MKG�Knitters’�Knews� 1� September�2013�

The�Madison�Knitters’�Guild�meets�the�second�Monday�of�each�month�September�through�May.�Doors�open�at�5:00�pm�•�Meeting�starts�at�6:30�p.m.�•�Bishop�O'Connor�Center,�702�South�High�Point�Rd,�Madison,�WI�

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September�9th�Meeting�will�be�Members�Only�����Renew your membership now: see pages 10 and 11 for details!

Deborah�Robson�will�present:�A�Close�Look�at�Wool,�from�a�Fiber�Geek's�Perspective:�Questions�that�you�thought�to�ask�(what's�with�pilling?)�and�maybe�some�you�hadn't�yet�(why�can't�we�make�it�in�a�lab?)�Deborah Robson is a fiber generalist who specializes in spinning, knitting, and weaving, although she experiments with all aspects of textiles. Deborah experienced a moment of awakening when she realized that the list of rare sheep breeds included the animals who grew some of her favorite spinning fibers, like the Lincoln Longwool. When she discovered that breeds like the Navajo-Churro were at risk of extinction, her desire to learn more about, and raise other fiber artisans’ awareness of, these sheep and their wool turned into a permanent quest. Learning more about, and teaching workshops on, rare sheep and their wool has turned into a life’s passion.

When we asked Deborah to answer the question, “Why does wool pill?” she gave us a preview of the thoughts she plans to share at the September monthly guild meeting: “I love all fibers, but I'm especially intrigued by wool. I keep circling back to it, in large part because its properties are almost magical—and not quite predictable, in part because it occurs in so many different varieties. Wool is one of the foundations of civilization, and I believe will also be one of its salvations. We'll

take a close look at wool's structure, its chemical and physical properties, and its behavior in our yarns and finished fabrics. I'll touch on why some wools have bounce and others don't; why some is delightfully soft, and also vulnerable to wear, while some is tough-feeling and sturdy enough to withstand steady abrasion over years; why some felts and some doesn't, and the same for pilling (which has a lot to do with both the fiber and the yarn structure). I'll talk about what wools are available to knitters now, and why we serve our craft well not only to use those wools but to ask suppliers to give us even more options. When we push the boundaries of what we know about wool, we also push the boundaries of what we think knitting is, or can be. A lot of what I will have to say about wool applies to any fiber, but, well, wool has it all, so let's get to know it better!”

Renew your membership today so that you don’t miss out on this fascinating presentation about wool and its magical properties. See pages 6 and 11 for details!

Knitters’�Knews�Vol.�34,�Issue�1���������September�2013�

In�This�Issue:���September’s�Speaker���–�page�1�Message�from�the�President�–�pages�2�3�Upcoming��Events��–�page�3�Meet�our�Vendors��–�page�4�Calling�all�Volunteers�–�page5���Community�Projects������–�page�6�7�2014�Fiscal�Budget�������–�page�8�Treasurer�Report���������–�page�8�2013�Annual�Report������–�page�9�More�Volunteer�Ideas����–�page�10�Membership�Application�Form���������–�page�11�Sponsors�–�page�12�

MKG�Knitters’�Knews� 2� September�2013�

Deborah�Robson,�continued…��� �Deborah has edited Spin-Off magazine and Shuttle Spindle & Dyepot, as well as books for Interweave Press and for her own Nomad Press. For 14 years she served as an editor at Interweave Press, including 12 years as

editor-in-chief of Spin-Off: The Magazine for Handspinners. Among her accomplishments at Interweave was the Save the Sheep project and the book Handspun Treasures from Rare Wools. She also has worked in trade, literary, and scholarly publishing of books and magazines, and written for PieceWork, Interweave Knits, Spin-Off, The Journal for Weavers, Spinners and Dyers, as well as fiber-related anthologies including KnitLit (too), KnitLit the Third, Hooked, and The Knitter’s Gift. With livestock expert Carol Ekarius, she spent four years writing (and researching and spinning) The Fleece and Fiber Sourcebook: More than 200 Fibers from Animal to Spun Yarn, followed the newly released The Field Guide to Fleece. She also has a DVD set from Interweave Press called Handspinning Rare Wools. Her textile designs have appeared in several magazines and

collections. She earned an MFA in writing from Goddard/Warren Wilson; is a member of the American Society of Journalists and Authors, and the Colorado Authors’ League; and served two terms on the board of directors of the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy. She lives in Colorado.

