Holy Apostles Tapisters Guild
Tapister is a little-known word meaning, essentially, “a maker of tapestries.” As noted in our section on the Other Groups page, the Holy Apostles Tapisters Guild is a group that fulfills this meaning by working to the glory of God in the fiber arts, ranging from knitting and crochet to spinning, weaving, sewing and quilting — just about any discipline that involves fiber and fabric. Prayer shawls and afghans may be the first thing that springs to mind; however, there are many different patterns that can be adapted to use for churches and ministries, and more are dreamed up by professional and amateur designers each day. For instance, many Episcopal priests use stoles that are hand-woven, knitted or crocheted to fit various seasons, or as a simple example of fiber art, bearing various religious themes.
The Tapisters plan to meet monthly to work on projects, assist and teach each other, and share fellowship as we labor for the glory of God in the world. All are welcome to join: male or female, young or old, advanced in skill or a complete beginner. Knitting and crochet are the primary occupations, but all are welcome to share their art and experience in the world of fiber and thread. You’ll often find someone who’s glad to take a moment to show you the “ropes” (or should that be “threads,” or “strands”?) and begin you on a wonderful hobby. Our co-chairs are Stacia Sebura and Barbara McEntegart; feel free to contact them for information and times of the next meeting.
Photos
Discussion, instruction and fellowship at all ages and levels….
Why a netbook at a meeting of knitters and crocheters? Patterns, yarns, instructions, tutorials, discussions, and just general yakkage.
Some FOs, or Finished Objects. What are a hat and mitts for in church work? Stay tuned and find out!
Co-chair Barbara McEntegart (foreground)
Co-chair Stacia Sebura (foreground)
External Links
The following are external links to various groups and companies of interest to fiber workers in knitting and crochet. Please note that most of these may be commercial in nature, and are not endorsed by Holy Apostles or The Episcopal Church. These are primarily included as sources for training, discussion, or libraries of patterns. The Episcopal Church of the Holy Apostles assumes no responsibility for their content, or the suitability thereof. More links are welcomed for review; please send to Bruce Klaiss.
General
* Ravelry — The largest collection of online knitters and crocheters on the planet. Thousands of discussion groups, and loads of patterns, many of them free. Joining is also free, but may take a day or two to process, as it is usually taken care of by hand instead of automatically; the wait is well worth your while. Beyond that, Ravelry is what you make of it!
The Guild has a Ravelry group, which you are welcome to join, whether you are a Tapister or not!
* Knittinghelp.com — Contains many videos useful for learning various techniques.
* Knitty — Founded in 2002; published as a Web-based “magazine,” no special plugins or programs needed to read the main pages. Many free patterns.
* Christmas at Sea — The famous knitting project of the Seamens Church Institute of New York City, an organization affiliated with the Episcopal Church. This program has done incredible work every year since 1898!! Volunteers have knitted scarves, hats, mittens and other fibre goods for the men of all nationalities and faiths who help keep the commerce between countries running, often at small to less pay. Many patterns available (Adobe Reader required); read carefully to see what is recommended, and what types of yarn to use. This can be critical!
* Knit Your Bit — Similar to Christmas at Sea, this is a project sponsored since 2006 by the National World War II Museum in New Orleans. Knit Your Bit gets knitters and crocheters to make scarves that are distributed to veterans of the War via Veterans Centers across the country. Any appropriate design is accepted, but the page offers a selection of patterns for both knitters and crocheters. (Adobe Reader required for the patterns.)
* Many videos for learning techniques may also be found at YouTube. Search with appropriate keywords, e.g. “knitting,” “crochet,” “cast on,” “cast off,” “cable,” “intarsia,” etc.
Commercial yarn/supply companies
* Lion Brand Yarn — a large American corporation; produces many different weights, colors and styles of yarn; usually available at large hobby retailers. Also publishes books of patterns (as well as its online library), several of which are dedicated to prayer shawls. (Many shawls are knitted or crocheted with Lion Brand Homespun yarn.)
* Patons Yarn — similar to Lion, with an English/Canadian origin; also available in many American hobby retailers.
* Berroco Yarn — well known for its many yarns, but sold mainly at the local yarn store (LYS).
* Rowan Yarn — one of the best-known yarn companies in the United Kingdom. Many American LYSes carry various Rowan products.
Local Yarn Stores (Hoover/Vestavia area)