Our membership is called "The Flock", and we are the best of the best - we are "Merino"! Because we are still a new event, we have decided that all new members for the first 5 years of our membership program (which began in 2008) will be given the designation "Charter Member". Because we are very grateful for those who have been with us since the beginning, we will give them the special designation "Founding Charter Member" and honor them with (**) in the list below.

About Merino

Wool from the Merino sheep is the most prized wool in the world. The Phoenicians introduced sheep into Asia Minor and North Africa. They reached Spain in the 12th century. Spain began breeding sheep for wool quality and softness - resulting in the Merino sometime in the 14th century. Fine wool became a source of income for the Castile in the late Middle Ages. Exportation of a Merino sheep was a crime punishable by death until 1723 when the first flock was exported to Sweden. Later, a large flock was given to Saxony in 1765. A small flock of Merino sheep was the prize possession of Thomas Jefferson. Merino prices vary according to the fineness of the wool.

Our members deserve recognition! We thank you all!

Guild Charter Members:
The Crochet Guild of America, N IL Chap**, Nurturing, Arlington Heights, IL
Cultured Purls Knitting Guild ** , Green, Cary, IL
Foxy Ladies Rug Hooking Guild ** , Nurturing, Naperville, IL
Halos of Hope, Nurturing, Arlington Heights, IL
Hollow Tree Spinners **, Nurturing, Marengo, IL
Naturally Sassy Knitting Guild **, Fostering, Barrington, IL
Windy City Knitting Guild **, Nurturing, Chicago, IL
Woodstock Weaver's Guild **, Nurturing, Woodstock, IL

** denotes Founding Charter Member

Business Charter Members:
The Fold, Marengo**, IL
Frontier Fiber Mill, Warsaw, IN

** denotes Founding Charter Member

Individual Charter Members:

** denotes Founding Charter Member

Come Celebrate the Work of our Hands!