Brown Bag Exchange

Presenting the 2026-27 MKG Brown Bag Exchange (BBE), in which members share yarn with a partner with the intention of creating a project for them reflecting a Wisconsin State Symbol.  Participation is geared toward all members, of any skill level and craft. Crochet, knitting, weaving, etc., are all acceptable! Expect to receive the unexpected from your partner.  Be willing to part with the yarn not knowing how it will be returned to you. To those who are brave enough to consider participating, please read on for details. Forward!

What to do?

Bring 200-400 yards of DK or worsted weight yarn in a brown bag to the October 12 in-person member meeting. Check it in at the Hospitality Table between 5:00 and 6:30 pm (before the meeting starts).  Volunteers will prepare the brown bags for distribution, and participants should return to the table at break to pick up their new brown bag.

Timeline?

Register online by 10/12/2026. We will exchange finished projects between partners and have a Show and Tell for members at the beginning of the March 8 meeting, explaining how the finished item relates to the theme of “On Wisconsin!”  You will receive emails periodically encouraging you to stay on target.

Miscellaneous answers to questions:

Creativity is encouraged. Items that do not need to fit precisely often work well for this project (shawls, cowls, household items), but participants may also include measurements that may be helpful, such as head circumference or hand size. Return unused scraps to your partner. You can supplement the yarn with items from your stash if needed. If you have any questions or need guidance, please reach out. Contact information will be shared after you register. If something bad happens, there is help available!  If you need ideas, there is help available! If you cannot attend in-person on 10/12 or 03/08, we can make arrangements. If you have questions before registering, email hospitality@madisonknittersguild.com.  The following is a list of Wisconsin State Symbol possibilities.  Here is a list with images to spark your creativity:  https://www.wisconsin.gov/Pages/wisconsinforkids.aspx

State symbol of peace:  Mourning dove                        State animal:  American badger 

State wildlife animal:  White-tailed deer                        State domestic animal:  Dairy cow

State bird:  Robin                                                 State dog:  American water spaniel

State fish:  Muskellunge                                        State tree:  Sugar maple

State flower:  Wood violet                                        State insect:  Honey bee

State fossil:  Trilobite                                                State mineral:  Galena

State rock:  Red granite                                        State soil:  Antigo silt loam

State beverage:  Milk                                                State fruit:  Cranberry

State grain:  Corn                                                State pastry:  Kringle

State dance:  Polka                                                State dairy product:  Cheese

State cocktail:  Brandy Old Fashioned                        State tartan:  Hunting tartan

Registration is found on the calendar:  10/12/2026 event “Brown Bag Exchange 2026-27.