If you don't recognize Amy from our monthly meetings, then you've probably seen her work. In addition to a knitter, Amy is a talented graphic designer who contributes to our social media content and who designed our cool postcards!

Tell us a little about yourself:
I grew up in Wyoming and from a pretty young age spent a lot of time in my room making all sorts of little things. I moved to Missoula, Montana after college and this is where I first learned to weave and knit at the lovely LYS Joseph's Coat. I eventually started working there and teaching weaving and knitting classes. I then spent a few years in NYC getting my second degree (in graphic design) and working in advertising before moving to the west coast. Here I'm a graphic designer and a very obsessive knitter.

Why do you knit?
I'm definitely a process knitter, doing it more for the meditation and mindfulness than anything else. I also love how knitters are never bored or wasting time--we always have at least one small project with us in case we get stuck somewhere, right? And of course I also love the community, the problem-solving, the materials, the patterns, the history. Oh yeah, and wearing all those finished projects!

What’s currently on your needles?
Let's see. Haha. So many things, but the main ones are: Carbeth Cardigan by Kate Davies, Jared Flood's Nehalem sweater and Tolt's Olallie legwarmers by Rachel Kieselburg. I'm dying to start: Melissa Wehrle's Truss cardigan, Madder's Uniform cardigan and something with my plant-dyed Icelandic wool (I'm thinking Melanie Berg's Rainshadow shawl, once it's released).

What’s the first project you even finished?
Green Mountain Spinnery's Rosemary Sweater. It was a roll-neck pullover, knit in the round, with a little cable at each shoulder. Blue Galway worsted. Unfortunately I don't have it anymore, but it actually kind of turned out ok. That was 20-something years ago. Yikes!

What’s your latest knitting obsession?
Starting. New. Projects. And also Laine magazine.

You can find Amy on Ravelry and Instagram as amypiel.

Amy's FOs from left to right: 5190 Miles, Greystone, Cool

This month, we had web tips from two members who are super active in Portland's fiber community. And, we were inspired by designer Sivia Harding.

Emme Von's Destash Diving on Ravelry
If you need something that your LYS (cuz nothing's like your favorite LYS) doesn't readily have, Ravelry may save you. Start on Ravelry's Yarn page, follow Emme's steps below in the images, and once you've found what you're looking for, reach out to the seller. 

A few things to remember when buying from user stashes:

• This is not a replacement for your LYS – merely a supplement to your knitting needs and habits
• As with all online buying from private sellers, you’re at risk for the product not being exact, or the shipping taking longer, or not at all (I’ve heard) or the listing isn’t updated and the yarn is no longer available
• Do make offers if you don’t see a price listed
• Do cast a wide net
• Do know that there are also groups and forums where active users make posts about their stashes
• Don’t low ball someone or expect a raging deal (however, they do exist)
• Don’t expect an answer from everyone immediately

P.S., Emme is also the co-host of the Stitch & Stir podcast. Check it out next time to sit down to knit.

Brooklyn Tweed's Resource Library
Jamie MacCarthy, Customer and Community Relations for Brooklyn Tweed, gave us a glimpse of the local fiber phenom's growing Resource Library.

Representative of their passion for wool, knitting, and design, the Resource Library is a rich hub of foundational information for knitters of all levels. Bookmark articles for later, find a tip if you're in a snag, or get lost exploring the thoughtful content. A great one is Selecting a Sweater Size. It includes a downloadable worksheet for calculating ease.

For more discussion, join the Brooklyn Tweed Fan Club on Ravelry.

Put a Bead On It with Sivia Harding 
Sivia Harding has been knitting and designing since she was a child. Her love of sparkling beads among intricate lace knits results in gorgeous finish projects and incredible patterns. ​

How does she get her inspiration? From nature. And, how does she go forward with one color or texture combination over another? Well, there's looking at complementary colors and designs. But, it's more about trying things out, and, most of all, going with her gut.

Sivia encourages us to go with our own instincts when choosing bead-and-yarn combinations. When playing with ideas, consider how a project will look up-close versus far away. And, be ready for the unpredictability of yarns and beads. Elements that look one way alone may take on a totally different mood when together. 

What Kind of Beads to Use
Sivia relies much on Japanese beads, and has an affinity for metallics. Japanese beads, she says, are treated in a similar way as many brands treat natural yarns. Toho Beads and Miyuki Beads are great resources for online. Craft Warehouse in Gresham and Beads at Dusti Creek in Portland supply great beads and opportunities to see them in person. Sivia suggests size 6 beads as great to start with and to try and view the beads outside of their plastic packaging to get the best idea of what they'll look like.

What beading adventures do you think you'll take after Sivia's program?

Next Month
Friends from Sunshine Division will be present to collect the amazing hand-knit hat donations you have given. We will also hold a raffle for those who donated.

Board Elections will take place for the positions of President/Chair, Program Chair, and Volunteer Coordinator. 

And, fiber besties Lorajean of ​Knitted Wit and Shannon of Shannon Squire Designs will speak on collaboration.

See you November 8th!

We're excited to host our first destash sale and brunch potluck! 

WHERE IS IT?
Our regular meeting place: Fremont United Methodist Church, 2620 NE Fremont Street, Portland.

WHO CAN COME?  
Everybody! Do you want to sell some yarn from your stash? Then come. Are you interested in seeing what others are selling and maybe interested in picking up a skein or a sweater quantity? Then come. Are you just interested in hanging out and knitting while enjoying the company of other knitters? Then join us!

WHAT'S THE DEAL WITH THE SALE?  
It's a silent auction. Bring your yarn and fill out our form that sets the minimum bis and notifies potential buyers what forms of payment you can accept (cash, check, PayPal, Venmo or other payment app). Then others can browse and bid on yarn.

Bids stop at 11:00 am and then buyers and sellers can settle up. All transactions are between the buyer and the seller; the guild does not participate in the sale. There is no cost to sell yarn at the Destash Sale.  

HOW DO I GET A SALE FORM?
If you didn't pick up a sale form at the meeting, we will have them available Saturday at the event. If you want to get them filled out before hand, download one here, or just shoot us an email at puddletownknitters@gmail.com and we'll send you the form for you to print out.  

WHAT'S THE DEAL WITH THE BRUNCH? 
It's a potluck, so just bring something to share. (Margaret has been practicing her carrot-almond scones.) 

The guild will provide coffee and tea, and plates. If you want to be super helpful, you can bring your own coffee cup and utensils. 

WHAT ABOUT MIMOSAS?
Our lease with the church does not allow for alcoholic beverages, but mocktails would be delightful. 

IS THIS A FAMILY-FRIENDLY EVENT? 
Sure!   

CAN I HELP?   
That would be great! Email us at puddletownknittersguild@gmail.com if you can help set up at 8:15 am, or stay a few minutes after the sale and help clean up.