Sunday, December 11, 2016

No 4th Saturday meetup in December


We're skipping our December meet-up.  We'll resume our regular schedule in January.

We hope you can join us at our Second Saturday Meeting on January 14th.

Happy Holidays!


Monday, December 5, 2016

Charity Project Update - Keeping kids warm

CTC delivered 82 hats (almost twice the number requested) and 46 pairs of mittens to the Sojourner Truth Academy, a charter grade school in north Minneapolis. School officials were ecstatic and very complimentary.

We were thrilled to see kids in costumes picking out hats and mittens at the school’s Fall Festival on October 27.

Virginia, our Charity Chairwoman coordinated the project.  Kathy was the project’s pattern advisor and chief photographer.
Virginia at the donation table



Many members were very generous with their time and talent.

School staff were enthusiastic and even expressed interest in learning to crochet!

And we got a big Thank You from the kids!






Sunday, November 27, 2016

Dec. 10 Meeting Preview: Destash Extravaganza!

It’s the meeting we’ve all been waiting for - December destash!

Bring any crochet-related items you’d like to donate to others (yarn, hooks, books and magazines). Then we’ll disperse the stash by playing crochet bingo and with raffles. There’s also be drawings for year-end prizes.

New this year, we’ll have some items up for bid in a silent auction. There’ll be larger quantities of yarn and other high-quality items. Proceeds from the auction will help Crochet Twin Cities cover a few increased expenses (including rent for our Textile Center meeting space). Bid increments must be in whole-dollar amounts. See newsletter for more information.

December Meeting is Members-Only. Due to the popularity of the destash event at our December meeting, the meeting is for CTC members only. Please do not invite friends or family to join you if you come to the December meeting.

The meeting will be held Saturday, December 10th, at the Textile Center, 3000 University Ave SE, with the following schedule:
  • 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM - Open Crochet
  • 10:30 AM Silent Auction starts
  • 11:00 AM Show and Tell
  • 11:15 AM Destash begins
  • 1:00 PM - Silent Auction ends
  • 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM – Year-end reports and Drawings
To get the most out of this meeting you'll need to bring:
  • Anything you'd like to remove from your stash: Yarn, Crochet magazine or books, Tools, etc.
Reminder
Membership Dues Required by Dec. 31
Half the CTC membership has already renewed their membership - thank you!!!
Dues continue to be $24 as in the past few years. If possible, please pay your dues with cash. You can bring your payment to the December meeting

Sunday, November 13, 2016

4th Saturday meetup: November 26th


Our next meet-up is November 26th at the Barnes and Noble at HarMar Mall in Roseville.  The meetup will be from 9 AM (when the store opens) until  noon - the cafe is in the center of the store and we'll be the crowd with the crochet hooks.

Meetups are our informal gathering each month - open to all crocheters with no fee for attending - with a special welcome extended to new crocheters. Bring a project to work on - or not, if you just want to chat or ask questions - and come when you can and stay as long as you're able.

We hope to see you there!

Sunday, October 23, 2016

November 12th Meeting Preview: Yarn Tasting

Yarn at 3 Kittens Needle Arts
One of the best things about crochet is all the beautiful yarn that's available to us. At our November meeting, we'll get a chance to see, touch and test a variety of newer yarns, brought to us by 3 Kittens Needle Arts. 3 Kittens is a crochet-friendly yarn and needlepoint store located in Mendota Heights.

Yarn will be available for sale. Even if you're not in the market for adding to your stash, you're sure to learn something new and enjoy playing with yarn at the same time!

The meeting will be held Saturday, November 12th, at the Textile Center, 3000 University Ave SE, with the following schedule:
  • 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM - Open Crochet
  • 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM - Announcements and Show and Tell
  • 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM - Education Session
  • 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM – Open Crochet
If you're new to Crochet Twin Cities, you can join us by downloading our  membership form and bringing the amount shown on the form to the meeting, or you can pay the non-member fee of $5 for attending one meeting. New members/visitors are encouraged to arrive between 10:30 and 11 a.m. 

NOTE: The Minnesota State Button Society will hold their annual Button Buy at the Textile Center during our meeting time (Saturday, Nov. 12, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.). We don't anticipate the sale to interfere too much with parking. If you like buttons, feel free to stop in and shop the sale.


Sunday, October 9, 2016

4th Saturday meetup: October 22nd

This month's meetup
Saturday, October 22nd from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Bruegger's Southtown (Bloomington, 494 & Penn).

If you're new to the group, meetups are held at rotating locations around the metro where we can grab a cup of coffee and sit and crochet and chat. It's all very informal - but lots of fun! You can drop in any time and stay as long as you're able.

There's no charge to attend a meetup so it's a great way to meet us and ask questions about the group, particularly if you're new to crochet. We'd love to meet you!

We hope you can join us!

Sunday, September 25, 2016

October 8th Meeting Preview: Crocodile Stitch

Learn a new stitch at this month’s CTC meeting! Carla will show us how to do the crocodile stitch, which gives a beautiful textured and layered look to your finished work. You can use the stitch to create the look of a mermaid tail or fish scales, a crochet Christmas tree, flowers and more. The stitch also looks great on home decor items, accessories and baby blankets.


