We welcomed a new member in June, Rosalie, who has purchased her first knitting machine, a Duo 80.  We spent the demonstration period helping her to work through the oven mitt in the manual.  She went home with a finished item.

There were quite a few members at the meeting.  We were sad to hear that Brigitte suffered a slight stroke.  All the members sent her their best wishes for a speedy recovery and a quick return to machine knitting.

General Business

The main topic of discussion was the July workshop.  All members are reminded to bring a small plate for morning tea.  The raffle and door prizes were also decided with a $30 voucher from Spotlight being the door prize.  The raffle will have first, second and third prizes.  There will be at least one yarn seller trading on the day.

The demonstrator will be Fernanda Spaan, in her first visit to demonstrate in Queensland.  A few of our members have bought their machines from her and are excited to see her presentation.  I’m told that she has worked out how to do the Willow Pattern on the Duo 80, which is very exciting.  The pattern has been available for the E6000 for many years and it will be great to see it on the Duo.

Remember to knit something for the competition; a garment designed by yourself including design notes, a knitted toy, a lady’s shawl, or a bag.

 Snippets from QCMK

Remember the October workshop is on 5 September this year, featuring Diane Chambers and Sue Norton.  There is a new class in the competition this year, the Sylvia Balfour Memorial Class, which is a head covering for cancer patients and will be judged by popular vote.  All entries will be donated to a cancer charity.

General Interest

Joan spoke of a QUT graduate who has started her own label, based in Fortitude Valley.  She is using a Brother Bulky and learned to knit from a teacher who was taught by Ann and Jan last year.

An anecdote was also shared of a 94-year-old knitter who decided to move to a retirement village and asked a member to take all of her machines, books and yarn and sell them for her.  About three months later, the knitter phoned her friend and lamented that she was bored as she didn’t play bowls or bridge and could she have a machine back?  The answer was ‘Yes, of course’.  The knitter is happily producing knitwear again.  Just a reminder that you are never too old to knit!