Volume 4, Issue 6 February 2015

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LOCATION:

St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church 5500 N. Adams Rd.Troy MI 4809

The church is on the east side of Adams South of the Square Lake exit off I -75 and North of Long Lake Rd It is right across from Westview Rd. There is plenty of parking, and our direct entrance is toward the rear of the church. It is a slightly longer walk if you enter at the rear, but there are no steps. If you go in the front door, the church office is to the right, and they can direct you

︎ MEETING & WORKSHOP INFORMATION TIMES: Flea Market, Library, and socializing start ︎about 9:30 Business meeting starts at 10:00 Lecture presentation starts after Business Meeting ︎ Workshop Hours on Tuesday: 12:30 to ︎3:30 ︎Workshop Hours on Wednesday: 9:30 to 3:30

Even with the heat all the way up, the ︎ hall is chilly. Wear warm clothes for the winter programs

NTGM (NEEDLEWORK & TEXTILE GUILD OF MICHIGAN) NEWSMISSION STATEMENT: The purpose shall be to foster the art of needlework, with special emphasis on work done with a needle with an eye & related disciplines, with an eye to encourage high standards of design & technique & to bring together members who shall learn, share, teach & participate to the fullest extent in this endeavor.

Inside this issue: Feb. Seminar Day & Coupon 2-3 March Program 4-6 April Program 7-8 May Program 9 Program Coupons 10-11 Membership Information 15-21 2014-2015 Programs 22 Board & Committee Officers 23

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Seminar Day, February 10, 2014

• Choose one of the remaining two classes offered • Your cost is$15,plus some supplies and a kitfee • Class will run from 9:30 to about 3:00. • Mail your registration fee to Susan McCarty

CLASS #1: TEMARI BALL with Sandy Aasgaard

Using pins and perl cotton, thread is wrapped around a fiber covered styrofoam ball. The Temari Ball is Intricate looking; not hard to do. Designed to impress!

Supply list: -> yarn, any color; the thickness of cheap baby yarn. -> spool of sewing thread to go with the DMC -> 3 or 4 colors of DMC #5 (JoAnn’s) -> scissors –small -> a needle -> pair of scissors for paper -> tape measure -> Sandy has plenty of needles & baby yarn if participants need some Kit fee: $3 or $4.

CLASS #3: BRICK STITCH BRACELET with Sharon McKenna Brick stitch is just challenging enough to keep you interested. The pattern creates beautiful organic texture and is great for stash busting. You can mix up many sizes of bead, and get beautiful results.

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****Class Filled - No Openings**** ****Class Filled - No Openings**** CLASS #2: EXPLORING EVALON with Deb Gash

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Seminar day workshop coupon

Send a check for $15 made out to NTGM to-

Susan McCarty 1764 Hopedale Troy, MI 48085.

NAME_____________________________________________

EMAIL_____________________________________________

PHONE____________________________________________

WORKSHOP________________________________________

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MARCH 10 & 11 PROGRAM Presenter: KERR GRABOWSKI Website: http://www.kerrgrabowski.com

"Marks - textures, lines, images and symbols - My work in textiles and clothing stems from an interest in cultures where art is an integral part of daily life-where mark making is a natural activity, a part of the celebration of being." Kerr Grabowski's history as a fiber artist has been marked by her constant experimentation with and innovative approaches to dyeing and screening processes. She developed Deconstructed Screen Printing, a printing monoprinting technique allowing for a freer, more painterly approach to screen printing. Kerr successfully integrates her love of color, mark-making, and spontaneity with the challenge of creating whimsically elegant contemporary hand painted and screened silk fabrics and wearables. Formerly an Artist in Residence at Peters Valley Craft Center in NJ, Kerr now maintains a studio in Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi. Kerr has been the recipient of a Mississippi Arts Commission Fellowship and a New Jersey Council on the Arts Fellowship. She has been published in Ornament, Surface Design Journal, Fiber Arts Design Book Six, Silk Painting for Fashion, and Fine Art and Textiles Now. Kerr exhibits and teaches all aspects of surface design internationally and is the author of two DVDs. She is also a member of Surface Design Association, American Craft Council, and the Textile Study Group of NYC. Be sure to visit Kerr’s website: http://www.kerrgrabowski.com for examples of her work.

Lecture- A Talk on my Work and my Influences

Kerr will bring a variety of slides and discuss her many methods of creating fiber art, including the things that influence and inspire her. As she says "The colors, textures, and emotions that inform my work seep in unbidden, of their own accord. My part of the collaboration is to relax and pay attention, to allow the interplay of intuitive mark making and controlled decisions."

