Trudy & Carla go to the Hennepin County Fair

The Great Minnesota Get Together is next month, but Trudy & Carla were happy to share their experience with the Hennepin County Fair.

Trudy's work paid off in prizes and I am so proud to claim her as one of our long-term members!  Trudy won 4 first place (blue) ribbons for her beautiful oversize scarf, blue hat & not one but, two doilies.  CTC is blessed to have someone with Trudy's skills in our group, she's both an inspiration and a mentor to many of us.   

Trudy's 3 second place winners are nothing to sneeze at either, a blue hat, cowl and a blanket with a backstory, that story includes a helping hand from Lori during a fiber arts retreat. Trudy had all of the squares made up, including the borders; Lori needed a project and VOILA! Another example of why I love CTC.  Where else will you find someone willing to lend a hand with joining motifs?

Carla's teal cardigan was a favorite to make; she said it reminded her of making doilies.  The fact that she could make the sleeves to fit was a plus.  She took a first place ribbon for the cardi and her longhorn. *She made a whole herd of longhorns and bison at a recent retreat, but that's a tale for another time.  I also did a bit of research to find that the item the purple ribbon she received alongside the blue for her Texas Longhorn is indeed an A+, it means that in addition to taking first place in the category, the judges couldn't find any errors!  WAY TO GO, Carla! You make CTC look good.  Don't forgot to congratulate her next time you see her. 

I am probably a little bit biased, but I think the judges missed the mark by only giving her a third place (white) ribbon for her Kawaii unicorn pillow.  Unfortunately, the county fair judges don't provide the same level of feedback as the state fair judges.  I think she said she was going to enter it in the state fair, so maybe they'll see things my way.

Carla's sister said not to buy anything for the black shawl Carla was making for her, so she used stash yarn and the only thing she purchased was the beads. And that was only because Carla didn't have any the right size for the yarn. You just know the bright yellow scarf will make sure no one misses her at the bus stop, especially with a matching hat and some luck person will receive the blue hat with the rest of our donations.

Our July meeting on 7/8 will be focusing on finishing up State Fair entries, (if you aren't entering the state fair, bring any project you wish). Since it's an odd month we'll have a board meeting* hmm...remind me to check into whether it's significant that board meetings are odd?*, and so we'll have some business to discuss.    

If you missed the boat in June, and are a dues-paying member, please be sure to complete the survey included in the email, or here CTC Member River Cruise Doodle. Note: Doodle will require you to enter your name & email address, your name may be displayed to people viewing the survey, your email will not be visible to the public.

As ever, if you have any questions, send us an email, reach out via FB or Ravelry or use the member list accessible only to dues paying members to get personal email information.    And hey! Happy Crocheting, Theresa

Crochet the River

Saturday, June 10th, aka Knit Crochet in Public Day was so much fun, I'm still riding high on the endorphins!  Sixteen CTC members were joined by 3 guests to celebrate our craft, each other and the beauty of the Mississippi River.  Shout out to Padelford Riverboats for a great tour, fun lunch and a unique chance to experience how the Lock & Dam system works.

The group began gathering at the landing on Harriet Island at about 10am.  Sixteen members (plus Sara's husband) watched the end of the Billy Lindsay Run (Bree worked with Dr. William Lindsay) and enjoyed the beautiful weather while we chatted and waited to board.  

Boarding the Anson Northrup began at 10:30 a.m. Our group had 3 tables on the 2nd deck.  We were surprised and delighted to find we had 2 additional guests.  Sabrina's mother Jackie was visiting from out of state.  When Sabrina saw our event advertised, she thought it would be a fun mother/daughter event.  I hope they were not disappointed.   I think not, by the end of the trip, Sabrina joined CTC and Jackie was welcomed to join us again, next time she's in town.

Some members brought patterns, and many worked on cancer hats, Bree will deliver for distribution.  Others worked on soap sacks for the Chapter Chapter, still others were focusing on personal projects, but we all took plenty of breaks to enjoy the scenery, the eagles' nest was a highlight, as well as the locks. 

Our initial order from What I made design arrived, so most members received their selected gift.  Everyone had a chance to make a stitch marker as a souvenir, and while not everyone participated, those who did seemed to enjoy it, so we may offer the opportunity again sometime.  As usual there were door prizes, but since this was a special event, we made sure everyone went home with a small skein of yarn and a little prize. 

It started raining during the last half hour or so of the cruise, which was still beautiful observed from the safety of the enclosed deck.  The rain was quite heavy, though, so the walk to the car afterward was not nearly as pleasant as the trip; but Stephanie agreed as we shivered in the car on the way home, it just gave us the added bonus of a funny story* to add to the rest of the fun of the day. Thank you to all members who joined us, and for those who were not able to make it, look for communication about picking the alternate date for later this summer or early fall. 

*Many of us failed to bring any kind umbrella (of course, a couple of people had rain ponchos).  I left my windows & sun roof cracked to let heat out - it also lets rain in. The helter skelter dash from boat, to shore, to parking was wet and cold.