The meeting will be held Saturday, October 8th, at the Textile Center, 3000 University Ave SE, with the following schedule:
  • 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM - Open Crochet
  • 11:00 AM to 12:15 PM - Announcements and Show and Tell
  • 12:15 PM to 1:00 PM - Education Session
  • 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM – Open Crochet
To get the most out of this meeting you'll need to bring:
  • Worsted weight yarn (a single, light color works best)
  • Appropriate Crochet Hook
If you're new to Crochet Twin Cities, you can join us by downloading our  membership form and bringing the amount shown on the form to the meeting, or you can pay the non-member fee of $5 for attending one meeting. New members/visitors are encouraged to arrive between 10:30 and 11 a.m.

PLEASE NOTE:  There will be a U of M Gophers game just down the road at TCF Stadium during our meeting. As a result, traffic will be heavy and parking in the neighborhood will be scarce. Consider carpooling or taking public transportation to the meeting (the Metro Transit Green Line runs right in front of the Textile Center).

Sunday, September 18, 2016

Charity Project Update

Good news - we've met our goal of hats!  There is still time to make those mittens.

We still need mittens of various sizes.

Patterns and info can be found on our Charity Projects Page

Suggested mitten patterns (on Ravelry):

  • Crochet Mittens by JTcreations
  • Mrs. Murdock's Mittens by Brenda K. B. Anderson

  • A collection of suggested patterns are available at Charity Pattern List. Feel free to use any pattern you’ve found to be successful!

    Bring donations to the Fourth Saturday meet-up on September 24 or the regular CTC meeting on October 8.

    Sunday, September 11, 2016

    4th Saturday meetup: September 24th


    Our next meet-up is September 24th at the Barnes and Noble at HarMar Mall in Roseville.  The meetup will be from 9 AM (when the store opens) until  noon - the cafe is in the center of the store and we'll be the crowd with the crochet hooks.

    Meetups are our informal gathering each month - open to all crocheters with no fee for attending - with a special welcome extended to new crocheters. Bring a project to work on - or not, if you just want to chat or ask questions - and come when you can and stay as long as you're able.

    We hope to see you there!

    Wednesday, September 7, 2016

    Hats and Mittens for Sojourner Truth Academy

    It's Back to School!  Good time to think about our charity project for Sojourner Truth Academy.

    CTC has made a commitment to provide 3 pairs of mittens and 3 hats for two classes each of pre-K through 5th grade at Sojourner Truth Academy, which is a public charter school in Minneapolis.

    That’s at least 42 pairs of mittens and 42 hats of various sizes!

    We are half way with the hats - one-quarter
    of the way with mittens.

    Patterns and info can be found on our Charity Projects Page






    graphic credit to yarnspirations

    Wednesday, August 31, 2016

    Learn to Crochet!


    Several people at the fair were wondering where to go to learn how to crochet.  Members of Crochet Twin Cities are always happy to help out, so feel free to come to a meeting or meet-up.  For more formal instruction, there are several places which offer classes.

    Below are two yarn shops that are offering classes this fall.  The schedules may not be posted yet, so if you don't see an upcoming date, feel free to call the shop and ask.


    All About Yarn (Coon Rapids)
    Offers Beginning Crochet with 8 hours of instruction.
    Website: allaboutyarn.biz





    Darn Knit Anyway (Stillwater)
    Offers a Crash Course Crochet for beginners.  They also offer Basic Amigurumi and Queen Anne's Lace Scarf classes.
    Website: www.darnknitanyway.com




    Please note, it's a good idea to pre-register if you are interested.  Classes with low enrollment are subject to cancellation.  Please check policies of the individual shops.
    This is NOT an exhaustive list, nor is it endorsement of the classes.  Just some ideas to get you started.




    Sunday, August 28, 2016

    Sept. 10 Meeting Preview: Granny Squares and Motifs

    Don’t be fooled - granny squares aren’t just for your grandma! Over the years they’ve evolved into some pretty amazing designs. Even the simple granny square can take on a whole new look depending on your choice of colors. CTC member Joan will teach us all about granny squares and motifs (shapes of various sizes), which you can join together to make bags, blankets, clothing and more.

    The meeting will be held Saturday, September 10th, at the Textile Center, 3000 University Ave SE, with the following schedule:
    • 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM - Open Crochet
    • 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM - Announcements and Show and Tell
    • 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM - Granny squares and motifs
    • 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM – Open Crochet
    To get the most out of this meeting you'll need to bring:
    • worsted weight yarn
    • appropriate size hook
    If you're new to Crochet Twin Cities, you can join us by downloading our  membership form and bringing the amount shown on the form to the meeting, or you can pay the non-member fee of $5 for attending one meeting. New members/visitors are encouraged to arrive between 10:30 and 11 a.m.