Workshop- Catching the Fugitive

Have you ever wanted to use materials traditionally designed for paper on your fabric, but hesitated because you worried about washability. Worry no more, in this workshop you will learn how to work with and make permanent media normally fugitive on fabric. Fugitive media refers to materials and media normally used on paper. These materials are not wash fast on fabric until sealed with a non-toxic, heat set, binder. The binder works on all fabrics, allowing you to utilize polyester, cellulose, protein and blends of these fabrics. We will experiment with a variety of such media-charcoal, graphite, water-soluble crayons and blocks, pastels and pastel

pencils to create backgrounds, multiple images, to enhance already printed fabrics and to create stand-alone images.

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You will be able to achieve the depth of watercolors or the “look” of deconstructed screen-printing without dye, draw with charcoal, graphite and pastels, create rubbings, use stencils and block outs and layer imagery. Kerr will discuss over dyeing, materials to use while working with children and appropriate binders for wood and paper. The advantages of working in this way are numerous-nontoxic, you can take your screen or fabric anywhere, draw or mark on it, take it home and print when desired, no soda soak or fabric prep, set only with a hot iron and be able to create marks and textures many, many different ways. Bring your deconstructed printed and other dyed fabric to "enhance" or begin with light colored fabric or paper. Screens will be used for some techniques but are not necessary for all. Students will be asked to bring items of inspiration as a jumping off point. The workshop will begin with a few "drawing/design exercises" to get us going. We will work in a series on the first day in order to experiment with each media and learn its characteristics. This will help you to know what you would like to do and to use during the second day of the workshop.

Supply List

Fabric: •around 3 yards in 1/4yd to one yd lengths (you can try a variety) •ANY type of fabric-- cottons, polyester, blends, rayon, or heavier silks (lightweight silks will become a little stiff). Smooth, closely woven fabric will show the marks and textures better than coarse or nubby fabric and you could use prints as long as they are not very dark. •"Fugitive media" is a great way to enhance your own pre-dyed/printed fabrics. • PLEASE do bring some of your own printed or dyed fabrics to work back into. Also great for T-shirts. •Please wash fabric prior to class. •DO NOT PRETREAT FABRIC- NO pretreating required (ie: NO soda soak) •The extender we will be using is set with dry heat (iron) will slightly stiffen very lightweight fabrics

Other Supplies: •T pins or ball head pins to pin fabric to padded table •Old credit card or similar to use as a squeegee •Old towel (small kitchen size is fine) for drying screens, clean up or a roll of paper towels •3 small containers with lids—around 1cup is good (example-yoghurt) •Disposable gloves if you like (materials ARE nontoxic) •Small/medium size paintbrush (watercolor type brush is fine) and/or 1” foam brush

•Scissors-I prefer small pointy ones for cutting paper and stencils--bring what you have!

• 3 pieces of cardboard-old cereal box, corrugated cardboard-any cardboard will do--around 8" x 8", this is a general idea of size--you don’t need anything larger than this size, it does not have to be square)

• hot glue gun with plenty of glue (this can be shared between two or three friends) • Paper-this can be a small sketch pad or just some copy paper-something to draw on if

you desire • 2 objects to use as inspiration (you might be using these for the basis of your imagery) • A newspaper for stencils and other "stuff"

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• Duct tape for taping screen

Optional: •Screens if you have any- these would be used with textile paint and extender •Textures for creating rubbings on fabric and screens (rubbing plates, any hard object with a texture- carved blocks, shoe bottoms, even intaligo plates will work- texture can be strong or subtle for the rubbings) •water soluble crayons, soft (6B and softer) drawing pencils, charcoal (Kerr will also be bringing these)

Kit Fee: $30 and includes the following items: • Textile medium: 2 cups (16 oz)/student • One approx. 10" x 10" screen: for student to keep • Assorted handouts prepared by Kerr

NOTE: If you have your OWN silk screen and want to use it for the class, you MUST let Carol Buszek know by February 25th.

In that case, your kit fee will be $23 and will NOT include a screen.