– Barbara Rottman, Programming Chair

Message�from�the�President:�Did your summer just fly by? I can hardly believe our September meeting is just weeks away. Two huge projects at work required some late evenings, and the annual convertible tour that I help to coordinate, took up a lot of my free time. But occasionally, I just had to stop and knit. I needed to give myself a half hour (sometimes it turned into an hour—funny how that happens) to just give my brain over to the knitting zone. How lovely to have an activity that makes you feel good, and creates something beautiful, useful or just fun at the same time.

I have long felt that my MKG membership is money well spent. You recently received an email listing 11�member benefits, and encouraging you to take a few minutes to register before the September meeting. Carrie Hafele, Communications/Web chair has made it easy to renew online. If you prefer to send in a paper registration, the membership application form is at the back of this newsletter. Do it today. Here’s just a sampling of how your Board and Committee chairs spent their summer working for MKG:

� What other group makes shopping so easy? Connie Burmeister, VP and Vendor chair, has lined up vendors for every meeting. Green Mountain Spinnery, from Putney, Vermont and Five Oaks Farm, from Oregon, WI are set to vend at September’s meeting.

� Speaking of shopping, Pat Fisher, Membership chair, will have your 2013–2014 membership card ready which entitles you to discounts from many of our sponsors.

� Mary Jo Harris, Knit-In chair, has confirmed that Franklin Habit will be our keynote speaker and a teacher for Knit In. If your membership is up-to-date, you’ll have first dibs at Franklin’s class on Elizabeth Zimmerman’s Tomten Jacket. It will be a six-hour class held on Sunday, March 16.

� Just when you think we’ve made everything possible, the Brown Bag exchange takes a new twist. This year knitters will be making a two-colored accessory. Start looking through your stash and come to the September meeting for more details. Elaine Landay, Hospitality chair, will orchestrate the exchange at the October meeting.

� To make sure you get full value out of your membership, I’ll be hosting a new member gathering prior to the start of the October meeting. I remember being a newbie and wondering just exactly what “Stitches”

MKG�Knitters’�Knews� 3� September�2013�

Message�from�the�President,�continued…�

was, and what did you do at the UFO, and what does knitting and a safari have in common? We’ll review the MKG calendar and answer any questions you might have.

� A recent J.Jill email reminded me of my own personal goal with its subject line, “Hello, fall. Hello, sweaters.” This year I’m not going to be content with just buying their sweaters— I want to make my own. Programming chair Barbara Rottman is going to make that easier by offering knitting groups based on the Amy Herzog body types so we all can create fit and flattering sweaters using one of Amy’s patterns.

� After October the newsletter will only be sent out to active members. Cynthia Robey-Duncomb, Newsletter editor, is working to make Knitter�� Knews a valued resource. She also welcomes member suggestions and submissions. Joan Werla, Secretary, will capture the business portion of the Guild meetings and a few speaker highlights for each newsletter just in case you miss a meeting. And reports from our uber organized Treasurer Bonnie Dill will assure you that your funds are well-spent.

� Gael Boyd, Special Events chair, is coordinating a bus to Chicago for Vogue Knitting Live! on November 2; Guild members save $5. It’s just one of the many events Gael has planned for the year.

� Got an empty set of needles? The kids at Falk and Hawthorne Elementary would appreciate your completing a pair of mittens before the September or October meeting. Knit up your favorite pattern or check out the possibilities Rae Sprague, Community Projects chair, has listed on our website. How can you resist a pattern called “Warmest Mittens?”

� If you checked out books at the May meeting, they’re now due. Marijka Engel, Library chair, has ordered new shelving (anyone who has ever helped put the library away can truly appreciate this) and will also have new books and magazines to browse.

Thanks to our board and committee chairs, and their many volunteers, we have a jam-packed year waiting for you. Don’t miss a minute, join or renew today!

– Mae Knowles, President � �

2014�Knit�In�—�Mark�your�Calendar�The�2014�Knit�In�will�be�at�the�Bishop�O’Connor�Center�on�Saturday,�March�15,�2014,����with�additional�Knit�In�classes�on�Sunday,�March�16,�2014.��Keynote�Speaker�Franklin�Habit�will�be�speaking�on�March�15�and�also�teaching�classes�both�March�15�and�16,�2014.��Stay�tuned�for�more�details!��

–�Mary�Jo�Harris,�2014�Knit�In�Chair� � � � � �

�Upcoming�Guild�Events:�September 9: Guild Meeting,

program by Deborah Robson, is members only

October 14: Guild Meeting, program by Carol Anderson. Wear your Brown Bag Shawlette!

