MN Knitters' Days

2011 Pictures

2011-11-10T10:26:00.001-08:00

Candice Eisner Strick was our instructor, teaching from her book, Strickly Sock.

She taught from all kinds of positions.

Candace with Sheryl Hill, organizer.

Candace would have taken Sara home with her if she could have managed.

Some pictures from our visit to Riverside Suri Alpacas in Lake City.

MN Knitters' Days 2012

2011-11-10T08:00:00.000-08:00

Next Year we will host Lucy Neatby
Our weekend dates will be October 19-21, 2012

Registrations are emailed to past campers first week of April 2012. New campers may register starting at Minnesota Knitters Guild Yarn Over event April 28th, 2012. Their website is www.knitters.org

If you have any questions, email me at sherknits@yahoo.com

MN Knitters' Days 2011

2011-11-10T07:55:00.000-08:00

27th ANNUAL

MINNESOTA KNITTERS’ DAYS 2011

October 28, 29, 30, 2011

Dear Knitters,

Welcome to Minnesota Knitters’ Days!

We will gather at The Villa Maria around 5:00 in the front lobby for registration and move into our rooms before dinner. All meals are in Marian Hall in the lower level; our rooms are located on third floor along with our classroom called “The Lakeview Room” starting Saturday morning. If you can not make it for dinner Friday evening, let me know 2 weeks before camp begins. (They require an accurate count for meals.)

We will conduct our Annual Chinese Auction on Friday Evening. Please bring an un-identified/anonymous wrapped item to auction that is related to knitting. This “knitting related” item need not be a hand knitted gift, camper’s choice. Every year we have a wonderful variety of items and everyone seems to have a hard time choosing the item they prefer. It’s a fun evening getting to know everyone in our group. Candace will bring a variety of sock yarn for everyone, donated by Universal yarn shop! You may pick your color sock yarn during the Chinese Auction!

Dana Tiedeman of Riverside Suri Alpacas has invited us to tour her alpaca farm and see her fiber/yarn from her beautiful animals! We have scheduled our tour for Saturday afternoon around 3pm. She is located near the Villa, about a 5 minute drive. This is optional, you are welcome to stay and continue knitting on your sock project.

Please bring projects for Show and Share scheduled for Saturday evening. We would like to see what everyone is creating, for new ideas and inspiration. This is just for fun, no contest! Every year we have a “knitting garage sale” of sorts…..so feel free to bring items to sell. We will find a space for display.

Candace has a power point presentation for us after Show and Tell Saturday evening.

Feel free to bring snacks to share, no alcoholic beverages are allowed at the Villa. The Villa is smoke free.

The Villa’s phone number is (651) 345-3457, if you need to be contacted during the weekend. The caller should be prepared to give the receptionist a name and number so you may return the call. Address is: 29847 County 2 Blvd., Frontenac, MN 55026. There is a website www.villamariaretreats.org.

Attn: Dinner is at 6:00 Friday evening cafeteria style until 6:30. If you will be late let me know and a plate will be made up for you. Saturday breakfast is 8:00, Lunch at noon, Dinner at 6:00. Sunday brunch is 10:00.

Anne Bosch of Blackberry Ridge will be with us again this year. Let her know what you may want to see, visit her website at www.blackberry-ridge.com to check out what she has to offer. Then e-mail her with suggestions and/or questions that you may have.

HOMEWORK: With light colored, smooth wool yarn of DK weight or heavier, cast on 30 sts and work in K2, P2 ribbing for about 1 inch. Note: this homework is worked flat. Leave sts on needles with the yarn attached.

Supplies to bring to class:

Light colored smooth wool yarn of DK weight or heavier and appropriately sized set of 4 double pointed needles.

A few yards of smooth cotton yarn.

Note: If you know how to do 2 circulars, or 40” circular for magic loop you may use this method, but it will not be taught in class.

Villa Maria is located between New Frontenac and Lake City on County Road 2. Coming south from Red Wing on Hwy 61/63, pass through New Frontenac and go 1.3 miles, and take County Road 2 left (North) for 1/2 mile. Our center is located just after the bridge overlooking the marsh.

