2019 Speakers
December 12, 2019
Lessons from a Knit Wit
Brad Clark: Author, Artist, and Professional Speaker.
​In addition to showing art around Portland, Brad speaks at conferences, conventions and business meetings. Audiences leave inspired to put their best energy toward their best work… so they can live their best lives. Like a professional Organizer helps clean out your closets, Brad helps entrepreneurs and leaders de-clutter, change perspective, and find joy in their work and personal lives.
But… for this December Guild meeting he will share a special presentation: Lessons from a Knit Wit.
Brad and his life-long sweetheart, Cheri, owned The Naked Sheep Knit Shop for 12 years. Cheri is now a designer and instructor working at Twisted Yarn Shop. Living with a knitter for over 30 years has taught Brad a lot. He will be sharing insightful lessons, humorous stories, and tips to keep from unraveling during the holidays and all year long. He will also be selling and signing copies of his Knitting-themed Children's book, There's Only One You.
November 14, 2019
Kim Biegler of Ewethful Fiber Farm & Mill
​Kim Biegler is the processor and owner of Ewethful Fiber Farm & Mill in Halsey, OR. She will be speaking at the meeting about all aspects of wool and yarn making in Oregon. From growing fiber and purchasing fiber from other growers, different types of wool and their attributes and the yarn making process. Sourcing to scouring to yarn and all the steps in between making Ewethful yarns one of the few yarns completely grown and milled in the PNW.
She will also be bringing her yarn and fibers for sale!
October 10, 2019
Stitch Maps: The What, Where, Why, and How with JC Briar
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What is a stitch map, and why are more and more knitters choosing to follow them? In this talk, JC explains what makes stitch maps so cool, where you can find them – and how you can create them yourself.
JC will have her book, Charts Made Simple, for sale at the meeting. Check or cash only.
​About JC Briar: A self-confessed “technique freak” and “skill junkie,” JC dabbles in all kinds of knitting, but has a special fondness for textured knitting and novel construction techniques. If it involves lace, cables, or seamless construction, it’s sure to catch her eye. She shares her enthusiasm by teaching at shops and fiber festivals, and through her book Charts Made Simple. Her latest venture is Stitch-Maps.com, a website for viewing and creating grid-free charts of unparalleled fluidity, authenticity, and beauty.
September 12, 2019
Kim Winter Shares Ten Top Sweater Tips Before Casting On
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This month, our own Volunteer Coordinator Kim Winter stepped in to share her Tip Top Sweater Tips before casting on. As a knitting teacher herself, Kim is full of amazing information.
August 8, 2019
Shaggy Bear Farms with Wendy Hanson
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Shaggy Bear Farms is a small family farm that focuses on the rare, endangered, and lesser-known fiber breeds. They're located in the small town of Scio, Oregon. Currently, they raise 39 different breeds of fiber animals strictly for their fleeces. They pride themselves on being a source of “farm to needle” yarns and fiber for spinning. They're a “forever farm” and frequently serve as a “farm sanctuary and rescue space” for animals needing a new home. Wendy Hanson, chief shepherdess, is looking forward to the opportunity to share her experiences, adventures, and a love of all things fiber with the Puddletown Knitting Guild. Won’t you please join her for a raucous and unorthodox view of life on the farm, sheep, goats, and the people she has encountered? Wendy will have yarn for sale at this meeting!
July 11, 2019
PKG First Annual Summer Party​
There is no formal program at this month's meeting. This time is set aside for those working on Rose Haven blanket donations to complete, start, or continue those projects. And, of course, we will have snacks (ice cream! dairy and non!), games, and prizes. Working on a non-blanket project you just can't put down? We understand and of course. Bring it and join the party! All are welcome. We'll have a special extended Show and Tell! Bring those projects that require a bit more time to truly do their story justice.
June 13, 2019
All About Sheep to Shawl at Black Sheep Gathering
​Celeste Percy will be here to tell us all the ins and outs of the sheep to shawl contest held at Black Sheep Gathering every year. As a participant for three years and an organizer for more, Celeste knows everything that goes into making a shawl in 6 hours with a 6 person team. Come be inspired and then make your plans to go watch the contest live on July Fourth weekend.
May 9, 2019
Meaghan Schmaltz a.k.a. The Unapologetic Knitter
Unraveling the Process: Post-design to Publication
​With a focus on technical editing, Meaghan will share the ins and outs of the steps followed to prepare a pattern for publication! Meaghan is known for making tech-editing fun (and funny!).
June 13, 2019
All About Sheep to Shawl at Black Sheep Gathering
April 11, 2019
Marie Greene a.k.a Olive Knits
​Marie Greene (Olive Knits) will present "You Are the Boss of Your Sweater." If sweater knitting stresses you out, or if you struggle to get the results you expect, Marie's insightful (and fun!) approach to sweater knitting will leave you inspired and ready to tackle your next project. In 2018 Marie shared her passion for the maker community through her TEDx talk, "Think Like a Maker". Her first book, Seamless Knit Sweaters in 2 Weeks, is out now. Her second book, Knit Shawls & Wraps in 1 Week, will be released October 29th of this year.
March 14, 2019
Stitch and Stir Podcast
Join Emme and Samantha of the Stitch & Stir Podcast as they get the audience involved in a night of fun and games.
Emme and Samantha record a podcast live, share insight on what is behind running a podcast, talk about their most shameful knitting secrets (and ask to hear from the audience), and offer a chance to play their 'Gimme, Gimme!' game show for a chance to win knitting related prizes.
February 14, 2019
Anatomy of a Sock
Socks! Socks! And more socks!
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​Expert sock knitter Emily Devlin, a.k.a. FairweatherKnits, will explore the many options and techniques for casting on, binding off, working heels and toes, and making size adjustments. Which bind off is really the stretchiest? Top down? Toe up? Afterthought heel? What about the spiral rib pattern with such a close fit making a heel is unnecessary? Emily will lead us through the many choices of knitting a sock and she will share her favorites.
January 10, 2019
More than Two Sides to This story:
​The Dynamic World of Double Knitting with Renate Yerkes
​Instructor and designer Renate (Elephino PDX) will talk about double knitting's place in history, its place in fashion, and how its plush and sumptuous fabric is only rivaled by its adaptability.