Knitters Connection Website :: Class Description

2008 Class Description

Please note that this website has the most up-to-date information about classes. If the website differs from the brochure, the website is correct.

Classes are divided into 3 skill levels. Each class description below, will have the letter "B", "I" or "E" in the title, to help you decide if a class is right for you:

Beginner
Intermediate
Experienced

Class times

AM - 9:00 am - 12:00 noon

PM - 1:30 - 4:30 pm

ALL - 9:00 am - 12:00 noon and 1:30 - 4:30 pm

Wednesday Classes

W11 (I) Entrelac Design Gwen Bortner AM

If you love the entrelac stitch but find the technique limiting for your design creativity, this is the class you have been waiting for. The construction of entrelac has limitations, but by applying unique shaping, seaming and joining methods, many of those constraints fade away. Class will focus on developing non-rectilinear shapes, invisible seams and specialized joining techniques.

Supplies

1 – 2 oz each of worsted weight yarn in two contrasting colors
Needles appropriate for yarn

W12 (B) All About I-Cord Amy Detjen AM

So, you’re thinking, “how can somebody teach a class on knitting I-cord, it’s just a 3-stitch tube!” Well, if you don’t know All About I-Cord, this is for you. You’ll learn how to create an I-Cord border as you knit, how to apply an I-Cord edge to something already knitted and the wonderful I-Cord Bind-Off! We’ll also discuss how to fix minor finishing problems using I-Cord.

Supplies

Yarn
Needles appropriate for yarn

W13 (I) Forgotten Mesh Ruth Lantz AM Sorry, this class is cancelled.

More stable, better looking and better choices than just K2tog, yarn-over. Great stitch for garments that layer and becomes a great accent garment. There are more variations than you ever imagined. There can be stable and not collapse!

Supplies

Non-Fuzzy and less stretchy yarn such as a smooth cotton
Appropriate needle size plus sizes of needles both larger and smaller than recommended needle size

W14 (I) Crocheted Shawl Workshop Melissa Leapman AM

You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to crochet great-looking shawls and wraps for yourself and for others! There are fun and easy ways to create shawls. You’ll learn by doing. While in class you will crochet several mini shawls which illustrate all techniques involved, including how to work increases in pattern stitches and how to finish off your projects with beautiful edgings.

Supplies

Smooth worsted weight yarn in light colors;
smooth worsted weight yarn in a contrasting color;
size G, H, or I crochet hook;
size K crochet hook;
tapestry needle with blunt tip and large eye;
scissors.

W15 (B) Hallelujah Grafting Lucy Neatby AM

Afraid of grafting/Kitchener stitch? Do you a) Avoid it. B) Get a book out. C) Say a mantra? Forget all of these and take command of all possible grafting situations without any risk of coming unraveled. From an easily removed provisional cast on, to the tips of your sock toes with the aid of waste yarn we can handle it all, invisibly. This workshop covers all this and more: basic grafting, using shoulder samples. Where to begin, joining in new grafting yarn and how to follow the waste yarn. Checking for errors before removing waste yarn. Grafting shoulders including doorsteps,

stranded and intarsia patterns, elasticity of seamless grafting and its pros and cons. Sock toes, use of an inverted tube of waste yarn to hold the stitches and prevent splitting. Darning in ends at corners of the toes for the best finish… and much more!

Homework

To get the most out of this class, the following swatches will give plenty of opportunity to practise techniques. The swatches are not large but detailed - please follow the directions carefully. For all swatches use a light coloured, smooth (not fluffy or textured ) worsted weight wool-rich yarn (approx 5sts/in) and 5 mm (US # 6) needles. Waste yarn should be smooth, contrasting and of a similar weight - cotton is good choice.

Remember - BIG STITCHES WILL MAKE THINGS MUCH CLEARER!

MY Main yarn, please use the same colour for all swatches. WY Waste yarn, please use the same colour for all swatches.

K2t Knit two sts together.

Ssk Slip the next two sts, knitwise, one at a time, to the right-hand needle, insert the left-hand needle into both sts and knit them together. This produces a one-stitch, left-slanting decrease known as a ‘Slip, slip, knit’.

1) Shoulder Samples

Example of top to top grafting. Work 2 of these pieces.

Cast on 20 st in MY, work 10 rows of St st., ending with a purl row. Leaving a tail, break off MY. Change to brightly contrasting WY. Work 6 rows of WY in st st, beginning with a knit row. Cast off in WY.