29847 County 2 Blvd
Frontenac, MN 55026-1052
Phone (651) 345-4582
Fax (651) 345-3457

ROSTER 2011

1. Bosch, Anne, 3776 Forshaug Rd, Mt. Horeb, WI 53572 608-437-3762

anne@blackberry-ridge.com

2. Buff, Kathy, 11634 – 3^rd St NE, Blaine, MN 55434 612-695-8768

3. Bystrom, Marian, 1695 Valerie Ln, New Brighton, MN 55112 651-340-6816

marianbystrom@gmail.com

4. Caine, Audrey, 1530 Mary St N, Maplewood, MN 55119 612-396-4792

a_caine@msn.com

5. Christensen, Jean, 3523 York Ave N, Robbinsdale, MN 55422 763-521-9225

jeanrchristensen@aol.com

6. Cohen, Zoe, 250 Park Ave. #211, Minneapolis, MN 55415 612-387-3581

zoe.f.cohen@gmail.com

7. Cyson, Betsy, 1436 Hampshire #6, St Louis Park, MN 55416 952-994-4995

fledchen@fastmail.fm

8. Cyson, Karen, 728 Washington Memorial Dr., St. Cloud, MN 56301 320-253-6575

karencyson@aol.com

9. Desch, Gloria, 9985 Arcola Circle, Stillwater, MN 55082 651-439-9479

odesseyO@hotmail.com

10. Edstrom, Julie, 1013 N Broadway St, Stillwater, MN 55082 651-439-6747

julieedstrom@hotmail.com

11. Eisner, Judith, 3957 – 12^th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55407 612-822-9236

maven@tcq.net

12. Eyer, Yvonne, 6228 Creekview Lane N, Brooklyn Park, MN 55443 763-315-0839

yjeyer@comcast.net

13. Farrell, Barb, 110304 Center Green Circle, Chaska, MN 55318 952-448-9453

knitwit356@hotmail.com

14. Foster, Betsy, 5120 Newton Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55419 612-927-5740

itsbetsy@gmail.com

15. Friedrichsen, Janis, 6195 Northwest Blvd #321, Plymouth, MN 55442 763-544-5987

jannerf@aol.com

16. Hanna, Betty, 2250 – 173^rd Circle NW, Andover, MN 55304 763-753-4648

bjhanna001@gmail.com

17. Haustein, JoEllen, P O Box 28072, Oakdale, MN 55128 cell: 651-460-0746

joellenhaustein@gmail.com

18. Hill, Sheryl, 285 Motel Ave, Red Wing, MN 55066 651-388-2905

sherknits@yahoo.com

19. Hedin, Barbara, 508 E Minnehaha Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55419 612-823-4314

20. Jensen, Teresa, 3850 NE Hidden Way, Rochester, MN 55906 507-281-3034

jensen.teresa@mayo.edu cell# 507-358-0029

21. Jeronimus, Lois, 15075 Scenic Dr, Dayton, MN 55327 763-428-4749

jeronil@me.com

22. Jones, Anne C., 3441 – 47^th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55406 612-722-9736

acjones86@comcast.net

23. Kang, Shelly, 3450 Zarthan Ave S, St Louis Park, MN 55416 952-929-4619

shellyk@shellykang.con

24. King, Kris, 751 County Rd B2 East, Little Canada, MN 55117 651-486-7511

Kristineking9@gmail.com cell# 651-253-1488

25. Larson, Sandy, 7038 Angus Ave E, Inver Grove Hgts, MN 55077 651-450-1920

larson_392@msn.com

26. Lautt Kathi, 2112 26^th St S, St. Cloud, MN 56301 320-240-9412

dixiesl@charter.net

27. Lehman, Karen, 1906 Elliot Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404 612-870-1013

kberylmpls@gmail.com

28. Lipausky, Rochelle,

29. Mayr, Ursula, 5825 Glencroft Ln SW, Rochester, MN 55902 507-281-0341

mayrursula@hotmail.com

30. McConaghie, Kathryn, 8242 Hwy 29, Meadowlands, MN 55765 218-427-2505

mcconaghiek@gmail.com

31. McElmurry, Nancy, 8341 Knollwood Dr, Mounds View, MN 55112 763-780-1387

nancyknitter@yahoo.com

32. McShannock, Linda, 882 Ivy Ave E, St Paul, MN 55106 651-771-2827

lmcshann@mtn.org

33. Melrose, Velia, 7100 Metro Blvd. #314, Edina, MN 55439 952-925-4999

velmel@aol.com

34. Deb O, 6000 Xylon Ave N, New Hope, MN 55428 612-408-1116

travellady.O@gmail.com

35. Reuter, Carol, 2925 Neal Ave No., Stillwater, MN 55082 651-351-0912

foundhaven@gmail.com

36. Ross, Stacey, 1121 Marston Ave., Ames, IA 50010 515-203-9789

happybunkygirl@yahoo.com

37. Schladweiler, MaryKay, 3836 – 13^th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55407 612-825-1549

mkschlad@juno.com

38. Sorenson, Debra, 30440 Hwy 169, Princeton, MN 55371 651-335-3449

deb @norwegianwoodretreat.com

39. Janet Ungs, 2651 Salem Circle, Marion, IA 52302 Cell# 319-573-6724

janetungs@gmail.com

40. Wanke, Karen, 8240 Scott Rd., Cross Plains, WI 53528 608-798-2382

dogmaw@tds.net

Instructor:

41. Candace Eisner Strick, Box 671, Mansfield Center, CT 06250 860-429-6243

Revised: 9-26-2011

2011 Information

2011-04-08T19:14:00.000-07:00

27th ANNIVERSARY MINNESOTA KNITTERS’ DAYS

FRONTENAC, MN

OCTOBER 28th, 29th, 30th, 2011

Come and join us at the Villa Maria Retreat Center for the weekend on Lake Pepin, located about one and a half hours south of the Twin Cities! Enjoy knitting, relaxing and sharing quality time with fellow knitters!

INSTRUCTOR: Candace Eisner Strick. Her designs and writing have appeared in several knitting magazines. Candace is the author of several knitting books, her latest publication, Strick-ly Socks (Strickwear 2010), features a revolutionary and amazingly simple approach to sock knitting. We welcome Candace back as a return instructor! A complete bio of Candace is attached.

CLASS: Strick-ly Socks. We will be learning Candace’s new sock construction from her latest book. The toes and heels are worked flat, yet there are no seams. You can convert any existing sock pattern using this simple method. Go one step further to customize your sock with an array of gusset and heel options to fit any foot. Proficiency level: Intermediate knitter, should know how to knit in the round.

