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• MKG Open Knitting Session ~ September 20, 2025

  • When
    09/20/2025
  •  
    1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
  • Location
    Fitchburg Public Library
  • Spaces left
    24

  Register

  MKG Open Knitting Session

  When:  Saturday, September 20, 2025 from 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. 

  Location:  Fitchburg Public Library

                      5530 Lacy Road, Fitchburg

  
  

  Hosts:  Derrith Wieman

  
  

  Description:

  Join us for an afternoon of knitting on your current (or languishing) projects.  This would be a great opportunity for new guild members to meet other members and for existing members to get to know someone new.  

  Send questions to Derrith at specialevents@madisonknittersguild.com

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• Community Projects Dish Cloth Work Party

  • When
    09/27/2025
  •  
    9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Location
    Sequoya Library
  • Spaces left
    5

  Register

  Dish Cloth Work Party!

  Bring your needles and/or your crochet hooks. We'll have plenty of cotton yarn.

  When: Saturday, September 27, 9 am to Noon

  Where: Meeting Room A and B at the Sequoya Library 

               4340 Tokay Blvd., Madison

  Host: Karen Thiel, Community Projects Chair

  
  

  Think you might like to add Crochet to your list of skills?

  Let's crochet some dishcloths!

  I welcome your feedback.

  Please email me at communityprojects@madisonknittersguild.com - Karen Thiel

  
  

  
  

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• Knit-A-Long ~ October 12, 2025

  • When
    10/12/2025
  •  
    1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
  • Location
    Fitchburg Public Library
  • Spaces left
    25

  Register

  2025 - 2026 Madison Knitter’s Guild Knit Along (KAL)

  When:  Sunday, October 12, 2025 from 1:30 to 3:30 pm

  
  

  Session Title:  Knitting your sweater!

  
  

  Location: Fitchburg Public Library

                    5530 Lacy Road  
                    Fitchburg, WI 

  Instructor:  Margy Blanchard 
  

  Description: 

  You CAN knit a sweater that fits you!  At this first session of this year's KAL we will collect our measurements, and think about what sweater you want to knit.  Please wear good foundation garments and a thin top layer.  Bring a tape measure and your sense of humor!

  
  

  Experience level required: basic knitting skills 

  Send questions to Margy at kal@madisonknittersguild.com

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• Brown Bag Exchange 2025-26

  • When
    10/13/2025
  •  
    5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
  • Location
    MKG October Meeting, Madison College D1630

  Register

  Theme: Ring Around the Collar       

  This event is a yarn exchange, where participants donate 200-300 grams of yarn (DK, Worsted, or Aran weight) for another knitter to transform into an accessory that is worn around the neck.  For example:  cowl, dickie, scarf or shawl.  In turn, you will receive yarn to create an accessory for another MKG member who donates yarn for this event.  You can knit, crochet, weave... as long as you consider any preferences your partner may have specified. 

  All experience levels are welcome!

  There are two versions of the exchange (in-person or virtual/remote)

  1.  In-Person Brown Bag Exchange at the October 13 MKG meeting at Madison College (outside of Room D1630).

  • Participants bring 200-300 grams of DK, Worsted or Aran weight yarn which is set onto a table out of sight. The yarn should be labelled with information on weight, fiber content, and potential household allergens it has been exposed to.  The yarn will be accompanied with information you've shared on your registration about allergens, considerations and preferences for the finished project.
  • Participants will take turns selecting a yarn to work with, based on a lottery system to determine the order of selection.  Or, participants can request to have a yarn assigned to them blindly.  They take away the yarn in a brown paper bag along with information shared by their partner.
  • Registration online is preferred and includes the opportunity to indicate allergies, head circumference measurement (if needed), and considerations or preferences.  Online registration closes on Sunday, October 12.  Registration is available In-Person at the Hospitality Table until 6:30 pm on Monday, October 13.
  • Participants knit something out of the yarn in the bag over the next five months.  Finished projects are exchanged before the March 9 Brown Bag Exchange at Madison College.  They are then shown to other guild members during Show and Tell at that meeting. 

  2.  Virtual/Remote Brown Bag Exchange will occur via mail only if there are enough participants. Registration is online-only.  Participants choose 200-300 grams of yarn from their own supplies.  Participants will be matched with a Partner from a selection of other virtual/remote participants, taking into consideration preferences and allergies noted on their registration form.  Participants create neck accessories over the next five months, and finished objects are mailed to partners, to be received by March 9, 2026.

  If you have any questions about participation, please contact Julie Enslin at enslinfive@gmail.com.  

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• October 2025 Guild Meeting

  • When
    10/13/2025
  •  
    6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Location
    Madison College, 1701 Wright Street, Madison WI
  • Spaces left
    300

  In Person: Location: 1701 Wright Street, Madison WI

  Date: Monday, October 13th, 2024

  Time: Doors open at 5:00, Meeting starts at 6:30

  Virtual: Registration and Zoom link will be emailed and the meeting recorded and posted to the Guild website the following the event.
  