November 2: Bus Trip to Vogue Knitting Live, Chicago, IL

November 11: Guild Meeting, program by Cynthia Dalzell

December 9: Guild Meeting, program by Amy Detjen

Other Knitting Events: September 6�8: Wisconsin Sheep

& Wool Festival, Jefferson, WI

November 1�3: Vogue Knitting Live, Chicago, IL

November 9–10: Stone Crest Llama Farm “Christmas in the Country” Open House, Fort Atkinson, WI

MKG�Knitters’�Knews� 4� September�2013�

Wonderfully Wooly 100% New England Wool. This 2-ply worsted weight yarn celebrates the highest quality wool fibers from our local New England sheep breeders. 4 oz. skein (250 yds.)

Meet�the�Vendors�for�September:�Five Oaks Farm began operation in March of 2005, with one pregnant female and four male alpacas. Since then, we have grown to five female and eight male alpacas, one llama and a huarrizo (Gizmo is half alpaca and half llama). They are kept company by one goat and two miniature donkeys.

If you enjoy knitting, alpaca natural fiber is an outstanding choice. Unlike wool, alpaca fiber is hollow, making it a much better insulator. Alpaca fiber is softer than wool, and contains no lanolin, which causes an allergic reaction in many people. It is also free of coarse hair, making it a "no itch" fiber. Five Oaks Farm offers fine yarn in a wide variety of weights, from

sock to worsted, and in many natural colors, as well as fine alpaca fleece and roving.

We also offer stud services at reasonable prices, alpacas for sale, and alpaca and llama boarding. We are located approximately 15 miles south of Madison, Wisconsin, on a 24-acre farm.

Visit website: www.fiveoaksfarmalpacas.com Phone: 1.608.835.0504 Email: fiveoaksfarm@charter.net Visit the Farm: 4631 Hwy A, Oregon, Wisconsin 53575

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Since our founding in 1981 Green Mountain Spinnery’s goals remain unchanged: to create yarns of the highest quality, to help sustain regional sheep farming, and to develop environmentally�sound ways to process natural fibers.

From initial contact with the fiber grower through the final labeling and approval of each finished

skein of yarn, our team attends with care to every step and detail in the yarn-making process. All the fibers we use – alpaca, mohair, wool and organic cotton – are grown in the United States. We make every effort to purchase directly from individual growers.

Our yarns are created with vintage equipment in our mill in rural Vermont. We match the dynamic capabilities of our venerable machinery with a keen understanding of the nuances of each fiber blend. Throughout the entire process, the inherent liveliness of natural fibers is respected. The result? See and feel for yourself at the September Guild Meeting. (Click here for a virtual tour of the mill.)

Visit website: www.spinnery.com Order Toll Free: 1.800.321.9665 Email: spinnery@spinnery.com Write: Box 568, Putney, VT 05346-0568 Visit: 7 Brickyard Lane, Putney, VT 05346

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MKG�Knitters’�Knews� 5� September�2013�

�Calling�all�Volunteers:��There�is�a�lot�to�do—big�jobs�and�small�tasks…���When you walk around one of the Madison Knitters� Guild meetings, it is hard to believe that we don’t have any paid staff! We count on our members to step up and get involved. Here are just a few of the ways for you to get involved, or see page 10 for more volunteer opportunities.

Vendor�Committee:��Need a few volunteers who are able to be at the monthly Guild meetings by 4:20 p.m. to greet the vendors as they arrive at the door by the gym, or stay late to help the vendors pack up. Must be friendly and willing to assist the Vendors as needed. Contact Connie at vendors@madisonknittersguild.org

Publicity�Chair�Needed:���Responsible for posting updates to the MKG Facebook page and Ravelry groups, creating promotional pieces for special events such as the Knit-In, and promoting knitting and the Guild in general, which takes a few hours’ work per month. To learn more about this committee, or to nominate yourself or someone you know, please contact nominate@madisonknittersguild.org

The Knit-In needs two groups of people; both will start this fall and run until the end of March, 2014. If you have any questions or want to volunteer, contact Mary Jo Harris: call 608-243-9057; email knit-in@madisonknittersguild.org, or write to 1529 Longview St, Madison, WI 53704.