QUESTIONS: Call Sheryl Hill at 651-388-2905 or via e-mail: sherknits@yahoo.com

FEE: The cost is $300, which includes your room, all meals and instruction. Private rooms are available for an additional $25 fee. Please send full payment (or $100 deposit) with your completed registration to hold your space. (Balance due in September)

REGISTRATION: The first 40 applicants will be accepted on a first come first serve basis. Send registration and check to: Sheryl Hill, 285 Motel Avenue, Red Wing, MN 55066. If camp is full when you register, I will let you know and put you on the “waiting list”. CANCELATIONS: If you cancel $50 is non-refundable, the remainder will be refunded if/when a replacement is found from the “waiting list”.

Friday Night is Chinese Auction night! Bring a small “knitted related” item wrapped, no tag, for our fun exchange. You may or may not choose to knit something…..”knitter’s choice”, it’s up to you.

HOMEWORK instructions will be sent to you in plenty of time to complete and bring with you to camp, along with a schedule and map.

Candace will bring her Strick-ly Socks book to camp. She would like to know approximately how many to bring. If you like a copy, please pre-order on the registration form for the “camp special” rate. She will autograph them for you at camp and any others who bring their books with them.

Our group will stay in Marian Hall at the Villa Maria. Historically the Villa Maria was a private boarding school for girls. Our accommodations are shared rooms with bath/shower facilities on the third floor. There is a separate floor for any male knitters interested in attending. Most rooms have a private sink and closet included. There are shared rooms available for two, three or four knitters. Please specify names in your group on the registration. Our meeting area is a large room with a beautiful view overlooking Lake Pepin. All meals are included and served “cafeteria style” in the lower level. Special dietary meals are available upon request. The Villa Maria Center is a non-smoking facility.

CAMP SHIRTS - BAGS Camper’s Choice; T-shirts and Sweatshirts in White, Ash, Stone, Gray Heather, Royal, Red, Forrest Green, Burgundy, Navy or Black; Denim long sleeved shirt; all in sizes small to XXL; Knitting Bag (15x13x5), micro-fiber polyester, in black, with a zippered top. All items will include “Minnesota Knitters’ Days” and Year embroidered on them. If you would like any of these items, include it on your registration form.

CHECK IN will be from 4:30-6:00 Friday evening before dinner at 6pm.

QUESTIONS: Call Sheryl Hill at 651-388-2905 or via e-mail: sherknits@yahoo.com

-------------------------------------------------CUT--------------------------------------------------

REGISTRATION FORM

NAME____________________________________PHONE_____________

ADDRESS________________________________EMAIL_____________

CITY/STATE________________________________________ZIP_______

OPTIONAL ITEMS:

SWEATSHIRT: $35 T-SHIRT: $15 KNITTING BAG: $30

SIZE (S-XXL) _______ SIZE __________
COLOR ______________ COLOR _______________

DENIM SHIRT: $35

SIZE (S-XXL) ________ CAMP ITEM(S) PAYMENT $__________

SINGLE ROOM ($25) $__________

Strick-ly Socks Book (Retail $24.95) Camp Special $20 $__________

Diet Request: Non-Resident Camper $ 150.00

CAMP FEE: $ 300.00

Sharing Room with:

TOTAL ENCLOSED: $__________

26th Annual Minnesota Knitters' Days - 2010

2010-10-01T11:26:00.001-07:00

October 22, 23, 24, 2010
Dear Knitters,

Welcome to Minnesota Knitters’ Days!

We will gather at The Villa Maria around 5:00 in the front lobby for registration and move into our rooms before dinner. All meals are in Marian Hall in the lower level; our rooms are located on third floor along with our classroom called “The Lakeview Room” starting Saturday morning. If you can not make it for dinner Friday evening, let me know 2 weeks before camp begins. (They require an accurate count for meals.)

We will conduct our Annual Chinese Auction on Friday Evening. Please bring an un-identified/anonymous wrapped item to auction that is related to knitting. This “knitting related” item need not be a hand knitted gift, camper’s choice. Every year we have a wonderful variety of items and everyone seems to have a hard time choosing the item they prefer. It’s a fun evening getting to know everyone in our group.

Please bring projects for Show and Share scheduled for Saturday evening. We would like to see what everyone is creating, for new ideas and inspiration. This is just for fun, no contest! Every year we have a “knitting garage sale” of sorts…..so feel free to bring items to sell. We will find a space for display.

Feel free to bring snacks to share, no alcoholic beverages are allowed at the Villa. The Villa is smoke free.

The Villa’s phone number is (651) 345-3457, if you need to be contacted during the weekend. The caller should be prepared to give the receptionist a name and number so you may return the call. Address is: 29847 County 2 Blvd., Frontenac, MN 55026. There is a website www.villamariaretreats.org. Feel free to go visit.

Attn: Dinner is at 6:00 Friday evening cafeteria style until 6:30. If you will be late let me know and a plate will be make up for you. Saturday breakfast is 8:00, Lunch at noon, Dinner at 6:00. Sunday brunch is 10:00.

Susanna Hansson will be our instructor this year. Our weekend instruction will be about “The Mittens from Rovaniemi”. We will be learning a new technique while knitting a pair of wristlets in Finnish wool. The class Project will be a pair of wristlets. You will be able to choose from many pattern colors to make the project your own.

Anne Bosch of Blackberry Ridge will be with us again this year. Let her know what you may want to see, visit her website at www.blackberry-ridge.com to check out what she has to offer. Then e-mail her with suggestions and/or questions that you may have.