  
  

  Speaker: Elizabeth Tucker
  

  The Community is Responding to the Textile Arts Center of Madison!

  
  

  The Textile Arts Center of Madison (TAC) – opened in October 2023 – has been met with a quick and enthusiastic response from the Dane County community. A creative hub where discovery and community intersect through a blend of cross-disciplinary textile arts, TAC offers hands-on learning, collaboration, and inspiration in an inclusive environment through its workshops, exhibitions of fiber art, community engagement programs, and sales of secondhand supplies.

  Programming serves fiber art makers and enthusiasts of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels, and aims to foster a sense of belonging among its audiences as they explore new techniques, connect with others, and grow creatively.

  Since its opening, TAC has already engaged thousands in its programs, including event attendees, workshop participants, teaching and exhibiting artists, volunteers, supply donors, supporting members, and community partners, proving a strong desire for a center dedicated to fiber arts in Dane County.

  Elizabeth will share with the Madison Knitters Guild how TAC got its start, programming plans for the remainder of 2025 and into 2026, and ways to get involved.

  Elizabeth Tucker is Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Textile Arts Center of Madison. She has a background in nonprofit and arts administration, having worked in professional and board roles to advance organizations through fund development, grant writing, communications, and strategic planning. She has a BFA in Art History from the University of Kansas, and an MA in Art History from UW-Madison. She is also a lifelong lover of fabrics and fibers, and as a maker, focuses primarily on quilting, embroidery, and other machine and hand stitching. Elizabeth has called Madison home for more than 20 years, and values being active in the community with her husband and two kids.

  
  

  Planned Vendors:
  

  • Un Besito Fiber
  • StarKnits
  • Harvest Hill Acres

  Interested in carpooling?  Check the Madison Knitter's Guild thread on Ravelry or the Member's Discussions page on the MKG Website. 

  Effective May 05, 2025: The safety and security of our members, speakers, and vendor and/or vendor staff are our most important priorities.  We ask that if you are feeling ill, have tested positive for COVID, or have come in contact with someone who has COVID, that you forgo attendance at MKG events until you are well.

  
  

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• Minnesota Bus Trip

  • Start
    11/01/2025
  •  
    8:00 AM
  • End
    11/02/2025
  •  
    7:00 PM
  • Location
    Minneapolis, MN
  • Spaces left
    16

  Register

  Madison Knitters’ Guild Minneapolis Bus Trip

  Local Yarn store shopping in Wisconsin and Minnesota via chauffeured private motorcoach

  WHEN: November 1, 2025 – November 2, 2025

  
  

  DESCRIPTION:

  Knit and/or crochet your way on a chauffeured private motorcoach bus trip touring local yarn shops (LYS) in Wisconsin and Minnesota with fellow Guild members.  Each LYS we visit has unique offerings for all yarn enthusiasts.  The Madison Knitters’ Guild Special Events committee has arranged visits with five LYS and they are excited to have us stop in to see them!   One of our stops will be StevenBe in downtown Minneapolis.  StevenBe is a well-known eclectic yarn store – An Experience Like No Other!

  Saturday, November 1, 2025:

  8:00 am depart Dutch Mill Park and Ride, US Hwy. 12/18 and US Hwy. 51 (Stoughton Road). 

  Bus will load at 7:45 AM.

  Bus will depart promptly at 8:00 AM.

  Stops at the following Local Yarn Stores:

  • Flaxen Fleece, Sauk City, WI https://www.flaxenfleece.com
  • Yarnology, Winona, MN https://yarnologymn.com
  • The Yarnery, St. Paul, MN https://yarnery.com

  Lunch stop planned in Winona, MN

  
  

  Hotel stay at Doubletree Minneapolis Airport –  to self-register / self-pay at hotel for group rate please click the link below:

  Madison Knitters Guild
  

  Sunday, November 2, 2025

  More yarn shopping at:

  • StevenBe, Minneapolis, MN https://stevenbe.com
  • Darn Knit Anyway! Stillwater, MN https://www.darnknitanyway.com

  Lunch stop planned in Stillwater, MN

  Return to Dutch Mill Park & Ride approximately 7pm

  FEES:   MKG Registration Fee: $100 – includes chartered bus fee,  and fabulous Madison Knitters’ Guild door prizes and give aways!

  LODGING:  Saturday, November 1, 2026 – Doubletree Minneapolis Airport

  MEALS*, SNACKS & WATER: On your own.  Please plan accordingly.

  *Please note MKG will not be able to accommodate any special dietary needs nor allergy considerations.  If you have special dietary needs or allergies, please plan your meals and/or bring food that you will need to meet your requirements.   

  Please bring your own snacks and water for the bus ride.