Also, Kerr will bring these items to be shared among the class - • Caran d‘ache watersoluble crayons • Aqua Bricques • Charcoal • graphite • other marking tools • textures • and other "stuff"

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APRIL 12 & 13 PROGRAM

Zemke is an Award Winning Fashion Designer and has her own business, C. Creations Custom Sewing & Design, started in 2002. Her custom clothing label, C3 is sold at boutiques and the annual Benefit Fashion Show she hosts. Her design focus is on women who want to show their unique style with one-of-a-kind clothing items. Cheryl was born and raised in southern Michigan and currently resides in Riverview, Michigan. She attended Lawrence Technological University and received a B.S.B.A. While living in Florida, she received an Associate Degree in Merchandising from the International Academy of Merchandising & Design. Cheryl has continued her education by taking additional classes in Art, Fashion sketching, Pattern drafting, Textiles and Tailoring. Some of her past experiences have been: Managing Joann Fabrics and a division of the River's Edge Art gallery (currently based in Wyandotte , MI.), designing visual displays for Belk Lindsey and Dillard's, and working in Quality Assurance at Home Shopping Network. Since 2009 she has participated in the Passion for Fashion at American Sewing Expo and was awarded the People's Choice award twice, 2nd Place in 2011 and 1st Place in 2012. Cheryl’s ArtSquare Totes were featured in the Detroit News on January 24, 2014 in Jocelynn Brown's Homestyle column. And Cheryl was also one of 10 designers chosen to compete in the challenge of the Samurai: Beyond the Armor competition at the Detroit Institute of Arts in February 2014. For further information and to see photos of Cheryl’s creations, visit her website at http://cherylzemke.webs.com/

Lecture: You-Niquely Restyled Cheryl Zemke is a designer who strives to make unique, one-of-a-kind fashions. This is seen in her custom designed patterns, and the hand detailing, distressing, collage, and many other fabric manipulations she personally adds to her creations. Cheryl will bring a trunk show of her creations which will demonstrate many of the techniques she uses. She will explain the differences between “restyling”, “recycling”, and “upstyling” and show how she uses these and various other techniques in her designs. Her motto is "It is my wish for my clients to become an artist when they wear my fashions".

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Presenter: CHERYL ZEMKE Website: http://cherylzemke.webs.com/accessories.htm

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Workshop: You-Niquely Restyled

� � Cheryl will demonstrate her method of fabric collage and how she creates her signature scarves - which she calls her “Meg scarves”. Participants will have the chance to make a scarf, tote, or capelet/shrug using her techniques. She will show how to deconstruct items (either your own garments or thrift store finds) and reuse these materials. You also have the option of using new fabrics and trims (i.e. your stash) and various emphemera to make a finished piece that is You-Niquely your own. You will need your sewing machine and your IP kit. A complete list of supplies will be sent to participants at least 3 weeks prior to the Workshop. Visit http://cherylzemke.webs.com/accessories.htm for more photographs of her totes and scarves

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Kit Fee: TBD Kit will include handouts and possibly the chance to choose from a selection of Cheryl’s own fabrics and trims. Complete information will be added as soon as it is finalized.

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MAY 12 PROGRAM

Presenter: CHARLENE LIPSCOMB Business: Enchanted Oaks Alpaca Farm Website: enchantedoaksfarm.com Facebook: Enchanted Oaks Alpaca Farm E-mail: enchantedoaksalpacafarm@gmail.com, or EOAF2014@gmail.com

VISITORS:

Lecture: Everything You Wanted to Know About Alpacas & Alpaca Fiber

Workshop: Make an Alpaca Fiber Dryer Ball & Covered Exfoliating Soap Bar

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COUPON FOR: Presenter: KERR GRABOWSKI

March 10 & 11, 2015 Title: Catching the Fugitive

NAME: _______________________________________________________________

ADDRESS: _______________________________________________________________

E-MAIL: ______________________________PHONE: _____________________________

PROGRAM FEE= $55 1. To Pay with CASH-

• Place CASH in available cash payment envelope

• Give directly to Program Chairperson 2. To pay by CHECK make it payable to NTGM

• Post date check to Workshop date • Mail to:

NTGM c/o Carol Buszek 30606 Jefferson

St. Clair Shores, MI 48042

KIT FEE= $30 1. Pay on day of Workshop 2. To pay by CASH-

• You must have the EXACT amount • NTGM is unable to provide change

3. To pay by CHECK , make it payable to the instructor. 4. At time of kit fee payment your name will be checked off the list allowing your participation.

