Monday, April 6, 2009

A Look At Our Library April 2009

The following books were graciously donated to our library by Carla Scott at our March LIKCG meeting.



Knitting on Top of the World by Nicky Epstein, c. 2008, is an exciting book that is a treasure for our library to own. It is one of those volumes you wish you could display on your coffee table and be able to leaf through at any moment for eye candy as well as a history lesson. It is organized according to regions in which Nicky pairs gorgeous photographs to a detailed history of knitting traditions, techniques and styles from that part of the world. I, for one, was never a good student of history; but for me, reading about the geographic location, lifestyle and history of places such as Isle of “Aran”, “Fair Isle”, and Estonia brought such appreciation for those tiny knit/purl combinations I am learning. Within each of the six sections of the world, Nicky includes several projects that showcase that area’s unique contribution to knitting design, tweaked by a pinch of her own sassy style!





Grannies On the Go, published by Sixth and Spring Books, c.2008, is one of those adorable pocket sized books that will have crocheters grabbing their hooks and knitters admiring their sister craft. The projects range from using just one tiny, sequin embellished granny square to create a ring, to a multitude of granny squares used to make skirts, handbags, shrugs, capes, hats, blankets and scarves. There are several very sophisticated projects that use lovely color combinations in this book so please don’t pass it up!




Shawls Two on the Go, published by Sixth and Spring Books, c. 2008, is another pocket sized book that brings us 22 new shawls to consider making. There are some very avant garde pieces including Iris Schrier’s modular wrap (turned into shrug via the use of a purchased silk scarf and a couple of strategically placed tacking stitches). For those who knit for warmth, there is a beautiful cabled wrap as well as textured knits with clever edgings such as I - cord loops. Of course, there always are lovely lace pieces to choose from, one of which is an ethereal lace shawl fantastically embellished with beads, no pre stringing required.




Sorry, Hooked on Jewelry, by Pat Harste, c. 2009, crosses the line. Is it a bead book or a crochet book?!! You will love the jewelry here. As Ms. Harste states, “I love to crochet, and I love jewelry even more.” I was particularly drawn to the use of bead crochet to create focal pieces for necklaces and earring drops, rather than its more familiar use in tubular form for roped necklaces and lariats. There is a solid introduction containing information about the tools and materials needed including thread types, hooks, and jewelry findings. Now, isn't it wonderful when two passions meet, like bringing old and new friends together.


Crocheting on the Edge, by Nicky Epstein, c. 2008 is another super addition to the ever growing series of Epstein books, giving crocheters some wonderful ideas that knitters have enjoyed in the publication of her first three, Knitting (Over, On, and Beyond) the Edge. Buttons, ribbons, beads, pearls, and crystals embellish bobbles, ruffles, points, flora, and fringes. In addition to encouraging you to use these edgings to individualize your own projects, there are at least nine funky Nicky designs to explore, including jackets, vests, capes, shawls and belts.
If you are interested in borrowing one of these books, please e-mail Karen J at: liknitcrochetguild@gmail.com and put Library Book in the subject line.

Thursday, April 2, 2009

LIKCG Minutes March 12 Meeting

World Wide Knitting In Public: Guild president Matty announced that June 13th is World Wide Knit in Public day.  In honor of this, we will be having a picnic in Eisenhower Park.  The Birches picnic grove has been reserved for the Guild.  The picnic area is in a central location, near the restrooms,  and miniature golf.  All are invited including family, friends, and children.  Bring your own knitting, food and beverages but please, no alcohol as it we did get the permit for it.  Further details to follow as the date approaches. 

Book Club: We are starting a 'Book Club'.  The first book we chose to discuss is 'The Friday Night Knitting Club'.  We are thinking of discussing it at our July meeting.  More details to follow. 

Welcome & Congratulations: We would like to welcome our newest members: Patty Coppola, Joan Doyle, Linda Gevarter, Laura Hyman, Janie Kaplan, Patricia M Rappaport, Mary Reardon, Dorothea Seidenstein and Stella Stamatiadi.  Joanne congratulated Angela on producing a wonderful edition of Knit Knotes.  Angela requested that if any member did not get the newsletter via e-mail or by USPS to please see her to provide the necessary information. 

Library: Karen J informed us that she brought the books which members had requested with her.  She also had some which she reviewed for members to borrow. 

Charity Knitting: It was announced that St. Christopher's in Glen Cove would welcome any knitted items.  The Guild received a Thank You letter from the veterans' home for the blankets which were donated. 

Show 'N Tell: As usual we had many beautiful things show.  Tracy showed off her colorful socks. Susan a baby sweater, hat and blanket.  Angela showed her pair of Evangeline cabled mitts that were in the newsletter.  Marlene, a cabled cardigan and shawl.  Ilene, a ruffled scarf.  Liz N, a colorful Noro belted cardigan.  Anjanette, a wide headband with button. 

Matty closed the meeting reporting that the nights attendance was approximately 90 members!  She then welcomed our guest presenter, Carla Scott from Vogue Knitting.  Carla proceeded to show us a slide show previewing the upcoming Vogue Knitting magazine.  After her presentation, she let us ooh and ahh over the samples that were knit for the magazines. She very kindly gave every member a copy of the Spring/Summer issue of Knit Simple and donated several books to our library.  It was a wonderful evening.

Respectfully submitted by Judith Lambert, Recording Secretary.