  
  

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• Workshop: Assigned Pooling 101 with Dawn Barker

  • When
    11/09/2025
  •  
    1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
  • Location
    DoubleTree by Hilton Madison East
  • Spaces left
    26
  • Registered
    3 registrants

  Register

  
  

  Workshop: Assigned Pooling 101 with Dawn Barker

  Sunday November 9, 2025

  1 PM - 4 PM

  
  

  Registration will open September 16th, 2025 at 12:01 am CST

  
  

  Topic:  

  Dip your toes into the pool in this introductory class that will teach you the basics of this exciting and innovative technique. 

  
  

  Students will learn:

  • Why yarns pool and how to make pooling the feature instead of an eyesore. 

  • The anatomy of a hand-dyed variegated Assigned Pooling skein.  

  • Basic color theory and how it applies to Assigned Pooling.

  • How shape and direction affect pooling dispersion.

  • Demonstration of Assigned Pooling texture stitches.

  Supplies: 

  1 skein of fingering weight Assigned Pooling yarn such as Barker Wool Silky Quatro and US Size 4 knitting needles (or needles appropriate for your yarn).

  Homework:  None

  Location: DoubleTree by Hilton Madison East

  
  

  *The Madison Knitters' Guild has a no refunds policy.*

  COVID Update Effective July 01, 2023: The safety and security of our members, speakers, and vendor and/or vendor staff are our most important priorities.  Masks are recommended but not required for all persons and guests attending monthly meetings. This is our COVID policy as of 07/01/2023; it will be updated based on any changes from city, state, or federal authorities. We ask that if you are feeling ill, have tested positive for COVID, or have come in contact with someone who has COVID, that you follow the CDC’s isolation recommendations. We also ask that you carpool and pre-register for each meeting.
  

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• Workshop: Using Variegated Yarns without Tears with Dawn Barker

  • When
    11/10/2025
  •  
    1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
  • Location
    DoubleTree by Hilton Madison East
  • Spaces left
    21
  • Registered
    9 registrants

  Register

  
  

  Workshop: Using Variegated Yarns without Tears with Dawn Barker

  Monday November 10, 2025

  1 PM - 4 PM

  
  

  Registration will open September 21st, 2025 at 12:01 am CST

  
  

  Topic:  

  Learn Dawn's expert tips and tricks to make variegated yarns shine. Assigned pooling is not the only way to tackle the inherent challenges of pooling. Come explore how taking advantage of organic pooling can elevate variegated yarns to new heights.

  Students will learn:

  • The definitions of three different types of pooling techniques
  • What makes hand dyed yarn prone to pooling
  • Dawn's favorite methods for combining different pooling yarns together in one project
  • How to apply multiple stitch styles to manipulate pooling
  • How to add in supporting tonals, variegated yarn's best friends.  

  Supplies and homework: 

  None - this is more of an informative tips and tricks class

  Location: DoubleTree by Hilton Madison East

  
  

  *The Madison Knitters' Guild has a no refunds policy.*

  COVID Update Effective July 01, 2023: The safety and security of our members, speakers, and vendor and/or vendor staff are our most important priorities.  Masks are recommended but not required for all persons and guests attending monthly meetings. This is our COVID policy as of 07/01/2023; it will be updated based on any changes from city, state, or federal authorities. We ask that if you are feeling ill, have tested positive for COVID, or have come in contact with someone who has COVID, that you follow the CDC’s isolation recommendations. We also ask that you carpool and pre-register for each meeting.
  

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• November 2025 Guild Meeting

  • When
    11/10/2025
  •  
    6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Location
    Madison College, 1701 Wright Street, Madison WI
  • Spaces left
    300

  In Person: Location: 1701 Wright Street, Madison WI

  Date: Monday, November 10th, 2024

  Time: Doors open at 5:00, Meeting starts at 6:30

  Virtual: Registration and Zoom link will be emailed and the meeting recorded and posted to the Guild website the following the event.
  

  
  

  Speaker: Dawn Barker - Barker Wool
  

  Assigned Pooling

  
  

  Join Dawn Barker as she shares her inspiring journey, transforming a common challenge of knitting with variegated yarns into the groundbreaking, systematic approach of assigned pooling.  Her story dives into the worlds of fine art, yarn dyeing, and knitwear design, showcasing how a singular vision and deep love of color and pattern can build a bridge between artistic expression and practical application. Dawn's methodology empowers fiber artists to harness the beauty of variegated yarns, turning a typical frustration into intentional design. Experience how her passion has shaped her artistic endeavors and significantly contributed to the broader fiber art community.

  Dawn Barker is the creative force behind the knitting technique of Assigned Pooling. She created this innovative approach to knitting with variegated yarns to reconcile her passion for dyeing them with her utter disdain for knitting with them. She has spent countless hours researching the dynamics of color pooling and textured stitches to produce an intriguing new style of knitting that mimics embroidery on a knitted fabric. Her designs focus on clean modern shapes that feature classic, deeply saturated colors and employ intriguing new ways of producing wearable art. Her lifelong love of fiber and her experience as a fine artist led her to start Barker Wool in 2017 as an outlet to share her hand-dyed fine yarns and innovative knitting designs with the world. She is happiest existing somewhere between the extreme freedom found in dyeing and the order necessary to create useful, wearable designs with her yarn. She lives in Amarillo, Texas with her husband and two sons.

