And the winners are....

CTC Ribbon 

Crochet Twin Cities members!  Whether you volunteered at the fair, entered items into the competitions, donated items for our give aways, or provided support to each other in so many ways, your contributions were invaluable.  Several of our members received ribbons this year, so, it's going to take a little while to document them all.   Let's get it started with the Crochet Twin Cities' sponsored ribbon for the best overall wearable crocheted item. CTC does not have any input into the award, aside from specifying that it must be an item from specific categories. The judges awarded the 2024 ribbon was to Leslie J. of Inver Grove Heights.   Leslie will receive a 1-year free membership to CTC as part of the award.  I hope we see Leslie at an upcoming meeting.

Bree's bee

Carla's bee

While it may not come immediately to mind as a crochet competition, the Bee & Honey category under the Ag-Hort-Bee competitions has an award for a crochet item, with a bee or honey theme (class 111). A couple of our members have been competing in this category; Carla entered some really cute bee-themed placemats and Bree won first place this year with this honey of a bee! According to the divisions, rules, and premiums documents.  Items are judged on overall appearance, craftmanship, creativity and conformity (not precisely sure what that means).

This year we did something new (again). Wait, how can it be new if we're doing it again?  Here's what happened: in spring 2023 I thought I'd participate in a local craft fair.  I had so many leftover items, I brought them to the fair and gave them away to people (mostly children, but some adults too), who stopped by to visit us.  It was a huge hit with the kids, so this year, I made items specifically to give away.  Then I realized that everyone should be able to join the fun, so we asked members to assist with making give aways.  As always, our group came through with flying colors!  We had scrunchies and fidgets and critters galore, there were key chains, baskets and bags and more.

I am going to need to spend some time getting photos, and the winners list together, so I will leave you with a few pictures from our demonstration booth.  Our next meeting is Saturday, 9/14 at Highland Park Library in St. Paul.  We'll be learning corner to corner crochet from Barb, the supply list and the information for downloading the free pattern will be in the newsletter sent out to members on 9/7.  We'll also add a link in Facebook and on the blog closer to the date.  This meeting is free and open to the public.  All are welcome!

September 1, 2024

August 22, 2024

So much time, so little to do....scratch that, reverse it!

I received my State Fair tickets in the mail on Saturday!  I signed up to help out all 3 days at the fair, because "president"...and I am so grateful to all of the volunteers whether signed up for one shift or multiples!  If you happen to be at the fair please be sure to stop by and say "hi" on Thursday, August 24, Friday, August 25 and/or Saturday, September 2.  We'll be in the Creative Activities Building next to gate #5 on Snelling & Dan Patch Avenue.

I love the State Fair app and while you can find all you need to know on the website, or get a map at an information booth, the app is just so convenient to have in your pocket, at your fingertips with live updates.  *I am looking at the app now and watching the countdown currently at 2 days, 17 hours, 40 minutes and counting.

I am not adding a member bio today, because time, things to do, yadda, yadda, but wanted to check in and share some info about one particular event approaching for quickly.  The Progressive East End Project, aka PEEP.   You can find all of the details on their FB page, or on the website of any one of the 6 participating yarn shops: The Yarnery, Sheepy Yarn Shoppe, Knitting from the Heart, MUSE2320 Fiber Co., Darn Knit Anyway, or 3 Kittens Needle Arts.  PEEP is a mystery CAL (or KAL, if you prefer), with one pattern/project, typically featuring 6 mini skeins & a main skein that varies from shop to shop. Each shop will reveal their colors and pre-orders will be available Tuesday-Sunday, August 22-27.   The project (a shawl this year) will be revealed later in the fall when the yarn come in!

The excitement is building for the Minnesota State Fair

There are a few spots remaining.   If you are interested and able to volunteer use the QR code to check the Signup site and email us at ctclist@gmail.com to confirm your details for your free tickets.

This weekend, we met at the Wescott Library in Eagan.  Two new members joined and there were over 15 members gathered to talk about and in some cases, make a name tag.   Virginia made progress on her rough draft. Many members were more focused on finishing up items for the State Fair.  One of our long-time members, Mary, won the 1-year membership to CGOA, congratulations, Mary, I hope you enjoy it!

Some of you already know AJ from our HarMar meetings.  AJ joined CTC in July and has been crocheting for a year.  Like many younger members (and some of the older ones too), AJ learned to crochet using youtube videos.   It was a great way to pass time while recovering from a surgery.  Tunisian crochet, honeycomb stitches and antique lace work are particular favorites for AJ.  Given the chance, AJ prefers to work with pima cotton; he is also a baker and does digital illustrations.   Please welcome AJ to Crochet Twin Cities.

As you might imagine, these next few weeks are going to be busy ones, preparing for the fair, the September cruise and in my case, getting Owen ready to start middle-school and celebrating my 36th wedding anniversary (would anyone believe I was married at 4?).  I will try to post a blog each week introducing additional members, but will ask your forgiveness in advance if I am slow or miss one.