ROSTER 2010

1. Baker, Martha, 900 W White Willow Circle, Sioux Falls, SD 57108 605-338-7997
marthalbaker@sio.midco.net
2. Baker, Peg, 2901 Bellepine Circle, Sioux Falls, SD 57108 605-338-2757
bpmlbk@sio.midco.net
3. Bosch, Anne, 3776 Forshaug Rd, Mt. Horeb, WI 53572 608-437-3762
anne@blackberry-ridge.com
4. Bystom, Marian, 1695 Valerie Ln, New Brighton, MN 55112 651-340-6816
marianbystrom@gmail.com
5. Cohen, Zoe, 250 Park Ave. #211, Minneapolis, MN 55415 612-978-2329
Cohen.zoe@dorsey.com
6. Cyson, Betsy, 1436 Hampshire #6, St Louis Park, MN 55416 952-994-4995
fledchen@fastmail.fm
7. Cyson, Karen, 728 Washington Memorial Dr., St. Cloud, MN 56301 320-253-6575
karencyson@aol.com
8. Desch, Gloria, 9985 Arcola Circle, Stillwater, MN 55082 651-439-9479
odesseyO@hotmail.com
9. Edstrom, Julie, 1013 N Broadway St, Stillwater, MN 55082 651-439-6747
julieedstrom@hotmail.com
10. Eyer, Yvonne, 6228 Creekview Lane N, Brooklyn Park, MN 55443 763-315-0839
yjeyer@comcast.net
11. Farrell, Barb, 110304 Center Green Circle, Chaska, MN 55318 952-448-9453
knitwit356@hotmail.com
12. Foster, Betsy, 5120 Newton Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55419 612-927-5740
itsbetsy@gmail.com
13. Halverson, Penny, 505 Mary St, Pekin, IL 61554 309-657-7411
pjknits1@gmail.com
14. Hill, Sheryl, 285 Motel Ave, Red Wing, MN 55066 651-388-2905
sherknits@yahoo.com
15. Hedin, Barbara, 508 E Minnehaha Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55419 612-823-4314

16. Jensen, Teresa, 3850 NE Hidden Way, Rochester, MN 55906 507-281-3034
jensen.teresa@mayo.edu cell# 507-358-0029
17. Kaehne, Marsha, 1695 Valerie Lane, New Brighton, MN 55112 651-340-6816
kaehne@paulbunyan.net
18. King, Kris, 751 Count Rd B2 East, Little Canada, MN 55117 651-486-8556
kingkevinkris@msn.com
19. Larson, Sandy, 7038 Angus Ave E, Inver Grove Hgts, MN 55077 651-450-1920
larson_392@msn.com
20. Lautt Kathi, 2112 26th St S, St. Cloud, MN 56301 320-240-9412
dixiesl@charter.net
21. Mayr, Ursula, 5825 Glencroft Ln SW, Rochester, MN 55902 507-281-0341
mayrursula@hotmail.com

22. McElmurry, Nancy, 8341 Knollwood Dr, Mounds View, MN 55112 763-780-1387
nancyknitter@yahoo.com
23. McShannock, Linda, 882 Ivy Ave E, St Paul, MN 55106 651-771-2827
lmcshann@mtn.org
24. Morrison, Lois E., 20469 Range Line Rd., Grantsburg, WI 54840 715-488-2554
lois@grantsburgtelcom.net
25. Deb O, 6000 Xylon Ave N, New Hope, MN 55428 612-408-1116
travellady.O@gmail.com
26. Pashby, Linda, 5120 S Barrington Dr, Sioux Falls, SD 57108 605-335-2288
ljoy@sio.midco.net
27. Pflederer, Sue, 2410 W Ayres Ave, W Peoria, IL 61604 309-208-5609
spfleder@gmail.com
28. Reuter, Carol, 2925 Neal Ave No., Stillwater, MN 55082 651-351-0912
foundhaven@gmail.com
29. Sorenson, Debra, 30440 Hwy 169, Princeton, MN 55371 651-335-3449
deb @norwegianwoodretreat.com
30. Steinlicht, Delores, 1396 Portland Ave., St Paul, MN 55104 651-645-5585
delores.steinlicht@gmail.com
31. Torseth, Cara, 550 S Grove St, Stillwater, MN 55082 651-439-4827
caratorseth@comcast.net
32. Vallant, Tammy, 684 Oxford Rd, Eagan, MN 55123 651-686-5766
vallant.tammy@dorsey.com
33. Wanke, Karen, 8240 Scott Rd., Cross Plains, WI 53528 608-798-2382
dogmaw@tds.net
34. Wilke, Jeanne, 5085 Linden Trl N, Lake Elmo, MN 55042-8547 651-275-1146
jeannewle@comcast.net

What a great group of knitters… we are going to have a great weekend!

Instructor:
Susanna Hansson, 7557 – 18th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98115

