Newsletter: Prez Sez
And just like that it was December and 2021 will be in the rearview mirror soon.
I am sure for some, this year can’t be over fast enough. I tend to not wish any time away but I too am ready for normal.
We are seeing a bit of normal emerging here at CSKMS. We have had grant requests – that means, there are Crank Ins being planned. And crank ins have happened.
I was fortunate to be able to attend LAMBS in Albert Lea MN in October. A nice gathering put on by Vickie Storlie and crew. We were gifted a goodie bag – cloth with a cute lamb embroidered on the front. The bag contained yarn, a tiny sock complete with a tiny sock blocker, and a little fabric basket – super handy for those tiny things you have on your table and other goodies. Very nice indeed.
It was good to see old friends and make new ones. Just hearing the machines working, people chatting and laughing was good for the soul.
There were interesting old machines to see, including two I brought, a German Drei Ring which I am still trying to figure out. It has a flat knitting set up with additional cams – but I have not gotten it to raise and lower the needles automatically. Maybe by the next time I write.
I also had with me a machine that showed up the day I left for Minnesota. From Russia with love. It is a Max Gehl – a very interesting machine, it has two yarn feeds and two sets of cams so you can knit in two colors or just knit twice as fast with one color. It also features a row counter complete with a bell – a bit like the Swedish Favorit.
There also was another German machine as well as a Swedish Vega – a beautiful blue machine.
Also in attendance were 5 yes, five LT150s. Amy Lonczak had traveled from Massachusetts to Minnesota to upgrade, tweak, and instruct. Very cool indeed.
Most of all it was good to get out and be around other crankers. I sure am looking forward to more gatherings in 2022.
As the holidays are approaching I have been seeing many posts and pictures on social media about toys and ornaments being made on the CSM. I have made some lanterns following a pattern developed by Dorinda Balanecki, written up by Jamie Mayfield and made available for free to download at CSMsupplies.com. This is a quick and easy way to dress up a mason jar … add a set of fairy lights and you have a very festive decoration. There is still time to get some done!
I wish you all Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year!
Judy