30 years too and is a past guild member. She should be familiar to any of you who shop at Ruhama’s as she is the store manager. She has taught at Mt Mary. She really likes machine knitting. Welcome back Dawn.

Welcome returning members Helen D and Gail M. Both ladies have renewed their membership from last year. Welcome back Helen and Gail.

You are cordially invited to the 1st annual Greater Milwaukee Knitting Guild’s Baby Shower!! For: Christ Child Society Date: May 10, 2011 (the May meeting)Time: 7:00pm Place: Mount Mary CollegeBaby Shower Games will be played and refreshments servedPlease bring your baby sweaters and any other knitted items for donation to this worthy cause (remember that non-knitted new baby items will also be graciously accepted!!

As always- Happy Knitting