Friday, December 02, 2005

“Passing of the Needles”
Letter from the President
November 18, 2005

Well, here at last is your July ‘05 newsletter!?! I apologize for being such a slacker, but work and life got away from me in the last few months. That, personally and professionally, is actually a good thing, though it did not fair well for the last few months of my guild “presidency”.

I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you all: Alana, Jeanne, Dallas, Christine, Susan, Karen, Kathy G., Cassandra, Donna J., Lauri, Sharon, Genia, Marilyn, Donna, Kathy S., Lorena, Mady, and Kathleen, as well as those that I did not really get to meet/know, for allowing me to not only participate in MMK, but for electing me as your president for the last two years. I have learned more from the group in the last few years than I could ever have possibly taught myself. And, more importantly, I now have a wealth of resources to which I can refer when I need help. That, to me (the educator at heart), is bonus!

I know that you all have been diligently working on many projects, some all at once. I envy you all for that and will miss coveting both the works in progress and finished products. One day I hope to be able to devote more time to this, my favorite craft, as well as a to guild. Unfortunately, this does not seem to be the time for that. In the meantime, I will continue working on my simple, portable projects as often as possible, so that I can refine the basics enough to seek more challenging projects when I have the attention span and time. That is my creative goal!

At the November meeting we discussed new dues, the holiday party, ’06 officers, and booties.

Those present voted to increase the dues from $15 to $20 for 2006. This nominal increase is the first in many, many years and will help offset the cost of guest teachers, programs, trunk shows, and charitable activities. Please bring cash or checks, made payable to the Maryland Metro Knitters Guild (or MMK), to the holiday party on December 7.

Marilyn Riffkin offered to have the holiday party at her house on December 7. More information will be coming soon.

We also discussed next year’s officers. In addition to a new president, you will need to elect or re-elect officers for treasurer, publicity, website, programs, membership, and librarian.

While “showing and sharing” we knit teeny, tiny little baby booties for the AIDS babies at Daisy Fields in Baltimore City. If you would like to learn more about this worthwhile organization please contact Genia.

Something to think about….
Some of the members discussed having a winter retreat at the beach in February. If you are interested, please contact Marilyn or Mady.

Missing: “Quilt” squares. If you have squares for the charity quilt that we started in May/June ‘05 please give them to Genia at the next meeting. Once she has all of the completed squares, she will be able to assess what is needed to complete the project. We had hoped to finish the quilt in time for 2005 holiday auction at the church. Unfortunately, we were not able to collect enough squares for piecing, so this project will continue into 2006.


I wish you all continued success in everything you seek or do, a wonderful holiday season, and a prosperous new year!

Kay