2) Sample Sock Toe

Using a set of DPN’s, cast on in MY 40 sts and work one round knit. Arrange the stitches as for a sock toe, the first 20 sts on one needle, and 10 sts on each of the other 2 needles.

Round 2 (K1, ssk, k 14, k2t, k1) x 2.

Round 3 Knit.

Round 4 (K1, ssk, k 12, k2t, k1) x 2.

Continue to work decrease rounds every round until 20 sts remain. Break off main yarn.

With WY work 6 rounds of St st onto the remaining 20 sts (no further shaping), bind off in waste yarn.

3) Complex Grafting Across A Patterned Row

Example of bottom to top grafting.

Cast on 16sts in waste yarn.

WY Rows 1, 3, 5, Knit in waste yarn.

WY Rows 2, 4, Purl in waste yarn.

WY Row 6, Cut off waste yarn, tie on and purl across the row with a piece of contrasting mercerized cotton, or some other strong slippery yarn. Cut off slippery yarn, tie on main colour.

MY Rows 1, 3, 7, RS K3, p2, k6, p2, k3.

MY Row 2 and all even rows, P3, k2, p6, k2, p3.

MY Row 5, K3, p2, place next 3 sts on DPN at front of work, knit next 3sts,

knit 3 from DPN, p2, k3.

Work the eight row rpt as set. Continue in this pattern until more than 5" of the cable pattern is produced, end two rows after last cable. Cut off main yarn, leaving a tail.

Working in waste yarn again, complete the next row (wrong side row) IN PATTERN, (as MY Row 2).

Continue in stocking st and waste yarn for 5 more rows, cast off.

Supplies:

Homework swatches
Yarn both in main color and a couple of other colors
Darning needles, blunt pointed and not too large for the size of the stitches you are working with
Scissors and usual knitting paraphernalia

W16 (I) Creativity Sally Melville AM

We all the use the word, but most of us do not know what it means – creativity. It seems an ephemeral quality which only others have an ability to access. But each of us can be creative and it is a source of joy to access our own powers and abilities. This presentation helps us understand the nature of creativity by appreciating the stages we encounter. What they are, what happens at each stage, how to get a running start, where might we get stuck, how to move forward when stuck and where we might end up. All these questions will be answered, illustrated by examples and anecdotes and ends with a discussion of best and worst case scenarios and what a creative act might mean in terms of defining our life’s purpose.

W17 (B) Beaded Scarf Judy Pascale AM

This no pre-stringing class develops a unique fashion accessory – the beaded scarf. In addition to viewing completed scarves modeled in a variety of ways, you will knit critical segments of a mini version of the provided entire pattern.

Supplies needed for class: ¼ skein of solid color fingering weight yarn for class sample, needles size 5 and 6, either straight or 24” circular.

Supplies needed for full scarf: 275 yards of fingering weight yarn, 3 – 4 tubes of size #6 beads

W18 (I) The Art of Knitting Backwards and How it Applies to Edging Candace Eisner Strick AM

Learn how to knit and purl backwards and how to apply this technique to the task of working an applied edging (not turning work, and those edgings are usually worked on about 6 stitches!). Students will practice knitting and purling backwards, then work an easy garter stitch edging, mitering corners as it is attached.

Homework

One swatch knit in yarn of your choice, in any stitch pattern. Bind off loosely. Swatch should measure at least 4” x 4”. Bring enough yarn from swatch to knit an edging in class.

Supplies

Yarn used for swatch
Needles appropriate for yarn thickness
Same size circular (any length)
Small amount of worsted weight yarn
Appropriately sized dp needles

W21 (B) Good Reading Gwen Bortner PM

What is the best way to save time and improve your knitting? Learn to read what is on your needles. Begin by reviewing basic stitch construction, then learn how to determine where you are in your pattern and how to identify (and fix) mistakes before having to rip. Finally, with your new-found knowledge, convert finished stitch patterns into words. These are valuable skills for knitters of all experience levels.

Homework:

Work a swatch of a stitch pattern of your choosing in smooth, light-colored, worsted weight yarn. Stitch pattern should have at least a 4 stitch and 4 row repeat. Swatch should be at least 20 stitches wide (a minimum of 3 repeats) and 30 rows (a minimum of 3 repeats). Bring swatch on needles. DO NOT BIND OFF. Also bring a printed copy of the stitch pattern for reference.

Supplies:

Homework as described
Optional – a finished item with an interesting stitch pattern

W22 (B) Increases, Decreases and Edge Stitches Amy Detjen PM

In this class we discuss left-leaning and right-leaning decreases, paired increases and which edge stitch to use for the type of knitting.