See her Homework/Class Supply list --

SUSANNA HANSSON
Lapland Hand Garments: 2-Day supply/homework list
SUPPLIES:
1. For practice, a skein of smooth, light colored worsted weight wool (CASCADE 220
in off white is a good choice).
2. Small skeins of three additional colors (a light, medium and darkish color) to go
with the off-white.
3. Double pointed needles in a size to give you a gauge of approx 20 stitches/10
cm (4 inches) with the practice yarn. If you prefer to work with two circulars or use
the magic loop technique, bring needles for that instead of DPs.
4. One L-O-N-G (the longer, the better), straight, single pointed needle (size is not
critical, between 2.0 and 3.25 mm (US 0 – 3), with a point protector to fit.
5. Double pointed needles in several small sizes. Depending on whether you are a
loose or tight knitter, you may want to bring several sets from among the following:
1.25 mm/US 0000, 1.5 mm/US 000, 1.75 mm/US 00, 2.0 mm/US 0, 2.25 mm/US
1, 2.50 mm/US 1.5, and 2.75 mm/US 2.
OPTIONAL:
A magnetic pattern holder and a magnifying line marker, or highlighter tape.
A battery powered light source.
Don’t forget your glasses if you rely on them and bring plenty of patience!
HOMEWORK:
With off-white Cascade 220 (or the yarn you will be using for practice), cast on 52
stitches. Join and work in 2x2 ribbing for 7 rounds.
Round 8 Needle 1: work 14 stitches in 2x2 ribbing
Needle 2: knit 13 stitches, increase 1 stitch, knit 13 stitches for a total
of 27 stitches in stockinette
Needle 3: work 12 stitches in 2x2 ribbing
Keep the knitting on the needles and make sure you have enough yarn to knit
another 20 or so rounds.
CLASS PROJECT:
I will supply Finnish yarn (you get to choose your own pattern colors) and
instructions for a pair of wristlets worked in the technique particular to the
Rovaniemi mittens as well as a comprehensive handout.
If you have questions about the supplies or homework, please contact me at
susanna@oneofsusannas.com
7/2010

MN KNITTERS" DAYS

2010-04-07T07:28:00.000-07:00

26th ANNIVERSARY MINNESOTA KNITTERS’ DAYS
FRONTENAC, MN

OCTOBER 22nd, 23rd, 24TH, 2010

Come and join us at the Villa Maria Retreat Center for the weekend on Lake Pepin , located about one and a half hours south of the Twin Cities! Enjoy knitting, relaxing and sharing quality time with fellow knitters!

INSTRUCTOR: Susanna Hansson is known to many of you from Yarnover and/or stitches events. She taught Bohus Stickning at the American Swedish Institute last year during the Bohus Stickning exhibition in January. She grew up in Sweden, lives in Seattle, WA and teaches all over North American, in Scandinavia and Japan.

CLASS: Lapland Hand Garments: The Mittens from Rovaniemi, This weekend workshop will focus on Lapland Hand Garments. This little-known technique was used for creating “saw-tooth” like patterns that appear on traditional Sami mittens above the Arctic Circle in Finland, specifically the mittens from Rovaniemi. The class project will be a pair of wristlets. This is one of Susanna’s popular classes and she’s looking forward to bringing it to us!

QUESTIONS: Call Sheryl Hill at 651-388-2905 or via e-mail: sherknits@yahoo.com

FEE: The cost is $325, which includes your wristlet kit, room, all meals and instruction. Private rooms are available for an additional fee of $35. Please send full payment (or $100 deposit) with your completed registration to hold your space. (Balance due in September)

REGISTRATION: The first 40 applicants will be accepted on a first come first serve basis. Send registration and check to: Sheryl Hill, 285 Motel Avenue , Red Wing , MN 55066 . If camp is full when you register, I will let you know and put you on the “waiting list”. CANCELATIONS: If you cancel $50 is non-refundable, the remainder will be refunded if/when a replacement is found from the “waiting list”.

Friday Night is Chinese Auction night! Bring a small “knitted related” item wrapped, no tag, for our fun exchange. You may or may not choose to knit something…..”knitter’s choice”, it’s up to you.

Our group will stay in Marian Hall at the Villa Maria. Historically the Villa Maria was a private boarding school for girls. Our accommodations are shared rooms with bath/shower facilities on the third floor. There is a separate floor for any male knitters interested in attending. Most rooms have a private sink and closet included. There are shared rooms available for two, three or four knitters. Please specify names in your group on the registration. Our meeting area is a large room with a beautiful view overlooking Lake Pepin . All meals are included and served “cafeteria style” in the lower level. Special dietary meals are available upon request. The Villa Maria Center is a non-smoking facility.

CAMP SHIRTS, BAGS, ECT. Camper’s Choice; T-shirts and Sweatshirts in White, Ash, Stone, Gray Heather, Royal, Red, Forrest Green, Burgundy, Navy or Black; Denim long sleeved shirt; all in sizes small to XXL; Knitting Bag (15x13x5), micro-fiber polyester, in black, with a zippered top. All items will include “Minnesota Knitters’ Days” with a “knitting theme” embroidered on them. If you would like any of these items, include it on your registration form.

CHECK IN will be from 4:30-6:00 Friday evening before dinner at 6pm .

HOMEWORK instructions will be sent to you in plenty of time to complete and bring with you to camp, along with a schedule and map.

QUESTIONS: Call Sheryl Hill at 651-388-2905 or via e-mail: sherknits@yahoo.com
-------------------------------------------------CUT--------------------------------------------------

REGISTRATION FORM

NAME____________________________________PHONE_____________

ADDRESS________________________________EMAIL_____________

CITY /STATE________________________________________ZIP_______

OPTIONAL ITEMS:

SWEATSHIRT: $35 T-SHIRT: $15 KNITTING BAG: $30

SIZE (S-XXL)_______ SIZE__________
COLOR ______________ COLOR _______________

DENIM SHIRT: $35

SIZE (S-XXL) ________ CAMP ITEM(S) PAYMENT $__________

SINGLE ROOM ($35) $__________

Diet Request:

CAMP FEE: $325.00

Sharing Room with:

TOTAL ENCLOSED: $__________

2009-10-28T04:58:00.000-07:00

MKD's 25th Anvsy 2009

2009-10-27T16:39:00.000-07:00

Images from MKD's 2009

Mn Knitters' Days 2009

2009-10-21T12:58:00.001-07:00

Some of the 40 participants. Again, a wonderful weekend at Villa Maria Retreat Center in Fontenac, MN.
Cheryl Oberle (left) was the instructor this year, teaching Fair Isle knitting. Sheryl Hill has been the organizer for several years. Thanks, Sheryl for another good event!
Some of the projects-a choice of mitten, wrist warmer, or cowl.