Knit�In�Vendor�Committee:��Committee members will mainly work via email and only meet face-to-face when absolutely necessary. Prior to the Knit-In, the committee will address any Knit-In vendor-related questions. During the Knit-In, this committee will take the lead in setting up the Vendor Area and keep in contact with the vendors to address any issues that arise. They’ll also take the lead tearing down the Vendor Area once the Marketplace closes. After the Knit-In, they’ll provide feedback to improve future Knit-In events.

Knit�In�Teacher�Committee: Committee members will mainly work via email and only meet face-to-face when absolutely necessary. Prior to the Knit-In, the committee address any Knit-In teacher-related questions. During the Knit-In, this committee will take the lead in seeing that the classrooms are set up as agreed and will keep in contact with the teachers as needed to assure the teacher's needs are met. Committee will also return the classrooms to their previously agreed upon state at the end of the Knit-In. After the Knit-���the committee members will provide feedback to improve future Knit-In events.

Sneak�Peek�at�the�October�Meeting: Carol�Anderson�of�Cottage�Creations:����The October meeting will feature Carol Anderson, the creative engine behind Cottage Creations. The last time we checked Ravelry, there were 30 Cottage Creations projects listed, and not one had less than four stars. An eye-popping 3078 projects were recorded for the Wonderful Wallaby alone—and that’s just the people who take the time to post on Ravelry! Carol is a regular instructor at Knit-In, a member of the Madison Knitters Guild, and an entertaining speaker. Learn why these patterns are so enduringly popular with knitters everywhere.��

Wear�Your�Shawlette�in�October!���The unveiling of shawlettes in May was simply awesome! There were so many beautiful pieces we’ve decided they deserve an encore showing. Circle your calendar for October 14th and start planning your outfit to show it off at its best!

Submissions�Welcome!��Do�you�have�news�to�share�with�the�membership,�an�idea�for�an�article,�or�a�suggestion�for�a�series?�If�so,�we�want�to�hear�from�you!�The�Knitters’�Knews,�published�monthly�from�September�through�May,�wants�your�help�to�ensure�that�our�members�are�‘in�the�know’�about�all�things�knitterly.�Please�email�your�news,�articles,�suggestions��and�photos�by�the�15th�of�each�month�to�be�included�in�the�next�newsletter.�newsletter@madisonknittersguild.org������Cynthia�Robey�Duncomb,����������Newsletter�Chair�

MKG�Knitters’�Knews� 6� September�2013�

Treasurer’s�Annual�Report:� Fiscal�Year�Ending�June�30,�2013�

The�annual�financial�audit�of�the�Madison�Knitter’s�Guild�was�conducted�on�July�10,�2013�by�Carol�Spiegel,�Kathy�Digman��and�Mary�Jo�Harris�(board�observer).�No�deficiencies�were�found.�For�the�fiscal�year�ending�June�30,�2013,�the�guild�received�$38,175.67�in�revenue�and�expended�$31,559.42,�leaving�a�balance�of�$27,932.00�in�checking�and�$3,067.71�in�savings.�The�annual�IRS�990�tax�return�was�filed�on�July�18,�2013�reflecting�this�total.�The�2013�14�budget,�with�projections�of�$36,450�in�receipts�and�$35,375�in�expenses�was�approved�at�the�June�Board�meeting.�The�Board�also�approved�a�on��time�expense�to�purchase�library�storage�carts.�Please�direct�your�questions�to�treasurer@madisonknittersguild.org�

Membership�Renewal��Application�Now�Online:�Because the September 9th meeting is Members Only, the line to renew or apply for membership may be long. We are working to prevent delays at the membership table, but why chance it? Skip the queue! Renew now and your new 2013-2014 MKG membership badge will be ready and waiting for you.

� Click here and renew online before September 4 to have your badge ready at the September 9 meeting. With online registration, you can remit your membership fee one of these three ways:

1. Via PayPal, 2. By credit card (through PayPal Site), or 3. By check (register online, receive emailed invoice , then mail check by August 31).

� Complete the Membership Application form on page 11 of this Knewsletter and mail it along with your check by August 31 to have your badge waiting for you at the meeting. After August 31, please bring your completed form and check with you to the September 9 Guild Meeting.