  Dawn will also be teaching two classes: Assigned Pooling 101 and Using Varigated Yarns without Tears. Registration for Dawn's classes will open on Tuesday, September 16th.

  Planned Vendors:

  • Five Oaks Farm
  • Four Crows Fibers 
  • Cream City Yarn

  Interested in carpooling?  Check the Madison Knitter's Guild thread on Ravelry or the Member's Discussions page on the MKG Website. 

  Effective May 05, 2025: The safety and security of our members, speakers, and vendor and/or vendor staff are our most important priorities.  We ask that if you are feeling ill, have tested positive for COVID, or have come in contact with someone who has COVID, that you forgo attendance at MKG events until you are well.

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• December 2025 Guild Meeting

  • When
    12/08/2025
  •  
    6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Location
    Madison College, 1701 Wright Street, Madison WI
  • Spaces left
    300

  In Person: Location: 1701 Wright Street, Madison WI

  Date: Monday, December 8th, 2024

  Time: Doors open at 5:00, Meeting starts at 6:30

  Virtual: Registration and Zoom link will be emailed and the meeting recorded and posted to the Guild website the following the event.
  

  
  

  Speaker: Lauren McElroy - Mother of Purl
  

  Not Just Knitting: Living a Creative Life - A Talk and Meditation

  
  

  Our knitting can open unexpected doors within and without ourselves. Leading us to to deeper expression and authenticity. Drawing from personal experience, storytelling, meditative and creative practice Lauren will expand our ideas about what creativity is and how it can show up and sweeten every aspect of our lives. It can be “just knitting” or it can be a metaphor and a practice for self discovery.

  When we think, imagine and act in the direction of our deepest inspirations we cultivate within ourselves deep peace and joy that can spread to our communities and to the world. We all know about the “rabbit hole” that is knitting, first we get into knitting then we dabble in spinning, weaving, dyeing, etc, and soon enough we end up with a farm and some sheep, but what if it wasn’t a trap, what if it was calling us into a lifelong practice of growth, surprise, and playfulness that leads us home to ourselves and enriches everything it touches.

  Before we end our time together Lauren will guide a meditation to help us tap into our inherent creativity and inspiration and then open it up to the wisdom of the group to show us how many more things we can do with yarn.

  Lauren McElroy is a queer, Black experimental fiber artist and meditation teacher, they are currently working in knitwear design, dyeing, punch needle embroidery, and on themselves. They also lead a weekly meditation classes for creatives learning to deepen their creative practice and life experience together. It is Lauren's highest intention that their work be meaningful, healing, and ease the suffering in the world. Lauren has been designing knitwear, teaching and working in the fiber arts since 2013. They have been published in Interweave knits, Vogue Knitting, Ply magazine, Spin off magazine, Making magazine, Knitstrips interactive knitting, and has a masterclass with Knitstars.

  They can be found on the internet as Mother of Purl or some variation thereof. 

  Motherofpurl.net

  Instagram: @motherofpurll1

  Ravelry: motherofpurlknits

  
  

  Planned Vendors:
  

  • KnitzandPearls
  • The Station
  • The Yarn Adventure Truck

  Interested in carpooling?  Check the Madison Knitter's Guild thread on Ravelry or the Member's Discussions page on the MKG Website. 

  Effective May 05, 2025: The safety and security of our members, speakers, and vendor and/or vendor staff are our most important priorities.  We ask that if you are feeling ill, have tested positive for COVID, or have come in contact with someone who has COVID, that you forgo attendance at MKG events until you are well.

  
  

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• January 2026 Guild Meeting

  • When
    01/12/2026
  •  
    6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Location
    Madison College, 1701 Wright Street, Madison WI
  • Spaces left
    300

  In Person: Location: Madison College, 1701 Wright Street, Madison WI

  Date: Monday, January 12th, 2025

  Time: Doors open at 5:00, Meeting starts at 6:30

  Virtual: Registration and Zoom link will be emailed and the meeting recorded and posted to the Guild website the following the event.
  

  
  

  Speaker: Kathryn Ashley-Wright
  

  State of the Small Scale Wool Industry in the US

  
  

  Kathryn Ashley-Wright founded Ewetopia in Viroqua in 2007, and grew to open Ewetopia Fiber Mill in La Farge in 2017. She manages the mill full time and has a farm just east of La Farge with 60+ fine wool Cormo cross sheep. Kathryn enjoys knitting, sewing and fighting the patriarchy when she has a spare minute. 

