Men Who Knit Promoting and inspiring the art of knitting amongst men.

I joined the TKGA several years ago when it was still called The Knitting Guild of America.  It's now called The Knitting Guild Association.  I joined with the intent of doing the Master program which I ordered, but never completed.  It was a bit cheaper then, as well.  I think it was $75 for Level I.  It's now up to $90.  In the past, if you ordered the program and didn't complete it, you could request the updated materials free of charge if a significant amount of time had passed and you hadn't finished (or in my case, started) working on your swatches.  I don't know if that's still the case.

There are 3 levels to the Master program and you have to complete them all (at a minimum cost of $285, plus membership to the TKGA for however many years it takes to complete the program and the cost for yarn and postage and your already in for at least $350.  Granted, it's not paid all at once and it's an educational program, but I wish level I was cheaper.  $90 to have someone tell me that I can do a decent job of 1x1 ribbing?  I'm not saying I won't ever do it, but at this point I have other places I'd rather spend that $90.  I think Level I should be significantly less expensive.

I was reading some blog entries by others who have completed the program and thought these two entries sort of highlight an interesting contrast.  One knitter, having passed, said it was a nice feeling to know that she could knit well, at least at a basic level.  It bothered me to read that.  Don't spend the $90 if what you're looking for is validation. 

Compare that to the knitter who said that, prior to the course, she had never examined her knitting so thoughtfully.  I like that.  I like to look at my knitting critically and thoughtfully, and I think if the program makes you do that, it's probaby money well spent.  Your bound to learn something if you do the work.

99% of their members are women so, yes, that will tend to be their focus.  Does that have any bearing on your decision to take the course?   Here's a link to some additional demographics. http://www.tkga.com/press.html

TKGA gets some bad press, mostly because they call themselves a non-profit organization but appear to be a business.  I don't know how much of it is warranted.  There are reasonable arguments on both sides of the debate, but I haven't made up my mind, yet, where I stand.   I'd be interested to hear about anyone elses experience with the master knitter program.

I joined last January...after " Stitches".... because I like their magazine!

Actually, I just decided to join our local knitters guild here in Tulsa. I'm not sure what to expect but it affords me a 15% discount at the local shops. I'll ask tomorrow when I attend the first meeting as to their opinion of the national one and let you know!