– Pat Fisher, Membership Chair

Community�Projects:���Please pick up a new Community Projects Calendar at a Glance for your ‘fridge or knitting bag when you check in at the September meeting. Keep it handy and add a “knit for others” project to your knitting queue when you can.

Fall is coming and our community project for September and October is mittens and hats for two Madison Schools: Falk and Hawthorne. Both have a very high percentage of disadvantaged children with approximately 75% eligible for free or reduced food programs. The school staff would greatly appreciate receiving mittens and hats, preferably washable, to help keep the students (ages 3-11) warm this coming winter. Looking for a pattern? Try the No Swatch, No Gauge Mittens pattern by Jean Gifford on the following page (shown in photo below).

In November our focus will be on supporting Porchlight, Inc. and The Road Home. These agencies provide services to individual and families in transitional housing and the homeless. A high need is warm socks and hats especially for men in L, XL, and XXL as well as hats and mittens for women and children ages 2-11.

Your generosity to others is demonstrated in the amazing number of items noted in the annual report in this newsletter. Please continue to knit for others as your efforts are truly appreciated. For the complete 2013-2014 Community Projects Calendar and additional information, please refer to the MKG website. Thank you for all you do.

� Rae Sprague, Committee Chair

MKG�Knitters’�Knews� 7� September�2013�

No�Swatch,�No�Gauge�Mittens��This pattern is intended for Charity Knitting “Every pair will fit some child!” © Jean Gifford Printed with permission. Click here for the full pattern.

Materials needed: Yarn and double point needles to make a dense fabric of 4 to 6 stitches per inch. The mittens pictures used the following needles and yarns: 1. Worsted weight, size 5 dpns; 2. Two strands of fingering weight held together, size 4 dpns; 3. 3-ply tapestry yarn, size 6 dpns; 4. One strand fingering, one strand sport weight held together, size 5 dpns; 5. Worsted weight, size 5 dpns; 6. Heavy worsted weight, size 6 dpns; 7. 3-ply tapestry, Size 6 dpns. Abbreviations used: K (knit), P (purl), sl (slip one stitch), inc (increase), PSSO (pass slipped stitch over the adjacent knitted stitch), K2tog (knit 2 together), double point needles (dpns) Left and Right mittens are knitted exactly the same. Getting Started: Cast on 36 stitches loosely. Divide onto 3 needles and join, being careful not to twist the stitches. Mark the beginning of the round. Cuff: Work 22 rounds in ribbing. Either K1P1 ribbing or K2P2 ribbing is fine. Use your favorite. Shape Thumb Gusset: Round 1: K1, P1, K3, P1, K to end of round. Repeat Round 1 twice. Round 4: K1, P1, inc one in next stitch, K1, inc one in next stitch, P1, K to end of round. Rounds 5 and 6: K1, P1, K5, P1, K to end of round. Round 7: K1, P1, inc one in next stitch, K3, inc one in next stitch, P1, K to end of round. Rounds 8 and 9: K1, P1, K7, P1, K to end of round. Round 10: K1, P1, inc one in next stitch, K5, inc one in next stitch, P1, K to end of round. Rounds 11 and 12: K1, P1, K9, P1, K to end of round Round 13: K1, P1, inc one in next stitch, K7, inc one in next stitch, P1, K to end of round. Rounds 14 and 15: K1, P1, K11, P1, K to end of round. At this point, you should have a total of 44 stitches Save out stitches for thumb: On next round, K2, place next 11 stitches on a holder. Cast on 3 stitches, K to end of round.

Make the hand: Work even on 36 stitches for 22 rounds Shape top of hand: Round 1: (Sl 1, K1, PSSO, K4). Repeat this sequence 5 more times for a total of 30 stitches remaining. Rounds 2 and 3: Knit even. Round 4: (Sl 1, K1, PSSO, K3) Repeat this sequence 5 more times for a total of 24 stitches remaining. Round 5: Knit even Round 6: (Sl 1, K1, PSSO, K2). Repeat this sequence 5 more times for a total of 18 stitches remaining. Round 7 Knit even. Round 8: (Sl 1, K1, PSSO, K1). Repeat this sequence 5 more times for a total of 12 stitches remaining Round 9: (Sl1, K1, PSSO). Repeat this sequence 5 more times for a total of 6 stitches remaining. Break off yarn and thread the yarn through the remaining 6 stitches. Draw yarn up tightly and fasten off. Making the Thumb: Attach yarn at top of thumb gusset to work the thumb. The thumb is worked in the round on 16 stitches. Here is where those 16 stitches come from: 11 stitches that you saved onto a holder; 1 stitch picked up between the holder and the cast-on stitches at beginning of the hand; 3 stitches picked up across the cast-on stitches at beginning of the hand; 1 stitch picked up between the cast-on stitches at beginning of the hand and the holder. Divide these stitches onto 3 needles. Knit even for 11 rounds. Shape top of thumb: Round 1: (K2tog) 8 times. 8 stitches remain. Round 2: Knit even Round 3: (K2tog) 4 times. 4 stitches remain. Break off yarn and thread the yarn through the remaining 4 stitches. Draw yarn up tightly and fasten off. Weave in yarn ends. Steam lightly or block as necessary.