  Kathryn will give a general overview of small scale fiber processing and scouring to inform our conversation, then we will talk about wool production in the midwest and the avenues and roadblocks to this fiber production. How are small cottage fiber mills doing and what are issues for them. How do we weave a more efficient fiber-shed for wool production in the US, and the midwest in particular with the crafting industry as the focus.

  
  

  Planned Vendors:
  

  • Flaxen Fleece
  • Stunning String Studio
  • Purl Talk, LLC

  Interested in carpooling?  Check the Madison Knitter's Guild thread on Ravelry or the Member's Discussions page on the MKG Website. 

  Effective May 05, 2025: The safety and security of our members, speakers, and vendor and/or vendor staff are our most important priorities.  We ask that if you are feeling ill, have tested positive for COVID, or have come in contact with someone who has COVID, that you forgo attendance at MKG events until you are well.

  
  

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• Workshop: Beading 101 with Laura Nelkin

  • When
    02/08/2026
  •  
    9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Location
    DoubleTree by Hilton Madison East
  • Spaces left
    25

  Registration is closed

  
  

  Workshop: Beading 101 with Laura Nelkin

  Sunday February 8, 2026

  9 AM - 12 PM

  
  

  Registration will open December 1st, 2025 at 12:01 am CST

    
  

  Topic:  

  This class teaches multiple ways of working with beads. It is the PERFECT introductory class! You will learn how to place beads with a crochet hook or superfloss, how to work with pre-strung beads in a variety of ways, and how to work with beads on bind-offs and i-cord. We’ll discuss choosing beads and yarn, along with how to look at an existing pattern in your library and how to add beads to it. This is a class for those with basic knitting skills who are ready to add a little bling to their knitting!

  Students will learn:

  • How to shop for beads, 

  • Working with prestrung and placed beads in a variety of innovative ways

  • Beaded bind off

  • Beaded i-cord

  Skills Needed: How to knit and purl, the desire to learn

  Supplies: 

  • Approx. 40 yards fingering weight yarn
  • US Size 3 (3.25 mm) needles
  • Approx 10 grams size 6/0 beads to match your yarn
  • Beading 101 handout (supplied by Laura in class)
  • Laura will supply dental floss threaders and super floss in class and will also have some beads for those that can’t find them!

  Homework:  None

  Location: DoubleTree by Hilton Madison East

  
  

  *The Madison Knitters' Guild has a no refunds policy.*

  COVID Update Effective July 01, 2023: The safety and security of our members, speakers, and vendor and/or vendor staff are our most important priorities.  Masks are recommended but not required for all persons and guests attending monthly meetings. This is our COVID policy as of 07/01/2023; it will be updated based on any changes from city, state, or federal authorities. We ask that if you are feeling ill, have tested positive for COVID, or have come in contact with someone who has COVID, that you follow the CDC’s isolation recommendations. We also ask that you carpool and pre-register for each meeting.
  

  Show details
• Workshop: Stitch Saver - What Can't It Do? with Laura Nelkin

  • When
    02/08/2026
  •  
    1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
  • Location
    DoubleTree by Hilton Madison East
  • Spaces left
    25

  Registration is closed

  
  

  Workshop: Stitch Saver - What Can't It Do? with Laura Nelkin

  Sunday February 8, 2026

  1 PM - 4 PM

  
  

  Registration will open December 1st, 2025 at 12:01 am CST

  
  

  Topic:  

  It’s not often that a single tool can change your knitting life completely, but that is what stitch saver has done for Laura. Soon, it will change yours too! Embark with Laura (and her alter ego Lola) on a 3-hour deep dive into the world of stitch saver. To start, Laura will teach a few obvious skills to get us comfortable. Then we’ll move on to the more obscure and finally end with some absolutely game changing techniques.

  We’ll be covering provisional cast-ons, an alternative to picking up stitches, creating layers of fabric, a trick for entrelac, heel flaps, top down and bottom up folded hems and more...

  Skills Needed: Knit and purl
  

  Supplies: 

  • Sport or DK weight yarn- approx. 40- 50 yards; choose a yarn in a light or bright color that is comfortable for you to knit with

  • US Size 4 or 5 needles (double pointed AND 24” inch circular)

  • If you have a top-down sock ready to work the heel flap bring it along... if not, Laura will have a sock on hand to demo with

  • Laura will supply stitch saver in class

  Homework:  None

  Location: DoubleTree by Hilton Madison East

  
  

  *The Madison Knitters' Guild has a no refunds policy.*

  COVID Update Effective July 01, 2023: The safety and security of our members, speakers, and vendor and/or vendor staff are our most important priorities.  Masks are recommended but not required for all persons and guests attending monthly meetings. This is our COVID policy as of 07/01/2023; it will be updated based on any changes from city, state, or federal authorities. We ask that if you are feeling ill, have tested positive for COVID, or have come in contact with someone who has COVID, that you follow the CDC’s isolation recommendations. We also ask that you carpool and pre-register for each meeting.
  

