MKG Cable Gram — Volume 18, Number 3

This quarter [summer 2002], the Minnesota Knitters' Guild provided yarn and plastic needles to support groups at the Minnesota Correctional Facility for Women at Shakopee, which houses about 370 women.

Delores Host, Shakopee's work-assignment coordinator, tells us that women at Shakopee spend anywhere between 15 and 40 hours per week taking classes and/or working. They can learn office skills, become computer literate, study toward a GED, or work as a cook, library clerk, dishwasher, housekeeper, or industrial worker, among other opportunities. They are paid 25 cents to 50 cents per hour.

MKG Cable Gram - Volume 18, Number 3

My 93-year-old grandmother is my handcraft hero, so it is fitting that I found this little book at an antique shop visit made during the trek along the St. Croix Valley, from her home to mine. It is a slim red hardcover volume (only 68 pages), perfect in condition, originally owned by Ester Nyström  At $12 it seemed a bit expensive, but I could not resist this gem with its extensive directions for constructing and using spool knitters, many little patterns, and charming old photographs.

MKG Cable Gram - Volume 18, Number 1

This winter I cast-on some Regia sock yarn, intending to make myself some colorful socks.  To avoid SSS ("second sock syndrome") a sad disorder which prevents completion of the second sock in a pair after finishing the first, resulting in the production of many lonely, single socks), I typically work socks in tandem.  I knit the first sock to the ankle, then cast on the second sock using another set of needles, complete it to the ankle and finish the heel.  Then pick up sock #1, complete heel and the foot.  On sock#2 complete foot and toes, and finally complete the toe of sock #1.  Both done at the same time!

MKG Cable Gram - Volume 18, Number 1

After the tremendous response to knitting for the babies of Hennepin County Medical Center at our February 19 Guild    meeting, why not keep knitting for babies and young children? Project Linus is looking for volunteer knitters to make blankets to be given to seriously ill or traumatized children.