Author Archives: Marlene P.

Yvette C

Beg:

Born in Peoria, Illinois, Yvette moved to B.C. with her parents when she was 6.  She currently lives with her hubby aboard a 1941 fishing trawler…can’t get more West Coast than that!

Casting on:

Both her Mom and Grandmother knit, but she didn’t really get addicted until about 10 years ago.  She’s mostly self taught, using great reference books like Vogue Knitting.  She says she just loves to figure things out, especially when diagrams are involved.

PSSO:

Living on board a boat affords off time spent sailing our beautiful shores and nothing this busy travel agent enjoys more than sitting and knitting while in some quiet cove.  Yvette also loves to make beaded jewelry and has a passion for travel, naturally!  When asked where her favourite place to travel is, she didn’t hesitate…the BC coast!

Knit Knowledge & Know How:

Alice Starmore is one of her favourites , but she has yet to tackle one of her beautiful, intricate patterns.  Yvette loves knitting books, especially if there’s a hat or scarf pattern in it that looks intriguing.   Naturally, she checks out Ravelry!

Cables & Lace:

Check out her photo…the fair aisle sweater she’s wearing is her proudest achievement as a knitter.  It’s gorgeous!

Steeks, Tinks and Frogs:

When asked if there’s any projects that are still waiting to get finished, she mentions an 18 year old Tunisian style crocheted blanket that’s still in a box in her parents basement.  Check the link provided to learn about this crochet style.  Looks like a lot of work, but well worth it…get that long hook out Yvette!

Dye Lots:

A lover of orange and green, her favourite colours come in Cascade 220, but she just loves baby alpaca. 

Fibre Fantasy:

Her fantasy project would be Moroccan inspired.  Geometric designs in greens and rusts on a swirl style sweater would be her idea of fun and fibre rolled into one beautiful garment.

Guild Gauge:

Yvette heard about the WCKG while shopping @ Wool & Wicker in Steveston, BC and joined in 2014.  She’s says she is so inspired by what the members “show & share” and loves to be part of a group of like minded knitting nuts!

Purls of Wisdom:

“Make no assumptions”.  Translated to knitease it means to never assume you can’t knit it!

 

 

 

Thanks to the “old” and welcome to the “new” WCKG executive

 

The Guild would like to extend huge thank you to our outgoing President Edita ,  Vice President Stephanie, Secretary Anna and Member-at-Large Stella for all the time and energy they have donated to the Guild.   We are so grateful that you kept us “knit together” and our toques are tipped and our fingerless gloves are waved at you all!

On October 6th WCKG will welcome  our new President Glenda, Vice-President  Joanne, Secretary Marlene, and Members-at-large, Maike and Monique.  We’d also like to thank our Treasurer Marina and Member-at-Large Catherine, for remaining on the executive for another year.  You’ve got some big socks to fill!

 

Sylvia Olsen comes to the WCKG

 

WCKG Sylvia Olsen May 2015 008

Sylvia Olsen is on her way to Newfoundland, gathering knitters (and wanna be knitters) along the way. She’s enthralling them with stories and teaching the techniques used by the Coast Salish knitters.  She stopped in Vancouver, one of the first  on her long journey across Canada, and we were so glad she did.  The class was inspiring and fun! We left with so much admiration for the Coast Salish who knit these sweaters for a living.  She calls the Coast Salish colourwork intuitive.  To quote Sylvia “Coast Salish colourwork takes time to learn.  It’s like dancing.  Keep at it and you will get the rhythm”.  We are all now practicing our dancing!

WCKG Sylvia Olsen May 2015 002

 

Joan T

Beg:

Born in the city of Vancouver, Joan and her family moved to North Vancouver when she was 9.  She still calls the North Shore home.

Casting On:

Joan’s Mom taught her to knit so she could earn a Brownie badge and as a Girl Guide her leader had them knit for a new immigrant family. She (with help) made baby booties, a jacket and a hat.  A bit of a knitting hiatus followed, but when her fiancé loved the sweater she knit for his 21st birthday (she still has it) she hasn’t put the needles down for long since.

PSSO:

Joan is a very recent retiree and is enjoying every minute of it.  After many years in the accounting department of a community newspaper she now has time to pursue her other interests.   She says that  she sewed all her own clothes for years (even winter coats) but realized that knitting was a more social hobby.  She meets weekly with a Ravelry group on the north shore, is a member of several fibre related  guilds. Joan has recently returned to spinning, a hobby she first learned about 30 years ago.  She loves to travel and I’m sure is looking forward to more free time to do so…maybe do some international yarn scouting?

Knit Knowledge and Know How:

Like many addicted knitters, Joan is an avid Raveler with four or five projects on the go.  She takes her knitting everywhere she goes, and if you see someone admiring the scenery while knitting in her car, that’s likely Joan! Shawls, socks, mitts are always on the needles.  She says that she loves having several projects as she goes back and forth between them, enjoying their different textures and designs.

