As we approach the end of another guild year, we typically reflect on all that has transpired during the year, and on what we hope to do better. This year, we do so in the context of a groundswell of widespread public protest against racism, and of anger and frustration over the continued unfair treatment of Black and minority citizens. Clearly, we have work to do to be part of the solution.
The Toronto Knitters Guild celebrates diversity and is committed to remaining an open, inclusive and welcoming community for knitters, crocheters and other fibre arts enthusiasts. Diversity and inclusivity have been a significant thread in all our board planning and discussions this year, and we are committed to doing better. To support our commitment to diversity, we are donating $250, the funds raised from this year's Dollar Up Table, to the Nia Centre for the Arts, a Toronto organization that supports arts creativity in Black youth, and works to connect them with other artistic and cultural experiences in the community.
Our TKG meetings this year included a number of interesting speakers and vendors, including Christa Wales of LakeKnitYarns; a Brooklyn Tweed Trunk Show presented by The Knit Café; Kyle Vey of Vector Knits and Yarn Indulgences; Christopher Walker of cabinboyknits; writer and designer Kate Atherley; Feisty Fibres; The Yarn Therapist; and Shireen Nadir of The Blue Brick.
In March, the COVID-19 pandemic was declared, we all went into isolation, and the Guild was forced to cancel the in-person meetings scheduled for the remainder of the 2010/20 Guild year. We hope to reschedule these speakers and vendors for future meetings– Romy Schill of Circle R Lamb; Amy Singer of Knitty.com; Fiona Stevenson of Fiona Knits; Rose Tinapay of Akara Yarns; and Kerri Masseo and Jolyn Gardner of Leo & Roxy Yarn and Little Red Mitten.
Sadly, we also had to cancel the annual spring Knitters Frolic, which was a huge disappointment for all of us . I hope you have been following TKG on Instagram and Facebook for the Faux Frolic and are continuing to support your favourite vendors!
And are you participating in the DEstash/REstash Make-Along? This is the 3rd year the MAL has been a feature of the Frolic. To help support the independent producers and local yarn shops who were scheduled to be this year's Frolic vendors, we’ve extended the MAL through August, so, if your situation permits, please start shopping from the Frolic vendors and get knitting. There are prizes to be won! For more details, please go to the Guild’s Ravelry page and to the Frolic Vendor page.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we were unable to hold our Annual General Meeting (AGM), originally scheduled for May. In the interim, please review the attached Financial Statements for our first full year of incorporation. If you have any questions or concerns about the financial statements, please direct them to Sara Joyce, Treasurer at treasurer@torontoknittersguild.ca, by July 10. We are currently discussing when and how best to host an AGM of the Guild under the current physical distancing constraints. We will send you an update at least 30 days prior to a rescheduled AGM.
The AGM is also traditionally a time that we look for new people who would like to contribute to the Guild. We are currently looking for a number of volunteers to fill open positions on the board. Volunteering is a fun way to get to know other members of the Guild, and to have input into what kinds of events and programmes the Guild sponsors. If you have an interest, please speak or email with me or any one of the other board members.
Finally, we will be sending out an email survey to all members in the next few weeks. We would like your guidance and suggestions on the types of events we plan for next year, and how best to support our members under the current or possible future limitations on in-person meetings.
Here’s hoping that you and your loved ones are all keeping well, and staying safe.
Warmest wishes,
Carol
Carol Mather Miles President
Toronto Knitters Guild