Questions: 586-362-8919

COUPON FOR: Presenter: CHERYL ZEMKE

April 14 & 15, 2015 Title: You-Niquely RestyledNAME: ___________________________________________________________________

ADDRESS: ________________________________________________________________

E-MAIL: _____________________________ PHONE: _____________________________

PROGRAM FEE= $55 1. To Pay with CASH-

• Place CASH in available cash payment envelope

• Give directly to Program Chairperson 2. To pay by CHECK make it payable to NTGM

• Post date check to Workshop date • Mail to:

NTGM c/o Carol Buszek 30606 Jefferson St. Clair Shores, MI 48042

KIT FEE= TBD 1. Pay on day of Workshop 2. To pay by CASH-

• You must have the EXACT amount • NTGM is unable to provide change

3. To pay by CHECK , make it payable to the instructor. 4. At time of kit fee payment your name will be checked off the list allowing your participation.

Questions: 586-362-8919

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COUPON FOR: Presenter: CHARLENE LIPSCOMB

May 12, 2015 Title: Make an Alpaca Fiber Dryer Ball & Covered

Exfoliating Soap Bar

NAME: ________________________________________________________________________

ADDRESS: _____________________________________________________________________

E-MAIL: _______________________________ PHONE: _________________________________

PROGRAM FEE= $18 1. To Pay with CASH-

• Place CASH in available cash payment envelope

• Give directly to Program Chairperson 2. To pay by CHECK make it payable to NTGM

• Post date check to Workshop date • Mail to:

NTGM c/o Carol Buszek 30606 Jefferson

St. Clair Shores, MI 48042

KIT FEE= TBD 1. Pay on day of Workshop 2. To pay by CASH-

• You must have the EXACT amount • NTGM is unable to provide change

3. To pay by CHECK , make it payable to the instructor. 4. At time of kit fee payment your name will be checked off the list allowing your participation.

Questions: 586-362-8919

Volume 4, Issue 6 February 2015

NTGM Library Information

We have had a great time sorting through the many donations the library has received so far. Keep ’em coming!

NEW ITEMS:

If you have any suggestions for particular books, or topics you feel warrant more books or DVDs, please email me.

Goals and Policies: 1. The goal of the NTGM library is to provide all mem- bers with free access to books and other materials on a wide range of fiber art-related topics. As with any public library, we need to be sure books stay in circulation by ensuring that they are returned in a timely fashion. Please be considerate of other members and try to return your materials by the next meeting. You must be a current member to check out any materials. 2. If you check out books and cannot come to the next month’s meeting, please find someone to bring them in (check your NTGM directory) or mail them, so that other members may have access as well. Many people did a fabulous job of this last year. We realize that last minute things come up that may prevent you from attending a meeting (illnesses, etc.), but people do wait for a book to come back in. 3. Due to the popularity of the library, we must limit the number of materials checked out by a member to a maximum of 5 per month 4. If something bad happens to your book (the P.O. loses it, the dog eats it, you spilled ice cream over it at the beach, etc.), please expect to replace it for the Guild. If you have friends who are not members who would like to use this resource, please encourage them to join. YOU are responsi- ble for any items checked out in your name. Finally, we will continue to make reminder calls the Monday before meetings, if it is helpful. As always, if you have a particular item you’d like to see in the library, please let us know. Email me ---I can’t remember items mentioned at the meetings!

Please DO NOT return items to the church office!!

From the Editor:

Your NTGM Newsletter is published monthly. The DEADLINE for submitting items for publication is the 25th of the month before publication, e.g. Sept. 25th for the October Newsletter.

Consider submitting information about an exhibit, a program or workshop, an art fair, sale of items related to NTGM member interests, a website, a blog, a magazine, an article or photo, etc. If you find it interesting, I’m certain other NTGM members will to. • You can submit items by emailing to me- sewingal@wowway.com • Additionally, if you find out about an event or activity pertinent to NTGM members that occurs before the next published newsletter, forward it to me. I then email the information to NTGM members so they receive it in a timely manner. • If you would like to volunteer to write a review for future workshops or submit pictures you take there, talk to Carol Buszek or me.

Finally, this will be my last year publishing the NTGM Newsletter. It has been fun and I’ve learned a lot but it is time to let go. So....if anyone is interested in taking on this task of publishing the Newsletter, please contact me. All you need is a computer, a bit of computer skill & an interest in using your creativity in a new way. The transition for the new editor will be easier if there is some overlap and I can spend time showing them “the ropes”.

Marge

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From Program Co-Chairs: Carol Buszek & Margaret Kluka

The 2014-2015 Program Titles is listed on your NTGM Bookmark, in the Newsletter and on our website. Detailed descriptions of each Lecture and Workshop is published in the NTGM Newsletter. We try to have at least 2 months, if not 3 months, of information in the Newsletter. Contracts & Lecture/Workshop details are developed with each presenter as far in advance as possible. Everybody works on a different timeline, so information is not always available months or a year in advance. As soon as information becomes available, we will be publish it in the Newsletter.