Homework

Cast on 30 stitches, knit 15 – 18 rows in garter stitch. DO NOT BIND OFF. Leave 24” tail.

Supplies

Yarn
Needles appropriate for yarn thickness
String tags to label work

W23 (B) Tunisian Knit is Back Ruth Lantz PM

This knitted or crocheted stitch makes a beautifully flat, non-curling fabric. Great for purses or garments. It takes two rows of knitting or crochet to make a complete stitch. We will explore both techniques and compare the end product. We will start a project that can be finished on your own time.

Supplies

Yarn – smooth and non-nubby (worsted weight in cotton/rayon, wool or acrylic)
Knitting needles appropriate for yarn
Crochet hook appropriate for yarn

W24 (I) Fully-Fashioned & Fabulous Melissa Leapman PM

It’s all in the details! Explore fun and easy ways to work garment shapings with style and finesse. Discover designer tricks which use full-fashion techniques with figure-flattering results.

Homework: Five swatches as follows:

Swatch #1: With smooth worsted weight yarn and appropriate knitting needles, CO 13 sts. Work Stockinette St for 1", ending after a purl row. Slip sts onto holder.

Swatch #2: With smooth worsted weight yarn and appropriate knitting needles, CO 28 sts.

Row 1 (RS): *K1, yarn over, K1, SSK, K6, K2tog, K1, yarn over, K1. Repeat from * across.

Row 2 and all WS rows: Purl across.

Row 3: *K2, yarn over, K1, SSK, K4, K2tog, K1, yarn over, K2. Repeat from * across.

Row 5: *K3, yarn over, K1, SSK, K2, K2tog, K1, yarn over, K3. Repeat from * across.

Row 7: *K4, yarn over, K1, SSK, K2tog, K1, yarn over, K4. Repeat from * > across.

Row 8: As Row 2.

Repeat Rows 1-8 twice, ending after Row 8 of pattern. Slip sts onto holder.

Swatch #3: With smooth worsted weight yarn and appropriate knitting needles, CO 22 sts.

Row 1 (RS): P8, K6, P8.

Row 2: K8, P6, K8.

Row 3: P8, slip next 3 sts onto cable needle and hold in back of work, K3, K3 sts from cable needle, P8.

Row 4: As Row 2.

Repeat Rows 1-4 until swatch measures approx. 4" from beg, ending after Row 4 of patt. Slip sts onto holder.

Swatch #4: With smooth worsted weight yarn and appropriate knitting needles, CO 32 sts.

Row 1 (RS): P2, *K3, P2. Repeat from * across.

Row 2: Purl across.

Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until swatch measures approx. 4" from beg, ending after Row 2 of patt. Slip sts onto holder.

Swatch #5: With smooth worsted weight yarn and appropriate knitting needles, CO 22 sts.

Row 1 (RS): K2, *P2, K2. Repeat from * across.

Row 2: P2, *K2, P2. Repeat from * across.

Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until swatch measures approx. 2" from beg, ending after Row 1 of patt. Slip sts onto holder.

Supplies: Five homework swatches with appropriate needles and yarn; scissors.

W25 (E) Dabble Double Lucy Neatby PM This class is filled!

Make a voyage of discovery to achieve a deeper understanding of your knitting! Try a variety of types of Double Knitting to produce two-layer fabrics. Starting with tubular knitting on straight needles, moving on to tubes within tubes and the double-knit pocket trick. DK color patterning techniques will include positive / negative, and quilting for added texture and warmth.

Supplies

Two dpns, size 3, 4 or 5 (US) (3.5 – 4 mm)
Two solid colors of smooth DK / sport weight yarn
Scissors, crochet hook and usual knitting paraphernalia

W26 (I) First Choices / Basic Shapes Sally Melville PM

No matter how advanced and accomplished we are, we run the risk of producing garments that look awful. We make a decision in the first 20 minutes of the project that dooms it to failure! What are these decisions? Yarn, color, stitch pattern, and silhouette. This workshop explores these decisions... then follows with basic pattern drafting, to make a more flattering neckline, a sleeve the right length, and a garment that fits.

W27 (B) Shapely Shawlette Judy Pascale PM

Hands-on workshop on how to achieve shaping for the Shapely Shawlette. It’s a perfect petite triangular size and method of shaping that makes it versatile for work or evening wear. You will first create the simply garter version, then embellish the shawlette through creative patternwork with a no pre-stringing beads technique. Class will include both full patterns.