2009 MN Knitter's Days!!

2009-09-10T06:00:00.000-07:00

25th ANNUAL

MINNESOTA KNITTERS’ DAYS 2009

October 16, 17, 18, 2009

Dear Knitters,

Welcome to Minnesota Knitters’ Days! This is a special year as we welcome an instructor from our past “Days”, we are excited to have Cheryl Oberle return as our guest instructor this year!

We will gather at The Villa Maria around 5:00 in the front lobby for registration and move into our rooms before dinner. All meals are in Marian Hall in the lower level; our rooms are located on third floor along with our classroom called “The Lakeview Room” starting Saturday morning. If you can not make it for dinner Friday evening, let me know 2 weeks before camp begins. (They require an accurate count for meals.)

We will conduct our Annual Chinese Auction on Friday Evening. Please bring a wrapped item to auction that is related to knitting of a value of $5-$8. This “knitting related” item need not be a hand knitted gift, camper’s choice. Every year we have a wonderful variety of items and everyone seems to have a hard time choosing the item they prefer. It’s a fun evening getting to know everyone in our group.

Please bring projects for Show and Share scheduled for Saturday evening. We would like to see what everyone is creating, for new ideas and inspiration. This is just for fun, no contest! Every year we have a “knitting garage sale” of sorts…..so feel free to bring items to sell. We will find a space for display.

Feel free to bring snacks to share, no alcoholic beverages are allowed at the Villa. The Villa is smoke free.

The Villa’s phone number is (651) 345-3457, if you need to be contacted during the weekend. The caller should be prepared to give the receptionist a name and number so you may return the call. Address is: 29847 County 2 Blvd., Frontenac , MN 55026 . There is a website www.villamariaretreats.org. Feel free to go visit.

Attn: Dinner is at 6:00 Friday evening cafeteria style until 6:30 . If you will be late let me know and a plate will be make up for you. Saturday breakfast is 8:00 , Lunch at noon , Dinner at 6:00 . Sunday brunch is 10:00 .

Cheryl will have her yarn and kits available at camp, visit her website at www.CherylOberle.com to see her selections. E-mail her if there is something you maybe interested in seeing, she has some limitations as to what she may transport to camp. Bring your personal copies of Cheryl’s books for her to autograph for you.

Anne Bosch of Blackberry Ridge will be with us again this year. Let her know what you may want to see, visit her website at www.blackberry-ridge.com to check out what she has to offer. Then e-mail her with suggestions and/or questions that you may have.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Student Supplies: Sport, DK, or Shetland yarn in at least two contrasting colors (bring twenty colors if you like!), 1-2 oz each color, wool is best, and 16" circular or double-pointed needles, size 2- 4 . We will be working on a small circular projects so if you prefer to do the pull-out loop or to work on two circulars bring what you need for those techniques in the suggested sizes (class does not include those techniques but if you are already proficient in them and want to use them that is fine!). Bring a colored pencil to mark chart. Also, a magnetic board, or “post it” notes, a tapestry or sewing-up needle, contrasting color scrap yarn, basic knitting supplies, scissors, pencil and paper.

Homework (Pre-class preparation) **

Cheryl is offering 3 different projects that you may choose:

For the Neck warmer: CO 124 sts with a needle 2 sizes smaller than what you want to use for your project ( St St gauge of 4-1/2 to 6 sts per inch depending on the yarns you choose) and work in K1 P1 ribbing for 1-1/4- 1-1/2 inches. This is flat knitting...do not join in the ribbing! We'll join in class and go on from there so you'll need the circular needle then. The neck warmer is good for those of you who want to try a steek as well as color work on your project. We will also discuss different ways to finish this piece to alter the size and style of the neck warmer, make it a hat (or a tea cozy!)

For the mitts ( I suggest a St st gauge of 5-1/2 to 6 st/inch for these) CO 48 sts,, JOIN, and do 3 inches of K1, P1 ribbing on needles 2 sizes smaller than for desired gauge.

She also has a small hat (baby - toddler size) size project for those of you who want to just do the circular color work.... 4-1/2 - 5 sts / inch. Cast on 74 sts on smaller needles, JOIN and work K1, P1 ribbing for 1 inch. A 16 inch circular would work for this project.

We are going to explore actually cutting steeks. Bring an old sweater that is from your “rag pile” or knit a swatch ahead of time, that we may “sew and cut”. There will be a sewing machine available to share at camp.

**If you have any questions on the yarn and/or projects, please e-mail directly to Cheryl at: Cheryl@cheryloberle.com

2009!

2009-04-08T16:45:00.001-07:00

25th ANNIVERSARY MINNESOTA KNITTERS’ DAYS

FRONTENAC, MN

OCTOBER 16TH, 17TH, 18TH, 2009

Come and join us at the Villa Maria Retreat Center for the weekend on Lake Pepin, located about one and a half hours south of the Twin Cities! Enjoy knitting, relaxing and sharing quality time with fellow knitters!

INSTRUCTOR: Cheryl Oberle is a knitwear designer and knitting instructor based in Denver, Colorado. She designs for magazines and yarn companies, has her own line of self-published designs, hand-dyed yarns and kits. Her work has appeared in Interweave Knits and Knitter’s magazines, and she is the author of Folk Vests and Folk Shawls, her newest book just released is Knit Jackets with Style, 20 Designs from Classic to Contemporary.

