January 2026 Newsletter

This Month's Meeting & 2026 Meeting Schedule

Board Message

Programs & Workshops

-Upcoming Programs

Announcements

-Knitting Retreat

-Remember Doreen Lewis

-Special Request: Favorite Hat

-Fiberfests & Other Area Events

Knit-A-Long (KAL)

Outreach - Project Linus Progress

Guild Volunteers

This Month's Meeting: In-Person & Online

Our speaker is in-person.

• Please RSVP for the in-person meeting or Zoom session (it helps us gauge demand).

• We’ll host social knitting from 6:30 PM - 7:00 PM with brief announcements followed by our program.

• Be sure to bring your Project Linus squares to the meeting to receive your raffle ticket!

2026 Meetings

All meetings, social knitting, workshops, and events can be found on the AKG event calendar: https://www.atlantaknittingguild.org/akgcalendar

Greetings friends!

Bohus knitting, with its subtle color transitions, sculptural yokes, and incomparable attention to detail, stands as one of the most exquisite traditions in the fiber arts. Born in Sweden during the 1930s as both an artistic movement and a community enterprise, Bohus design embodies the idea that craftsmanship deepens when people come together with shared purpose. Its quiet elegance and demanding precision remind us that every stitch is both an individual act and part of a larger, harmonious whole—much like the collective spirit that sustains a thriving guild.

Within the Atlanta Knitting Guild, that same spirit takes shape through the generosity of volunteers who offer their time, skill, and enthusiasm to support our shared craft. Whether organizing programs, guiding new knitters, preserving historic techniques like Bohus colorwork, or cultivating the welcoming environment that defines our guild, volunteers transform the work of many hands into something greater. By celebrating Bohus knitting and the spirit of service together, we acknowledge that the beauty of our community,like the beauty of a Bohus sweater,emerges from dedication, cooperation, and the artistry we build together.

As we look ahead, the Guild is in need of several volunteers to lead the Guild’s activities for 2026-2027. New volunteers will be seated in June and most board seats are available. If you are interested in getting more involved, now is the time to shadow a current board member! Please reach out to treasurer@atlantaknittingguild.org or to any board member directly if you are interested!

Elizabeth, Jolie, Julie, Natalie, Debbie, Barb & Linda

2025-2026 AKG Board

This Month’s Meeting: Bohus Stickning Knitting

Member Susan Duralde took a trip overseas this summer. She visited museums including going behind the scenes to examine vintage Bohus Stickning sweaters! Bohus Stickning was a movement that provided financial support through a cottage industry of handmade sweaters. Grace Kelly had a Bohus sweater and you can find more examples on Ravelry. Come learn the history and enjoy the special beauty of this knitting tradition.

February 2026 Meeting (ZOOM ONLY):

February is traditionally our Zoom only meeting. Our speaker is master knitter and teacher Heather Storta on the topic of Tension Troubleshooting. Do you think you have tension issues in your knitting (or aren't sure if you do or not)? Let's take a look at some of the most common tension issues, and learn how to identify them in your own knitting and some tips and tricks to help remedy them!

Upcoming programs:

March: currently open for ideas

April 2026: Natalie Greene will teach crochet joining techniques, which will allow us to test our skills joining our Project Linus squares. Bring two knitted squares (preferably 12x12) and some additional worsted weight yarn for joining.

May 2026: Our speaker via Zoom will be ethnic knitting expert Beth Brown-Reinsel. Beth has traveled around Europe and North America. She is an expert on unusual knitting techniques and traditions, especially those in northern Europe.

June 2026 (tentative): our June program will be Instaknits. These are small projects or one-skein projects — things you make when you want instant gratification. We’d like to compile a pdf of free patterns or, if the pattern isn’t free, at least a bibliography of where to find these patterns. Our June meeting will be a Show and Tell of these projects. Please send ideas to programs@atlantaknittingguild.org.

Programs/workshops committee:

Committee includes: Debbie West, Barbara Moore, and Debra Davis. Eunice Reger has also stepped up and is auditioning which way she would like to contribute. Many thanks!

As always, members please send ideas and suggestions to programs@atlantaknittingguild.org.