Supplies:

¼ skein of solid light color fingering weight yarn for beading
Size #8 and #9 needles – either 24” circular or straight can be used for samples
Ring markers to identify center
Split markers to identify front of shawlette

For completed Shawlette:

450 yards (medium size)
500 yards (large size)
Sock/fingering weight yarn. Variegated yarns make a lovely shawlette

W28 (I) Twisted Textures Candace Eisner Strick PM

Knowing how to do the left twist and right twist can open up whole new worlds of texture for you. Stack the twists for vertical rope, alternate them for a mock cable effect, or travel them to make designs. The procedure is simple and involves two stitches exchanging places with each other. Do not bring a cable needle!!

Supplies

Worsted weight yarn
Needles appropriate for yarn thickness
Graph paper
Pencil

W31 (E) Mosaic Entrelac Knitting Suzanne Atkinson ALL

Want to inject some color into your knitting? Try mosaic knitting! Knitting with only one color per row, using simple knit and slip stitches, knitters can create beautiful two-color patterns. Learn how to work this interesting technique flat and in the round. Stocking stitch, mosaic knitting, garter stitch mosaic knitting, mosaic knitting on the bias and more will be explored in this class. Whether used for an entire garment or to add some color as a band or trim, mosaic knitting is a wonderful way to get some color into your knitting. After learning the basics, take mosaic knitting to the next level and explore mosaic entrelac. Building blocks of knitting allow for the isolation of motifs, providing great interest to a knitted project.

Supplies

3 or 4 oz. each two contrasting colors (one light, one medium/dark) of smooth DK or worsted weight yarn
appropriate knitting needles, straight or circular

W32 (I) Traditional Gansey Techniques Beth Brown Reinsel ALL

Learn how to construct a Gansey, a sweater used by 19th century and early 20th century British Isles fishermen. A small scale sweater will be knitted using traditional construction techniques including the classic Channel Island cast-on, split welts, seam stitches, traditional knit/purl patterns, underarm gusset, shoulder straps with perpendicular joining and picked-up sleeves. Alternative methods to these techniques will also be explored.

Materials Fee $5

Supplies

One set of four 7” long (shorter is OK) dp needles, size 5
One set of four or five 7” long (shorter is OK) dp needles, size 7
3 oz plain-textured, solid, light-colored worsted weight yarn
Optional: 11 ½ “ or 12” circular needle size 7, stitch markers, waste yarn, sticky notes or magnetic board to aid in reading the chart. (If you like using the magic loop or 2 circulars, bring appropriate needles)

W33 (I) Setting Out on New Pathways for Sock Knitting Cat Bordhi ALL This class is filled!

Whether you’ve ever knit a sock or not, by the end of this workshop you’ll be ready to knit socks to fit anybody, with any gauge yarn, on the needles of our choice (dpns’s, 2 circs or 1 long circular needle). You’ll be knitting 1 or 2 small learning socks which teach you the elements needed to experiment with all 8 new kinds of sock architecture in New Pathways.

Homework

With sport weight or heavier yarn, make a garter stitch square by casting on 6 stitches and knitting 12 rows. Start with a provisional cast-on if you know how.

Supplies

Several balls of light-colored sport weight or heavier yarn
Suitable needles (dpns’s, 2 circs or 1 long circular needle)
New Pathways for Sock Knitters, Book One (bring copy to class)

W34 (I) Designing Lace for Shawls and Scarves Marilyn Van Keppel ALL

In this workshop we will examine lace knitting and knitted lace, with emphasis on reading charts for lace and the symbols most commonly used. A sampler will be made showing some examples of lace and illustrating the translation of written instructions to charts to knitting.

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Thursday Classes

T11 (B) Reversible Two Color Knitting Suzanne Atkinson AM This class is filled!

Using simple knit, purl and slip stitches, you can create truly reversible knitted fabric. This technique is ideal for scarves, hats with turned-back brims, kids’ wear, vests, sweaters and afghans. Explore interesting stitch patterns and learn how to seam, trim and finish your work to make it truly reversible. Please note: this is not the same techniques as “double knitting”.

Supplies

2 oz. each two contrasting colors (one light, one medium) of smooth DK or worsted weight yarn
dpns or circular knitting needles to suit yarn, including extra knitting needle in same size

T12 (I) Designing Set-In Sleeves that Fit Gwen Bortner AM

Set-in sleeves have long been considered one of the more difficult tasks in designing a sweater. Although proper fitting sleeves are challenging, there are guidelines that make this a skill that can be learned. If you can design a basic tank top, you can design a sweater with a fitted set-in sleeve. Start with a fabric swatch, take your measurements and learn the calculations required to design a set-in capped sleeve that will fit – every time. Class will move quickly, so it is assumed that the students are already familiar with basic design concepts such as gauge, ease and garment construction.