CLASS: FAIR-ISLE knitters create the wonderfully colored and patterned garments that are traditional favorites of knitters everywhere. In this hands-on workshop, learn the Fair-Isle knitters’ techniques of two-color stranded knitting while by working on a pair of fingerless mitts, a hat, or a cozy collar.. Also, includes information on Fair-Isle color choices and construction techniques.

QUESTIONS: Call Sheryl Hill at 651-388-2905 or e-mail me at: sherknits@yahoo.com

FEE: The cost is $300, which includes room, all meals and instruction. Private rooms are available for $35 additional fee. Please send full payment (or $100 deposit) with your completed registration to hold your space. (Balance due in September)

REGISTRATION: The first 40 applicants will be accepted on a first come first serve basis. Send registration and check to: Sheryl Hill, 285 Motel Avenue, Red Wing, MN 55066. If camp is full when you register, I will let you know and put you on a “waiting list”. CANCELLATIONS: If you cancel $50 is non-refundable, remainder will be refunded if/when a replacement is found from the “waiting list”.

Friday Night is Chinese Auction night! Bring a small “knitted related” item wrapped, no tag, for our fun exchange. You may or may not choose to knit something…..”knitter’s choice”, it’s up to you.

Our group will stay in Marian Hall at the Villa Maria. Historically the Villa Maria was a private boarding school for girls. Our accommodations are shared rooms with bath/shower facilities on the third floor. There is a separate floor for any male knitters interested in attending. Most rooms have a private sink and closet included. There are shared rooms available for two, three or four knitters. Please specify names in your group on your registration. Our meeting area is a large room with a beautiful view overlooking Lake Pepin. All meals are included and served “cafeteria style” in the lower level. Special dietary meals are available upon request. The Villa Maria Center is a non-smoking facility.

CAMP SHIRTS, BAGS, ECT. Camper’s Choice; T-shirts and Sweatshirts in White, Ash, Stone, Gray Heather, Royal, Red, Forrest Green, Burgundy, Navy or Black; Denim long sleeved shirt; all in sizes small to XXL; Knitting Bag (15x13x5), micro-fiber polyester, in black, with a zippered top. All items will include “Minnesota Knitters’ Days” with a “knitting theme” embroidered on them. If you would like any of these items, include it on your registration form.

CHECK IN will be from 4:30-6:00 Friday evening before dinner at 6pm.

HOMEWORK instructions will be sent to you in plenty of time to complete and bring with you to camp, along with a schedule and map.

QUESTIONS: Call Sheryl Hill at 651-388-2905 or e-mail me: sherknits@yahoo.com

-------------------------------------------------CUT-----------------------------------------------------

REGISTRATION FORM

NAME____________________________________PHONE_____________

ADDRESS________________________________EMAIL_____________

CITY/STATE________________________________________ZIP_______

OPTIONAL ITEMS:

SWEATSHIRT: $30 T-SHIRT: $15 KNITTING BAG: $25

SIZE (S-XXL) _______ SIZE __________

COLOR ______________ COLOR _______________

DENIM SHIRT: $30

SIZE (S-XXL) ________ CAMP ITEM(S) PAYMENT $__________

SINGLE ROOM ($35) $__________

Diet Request:

CAMP FEE: $ 300.00

Sharing Room with:

TOTAL ENCLOSED: $__________

MN Knitter's Days 2008!!

2008-04-13T07:42:00.001-07:00

24th ANNUAL MINNESOTA KNITTERS’ DAYS

FRONTENAC, MN

OCTOBER 17th, 18th, 19^th, 2008

Come and join us at the Villa Maria Retreat Center for the weekend on Lake Pepin, located about one and a half hours south of the Twin Cities! Enjoy knitting, relaxing and sharing quality time with fellow knitters!

INSTRUCTOR: Candace Eisner Strick has immersed herself in music and knitting most of her life. Now retired from 16 years of teaching cello, she concentrates on designing, writing, and teaching knitting. She is the author of 6 books, her designs and writing has been published in every major knitting magazine in the country, and she has taught nationally and internationally since 1998. She is the creator of her own line of yarn, Merging Colors, as well as her own line of patterns, Strickwear, which can be found in yarn stores and catalogs across the country, in Canada, and in the UK (www.strickwear.com). Candace's students say they not only love learning from her classes, but thoroughly enjoy her sense of humor as well. Appropriately, "strick" mean to knit.

CLASS: STRICKLY SHAWLS

From a simple triangle to a circle, from a rectangular stole to a wing shawl, learn all the in-between shapes and styles and find one that calls to you. You will learn how to make a template of the shape and plug in lace patterns, how to incorporate beads, some cool bind offs and cast ons that are appropriate, how to make non-curling edges, short row shaping, and how to apply an edging. It's a geometrical extravaganza, with all kinds of slick Strick knitting techniques thrown in just to keep you on your toes!!

QUESTIONS: Call Sheryl Hill at 651-388-2905 or e-mail me at: sherknits@yahoo.com

FEE: The cost is $280, which includes room, all meals and instruction. Private rooms are available for $30 additional fee. Please send full payment (or $100 deposit) with your completed registration to hold your space. (Balance due in September)

REGISTRATION: The first 30 applicants will be accepted on a first come first serve basis. Send registration and check to: Sheryl Hill, 285 Motel Avenue, Red Wing, MN 55066. If camp is full when you register, I will let you know and put you on a “waiting list”. CANCELATIONS: If you cancel $50 is non-refundable, remainder will be refunded if/when a replacement is found from the “waiting list”.