NTGM Workshop Policies Signing up –

Signup sheets are to ensure that there is enough interest for a workshop to run. Putting your name on the list is NOT registering for the workshop; it only indicates that you are interested in taking it. We have not had to cancel a workshop due to lack of interest for several years. Our workshops have been very popular, and often fill up quickly due to interest and class size limitations on the instructor’s part. Therefore, if you think you would like to take a workshop, we urge you to register early.

Registering -

To register for a workshop, you must either 1. Fill out a Coupon in an NTGM newsletter, and send the coupon with a check to the Program Chair, or 2. Put your name on a signup sheet at a meeting AND give a check or cash to the Program Chair. 3. Check MUST BE dated for the date of the Workshop. Once you register for, and pay for a workshop, you are taking a seat in that workshop. You will be sent any class instructions and supply lists. In addition, the instructor may prepare a kit for you (if there is a kit). Your payment signifies your commitment to attend the workshop.

Cancelling –

Your payment is a commitment to attend, a commitment by the instructor to have materials available for you, and it means that someone else may not be able to take the workshop; therefore cancellation (especially at the last minute ) is discouraged.

NTGM policy has been that any Last Minute cancellations must be taken to the Board for review if a refund is requested. Only true emergencies like hospitalization, deaths in the family, etc. should come to the board for approval of a refund. Vacations, appointments, etc. are not considered emergencies. For emergencies or other unusual circum- stances, refunds will be given as long as the minimum number of attendees has been met (at least 10 people). This en- sures that NTGM can afford to pay the instructor.

You may cancel your workshop registration for a full refund from NTGM without Board approval if BOTH of the following conditions are met. #1 You notify the Program Chair at least one month before the workshop AND #2 There will still be the minimum number of participants to cover the cost of the Workshop.

If your cancellation would result in the Guild’s inability to cover its expenses, (including teacher fees, food for the teacher, mileage or other travel reimbursement, and the room rental fee) you will not receive a refund. It is preferable the notification occurs before or at the meeting the month before your workshop. For example, you need to notify the Program Chair at or before the October meeting to cancel the November workshop. That gives us the opportunity to announce an opening at the meeting. Note that if the instructor wants the kit fee paid for no-shows, people who cancel will still be responsible for the kit fee- even if they are not attending. As a Guild, we should strive to maintain a good reputation with instructors, and

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refunding workshop fees without collecting kit fees damages our integrity. You always have the option of selling your unused kit to another member. If you need to cancel less than one month ahead for a non-emergency, it is up to you to find a replacement, and get the workshop and kit fee from that person. This transaction is between the two of you, and not NTGM, but we ask that you notify the Program Chair so that she may give you a list of people on the waiting list. You are responsible for calling and finding a replacement. Once you do find a replacement, please let the Program Chair know, so she can correct the participant list. This is very important, as instructors sometimes need to contact participants before the workshop.

General Program information

The description of the workshop offered each month has information about Workshop content, activities, and materials participants should bring. If there is a Workshop Kit and Fee, the description will include the cost and contents of the Workshop Kit. About 3 weeks before the workshop, each participant will receive an email with a complete list of the supplies and equipment they will need to bring from home. Unless otherwise stated, you should always plan to bring your IP Kit.

*IP KIT: (I’m Prepared Kit), consists of basic sewing supplies and includes needles, pins, thread, thimble, paper and fabric scissors, pencil, paper, light or magnification if needed. If attending a sewing machine class, extra extension cords and lights are always welcome.

Carol & Marge

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OPEN POSSIBILITIES FOR MEMBERS:

1. NEWSLETTER EDITOR 2. RECORDING SECRETARY

"Some beautiful things are more dazzling when they are still imperfect than when they have been too perfectly crafted.'"

- La Rochefoucauld, Collected Maxims and Other Reflections

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From Membership Chair Barb Gash -

In case you know of someone who'd like to enjoy the rest of our year of NTGM meetings & programs- A reminder that the dues are now prorated to $30. Dues can be paid at the January meeting or mailed to Barb at- 2668 Douglas Dr Bloomfield hills MI 48304

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION

KNITWITS MEETING INFORMATION

Feb. 2 - Joyce Smith, 248 647-0797March 2 - Sophie Malkowicz, 248 618-9717April 6 - Susan Sonders-Nabor, 248 291-5508May 4 - Jean Clark, 248 646-0185June - Jan Gammons, 248 404-7597.