Homework:

Create two identical 6” x 6” swatches in the yarn and stitch pattern of your choice for your sweater. Launder one swatch in the method you intend to launder the sweater.

Supplies

Pencil
Calculator
Ruler
Measuring tape
Homework swatches

T13 (B) Bavarian Twisted Stitches and How to Do Them Amy Detjen AM

Learn several methods of performing Bavarian Twisted Stitches (in the round). We’ll also discuss reading the charts.

Supplies

One ball tightly spun yarn
Circular needles appropriate to yarn thickness

T14 (I) Joy of Steeks Maureen Mason Jamieson AM

Never cut a steek before? Learn all you need to know to make your first steek a joyful experience. Learn where to use steeks, the best methods of construction, sewing and finishing. Extra uses of steeks will also be discussed. You’ll make a sewn and crochet steek in class.

Homework

With 5mm (#8 US) and light-color, plain worsted weight yarn, cast on 25 stitches. Work 4” in stockinette (k on RS, p on WS). Bind off all stitches and block swatch. With contrast color yarn and a yarn needle, baste a line up the center of one stitch. Using a sewing machine and a small stitch length (12 – 14 stitches per inch), make a straight line of stitching from top of swatch down the right-hand side of the basted stitch. At the bottom, turn work and machine stitch from bottom of swatch up the left-hand side of the basted stitch. Cut threads. See diagram below for stitching detail.

Supplies

Swatch
Yarn needle
5 mm (#8 US) crochet hook
Yarn used for swatch
Contrast color yarn

T15 (I) Cable Ready Melissa Leapman AM

Does the thought of knitting cables have you totally confused and all tied up in knots? In this hands-on workshop, explore the basics of this classic knitting technique, from deciphering charts to practicing all sorts of cable crossings. Learn expert tricks to make your cabled fabrics beautiful-not to mention fun and easy to knit!

Cable Ready (Advanced Beginner: must be able to both knit and purl)

Homework: Four swatches as follows:

Swatch #1: With smooth, light-colored worsted weight yarn, preferably wool, and appropriate-size needles, CO 26 sts.

Row 1 (RS): *P2, K2. Repeat from * across, ending row with P2.

Row 2: *K2, P2. Repeat from * across, ending row with K2.

Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until piece measures approx 1" from beg, ending after WS row. Do not cut yarn. Place sts onto holder.

Swatch #2: With smooth, light-colored worsted weight yarn, preferably wool, and appropriate-size needles, CO 26 sts. Complete same as Swatch #1.

Swatch #3: With smooth, light-colored worsted weight yarn, preferably wool, and appropriate-size needles, CO 15 sts.

Row 1 (RS): *K1, P1. Repeat from * across, ending row with K1.

Row 2: *P1, K1. Repeat from * across, ending row with P1.

Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until piece measures approx 1" from beg, ending after WS row. Do not cut yarn. Place sts onto holder.

Swatch #4: With smooth, bright-colored worsted weight yarn (such as red or blue or green; please do NOT use a light color), preferably wool, and appropriate-size needles, CO 22 sts. Complete same as Swatch #1.

Supplies: Homework swatches with yarn still attached; extra white or cream-colored smooth worsted weight yarn; two size 5 double-pointed needles; scissors.

T16 (B) Phoenix I Lucy Neatby AM This class is filled!

Things are rarely as bad as they seem. Taking stock of a new project to determine all is going according to plan. Re-thinking and revising. Swatches and how to read them honestly. Plan to practice defensive knitting, seamless is not always the best! Building safety valves into your knitting to keep your options open. Fundamental techniques will be practiced: laddering back, knitting downwards, Swiss darning (duplicate stitch), mattress stitch, and grafting (Kitchener) without loose stitches. And, when all else fails, tips for ripping back.

Homework:

Swatch required. In a light, single-color, smooth, wool-rich yarn in a worsted weight or heavier (avoid single-ply or Lopi yarns if possible), cast on 60 stitches and work 3” of stockinette stitch, end on completion of a purl row. Cut off yarn and leave the stitches on the needle.

