Our February meetings were among some of the best we have ever experienced due in part to our new customers/members. One of our newbies, fresh from Arkansas, knits socks. She really gets them completed quite fast. Another lady is just putting the final touches to a baby blanket-tree of life created by Nicky Epstein. I was very impressed as I know this to be quite a difficult pattern with no two rows the same.
Summer is winding down, and although we can’t feel the chill in the air yet, it’ll be here before we know it. After an entire season of outdoor fun, are you ready to curl up on the couch and get crafty? There’s nothing quite like sitting by the fire with a quilt or afghan project on your lap.
Those of you who follow me know that my passion is knitting. However, I also love counted cross-stitch, sewing, needlepoint, embroidery, beadwork, etc. In today’s world, pattern books are dear and you usually pay full price, but there are only one or two patterns/items that will ever be completed. By checking out our databases, you can save money by printing out only the pattern you want. How awesome is that! I have to admit that I am one of the least knowledgeable of Internet users. However, as a tool, it is fantastic!
Recently, we took a vacation and invited our 13 year old granddaughter, Carmen, to go with us. I decided while we were relaxing in the evenings, I would teach Carmen how to embroider. She loved it! We started with a shirt, and I told her if she outgrew the shirt, I would turn it into a pillow for her to keep. I hope she will always remember the trip and how I spent time with her teaching her something she can always use to make gifts for others or pretty things for herself.
If you would like to learn how to embroidery, MCPL has books to help you.
I do not personally like crochet; I think it’s a hold-over from the 1970's. My mum created many an afghan, and I quite honestly disliked them. However, now that she is gone, I hold on to them. The colors are SO 1970's! When I think of the love and hours invested, I am touched and hold onto them. Perhaps, one day the colors will once again be in vogue.
Christmas and other seasonal holidays are once again knocking at our doors. Many of these occasions require the giving of a gift. Gifts are not compulsory, but it is a nice way of saying "Thank you," "You are loved," "You are special," "Season’s Greetings," etc...
One cure for this is to learn something new. What about learning to crochet? If you have always wanted to learn, now is your opportunity. The Grain Valley Branch is offering a class for beginners on February 1st at 11:00 a.m. Crochet is a hobby that does not take a lot of money to start, just a hook and some yarn.
Come and get some personal one-on-one instruction and learn a new skill.
Looking for a craft circle to be a part of? Well, you’re in luck! Blue Ridge offers a NeedleCrafters program every third Thursday of the month at 2:00 p.m. If you quilt, crochet, knit, sew, or do any other crafting with needles, then this is the group for you!
Come join us for our next meeting on May 16th, bring a project with you, and we’ll share ideas and advice with one another; and you’ll finally finish that project that’s been sitting around since last year!
Join us Tuesday, May 21st at 2:00 p.m. in Grain Valley for our monthly stitchers meeting. This is a great time to bring in any textile-type project that you are working on. You may be able to help someone with their project, get help with yours, or learn something new. You'll also make some great new friends.