• We meet on the first Monday of the month at around 10 AM, stop for lunch (each brings her own), and leave around 2 PM.

• Please notify the hostess if you can come. • We're called the Knit-wits but you can bring any kind of

handwork and enjoy the company.

IP (I’m Prepared) Kit ︎  

Basic Sewing Supplies- Needles, pins, thread, thimbleScissors– paper & fabricPencil, paper

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Hope you can join us for Fiber Feast it  is on April 18th , 2015 , this is the Fashion Show, Luncheon & Sale for the Ann Arbor Fiberarts Guild at Washtenaw Community College. Please feel free to invite any friends that would enjoy this event.  

Because this event sells out every year, I will pick-up the tickets on February 9th if you would like to come, send a check for $30.00 to:  

Jeanne Sarna 6585 Parkview Drive Troy, MI 48098-2243  

e-mail or call if you have any questions: jsarna@PageAdditions.com W: 248.813.8888 C: 248.703.8704 H: 248.879.5652

Midwest Marvels is an exhibit in the International Quilt Festival in Chicago, March 26 – 28, 2015 that showcases winning traditional and art quilts. We would like the exhibit to be representative of all the guilds in the Midwest states. We noticed that your guild was not represented. We would like to invite you and your guild to have your best work shown in this exciting exhibit focusing on Marvelous Midwest quilters. This exhibit is open to quilters in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Michigan. Quilts must have been made since January 2013, and be a minimum of 25" x 25". Completed submissions with visuals must be received online by Friday, January 30, 2015. If necessary the deadline can be extended to give the quilter time to complete the paperwork. Quilts will not be traveling and will be returned by the end of May 2015, or arrangements may be made to have a quilt picked up at the conclusion of the show

Could you please put us in touch with some quilters that you feel should be exhibited? We would like to invite them personally to submit to the show. Thank you, Becky Navarro Deann ShamuyariraSpecial Exhibits Coordinator Special Exhibits Assistant Quilts, Inc. Quilts, Inc. 7660 Woodway Dr., Suite 550 7660 Woodway Dr., Suite 550Houston, TX 77063 Houston, TX 77063 Tel. 713.781.6864 ext. 105 Tel. 713.781.6864 ext. 129Fax 713.781.8182 Fax 713.781.8182 beckyn@quilts.com deanns@quilts.com www.quilts.com www.quilts.com We're Quilts!™ We're Quilts!™

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�

Knit Michigan News Knit Michigan 2015 - Our 9th Annual - Saturday, February 7

Held every year at the Academy of the Sacred Heart in Bloomfield Hills It is time for you to start planning for Knit Michigan 2015. What project/s will you bring to work on? Will you buy a new project? What classes will you take? Will you learn a new skill in the "Learn to" areas? We've put together a list to help you make the most of your time at this worthwhile event:

The 411 about Knit Michigan 2015 1 Pre-pay General Admission on-line (enter at 10:00 am) and enter via the FAST LANE. $10. 2 Choose Early Bird Admission (enter at 9:00 am), get in early to shop the Market when it is less

crowded. Pre-pay on-line to enter via the FAST LANE. $15. 3 Pay admission at the door, no extra fee, but you will have to skip the Fast Lane. 4 Sign up for classes before February 3 at 9 pm. 5 NEW! Be one of the first 500 visitors and receive a FREE tote bag that folds into a pocket (tucks

right into your knitting bag to hold those impromptu yarn purchases). 6 Travel with friends! Parking is limited and carpooling is highly recommended. 7 Valet Parking is available all day for $5.00. 8 Coat check is available for a $2 donation. 9 The Knit Michigan Afghan Pattern is available at the Comfort Item turn in table in the Gym. Only

$20. 10 NEW! The Silent Auction items now have a "Buy it Now" option. Don't want to leave without it --

now you don't have to! 11 Continental breakfast, lunch and snacks are available for purchase at the cafe which is be open

from 9 to 3. 12 Bring your current project and enjoy a day of friends, shopping and learning, and then sleep well

knowing that you have helped cancer patients and their families. 13 Pre-plan your route. Click here for a map. It is helpful to know that there are two entrances to

the Academy of the Sacred Heart - one from Squirrel Road and one from Kensington. The address is 1250 Kensington Road in Bloomfield Hills.