Supplies

At least 2 short length (6”) dpns smaller in size than used for your swatch, ideally made from a lightweight material – bamboo or wood
Small amounts of similar weight, brightly contrasting yarn in at least two colors
Usual knitting equipment: crochet hook, scissors, blunt darning needles, pair of knitting needles

T17 (I) Two Colors, Two Hands Sally Melville AM This class is filled!

Two color stranded is one of knitting’s most glorious traditions. This workshop explores the techniques we need to make beautiful fabrics with heavy emphasis on alternative methods of using your hands (and even your neck) to manage the yarn.

Homework

With DK or finer yarn and appropriate size circular needle, long-tail cast on 120 stitches (or whatever number of stitches fit comfortably on the needle.)

Supplies

Partial balls of 3 colors of yarn (use one of these colors for your homework)
Tapestry needle
Pencil, paper, eraser

T21 (E) Knitted Quilt Blocks Suzanne Atkinson PM

Using garter stitch and modular knitting techniques, learn how to creat knitted quilt blocks inspired by traditional sewn quilt blocks (like Ohio Star and Dutchman’s Puzzle). The blocks can be put together to create cushion covers, afghans and garments. Pythagorean theorem has never been put to a more creative use!

Supplies

2 oz. each of three coordinating colors of smooth worsted weight yarn
appropriate knitting needles (size 7 or 8 US)

T22 (B) Diamonds of a Different Color Gwen Bortner PM

Diamonds, or more specifically argyles, are a classic pattern. But argyles are no longer just limited to socks. The argyle pattern provides a great introduction to intarsia and duplicate stitch. Make a simple card holder while discovering the basics of intarsia, gaining insights on color selection and learning tips and tricks.

Homework:

With main color, cast on 19 stitches. Knit 4 rows of garter stitch and leave on needles.

Supplies:

3 – 1 oz balls of smooth solid color worsted weight yarn (wool preferred) – each ball a different yarn
5 – 10 yards of a 4th color of similar yarn
Size 5 needles
Homework

T23 (B) Essential Cast-ons and Bind-offs Amy Detjen PM

Each knitter has a favorite cast-on. You may never need to know another, but for those who want to know more, this is the class. We cover long-tail (and some variations), provisional and knitted-on cast-ons. We also demonstrate Elizabeth Zimmermann’s sewn bind-off and the I-Cord bind-off.

Supplies

Yarn
Needles appropriate for yarn thickness

T24 (I) Better Bobbles Maureen Mason Jamieson PM

Get bobbled! Learn new ways to create a bobble – one is sure to suit your needs. You’ll discover increase and decrease methods; effective stitch patterns; sizes from discreet knots to really BIG bobbles; knitting bobbles into a stitch, between stitches or working separately and attaching; ensuring bobbles sit on fabric surface; contrast color bobbles and crochet bobbles.

Supplies

Plain, worsted weight yarn in 2 colors
4.5 mm (#7 US) needles
4.5 mm (#& US) crochet hook

T25 (I) Celtic Cables Melissa Leapman PM This class is filled!

Learn how to use basic cabling techniques to create Celtic inspired panels and motifs. (Shhhh, don’t tell anyone, but these gorgeous cables are much easier to knit than they look!)

Celtic Cables (Intermediate; must have taken Cable Ready or else have knitted cables before)

Homework: Yes. Three swatches as follows:

Homework Swatch #1: With smooth worsted weight yarn, preferably wool, in a light color and appropriate size knitting needles, CO 15 sts. Work K1 P1 rib for 1", then continue in Stockinette St until swatch measures approx. 2 ½" from beg, ending after WS row. Do not cut yarn. Do not BO. Slip these live sts onto a holder (or better yet, just keep them on your needle for use in class.)

Homework Swatch #2: With smooth worsted weight yarn, preferably wool, in a light color and appropriate size knitting needles, CO 20 sts. Complete same as swatch #1.

Homework Swatch #3: With smooth worsted weight yarn, preferably wool, in a light color and appropriate size knitting needles, CO 36 sts. Complete same as swatch #1.

Supplies: Three homework swatches; smooth worsted weight yarn in solid, light colors, preferably wool; appropriate knitting needles; two size 6 double-pointed needles; graph paper (4 or 5 squares to the inch); pencil.

T26 (I) Phoenix II Lucy Neatby PM

Must have some knowledge of the fundamental techniques from Part I: laddering back, knitting down, Swiss darning, mattress stitch and grafting (Kitchener).

Never say die! Explore ways to practice defensive knitting by anticipating difficulties. The following techniques will be practiced: correcting cables (near the needle and way back), grafting uneven numbers of stitches together, surgical replacement of rows, color blocks and sections, sew and cut using crochet to secure the edges, attaching replacement lower edges, lace corrections, and gussets and other metamorphoses.