  Show details
• Workshop: The I-Cord Tool - Your New BFF with Laura Nelkin

  • When
    02/09/2026
  •  
    9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Location
    DoubleTree by Hilton Madison East
  • Spaces left
    25

  Registration is closed

  
  

  Workshop: The I-Cord Tool - Your New BFF with Laura Nelkin

  Monday February 9, 2026

  9 AM - 12 PM

  
  

  Registration will open December 1st, 2025 at 12:01 am CST

  
  

  Topic:  

  Have you seen the I-Cord Tool and have no idea how it works or how to use it? Join Laura on a deep dive exploration into a new favorite knitting tool! Do you NEED it? NO! Do you want to learn how to use it? YES!

  You will learn how the tool works, how to make basic I-Cord, beaded I-Cord, I-Cord Bind Offs, and then make a beaded Eye-Glass FOB, lanyard, or bracelet to take home and show off to all your friends! This is destined to be a FUN class!

  Skills Needed: How to knit and purl, the desire to learn

  Supplies: 

  • I-Cord Tool (bring your own or Laura will bring for purchase)
  • Scrap DK weight yarn for practicing
  • Kit for Cordillia supplied in class ($30/kit in addition to class fee)

  Homework:  None

  Location: DoubleTree by Hilton Madison East

  
  

  *The Madison Knitters' Guild has a no refunds policy.*

  COVID Update Effective July 01, 2023: The safety and security of our members, speakers, and vendor and/or vendor staff are our most important priorities.  Masks are recommended but not required for all persons and guests attending monthly meetings. This is our COVID policy as of 07/01/2023; it will be updated based on any changes from city, state, or federal authorities. We ask that if you are feeling ill, have tested positive for COVID, or have come in contact with someone who has COVID, that you follow the CDC’s isolation recommendations. We also ask that you carpool and pre-register for each meeting.
  

  Show details
• February 2026 Guild Meeting

  • When
    02/09/2026
  •  
    6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Location
    Madison College, 1701 Wright Street, Madison WI
  • Spaces left
    300

  In Person: Location: 1701 Wright Street, Madison WI

  Date: Monday, February 9th, 2026

  Time: Doors open at 5:00, Meeting starts at 6:30

  Virtual: Registration and Zoom link will be emailed and the meeting recorded and posted to the Guild website the following the event.
  

  
  

  Speaker: Laura Nelkin (Nelkin Knits Designs)
  

  Take Your Knitting Beyond the Ordinary

  
  

  Step into the creative world of knitwear designer Laura Nelkin as she shares how to break free from the expected and explore new frontiers in your knitting. From innovative construction to the playful use of beads and lace, Laura’s designs challenge and inspire. This engaging talk will leave you brimming with ideas—and ready to take your knitting beyond the ordinary. Bring your knitting and prepare to be entertained, inspired and inquisitive!

  With a background in apparel design and a decades-long passion for knitting, Laura brings a unique perspective to the world of knitwear design. Her patterns seamlessly blend style and functionality, making them a joy to knit and wear. From cozy cardigans to delicate shawls, Laura has something for everyone. Her designs are known for their intricate stitch patterns, innovative techniques, and elegant lace motifs that keep every knitter engaged.

  Laura has an extensive line of self-published patterns, knitting clubs (The N Club, and Lola's Choice), kits, knit-a-longs, and thorough video tutorials on YouTube. When she isn’t designing or knitting, Laura loves to work on her handmade wardrobe, garden, whip up yummy feasts, travel, and get lots of fresh air.

  Laura is also the founder the Knit for Food Knit-a-thon, an annual 12-hour knitting marathon aimed at fighting hunger. Started in 2021, the event has united crafters around the world, raising over $1.7 million to support Feeding America, World Central Kitchen, No Kid Hungry, and Meals on Wheels.

  
  

  Planned Vendors:
  

  • Sassy Sonstress Yarns
  • Evergreen Fiber Works
  • Sugar River Yarns

  Interested in carpooling?  Check the Madison Knitter's Guild thread on Ravelry or the Member's Discussions page on the MKG Website. 

  Effective May 05, 2025: The safety and security of our members, speakers, and vendor and/or vendor staff are our most important priorities.  We ask that if you are feeling ill, have tested positive for COVID, or have come in contact with someone who has COVID, that you forgo attendance at MKG events until you are well.

  
  

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• MKG Norway Cruise with Arne & Carlos

  • Start
    02/19/2026
  •  
    6:00 PM
  • End
    02/28/2026
  •  
    11:00 AM
  • Location
    Bergen, Norway
  • Spaces left
    0

  Join waitlist

  Welcome to MKG NORWAY Cruise with ARNE & CARLOS’ Knitting under the Aurora Borealis! 

  This is an MKG members only trip.  For anyone wishing to bring a guest / partner, they must  register to become an MKG member prior to registration for the cruise.

