October Meeting Recap: Beading Your Knits, BT's Resource Library, and Ravelry Tips

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.

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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. ​

Sivia in her Peacock Shawl

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.

Sivia with her Waves and Brambles Beaded Shawl

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

Your Sunshine Division hat donations

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!