Our group will stay in Marian Hall at the Villa Maria. Historically the Villa Maria was a private boarding school for girls. Our accommodations are shared rooms with bath/shower facilities on the third floor. There is a separate floor for any male knitters interested in attending. Most rooms have a private sink and closet included. There are shared rooms available for two, three or four knitters. Please specify names in your group on the registration. Our meeting area is a large room with a beautiful view overlooking Lake Pepin. All meals are included and served “cafeteria style” in the lower level. Special dietary meals are available upon request. The Villa Maria Center is a non-smoking facility.

CAMP SHIRTS, BAGS, ECT. Camper’s Choice; T-shirts and Sweatshirts in White, Ash, Stone, Gray Heather, Royal, Red, Forrest Green, Burgundy, Navy or Black; Denim long sleeved shirt; all in sizes small to XXL; Knitting Bag (15x13x5), micro-fiber polyester, in black, with a zippered top. All items will include “Minnesota Knitters’ Days” with a “knitting theme” embroidered on them. If you would like any of these items, include it on your registration form.

CHECK IN will be from 4:30-6:00 Friday evening before dinner at 6pm.

HOMEWORK instructions will be sent to you in plenty of time to complete and bring with you to camp, along with a schedule and map.

QUESTIONS: Call Sheryl Hill at 651-388-2905 or e-mail me: sherknits@yahoo.com

How long yet?

2008-03-30T12:19:00.001-07:00

When will the next Knitter's Day come along?

Stay tuned!!

Are you on Ravelry?

2007-12-30T17:17:00.000-08:00

I have been enjoying my time on Ravelry and was wondering if there were others.

I put a group for those of us who like to meet in the fall at Villa Maria.

2007 MN Knitters Days

2007-10-28T16:57:00.001-07:00

2007 Camp Letter

2007-08-28T18:52:00.000-07:00

23rd ANNUAL

MINNESOTA KNITTERS’ DAYS 2007

October 26, 27, 28, 2007

Dear Knitters,

Welcome to Minnesota Knitters’ Days! Thank you for your attendance!

This year we will conduct a Chinese Auction. Please bring a wrapped item to auction related to knitting of a value of $5-$8. This “knitting related” item need not be a hand knitted gift, camper’s choice. Last year we had a wonderful variety of items and everyone seemed to choose to keep their item rather than “trade” it off. It was great fun, so now is an annual event for Friday evening.

Please bring projects for Show and Share scheduled for Saturday evening. We would like to see what everyone is creating, for new ideas and inspiration. This is just for fun, no contest! Every year we have a “knitting garage sale” of sorts…..so feel free to bring items to sell. We will find a space for display.

Feel free to bring snacks to share, no alcoholic beverages are allowed at the Villa. The Villa is smoke free.

Attn: Dinner is at 6:00 Friday evening cafeteria style until 6:30. If you will be late let me know and a plate will be make up for you. Saturday breakfast is 8:00, Lunch at noon, Dinner at 6:00. Sunday brunch is 10:00.

Anne Bosch of Blackberry Ridge will be with us again this year. She will bring yarns for the weekend for your convenience. Let her know what you may want to see, visit her website at www.blackberry-ridge.com to check out what she has to offer. Then e-mail her with suggestions and/or questions that you may have.

Homework at the bottom!

ROSTER 2007

1. Berland, Judy

2. Bosch, Anne

3. Cadwallader, Yvonne

4. Clarke, Jennifer

5. Cyson, Karen

6. Edstrom, Julie

7. Eyer, Yvonne

8. Farrell, Barb

9. Falbo, Amy

10. Foster, Betsy

11. Jeronimus, Lois

12. Hill, Sheryl

13. Kelley, Cathy

14. Larson, Sandy

15. Lautt Kathi

16. Mayr, Ursula

17. McElmurry, Nancy

18. Melrose, Velia R

19. Morrison, Lois

20. Reuter, Carol

21. Schneider, Gail

22. Stumpf, Anita

23. Walin, Bonita

8/27/07

The Many Benefits of Those Oops! Dropped Stitches

Homework:

Swatch 1: Use the long tail CO for all swatches. Work 6” square Stockinette swatch in plain light colored yarn with appropriate needles.

Swatch 2: Cast on 31 sts. [Knit 2 rows, Purl I row.] Repeat these 3 rows until 8”. Keep on needles or holder.

Swatch 3 (optional): Work 6” swatch of various aran or pattern sts with 3 purl sts between each motif.

Swatches should not be BO or blocked.

Supplies: Swatch yarn and needles; tapestry needle; scissors; calculator; pen and paper; 10-12 various stash yarns, novelties, and ribbons in your choice of colorways; 30" circular 6.5mm ( US 10 1/2) or 7.0mm (US 11)needle.

Chris Bylsma Designs

chris@chrisbylsmadesigns.com
www.chrisbylsmadesigns.com

If you have any questions or concerns on the homework you may e-mail Chris.

Sad News

2007-06-06T16:01:00.000-07:00

Sidna Farley, a nationally known hand-knitter, died May 28 at age 66.

http://www.denverpost.com/ci_6054179

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/obituaries/article/0,1299,DRMN_45_5565296,00.html

Yvonne gave me this information and says Sidna taught at several of the early camps.

MKD's 25th Anvsy 2009

2007-04-23T21:16:00.000-07:00

Pictures from 2006

2007-04-13T18:53:00.001-07:00