  MKG Registration dates are March 15 - April 14, 2025.  The MKG registration fee is $40.00.  Once the MKG registration is complete you will receive a confirmation email with the link to the Arne & Carlos cruise registration site with Aller Travel.

  Outgoing Travel Date:  February 18, 2026

  Tour Dates:  February 19-28, 2026

  Tour begins on February 19 @ 6pm in Bergen, NORWAY

  Return Travel Date:  Leave evening of February 28, arrive in US March 1, 2026 

  TRIP COSTS:

  1. CRUISE - Price range PER PERSON based on room selection:

  $3,770 - $4,800. Payment of deposit is due immediately of 3,000 NOK (approximately $275 USD depending on daily exchange rates).  Full amount must be paid 12 weeks before departure.

  
  

  2. AIR - Group Airfare through Fox World Travel:  Airfare is separate and estimated to be around $1,200 per person based on departure dates and location.

  3. INSURANCE - Highly recommended.  Available through Fox World Travel or vendor of your choice.

  It is with great pleasure we welcome you to Norway for our knitting cruise onboard MS Midnatsol! This eventful tour will start in Bergen, where we will meet up with ARNE & CARLOS at our lovely Hotel Havnekontoret. Before we board the ship, an exciting full day tour is on the program - with visits to the yarn factory Hillesvåg and the knitwear producer Oleana. The sailing is northbound, from Bergen to Kirkenes and we will be knitting whilst chasing the dancing Northern Lights! In Kirkenes, which is the last port on the northbound voyage, we will say good bye to ARNE & CARLOS. Even though the cruise is over, the tour is not over and we will make our way south again - by plane. There will be an interesting post cruise program in Oslo, with two nights at The Hub Hotel and a full day city tour including lunch at an iconic restaurant in Oslo, with fabulous view of the capital.

  February is a perfect month to do ‘the world’s most beautiful sea voyage’ and to experience the mythical Northern Lights. Although science today has revealed many of the secrets of the Northern Lights, we still allow ourselves to be captivated by the mystery of the sky's own fireworks. In earlier days, the Northern Lights were the basis of many myths and superstitions and the Latin name for the Northern Lights is the Aurora Borealis. To see the Northern Lights, it must be dark and clear skies. A few hours before and around midnight, the Northern Lights are seen most frequently and at their most intense.

  During the tour you will enjoy the company of your hosts ARNE & CARLOS, attend their interesting lectures and take part in the exciting mystery knitalong! 

  Highlights

  • Visit Hillesvåg – oldest yarn factory in Norway
  • The world’s most beautiful sea voyage onboard MS Midnatsol
  • Excursion to North Cape is included
  • Amazing Northern Lights - hopefully!
  • Lectures and mystery knitalong with ARNE&CARLOS
  • Visit Oslo with all its attractions

  Questions?  Please email specialevents@madisonknittersguild.com

  Show details
• Workshop: Mix It Up - Combining Handspun with Commercial Yarn for the Perfect Sweater with Laura Linneman

  • When
    03/08/2026
  •  
    1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
  • Location
    DoubleTree by Hilton Madison East
  • Spaces left
    25

  Registration is closed

  
  

  Workshop: Mix It Up - Combining Handspun with Commercial Yarn for the Perfect Sweater with Laura Linneman

  Sunday March 8, 2026

   1 PM - 4 PM

  
  

  Registration will open February 1st, 2026 at 12:01 am CST

  
  

  Topic:  

  Have a special skein (or two) of handspun but it's not enough for the sweater of your dreams? Maybe you have a few braids of fiber that you want to include in a garment and you just don't know how? This class will cover how to swatch and sample for the perfect projects plus lots of inspiration to move stash into successful sweaters. Please note that this is an interactive, not lecture style, class.

  Skills Needed: Students should be able to spin singles consistently on a spinning wheel. They should have plied a yarn.

  Supplies: 

  • A spinning wheel in good working order
  • 4 bobbins
  • A lazy Kate
  • A niddy noddy
  • Students may also find a twist angle and consistency card helpful
  • Knitting needles or hooks for swatching
  • Needle gauge
  • A tape measure
  • Fiber and yarn to combine into the perfect project
  • Tags to label samples
  • A notebook and pen

  Homework:  None, but make sure to bring all supplies

  Location: DoubleTree by Hilton Madison East

  
  

  *The Madison Knitters' Guild has a no refunds policy.*

  COVID Update Effective July 01, 2023: The safety and security of our members, speakers, and vendor and/or vendor staff are our most important priorities.  Masks are recommended but not required for all persons and guests attending monthly meetings. This is our COVID policy as of 07/01/2023; it will be updated based on any changes from city, state, or federal authorities. We ask that if you are feeling ill, have tested positive for COVID, or have come in contact with someone who has COVID, that you follow the CDC’s isolation recommendations. We also ask that you carpool and pre-register for each meeting.
  