    Saturday, August 27, 2016

    Success at the Minnesota State Fair


    Another Successful Day at the Great Minnesota Get-Together

    CTC demonstrated crochet in the Creative Activities Building for the second year in a row on Friday, Aug. 26. A big thank you to the booth volunteers – we couldn’t have done it without you. Dozens of people stopped by to talk with us about our craft, learn how to finger crochet, find out about our group or just see what projects we’re working on. Our crocheted food-on-a-stick items were a huge hit!

    Hearty congratulations to the following CTC members who were awarded ribbons:

    • Andrew Hultquist - 2nd place, class 292 (afghan, all or part made using afghan stitch with afghan hook)
    • Leah Larson, 4th place – Class 309, sweater, cardigan, adult
    • Julie Marz - 3rd place, class 295 (clothing accessories); 4th place, class 302 (scarf, less than 16 inches wide, two or more colors, solid or variegated)
    • Carla Stevenson - 1st place, class 302 (scarf, less than 16 inches wide, two or more colors, solid or variegated); 4th place, class 307 (shell, sleeveless vest)

    We hope to see the award-winning items and ribbons at our next CTC meeting on Sept. 10.

    Wednesday, August 24, 2016

    CTC at the Minnesota State Fair correction

    Correction - the Creative Arts Building opens to the public at 9:00 AM.
    Stop by and say "Hello"!  We'll be ready and waiting.












    And, wear your purple...
    UNITE IN PURPLE Friday, Aug. 26

    Tuesday, August 23, 2016

    CTC at the Minnesota State Fair

    Don't forget, CTC will be at the Minnesota State Fair on Friday, August 26th.
    We'll be in the Creative Activities Building from 7:30 am to 7:30 pm.
    Stop in and say hello!




    Sunday, August 14, 2016

    4th Saturday meetup: August 27th


    This month's meetup
    Saturday, August 27th from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM
    Bruegger's Southtown (Bloomington, 494 & Penn).

    If you're new to the group, meetups are held at rotating locations around the metro where we can grab a cup of coffee and sit and crochet and chat. It's all very informal - but lots of fun! You can drop in any time and stay as long as you're able.

    There's no charge to attend a meetup so it's a great way to meet us and ask questions about the group, particularly if you're new to crochet. We'd love to meet you!


    We hope you can join us!

    Sunday, July 24, 2016

    Aug. 13 Meeting Preview: Pricing Your Work to Sell

    “How much would it cost you to make one of those for me? I’ll buy the yarn.” “What price should I put on this dishcloth for the church fair? Can you believe they were $13 online?” “Can I deduct the charity items I make from my taxes?” “I want to start a crochet business. How do people decide prices?”

    We’ll explore all these questions and more at the August meeting, with Lisa leading the discussion. She’s interviewed several CTC members who sell their crocheted items. She’s also gathered information from blogs and made a list of books in the Textile Center library that can help answer these questions. Even if you don’t plan to sell your work, you’ll want to join the discussion about how to handle all those folks who want you to make “one of those” for them.

    To get the most out of this meeting, you don’t need to bring any supplies, but feel free to work on your crochet during the discussion. It might be a good time to work on hats an mittens for charity (see CTC charity-projects)

    The meeting will be held Saturday, August 13th, at the Textile Center, 3000 University Ave SE, with the following schedule:
    • 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM - Open Crochet
    • 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM - Announcements and Show and Tell
    • 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM - Education Session
    • 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM – Open Crochet
    If you're new to Crochet Twin Cities, you can join us by downloading our  membership form and bringing the amount shown on the form to the meeting, or you can pay the non-member fee of $5 for attending one meeting. New members/visitors are encouraged to arrive between 10:30 and 11 a.m.




    Monday, July 18, 2016

    4th Saturday meetup: July 23rd

    Our next meet-up is July 23rd at the Barnes and Noble at HarMar Mall in Roseville.  The meetup will be from 9 AM (when the store opens) until  noon - the cafe is in the center of the store and we'll be the crowd with the crochet hooks.

    Meetups are our informal gathering each month - open to all crocheters with no fee for attending - with a special welcome extended to new crocheters. Bring a project to work on - or not, if you just want to chat or ask questions - and come when you can and stay as long as you're able.

    We hope to see you there!

    Sunday, July 17, 2016

    2016 Hennepin County Fair Results


    Winning entries by members of Crochet Twin Cities 

    Jennifer Campbell
    Second place
    Class 5 - Doily over 14”

    Joy Jennen
    First place
    Class 4 - Doily 14” or under*
    First place
    Class 5 - Doily over 14”
    Third place
    Class 18 - Shawl












    Julie Marz
    First place
    Class 27 - Purse
    Second Place
    Class 18 - Shawl














    Kathy Roderick
    First place
    Class 12 - Mittens
    First place
    Class 13 - Cowl*














    Carla Stevenson
    First place
    Class 15 - Dish Cloth
    First place
    Felted Item (purse)
    First place
    Class 28 -Not Specified (blue halter top)
    Second place
    Class 14 - Scarf























    Some of the ladies at the fair with their entries.



    And a dolled-up Daisy...





















    *Also awarded Purple ribbon - “to the best of the blue ribbons in each category”

    Monday, July 11, 2016