Where does the money raised at Knit Michigan go? For nine years, Knit Michigan, a charitable foundation, has been run by an entirely volunteer committee, which means there are no payroll or personnel expenses. Workshop teachers, fashion show models, demonstrators at the learn to knit/weave/spin areas, and every other event worker are all volunteers (excepting valets). Once the event expenses that are not donated are paid (rental of the venue, purchase of food for the cafe, signage, valet parking, table and equipment rentals, and Knit Michigan web site service and support), ALL the remaining money we raise goes directly to our five designated charities.

When you attend, you can be proud that you are supporting an event that is really helping make a difference for cancer patients and their families and not supporting unnecessary organizational overhead. We are very, very grateful for all those who have given their time and talents to Knit Michigan for so many years.

With your help and their dedication, we are making our mission of comfort and care a reality.

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Sign up for classes and prepay admission before it is too late! Some classes are already full. To sign up for the remaining classes, click here. Class sign up closes at 9 pm on February 3. You may not sign up for classes at the door. Note: class fee does not include admission.

To prepay admission, click here. Prepaid admission closes at 9 pm on February 4. You may pay at the door for no extra fee. The advantage to prepaying is that you get to enter via the "fast lane"!

Help us get the word out! Check our website for fliers you can share with your friends, guild and family members. Help us by printing them out and posting them around your community: at the library, church or other places people meet. Together we can make a difference. Thank you!

Can you help? Volunteers are still needed. If you'd like to help out for a few hours or for the entire day, please contact our volunteer coordinator, Lisa at info@knitmichigan.com. Please put KM VOLUNTEER in the subject line. Additionally, if you know high school students in need of volunteer hours, we could use help at set up and tear down with "schlepping." Those hours are Friday from 4 to 6 and Saturday from 3:30 to 5.   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------   A personal note from Joan This year's Knit Michigan is especially meaningful for me as I lost a good friend to pancreatic cancer in December and another was diagnosed with it almost simultaneously. Knit Michigan makes me feel not-quite-so-helpless in the face of this terrible disease. It allows me to do something, whether it is to make a chemo cap or other comfort items, or raise money to help cancer patients and their families with the extra expenses that inevitably follow the diagnosis. I think that by participating in Knit Michigan that you will feel this same sense of giving back. It is an easy, fun way to make a difference. Sometimes, it is even quite poignant. Always it is worthwhile. I hope to see you there.

Sincerely, Joan Sheridan President/Executive Director Knit Michigan, a 501c3 charitable organization

Board members: Suzanne Klein Diane Lammers Debra Penn Nancy Poettinger Anneliese Pruett

Committee members: Karen Brewster Karen Brierly-Reagan Sharon Brock Jacque Hodges Ann-Marie Mattocks Elke Probst Lisa Renaud Kristine Clever Scheuer Nancie Williams

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Volume 4, Issue 6 February 2015

Why Crafting Is Great For Your Brain: A Neuroscientist ExplainsBY DR. SARAH MCKAY JUNE 24, 2014 4:39 AM EDT

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As a meditation teacher, people frequently tell me they want to meditate but their mind won't let them. Whenever they try to sit and quiet their mind, they claim the mental chatter only gets worse.

Knit one. Purl one. Knit one. Purl one. Knit one. Purl one. The rhythmic and repetitive nature of knitting is calming, comforting and contemplative. It’s not a stretch for you to imagine knitting as a mindfulness practice, or perhaps a form of meditation.I’m delighted to report that neuroscience is finally catching up on brain health aspects of the trend some have called "the new yoga."

Research shows that knitting and other forms of textile crafting such as sewing, weaving and crocheting have quite a lot in common with mindfulness and meditation — all are reported to have a positive impact on mind health and well-being.In an online survey of more 3,545 knitters, by Betsan Corkhill, a UK-based knitting therapist who has done research on the therapeutic effects of knitting, more than half of respondents reported that knitting left them feeling "very happy." And many said that they knitted solely for the purposes of relaxation, stress relief and creativity.

The study found a significant relationship between the frequency of knitting and respondents’ perceived mood and feelings. Frequent knitters (those who knitted more than 3 times a week) were calmer, happier, less sad, less anxious, and more confident.Corkhill’s study concluded, “Knitting has significant psychological and social benefits, which can contribute to well-being and quality of life.”

