Millicent’s News

August 2008

 

Millicent’s Yarns & More

27 N. Centre Street, Cumberland, MD 21502

301-722-8100 or www.millicentsyarns.com

 

 Shop Hours:  Tues - Sat 10-5, Wed 10-7, Sun 1-4

Closed all Mondays and the last Sunday of every month

Something to think about:

I received a letter from one of out mid-western designers, Carol Anderson of Cottage Creations, telling about the devastating floods in Iowa, where 69 of the state’s 99 counties were declared disaster areas.  I know that for myself, what I don’t see on the news, I don’t think of very much any more, but Carol tells us that the devastation is wide and many people have lost everything. 

 

When this last happened (in North Dakota eleven years ago), Carol worked through the Salvation Army to distribute hand-knit items produced by her customers, friends, and shops who purchase her patterns.  She writes “The event was heart-wrenching – people were so appreciative.  I’m sure many recipients were comforted simply by knowing someone else cared.”  Carol is going to repeat this drive, distributing hand-knits to communities along the Cedar River (35,000 displaced in Cedar Rapids alone) and to the tornado-ravaged Parkersburg area.

 

Let’s make an effort to answer her plea to fellow-knitters for the following items: mittens, caps, scarves, afghans, prayer shawls, baby blankets, dishcloths, socks, and infant, children and adult sweaters. With any item you donate, Carol asks that you please attach a card with the following information:

1)      name of item

2)      size, if applicable

3)      fiber content (try for machine wash and dry, if possible)

4)      if desired, your name and address

5)      if desired, please write words of encouragement.

Carol assures us that she will work through credible charitable groups, such as the Salvation Army and the Lions Club, to make sure items are distributed to those in need.

 

Millicent’s will act as a collecting center starting this month and continuing until October  when we will ship the items out.  This is a great way to use your summer knitting and crocheting time, or to whip out a small item between your own fall knitting projects.  This is also a great way to use up scrap yarn!  I am happy to open up my personal stash to help knitters find fun colors to add to their own leftovers.  Just come in and ask.  Also, Cottage Creations has produced several patterns for charity knitting.  They can help.

  

A Website to Visit:  Knitting Daily

Thanks to Kristen  Statler who came in on Sunday all excited about the newest issue of Knitscene (which we sell at Millicent’s).  Seems as though knittingdaily.com, which is affiliated with Interweave Press, includes “galleries” in which ordinary people from the Interweave Office try on the garments modeled by, well, you know, the perfect people in the magazine.  It is fascinating to see the comparisons.  They make a point of describing the ease that each body type gives the garment, with some body types giving +1 inch or more of ease, and other body types giving negative ease, even by as much as 3 inches!  Seems that, because women are wearing their clothes more snuggly now, not everyone is seeking out the traditional “boxy” look.  There are also comments on how to adjust the fit to your own body type.  Type in www.knittingdaily.com to find out how to receive their regular knitting emails.

 

Feedback

Our Dye-Your-Own-Sock-Yarn workshop with Maureen Pritchard were both a great success.  Both our June and July groups returned, enamored with the process and wanting to do more. There is no doing two skeins alike – that is part of the fun.  It is serendipitous and mysterous! 

 

Maureen would like to offer Fall workshops in dyeing, spinning, and needle-felting. She and her husband also give sheep dog demonstrations.   Her studio is a little gem, but it is in Romney.  In July, we saved on gas by piggy back car-pooling, the farthest person picking up the next person, who picked up a group at the shop, etc. Then we all pitched in for gas for the person who drove.  It worked out well. We will have specific dates by the next newsletter – which should be out in 2 – 3 weeks!  Please indicate your interests soon – the workshops will fill up quickly!  Oh – and by the way—the sock yarn in beautiful! 

 

Look forward to Fall/Winter Classes at Millicent’s!

Mel will concentrate on teaching socks, lace, and shawls this fall, in addition to the introduction class and felting classes that are always full.  We will also have crocheting classes taught by Carolyn Groves and the dying, spinning, and needle-felting classes offered by Maureen Pritchard.  After Christmas, we will be concentration on sweaters and learning all about cables.

 

Sock of the Month Club Meeting Schedule

August:  Sunday, August 3 (2:00 – 4:00)  OR   Wednesday, August 6 (5:00 – 7:00)

September:  Wednesday, Sept. 3(5:00 – 7:00)  OR  Sunday, Sept 7 (2:00 – 4:00)

Knitter’s Anonymous Meetings (aka Knit-Ins) every Wednesday and Friday, 12 -2.

Hook-Up for Crocheters  every Wednesday 3:30 – 5:00

 

 “Knit on, with confidence and hope, through all crises.”

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Millicent's Knits and Yarns • 49 North Centre Street • Cumberland, Maryland 21502
phone 301-722-8100 • mel@millicentsyarns.com