On the road with the AKG

Kathy Borden and Elizabeth Schroeder are organizing a knitting retreat, February 20 - 22 at a Lake Oconee cabin. Space is limited with single and double occupancy rooms available.

Contact Elizabeth and/or Kathy for more information.

Remembering Doreen Lewis

Former Guild member and programs chair Doreen Lewis kindly remembered Atlanta Knitting Guild in her will, leaving our group $500 to fund a party. Her longtime friend Brenda Mazzocchi wrote:

“Doreen was an amazing knitter, travel agent, knitting tour planner extraordinaire for the KnitWits knitting group and a wonderful friend.

She served as co-chair of the Programs committee for the Guild several times and the programs were both informative and witty. During her treatment for her last illness, she knit hats prolifically for both her Doctors, caregivers and their children. Along with another AKG member, Robin Bonner, she started a knitting group they termed The Knitwits. The group meets weekly and some of the members went on wonderful trips to Italy, France and Ireland that Doreen planned with imagination and care. There were also trips to Vogue Knitting Live in NYC, SAFF and Portland, Maine for a knitting retreat.”

Given that our guild has both a July and a December potluck, Doreen’s gift allows our guild to provide a main course protein without tapping our education funds. Her gesture is a reminder of how crafting creates community, not merely yarn objects. We reap joy in multiple ways — in the making, in the giving, in the camaraderie. May our memories of Doreen always be a blessing.

Special Request: Recreate a Favorite Hat

A REQUEST: Valerie Legato would like to know if anyone could duplicate this most favorite hat of her sons. She would be happy to take the hat to anyone who might be able to replicate it. Her number is: 404-455-3600

Fiberfests & Other Area Events

Be sure to check out the Guild’s fiberfest page!

We keep a running list of fiberfests near and far: https://www.atlantaknittingguild.org/fiberfests

The Knitting Guild Association’s annual online conference isn’t until April, but registration opens this month. TKGA Next Level Knitting Conference registration opens on Friday 16 January 2026. The conference will be online Friday and Saturday 17 & 18 April 2026. There are 26 classes. Classes are both live and pre-recorded. You have access to the recordings for 6 months, allowing you to watch them repeatedly. Price this year has dropped to only $99.

Our neighboring guilds’ events:

• SEFAA (https://tockify.com/sefaacalendar/pinboard)

• North Georgia Knitting Guild

• Peachfuzz Fiber Guild (West Cobb)

The AKG KAL group is starting a fantastic new wearable project with our January Zoom meeting on the 21st at 7pm.

IDRIS SWEATER is a popular new garment by Petra Breakstone. It’s a silhouette with generous positive ease and a simple design that looks flattering on many body types and sizes!

Using a DK yarn of your choice on size 10 needles and simple shaping techniques, this flattering top is on trend and will be finished just in time for those warm spring days around the corner. This project is a great first garment or a straightforward fun-to-knit top for more experienced knitters and you will enjoy a lighthearted, welcoming, and supportive group—be there or be square! 

Come join us in the AKG Knit-A-Long (KAL) when we meet the third Wednesday of each month at 7pm on Zoom. We have a great time sharing our projects, learning new techniques, cheering each other on, and following each other's progress on our group-chosen projects.

We have a great group of regular attendees and some who join when they can, but our group is entertaining and always encouraging. Find our group on the AKG calendar--RSVP for the Zoom link--and also we maintain an active presence on Facebook under "AKG KAL"

Project Linus Update

Thanks ♥️ go out to those who have already donated squares:  

Elizabeth Schroeder

Barbara Marks

Beth Liess

Natalie Greene (November Winner of $25 swag shop gift certificate)

Gail Reese

Julie Uranis

Barb Moore

Aleks Sweeny

Whit Robbins

Project Linus: Blankets are collected locally and distributed to children in hospitals, shelters, social service agencies, or anywhere that a child might be in need of a big hug.

We’re hoping to donate 40 blankets for Project Linus* by the end of our fiscal year. Not interested in knitting or crocheting a whole blanket? No problem! Knit or crochet, your choice of pattern for 12 inch x 12 inch squares of washable 100% DK or worsted weight acrylic yarn (no wool) and we’ll join them into a blanket. 