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• March 2026 Guild Meeting

  • When
    03/09/2026
  •  
    6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Location
    Madison College, 1701 Wright Street, Madison WI
  • Spaces left
    300

  In Person: Location: 1701 Wright Street, Madison WI

  Date: Monday, March 9th, 2026

  Time: Doors open at 5:00, Meeting starts at 6:30

  Virtual: Registration and Zoom link will be emailed and the meeting recorded and posted to the Guild website the following the event.
  

  
  

  Speaker: Laura Linneman
  

  Thoughtful Yarn Selection

  
  

  Obsessed with knitting and spinning, Laura Linneman is a regular contributor to PLY Magazine and has taught at retreats across the country. If you ask her what her favorite spin to knit project is she will loudly say, ‘don’t make me choose, I love them all’, but will quietly whisper, ‘socks’. She cohosts the Knitgirllls podcast and the Super Summer Knitogether crafting retreat. She currently resides in Mississippi with way too many spinning wheels and a Great Pyrenees named Purl.

  She will speak to the guild on thoughtful yarn selection. Modern yarn choices are more diverse than ever before. So how do you know if a yarn choice is a good one for your project? We will discuss fiber composition, yarn structure, spinning styles, and twist to help make the perfect project.

  
  

  Planned Vendors:
  

  • Member sale

  Interested in carpooling?  Check the Madison Knitter's Guild thread on Ravelry or the Member's Discussions page on the MKG Website. 

  Effective May 05, 2025: The safety and security of our members, speakers, and vendor and/or vendor staff are our most important priorities.  We ask that if you are feeling ill, have tested positive for COVID, or have come in contact with someone who has COVID, that you forgo attendance at MKG events until you are well.

  
  

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• April 2026 Guild Meeting

  • When
    04/13/2026
  •  
    6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Location
    Madison College, 1701 Wright Street, Madison WI
  • Spaces left
    300

  In Person: Location: 1701 Wright Street, Madison WI

  Date: Monday, April 13th, 2026

  Time: Doors open at 5:00, Meeting starts at 6:30

  Virtual: Registration and Zoom link will be emailed and the meeting recorded and posted to the Guild website the following the event.
  

  
  

  Speaker: Laurann Gilbertson
  

  The History of Norwegian Sweaters

  
  

  Learn about the history of different types and styles of Norwegian sweaters, including Setesdal, Fana, Marius, and Olympic. Gilbertson will also talk about the symbolism behind some of the patterns and colors on sweaters made today. Be sure to invite your audience to wear their favorite sweater. Or look more broadly at Nordic knitting in A History of Norwegian Knitting.

  Laurann Gilbertson holds a BA in Anthropology and an MS in Textiles & Clothing, both from Iowa State University. She has worked at Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum in Decorah, Iowa, for 30 years. She worked as the Textile Curator for 19 years and is now the Chief Curator. Among her duties are overseeing the collection of more than 30,000 artifacts, creating exhibitions, and leading Textile Study Tours to Norway.  

  Vesterheim, the National Norwegian-American Museum and Folk Art School, welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds to engage in the conversation of the American immigrant journey through the lens of the Norwegian-American experience, and to participate in the continual evolution of traditional folk art as it meets new influences. Vesterheim offers innovative and interactive exhibits, classes, and programs, both at the dynamic campus and park in scenic Decorah, Iowa, and online at vesterheim.org and Vesterheim social media. For more information on exhibits, classes, programs, tours, membership opportunities, and ways to donate and volunteer, connect at vesterheim.org. 

  Planned Vendors:

  • HoneyGold Acres
  • Blue Heron Knittery
  • ModeKnit Yarn

  Interested in carpooling?  Check the Madison Knitter's Guild thread on Ravelry or the Member's Discussions page on the MKG Website. 

  Effective May 05, 2025: The safety and security of our members, speakers, and vendor and/or vendor staff are our most important priorities.  We ask that if you are feeling ill, have tested positive for COVID, or have come in contact with someone who has COVID, that you forgo attendance at MKG events until you are well.

  
  

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• May 2026 Guild Meeting

  • When
    05/11/2026
  •  
    6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Location
    Madison College, 1701 Wright Street, Madison WI
  • Spaces left
    300

  In Person: Location: 1701 Wright Street, Madison WI

  Date: Monday, May 11th, 2026

  Time: Doors open at 5:00, Meeting starts at 6:30

  Virtual: Registration and Zoom link will be emailed and the meeting recorded and posted to the Guild website the following the event.
  

  
  

  Year End Celebration

  
  

  
  

  Planned Vendors:
  

  • TBD

  Interested in carpooling?  Check the Madison Knitter's Guild thread on Ravelry or the Member's Discussions page on the MKG Website. 

  Effective May 05, 2025: The safety and security of our members, speakers, and vendor and/or vendor staff are our most important priorities.  We ask that if you are feeling ill, have tested positive for COVID, or have come in contact with someone who has COVID, that you forgo attendance at MKG events until you are well.

  
  

  Show details