Homework:

Swatch required. In a light, single-color, smooth, wool-rich yarn in a worsted weight or heavier (avoid single-ply or lopi yarns if possible), cast on 60 stitches and work 3” of stockinette stitch, end on completion of a purl row. Cut off yarn and leave the stitches on the needle.

Supplies:

Usual knitting equipment: crochet hook, scissors, blunt darning needles, pair of knitting needles
At least 2 short length (6”) dpns smaller in size than used for your swatch, ideally made from a lightweight material – bamboo or wood.
Small amounts of similar weight, brightly contrasting yarn in at least two colors

T27 (B) Emergency Measures Sally Melville PM

Sometimes the most insight comes from the struggle one faces when something goes REALLY wrong. But there are remedies for most any kind of 'disaster' in knitting. Using these can turn a problem into a wearable garment while teaching us to be more intuitive and more confident knitters! This workshop will discuss the problems that confront most knitters plus what to do if the garment is too wide, too short, too outdated in style, if a bad color choice was made, if the edgings are not holding well, if the knitter has run out of yarn or forgot to make pockets, or if the garment has suffered a laundering disaster.

Homework:

Work a 4” wide swatch in stockinette stitch for 3” length; work 1 row in a 2x2 color pattern (2 stitches Main Color (MC) then 2 stitches Contrasting Color (CC), across row)” return to MC and work 1” stockinette stitch. Finish with 1” k1p1 rib on smaller needles and bind off all stitches with needles MUCH TOO LARGE.

Supplies:

Yarn (same weight as homework piece)
Homework piece

T31 (I) Aran Pullover from Neck Down Beth Brown Reinsel ALL

Knit a small Aran pullover from the neckband down. Techniques to be covered include: tubular ribbing, creating saddle shoulders, shifting the neckline forward for a more comfortable fit by using short rows, picking up for sleeves, and sewing nice looking seams. Traditional Aran patterns will be knitted in the little garment: traveling cables across a purl background, undulating baby cables, moss stitch, cabled ribbing, twisted stitches and an optional bobble study (knit 13 different kinds, if you like!)

Materials Fee $5

Supplies

3 oz light colored, worsted weight wool yarn
One set each of four dpns, sizes (US) 5 and 7 or 6 and 8
Stitch holders, stitch markers, scissors, tapestry needle, cable needle, waste yarn, magnetic board or sticky notes to keep your place on the chart.

T32 (I) Thrill Rides for Sock Knitters Cat Bordhi ALL This class is filled!

In this rollicking workshop Cat will fill your head with so many sock ideas that you may be able to use your head as a spinning wheel by the end of the day! She’ll take you behind the scenes of her book, where you’ll become familiar with the underlying systems that give birth to all the architectures. You’ll realize there are no limits (and that you don’t even need the book) and we’ll play with hybridizing architectures, seeking entirely new ones, combining stitch patterns and architectures with attention to the way different stitch patterns affect stretch and ease and much, much more. This workshop goes beyond what is in the book.

Homework

Must have successfully worked through both little learning socks in New Pathways for Sock Knitters, Book One. Bring copy of book to class

Supplies

Variety of yarn
Suitable needles (dpns’s, 2 circs or 1 long circular needle)
Favorite stitch dictionary or two

T33 (I) Beaded Floral Panel Vest Judy Pascale ALL

This paneled vest with a beaded floral motif incorporates a beaded self-finished edging which is worked while knitting each panel. A unique underarm treatment is independent of the lengths of the front and back panels, permitting infinite options. Beading is not necessary; use a variegated or solid yarn to create a stylish vest.

Supplies:

Sock/fingering yarn
#4 knitting needle, straight or 24” circular
#3 knitting needle, straight or 24” circular
6 tubes of beads

Supplies for completed vest

39” vest uses 825 yds of fingering weight yarn. Add enough yarn for your personal size
1,200 beads – if making the vest bigger or longer, 6 tubes of 240 beads will be sufficient.

T34 (E) Stickmuster, the Beautiful Twisted Stitch Patterns of Austria Candace Eisner Strick ALL

These gorgeous patterns wind and twist around each other in complicated and intricate designs, but are actually done using only two basic techniques without the use of a cable needle. We will sample some of the traditional patterns from both Marian Erlbacher’s book and Lisl Fanderl’s book, and learn how to read the logical charts they use. Begin with the most basic of techniques and gradually working our way to complex ones.