Cables and Lace:

Two projects she says have been her favourites…her boyfriend sweater (mentioned above) and a pair of THRUM style mitts she knit for her sister who lives in Alberta.  Her sister has told her several times how much she loves them…and they were fun to knit.

Steeks, Tinks and Frogs:

“I never give up on any project.  They eventually all get done”.  Oh, if we could all say that!

Dye Lots:

A lover of green, raspberry and now earth tones, merino is most definitely her favourite yarn to knit with.  A brand that has caught her attention, due to it’s soft texture is Koigu.

Fibre Fantasy:

“I would knit an Aran sweater in green”.   She has the pattern, which she bought 20 years ago.  Maybe now that she’s retired, we’ll soon see it at Show & Share!

Guild Gauge:

Joan has been a WCKG member since 1997, and is a past treasurer for the Guild.  She loves the meetings for the fellowship of fellow “addicts” and always gets a tip or two while she’s there.

Purls of Wisdom:

“Find a knitting group.  They’re great for your health and for sharing not just your knitting, but your life’s experiences”

 Joan’s photo taken by Caitlin ffrench @ Baaad Anna’s…thanks Caitlin!

 

 

Sylvia Olsen is coming to a WCKG workshop near you!

sylvia olen 2

Mark down Saturday May 2nd, 2015 on your calendars…Sylvia Olsen is conducting two workshops sponsored by the WCKG.  You can select either a morning or afternoon session and spend three hours learning Coast Salish colour techniques from this award winning author & storyteller. After a few hours of fun, you’ll have a fabulous toque!  All yarn will be provided, but please bring your own 6mm dpns.

This is a not to be missed opportunity to spend some time with Sylvia (and your fellow knitters!) as she embarks on her cross Canada knitting adventure.  Please click here for registration details.

Read more about her tour!

Mary S.

 

Beg:

Born and raised in Coquitlam, BC, Mary moved into Vancouver to attend UBC and stayed!

Casting On:

While she’s sure she must have had to learn to knit in Brownies, it was her Grandmother who got her started. She didn’t pick up the needles again until she was in university and  one of the girls down the hall in residence  got  her addicted.  “She made it look so interesting…so much texture and colour…and she was making something”.  Her first project was a boyfriend sweater for the boyfriend who’s now her hubby.  Guess he liked the sweater!!

KFB & PSSO:

Mary is an estate accountant who’s easing into retirement!  She works from home, and loves the fact that she can knit during her coffee breaks.   She enjoys  travelling (her son will be working in London, so is excited about the travel possibilities), is an avid photographer, enjoys cooking and baking  and is a voracious  reader.  She translates that joy of reading into a Grade 2 classroom, where she volunteers.

Knit Knowledge and Know How:

She loves Ravelry and can’t believe it took her a while to discover it.   A recent passion is Brooklyn Tweed yarns and patterns.  Known at WCKG as the “blanket lady” she just loves to knit big projects where she can combine various colours and textures into something you can snuggle up to.  She’s especially happy to be knitting another sweater for her son as the first one was a huge hit.  Check out her gorgeous projects on Ravelry…she’s tackyrules.

Cables and Lace:

One of her most rewarding projects  was the Lizard Ridge blanket from the very first Noro magazine.  Watching the “waves” of colour come alive gave Mary absolute joy…isn’t that what we all aim for with our knitting?

Steeks, Tinks and Frogs:

“I never give up…I finish everything eventually”.  Don’t you wish you could say that?  She calls these projects her “back burners”.

Dye Lots:

Mary loves bright colours and avoid pastels at all cost!  Noro is one of her favourite yarns as she feels like she’s painting when she’s knitting with it.  Brooklyn Tweed yarns are a pleasure to knit with, she says, because of their loft…and wonderful colours!

Fibre Fantasy:

Her fantasy knit is a big Noro blanket in a mosaic design using Debbie Bliss cashmerino and Noro silk garden.  Knit with purples & greens it would be a colour explosion.  Can’t wait to see it, Mary.

Guild Gauge:

Mary is a recent (2014) member of the guild,  who was looking for a group to join and found our (great) website when doing an internet search.  She enjoys the friendliness of the meetings and being with equally “obsessed” knitters is great fun.

Purls of Wisdom:

“There’s a Youtube video for everything.  Never be afraid to try something new, because the internet is your friend”.  Truer words were never spoken!

 

 

Anna K.

Beg:

Anna is a born and raised Vancouverite who has called this city home for most of her life.   She spent 3 years in Tokyo, Japan teaching English, where her fondest memories are of the fabulous art & craft galleries and exceptional museums.

Casting On:

While she remembers her mother knitting, it was one of her Mom’s friends that really inspired her.  She says that this lady “knit all the time” and made it look fun.  She was actually taught to knit in her high school home economics class, where she also was introduced to spinning.  She knit a pair of mitts with her own handspun and since then it’s been a love affair with all things fiber!

