Knitters and crafters Margaret Yezil (left), Nini Christensen, April Grant, Colleen Coffren, Daria Babbitt stand by Layla Smith’s (seated) table at the Rangeley Logging Museum Knit and Crafts Show July 2009. This year’s show is July 17. (Peggy Yocom photo) RANGELEY — Saturday, July 17, the women of the Rangeley region will show their knit, crochet and craft talents at the 14th Knit and Crafts Show and Sale at the Rangeley Lakes Region Logging Museum from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the museum building on Route 16, one mile east of Rangeley. Admission is free.

Celebrating the creativity of Maine fiber artists, the show introduces visitors to the history of knitting in the logging woods of the Rangeley region. The Museum also invites people to bring their current knit and craft projects, and sit and enjoy the company of other crafters during this event.

Margaret Yezil of Oquossoc will offer a variety of handmade items. Quilter April Grant, knitter Daria Babbitt and rug hooker and braider Arbeth “Petie” Coffren will attend, along with several talented friends from the Salem area; they will offer free demonstrations and lessons to Museum visitors. Knit goods fashioned by the ladies of the Church of the Good Shepherd will be available, as will afghans donated to the museum by Barbara Priest.

On display is the museum’s exhibit on knitting in the timberwoods of Maine: “Hand in Hand: Logging and Knitting in Maine,” with gloves worn by local loggers. Many of the museum’s photography exhibits also show the sweaters and mittens made by women, and sometimes mended by men, that were used in the logging camps.

Also on display will be sweaters knitted by Gladys Yocom Metka for the Guidepost Magazine project “Knit For Kids” that sends sweaters to children in need in the U.S.A., Romania, Turkey and throughout the world. There will also be books about knitting, crafts, and textile arts.

The museum invites knitters, crocheters and other crafters who would like to include their handiwork in the show and sale to call Peggy Yocom at 864-3421.

The logging museum opens every Saturday and Sunday in July and August from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and by appointment; call President Ron Haines at 864-5551 or Vice-President Steve Richard at 864-5595.

The Rangeley Logging Festival, celebrating its 30th year, will be held Friday and Saturday, July 23 and 24.

Those who have knitted goods; patched clothing; or needles, thread, or wax used in the logging camps; photographs of knitting or woolen goods in the camps; or memories of knitting in the camps should call Peggy Yocom, Rangeley Lakes Region Logging Museum Folklorist, at 864-3421.