Note unconventional knitters will have to fend for themselves and transpose all charts and directions. Yarns with nubs, slubs, fuzz or thick and thin are not appropriate, nor will variegated yarns show the pattern well.

Supplies

2 oz smooth textured, light colored wool yarn in worsted weight
Appropriately sized dpns or two circulars if you like working that method
12 stitch markers
Post-it notes or magnetic board with strips

T35 (I) Icelandic Shawl Workshop Marilyn Van Keppel ALL

A sample shawl (sized to fit a small teddy bear) will be started. Various methods of beginning will be considered and the student will choose which to use to begin the shawl. While the knitting is being worked, an overview of the history of the shawls and some shawls from Iceland will be presented. The pattern for the sample shawl is presented in the same format as that of the Icelandic shawl book Three-Cornered and Long Shawls and includes a simple all-over lace pattern in the body of the shawl along with a knitted-on lacy border.

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Friday Classes

F11 (B) Krazy Quilt Knits Suzanne Atkinson AM

Inspired by sewn “crazy quilts” made out of rich leftover fabrics and embellished with needlework, “krazy-quilt knitting” is a type of free-form knitting that incorporates embellishment into the finishing. Start with a simple swatch, pick up stitches to knit in different directions using a variety of stitch patterns. Embellish with crochet, beads, I-cord and other interesting techniques. At the end of class you’ll have the beginnings of either a pillow top or bag.

Homework

With needles and yarn as in materials, cast on 16 sts and work 4” in seed stitch as follows:

RS: *k1, p1; rep from * to end of row.

WS: *p1, k1; rep from * to end of row.

Cast off.

Supplies

Homework swatch
Small assortment of yarns of similar weight, (all DK or all worsted weight, smooth and/or lightly textured), in a pleasing combination of colors, about 1 - 2 oz. each
Swatches from other projects that you would like to incorporate in your class sample
Several yards of novelty yarns (optional)
Beads to suit yarn (optional)
Appropriate knitting needles – straight and dpns
Size H crochet hook
Blunt and Sharp tapestry needles.

F12 (B) Hints, Tips and Secrets for the Newer Knitter Gwen Bortner AM

As a newer knitter, do you feel like other experienced knitters must have taken a class that you have missed? Do you have lots of questions but are not even sure what they are or how to ask them? Are you convinced that there must be some hints, tricks, and secrets out there in the knitting world you have yet to discover? If so, this is the class for you. We will provide practical hints to help increase your satisfaction with knitting, tips on ways to maximize your knitting dollar through educated buying and a guidebook to the secret short-hand of knitting patterns.

Supplies:

1 oz light colored worsted weight yarn
Size #8 or #9 knitting needles

F13 (B) Cable Tips Amy Detjen AM

Cable maneuvers are not difficult, but this class offers helpful tips for keeping track of your cables, seeing what row you’re on, turning a cable without a cable needle and cable repair techniques.

Supplies

Yarn
Needles appropriate for yarn thickness

F14 (I) X’s and O’s Ruth Lantz AM Sorry, this class is cancelled.

Adding lace throughout your cables balances the density of a fabric. One contracts while the other spreads. Learn the secrets of knitting them together and how to read the charts.

Supplies

Sport weight yarn
Needles appropriate for yarn
1 straight dpn same size as needles or cable needle
Ruler or straight edge to isolate chart rows

F15 (I) Nifty Necklines Melissa Leapman AM

Tired of the same ol’ crewneck sweater pattern? In this hands-on workshop, we’ll explore several fun and innovative necklines, including many that are created as you knit the main garment for easy finishing!

Homework:

Abbreviations:

C4R = Slip next 2 sts onto cable needle and hold in back of work, K2, K2 sts from cable needle.

C4L= Slip next 2 sts onto cable needle and hold in front of work, K2, K2 sts from cable needle.

T2L = Slip next 2 sts onto cable needle and hold in front of work, P1, K2 sts from cable needle.

T2R = Slip next st onto cable needle and hold in back of work, K2, P st from cable needle.

C6R = Slip next 3 sts onto cable needle and hold in back of work, K3, K3 sts from cable needle.

Swatch #1: With smooth, light-colored worsted weight yarn and appropriate-sized knitting needles, CO 23 sts.

Row 1 (RS): *P3, K1. Repeat from * across, ending row with P3.

Row 2: *K3, P1. Repeat from * across, ending row with K3.

Row 3: Knit across.

Row 4: Purl across.

Repeat Rows 1-4 three times. Slip sts onto holder.