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MKG�Knitters’�Knews� 8� September�2013�

Madison�Knitter’s�Guild�2014�Fiscal�Year�Budget�:�Over the summer, the MKG Board of Directors and Committee Chairs worked on the budget for 2013-14 (FY2014). We discussed the Guild and Committee budget needs at our May and June Board meetings and unanimously passed this budget at our July 2013 Board Meeting.

As a non-profit organization, our goal is for the budget to break even (e.g., the events such as the Knit-In and bus trips are all priced to break even). At the same time, the Guild needs to keep a monetary reserve as a cushion against fluctuations in future income or expenses.

We want to continue hosting the best knitting luminaries and teachers at our monthly meetings and the Knit-In, but to do includes ever higher costs for travel and lodging for our guests. We have been fortunate to share some of these costs with our local yarn shops and other knitting guilds, and will continue to share costs when possible.

The budget includes a Capital Expense for two rolling shelving units to store and display the library collection, as well as canvas covers to keep the library protected while being moved and in between meetings. We all agreed that we needed an better way to transfer the library from the storage room and ready for members to peruse.

If you have any questions about any specific line items in this budget, please contact the chairperson for that committee as she will have the most details. General questions should be directed to me. Thank you!

– Bonnie Dill, Treasurer

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Treasurer’s�Report:������Month:� � � July������Membership:� � 139������Income:� � � $4,934.19������Disbursements:�� $162.34������Checking:� � $32,703.85������Savings:���� � $3,067.84�

MKG�Knitters’�Knews� 9� September�2013�

2013�Madison�Knitters’�Guild�Annual�Report�The�Madison�Knitters’�Guild�2012�2013�operating�year�opened�with�a�balance�of�$21,315.75�on�July�1,�2012�and�closed�with�$27,932.00�on�June�30,�2013,�for�an�increase�of�$6,616.25.�Most�of�the�increase�is�attributable�to�high�participation�at�Special�Events�(bus�trips)�and�the�Knit�In.�Notable�achievements�during�the�year�included:�

� enrolled�493�members�(our�goal�is�500�members)�� improved�and�updated�the�MKG�website�� established�a�Hospitality�Committee�� initiated�a�Volunteer�Fair�for�members�to�learn�about�ways�to�join�committees�and�become�active�in�

the�Guild�� automated�renewal�and�online�registration�for�events�with�PayPal�option�� expanded�the�library�to�1,024�items�(340�books/pamphlets;�64�tapes/DVDs;�620�magazines)�� hosted�the�annual�Knit�In�with�239�attendees�and�150�shoppers�� expanded�the�number�of�vendors�at�Knit�In�to�30�(28�came)�� expanded�Knit�In�to�include�Friday�evening�classes;�24�classes�were�offered�� chartered�a�bus�trip�to�Stitches�Midwest�in�August�2012�with�35�registered�participants�� chartered�a�bus�trip�to�Vogue�Knitting�Live�in�November�2012�with�33�registered�participants�� chartered�a�bus�trip�for�Knitting�Safari�in�May�2013�with�44�registered�participants�� co�hosted�first�annual�Stitch�n'�Pitch�with�Madison�Mallards�in�June�2013�� facilitated�the�annual�Unfinished�Objects�(UFO)�knitting�weekend�getaway�for�60�knitters�� supported�community�members�in�need�with�616�items�to�local�agencies�and�413�"critters"�to�the�

Monona�Public�Library�summer�reading�program�� provided�yarn�to�many�knitters�and�crocheters�including�groups�at�Taycheedah�and�Fox�Lake�

Correctional�Institutions�which�was�delivered�by�Madison�Area�Urban�Ministry�� raised�$1,153.50�for�Second�Harvest�Food�Bank�by�selling�donated�yarn,�knitting�tools,�books,�and�

other�supplies�� conducted�Brown�Bag�Exchange�(shawls�and�shawlettes)�with�47�participants—a�Guild�record �� offered�seven�mini�classes,�which�were�free�to�members�� installed�a�Nominating�Committee�to�recruit�MKG�Board�Members;�created�a�long�term�plan�� hosted�May�dessert�buffet�meeting�with�200+�door�prizes�� hosted�international,�national,�and�local�speakers�at�monthly�meetings�and�Knit�In�

Several�new�Board�activities�are�already�planned�for�the�2013�2014�year,�including:�� upgrade�the��ibrary�by�purchasing�movable�book�bins�to�enhance�display�and�simplify�storage �� improve�lighting�and�audio�in�the�Bishop�O’Connor�auditorium�� continue�to�improve�and�expand�the�Members�Only�page�on�the�MKG�website�� design�programming�in�response�to�topics�most�requested�by�members�(Jot�Form�responses)�� formalize�an�agreement�with�Madison�Children’s�Museum�to�provide�ongoing�teaching�� expand�and�improve�ways�for�sponsors�to�communicate�with�Guild�members�� hold�two�gatherings�for�new�members�as�a�welcome�to�the�Guild�� standardize�speaker�arrangements�and�implement�a�letter�of�understanding�for�speakers�� expand�Neighborhood�Knits�classes�to�10,�increase�to�90�minutes�and�expand�class�size�� organize�Knit�to�Fit�and�Flatter�interest�groups;�create�a�personalized�croquis�� release�Community�Projects�knitting�calendar�in�July�

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MKG�Knitters’�Knews� 10� September�2013�

More�Volunteer�Opportunities:�Are�you�looking�for�ways�to�get�to�know�your�fellow�Guild�members�better?��Do�you�have�an�hour�or�so�to�spare�each�month,�or�perhaps�just�a�few�times�a�year?�Please�consider�joining�one�of�the�many�committees�that�help�keep�the�Madison�Knitters’�Guild�running�smoothly.�Here�are�a�few�of�the�areas�in�need.��

Please�contact�the�Committee�Chairs�for�detailed�information�or�to�volunteer:�� Programming,�Barbara�Rottman:�programming@madisonknittersguild.org�� Communications,�Carrie�Hafele:�web@madisonknittersguild.org�� Community�Projects,�Rae�Sprague:�communityprojects@madisonknittersguild.org�� Newsletter,�Cynthia�Robey�Duncomb:�newsletter@madisonknittersguild.org�� Library,�Marijka�Engel:��library@madisonknittersguild.org�� Membership,�Pat�Fisher:��membership@madisonknittersguild.org��� Vendors�&�Sponsors,�Connie�Burmeister:��vendors@madisonknittersguild.org�� �

� Volunteer�Duties� When� Skills�needed�

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Reporting,�editing�and�composition��

Reserve�meeting�space�for�Neighborhood�Knits�

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Customer�service�phone�skills;�good�follow�up�skills�

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Comfortable�with�Facebook,�e�mail�and�other�networking�systems�

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the�website�Weekly,��any�time���

Intermediate�computer�skills�to�add/edit�text�on�MKG�web�site�

Provide�Tech�Support� Weekly,��any�time�

Understand�the�basics�of�Wild�Apricot�and�assist�MKG�members�with�this�technology�

Web�design� Ongoing,�any�time�

Basic�HTML�skills�or�good�at�administrative�websites;�basic�photo�editing�(optional)��

Info�Organization� Ongoing,�any�time�

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Use�Wild�Apricot�to�email�monthly�newsletter,�and/or�print�and�mail�hard�copies�as�needed�

MKG�Knitters’�Knews� 11� September�2013�

MKG�Knitters’�Knews� 12� September�2013�

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Want�to�reach�hundreds�of�knitters�on�a�daily�and�monthly�basis?�Sponsor�the�Madison�Knitters’�Guild�Knitters�Knews�or�advertise�on�our�Website.�Contact�advertising@madisonknittersguild.org�for�details.��

Knitters’�Knews�Sponsors:�We�thank�these�sponsors�for�supporting�the�Guild�and�encourage�our�members�to�support�them�in�return�when�possible.�Visit�the�Sponsors�page�for�more�info�on�each.