SPINNER'S CORNER

MASTER HANDKNITTING PROGRAM

Carolyn Phillips

Did you know there are Masters programs for fiberholics like us! I’ve been participating in the Master Handknitting Program sponsored by the Knitting Guild of America. I have completed Level I and am working on Level II. Level III is still to come before I will have completed this knitter's odyssey.

With the Knitting Masters, I have made swatches using different basic knitting techniques, answered questions concerning those stitches, researched blocking, the history of knitting, and reviewed several excellent books. I have yet to complete the required garments for Level II. The most pleasant part of this experience has been getting to know Jean Lampe (who is also a handspinner), the coordinator of the TKGA Masters Program. She has been encouraging and supportive—even while requiring that I redo a portion of my Level I submission. My personal goal is to finish the entire program in 1 year and use only handspun yarns. I began this program because I wanted to know how I would handle a structured discipline of home study. I considered the HGA programs, which were more expensive, but decided to try the TKGA first. If I complete this Master's study in a timely manner, I will then consider going on with the HGA Handspinning Masters. From there, who knows? There are also Masters in Machine Knitting (TKGA), and in Handspinning, Weaving and Basketry (HGA). These programs, while challenging in themselves, are designed to expand our understanding of the craft we are mastering. With greater understanding, we can expand our skills in craftsmanship as well as design.

You can find out more about these programs:

The Knitter's Guild of America. E-mail: tkga@tkga.com

The Handweavers Guild of America web site: www.weavespindye.org

PELTS

Carolyn Phillips

If you breed any animal there are always some individuals which aren't up to snuff. What do you do? Can't show them, maybe you could sell them as pets (maybe not), but keeping them uses up cage space and expensive feed. Culling is a gut-wrenching thing for me. I thinned out my rabbitry this year and skins tanned. The finished pelts just arrived, and I have to admit, I am very pleased with the results. The leather is supple, and the wool is gorgeous. I sent them to Angelo at Angelo's Tannery, 10724 SE Hwy 212, #3, Clackamas, OR 97015. (503) 655-2886.Rabbits should be well groomed and in prime coat. Call before sending him your dried and stretched skins, and be prepared to wait. (I waited 3 months for mine!)