The Big Apple Knitters Guild

 

The Big Apple Knitters Guild (BAKG) is an organization of knitters in the New York City area and beyond.  We are individuals with one common passion: knitting!

 

Our mission is:

To preserve and support the art and craft of knitting;

To educate all interested in learning or perfecting their knitting skills;

To awaken awareness to knitting in particular and fiber arts in general, and foster appreciation and respect for their inclusion in the arts community;

To provide a harmonious network among knitters;

To share with society the products of our craft.

BAKG was founded in the early 1980's by a small group of knitting enthusiasts.

The guild usually meets on the second Saturday of the month. Meeting dates and locations appear in each issue of CITY PURLS and on our website. Members also receive a separate meeting notice by email or snail mail. Please be sure to check these for updates and official meeting notices.

 

 

BENEFITS of Membership

BAKG welcomes all knitters, from beginners to expert. We learn from and inspire each other.  Membership has its privileges!  Annual dues are: $25

 

Member benefits include:

{    Free attendance at monthly meetings;

{    A subscription to CITY PURLS, the guild's bi-monthly newsletter;

{    Discounts at BAKG organized workshops, held throughout the year,

{    Discounts at participating yarn shops in and around the NYC area;

{    A discount to the fall luncheon;

{    Access to the guild's library of knitting books and videos;

{    An invitation to participate in charitable activities.

 


Meeting location:

St. James Church

865 Madison Avenue

Between 71st and 72nd Streets

New York, NY

 

 

 

Madison Avenue  M1,M2, M3, M4, M30, M72 to 72nd Street, M66 to 68th Street and Madison Avenue, M72 to 72nd Street and Madison

M101, 98, 103, 102 to 72nd and Lexington

 

 

#6 to 68th Street

F to 63 Street/Lexington Avenue

 

Who's Who at BAKG

Raye Schwartz-President

Gladys Melchior-Vice President

Janet Kelly-Treasurer

Rosa Gentile-Membership Secretary

Claire Brenner-Recording Secretary

Olive McNeil-Program Chair

Maryse Delatour-Education Chair

Sue Goldman-Charity Chair

Helene Young-Luncheon Chair

Merle Bolonkin-Newsletter Editor

Debby Ascone-Webmaster

Board members are all volunteers!

 

HOW TO CONTACT US:

Website: www.BAKG.org

E-mail: info@BAKG.org 

 

Monthly Meetings

BAKG meetings are held in the afternoon of the second Saturday each month from September through July. 

Members and guests gather together to share their love of knitting and exchange ideas, techniques, and fellowship. Meetings typically include a President's Address a brief review of guild business, Show and Tell and a presentation by a guest speaker or a mini-workshop. 

Some past speakers have been Lily Chin, Jane Elliot, Nicky Epstein, Melanie Falick, Melissa Leapman, Trish Malcolm, Shirley Paden, Candace Eisner Strick, Lizbeth Upitis, and Leigh Witchel. BAKG-organized workshops are held throughout the year.

 

Show and Tell

Members participate in Show and Tell, displaying their latest works to an appreciative audience.  This provides an opportunity to show fellow guild members our skills as knitters with finished or un-finished projects (UFOs).  Many knitters find this inspiring as they gather ideas for their own projects, learn from fellow members and guests, and congratulate each other on their accomplishments.


 

 

Newsletter

City Purls: A quarterly newsletter informs members of guild activities, meetings, area shows and other items of interest.

 

Annual Luncehon

Each Fall, members celebrate the return of cool weather at the annual luncheon held in a fine restaurant.  There is a fashion show, guest speaker, and plenty of wonderful prizes and goody bags for every attendee!.

 

Workshops

BAKG offers workshops across a variety of skills levels, led by local and distant instructors, many known to the knitting community. Some recent workshops were taught by Lily Chin, Nicky Epstein, Barbara Kerr, Arlene Mintzer, Melissa Leapman, Judy Pascale, and Tatyana Mirer.

  

Mini Workshops

Come and learn a new technique from a fellow knitter who graciously share their talent.  These informal lessons are given on an as available basis by knitters.

 

Yarn Auction

New or lovingly used books and knitting notions as well as yarn and knitting-related items are auctioned off to the highest bidder.  It is an exciting meeting where bargains and hidden treasures abound. The yarn auction is usually held in January.

 

Charity Knitting

One of the guild's missions is to share with society the products of our craft. The guild is involved in a number of charity projects and dedicates two special meetings a year towards charitable efforts.