Interestingly, the study also found that people who knitted as part of a group were even happier than solo knitters. Knit-ins, stitch ‘n bitch groups, and even scrapbooking parties have many keys of mind and brain health covered.Here are 10 ways crafting with friends may improve mind and brain wellness:

1 Mental challenge and problem solving 2 Social connection 3 Mindfulness 4 Development of hand-eye coordination, spatial awareness and fine motor dexterity 5 Learning and teaching 6 Focusing attention and thoughts on a task7 Encouraging active creativity 8 Gives a sense of pride and achievement 9 Teaches patience and perseverance 10 Facilitates memory formation and retrieval

According to her paper, “The skills and feelings experienced whilst knitting and stitching can also be used to facilitate the learning of techniques, such as meditation, relaxation and pacing which are commonly taught on pain management courses, or in the treatment of depression.”

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Volume 4, Issue 6 February 2015

“Using knitting to achieve a meditative state of mind could enable a much wider population to experience the benefits of meditation, as it doesn't entail having to understand, accept or engage in a prolonged learning period of the practice. It happens as a natural side-effect of knitting.”

Others have likened crafting to entering a state of "flow," what positive psychologist Mihály Csíkszentmihályi describes as “a state of concentration or complete absorption with the activity at hand and the situation. It is a state in which people are so involved in an activity that nothing else seems to matter.”

And, according to Corkhill, even Albert Einstein was reputed to have knitted between projects to "calm his mind and clear his thinking."

Neuroscientists are beginning to understand how mindfulness, meditation and experiencing "flow" impact the brain. Research shows these practices improve depression, anxiety, coping style in the face of adversity, improve quality of life, and significantly reduce stress. All vital for maintaining brain health and well-being.

Dr. Sarah McKay

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Dr. Sarah McKay is a neuroscientist with a PhD from Oxford University. After moving to Australia in search of sunshine, she spent five years conducting neuroscience research before deciding to follow her bliss of talking about science rather than doing it. Now she combines raising her two little boys on Sydney’s Northern Beaches with writing about science, health and medicine, and blogging about neuroscience. Sarah specializes in breaking down neuroscience research into simple actionable steps to improve brain health. She provides neuroscience education to health and wellness professionals, blogs about intriguing neuroscientists and their work, and runs the Walking Book Club.

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Volume 4, Issue 6 February 2015

Sept. 9 Lecture: Annette Shaffer - Dimensional Rug Hooking Workshop: Annette Shaffer - Hook a “Silky” Flower Pin

Oct. 14 & 15 Lecture: Dawn Edwards - Feltmaking: From My Michigan Studio to Places Around the World Workshop: Dawn Edwards - Fantastic Felt Vessels

Nov. 11 & 12 Lecture: Laura Bryant - A Fiber Artist's Guide to Color (DVD presentation) Workshop: Sue Baetens - Smitten Mittens

Dec. 9 WhistlestopJan. 13 & 14 Lecture: Sandra VanBurkleo - Cutting Loose with Free-Form Crochet (or) Happy Hooking! Workshop: Sandra VanBurkleo - Cutting Loose with Free-Form Crochet (or) Happy Hooking!

Feb. 10 Seminar Day

Mar. 10 & 11 Lecture: Kerr Grabowski - Surface Embellishments Workshop: Kerr Grabowski - Surface Embellishments

April 14 & 15 Lecture: Cheryl Zemke - Fashion Design Using Recycled Items Workshop: Cheryl Zemke - Repurpose/Upcycle into Wearable Art

May 12 Lecture: Charlene Lipscomb - Pet an Alpaca, plus Farming and Fiber Workshop: Charlene Lipscomb - Felted Covered Soaps & Dryer Balls

June 9 Annual Luncheon, Member Exhibit and Fashion Show

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NTGM 2014 - 2015 PROGRAMS

Volume 4, Issue 6 February 2015

President:Debra Gash- dgash@bucksbaum-gash.com

Corresponding Secretary:Mary Ann Sherry- maryannsherry@yahoo.com

December Whistlestop:

Directory:Carol Buszek- clg@wideopenwest.com

February Community Service or Seminar Day:

Flea Market:Sue Baetens- sbluetopaz@sbcglobal.net

Hospitality:Connie Soon- co1junk@yahoo.com

Independent Projects:Kathy Shuller- jshuller1@mindspring.com

Librarian:Debra Gash- dgash@bucksbaum-gash.com Claudia Scroggins- claudia54@sbcglobal.net

Membership: Barbara Gash- compusew@aol.com

Newsletter: Position Available Margaret Kluka- sewingal@wowway.com

Program Chairs:Carol Buszek- clg@wideopenwest.com Margaret Kluka- sewingal@wowway.com

Publicity:Julie Blair- julieablair@comcast.net

Recording Secretary: Position Available

Treasurer: Joan Koelsch- joank4361@wowway.com

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NTGM 2014 - 2015 Board & Committee Officers