KFB & PSSO:

When she doesn’t have needles or spindle in hand, Anna is busy volunteering.  She also owns a kayak, which she says is just right for another passion…photography!

Knit knowledge and Know How:

Ravelry is a great resource (what would we ever do without it?) and Anna also takes advantage of various book and magazine collections available at the library.  She often uses two or three patterns to design her own knitted items.

Cables & Lace:

When asked what her most satisfying project has been she said that over the Christmas holidays she gave away fingerless mitts and hats to various neighbours and friends.  Their positive reaction and delight in wearing them gave her great pleasure.

Steeks, Tinks & Frogs:

Anna says that once she “loses the emotional attachment” to a project, she finds it very hard to finish it!  The Elizabeth Zimmerman shawl “camping”,   which takes her about one hour/row will eventually get finished.  Stay tuned!

Dye Lots:

“I like using variegated yarns because I just love to see the colour changes and patterns they make”.  She’s particularly fond of earth tones and loves “any kind of wool”.

Fibre Fantasy:

Anna’s dream project would be a wool/silk blend tunic style dress, likely in taupe or other neutral colour.  The dress would be easily accessorized and could be worn everywhere.  Sounds ideal!

Guild Gauge:

A member since 2010, Anna has been the WCKG secretary for the past three years.  She was introduced to the Guild by “Y”, one of the Guild’s long time members. Her favourite thing about the Guild is that the meetings are “a big room filled with inspiration, demonstration, resources and connections to all things fiber”.

Purls of Wisdom:

Her advice to new knitters…”Just keep practicing…it’s all about muscle memory.  Don’t be too hard on yourself and when you get it, it will be magic”.

Knitted Knockers comes to WCKG

WCKG Feb 2015 003

WCKG enthusiastically hosted Barbara Demorest and her friends when she spoke at the February Guild meeting.  As a breast cancer survivor, Barb knows first hand the challenges women experience following mastectomy.  Knitted Knockers is the comfortable, affordable (given free upon request) alternative to the heavier and expensive, silicone prosthesis women are usually offered.  Members of the Guild were encouraged (and many took up the challenge that evening!) to knit a pair!  For more of Barb’s story please visit the website and be inspired!

Penny S

Beg:

Born and raised in Prince Rupert, B.C., Penny moved south to Vancouver in 2004.   Her company moved her around a few more times (she calls herself a bit of a gypsy) but she’s hoping to stay planted in Vancouver for a while!

Casting On:

Penny says that she’s always been crafty.  When a LYS in Prince Rupert offered lessons, she and a friend signed up.  “I just loved it.  I was addicted to it”.  After a bit of a hiatus, she started up again when she moved to Nanaimo.  When she strolled into the LYS, Mad about Ewe, she fell I love all over again.

PSSO:

A proud new Grandmother, Penny has enjoyed knitting for her grandson. A Mom of three grown kids, she recently took up sewing, with an interest in quilting.  Penny works full time for B.C. Ferries as an administrative assistant, but manages to make time to enjoy walking and bicycling.  Her 2015 goal is to knit a sweater a month!  She says she’s definitely knitting 6 adult sweaters, and then likely round up the year with some little ones.  We’ll look forward to show & share this year and you can check her out on Ravelry…she’s Pennster….to see how’s she doing.

Knit Knowledge and Know How:

Penny’s favourite designers are the ladies of Tin Can Knits (check out Antler, the grey sweater she’s wearing in the photo).  She also follows the blog of Joji Knits and hopes to make one of her designs this year.

Cables and Lace:

When pushed to decide what her most rewarding project has been, she said that the “Shattered Sun” shawl she knit for her sister-in-law was challenging (knit in off white lace weight) but the delight of the recipient was well worth it.  The bride wore it for the ceremony and never took it off all day.  That’s what us knitters like to hear!

Steeks, Tinks and Frogs:

“I hate to leave anything unfinished”.  She admits to only two items left in a frogging basket, but she’ll get to them soon.  Unlike some of us, she tries very hard to only have one project on the go at a time…good for you, Penny!

Dye Lots:

A lover of all things pink and purple, she often knits with green for herself…she has green eyes!  Her “go to” yarn is Cascade 220, but absolutely loves Sweet Georgia yarns, especially anything merino/silk/cashmere.

Fibre Fantasy:

Penny’s dream sweater is perhaps her next sweater…Joji’s design, “Old Romance” knit with fingering weight merino/silk/cashmere, in either pink or purple.  Sounds dreamy!

Guild Gauge:

A WCKG member since 2012, Penny sought out “like minded, addicted” knitters when she moved from Nanaimo.  She just loves being among others who love to knit and “understand the addiction”.

Purls of Wisdom:

If you find yourself in Nanaimo, BC, have a peak into the LYS, Mad about Ewe.  Definitely her favourite yarn shop, ever!