When you donate a square you’ll receive an entry in our prize drawing for a $25 credit towards any AKG swag found on our website.  For every 40 squares donated we will have a drawing.   Let’s show our AKG altruistic spirit!!!

Need pattern ideas for a square? Check out handylittleme.com for free knitting patterns.

Barb Moore also found these fun holiday designs to share!

*Project Linus is a national non-profit organization that provides new, handmade blankets to children in need, including those in the Atlanta area. Locally the Dekalb Georgia chapter provides blankets to local hospitals like CHOA Children's Hospital, as well as to children and teens in crisis situations like those handled by the Department of Family and Children Services.

Don't have time to knit a square? Consider making a monetary donation to the DeKalb Project Linus Chapter:

1. Visit to ProjectLinus.org

2. Click on Donate, then "Online Donation"

3. Complete each information box.

4. At  Apply Donation to:  Choose Local Chapter 

5. Then in the Donor Scroll box, please type DeKalb Georgia Chapter.

6. Proceed to the bottom of the page and choose "Donate Once"

Of course we will continue our ongoing efforts.  Information on our charity knitting can be found on the Guild’s website.

Knit and Crochet Bear Sweaters:  The Georgia Center for Child Advocacy

This is a longstanding program with the AKG. Suggested patterns and guidelines for the bears donated to the GA Center for Child Advocacy are on the Guild’s website. Dressed bears are given to each child in crisis who comes to the Center. 

Baby Hat & Blanket Sets, Chemo Caps:  Piedmont Hospital

The AKG donates knit and crochet items to various hospitals, inclusive of baby items and hats/caps for adult and child cancer patients. 

Visit the AKG website for more details on our charity knitting projects and requirements.

Do you have a charity project you'd like the Guild to consider? Contact outreach@atlantaknittingguild.org

Love the Guild and its resources? We need you! The Guild operates with a 100% volunteer staff.

We have an immediate vacancy in the President's role and we have several key volunteer roles that need to transition to someone else. As we have no volunteer leading our Superstar event we will not have one in 2026 and are in jeopardy of not having a 2027 Superstar event without someone volunteering soon!

VOLUNTEERS WANTED:

• President: The Guild needs a president! We've been operating with just board members for over a year and we need someone to guide the Guild! You'll preside over the Guild meetings, attend Board meetings, and help promote the Guild.

• Programs: Interested in identifying and choosing each month's program! Consider volunteering as the program chair! The programs chair is supported by volunteers devoted to specific events.

  • Superstar Chairperson: The Guild is looking for someone with logistics skills to plan our Superstar Weekends (typically one per year, in the spring). You'll be in direct contact with some of the most exciting and interesting knitterly speakers around, help select classes, oversee logistics, and serve as the host for our speaker.

  • Special Events Coordinator(s): The Board is really interested in offering special events like a yarn crawl to local shops, travel trips to fiber fests, and someone to coordinate special days like Knit in Public Day. Admittedly, we really don't have firm expectations but we know to be able to do any of these things, we'll need at least one person, maybe a team, to plan for such exciting opportunities.

• Treasurer: Are you a bookkeeper, accountant, or just someone that can balance a checkbook? The Guild needs you! We use Quicken to do the hard work and have but one bank account. Most of our transactions are Guild members paying their membership fees, so the treasurer works closely with the membership chair.

• Communications: If you've ever written a blog post, posted to Facebook, or edited a Wix website you'll be right at home as our new communications chair. We've spent the last few years streamlining our communications and the tools we use to communicate so it is much easier to build our newsletter, promote our events, and maintain our website. It's now time for a new volunteer to take the helm and do great things with our Guild's communications. That could be you!

Visit our about page, to see who is supporting the Guild with their generous gifts of time and talent.

Get Connected!

The AKG is on Facebook!

Facebook Page - Atlanta Knitting Guild: Like this page and see official AKG news and updates in your Facebook feed

Facebook Group - Friends of the Atlanta Knitting Guild: Join our Facebook group to chat with other knitters (membership in the group and the guild are separate)

Login to the Guild website to renew online.