This year (2006), I am taking another approach to assist you in achieving your goals. In addition to the "classes" which cover a particular item or technique, i.e., casting on, socks or cables or lace, I will be offering you the opportunity to work on larger projects which will teach you many fundamentals.
In addition to this, I will be showing various programs at the shop. If you can't come on Saturday, don't worry! I can play the program over for you when you can come by.
Come and learn how to create a "very" unusual sweater. During the project, you will learn double increases and decreases, turning corners, knitting-up stitches, and basic designing.
There is no set date or time. You just need to come into the store and tell me that you want to work on this project. Before beginning, you will need to do the following:
- Select your main yarn at the store, and/or search your yarn stash for colors that you like, which will go well together. If you need help in choosing, bring them in with you.
- Find that sweater or top that fits you perfectly and bring it with you!
- Knit a gauge swatch in garter stitch consisting of 20-30 stitches by 20-30 rows with the yarns you intend to use for the project. Needle size is your choice; however, the needles should be the appropriate size for the yarn you are going to use, and they need to be circulars that are at least 29 inches long. (34 inches would be better).
- Bring your knitting journal or notepad, stitch markers/safety pins, and a pen or pencil.
Prerequisites: Know how to Cast On and Knit and read a basic pattern.
Essentially, you will be designing your sweater as you go. When you are finished, you will be thoroughly surprised! ($4.00 fee for pattern)
We will continue with the design series by knitting a yoke sweater in the round. In this adventure, you will learn to
- Add sleeves as you go,
- Design and chart a Norwegian or Icelandic pattern for the yoke,
- Change and use two colors at one time in your knitting,
- Do a fake seam,
- Read a pattern and chart, and learn tricks for keeping yourself on the right track, and
- Use colors to achieve different effects.
We will also discuss "steeking." If you participated in the February project, you will only need to select the yarn you wish to use for your sweater. Again, circular needles will be needed.
The final phase of the designer series will be to design and knit a Guernsey (aka Gansey). In this project, you will actually design your very own patterns for your sweater to include cables and running stitches. You will learn how to chart your patterns, cables and running stitches, twisted stiches, underarm inserts, and alternative ribbing techniques. If you participated in the February and March projects, you will only need to select the yarn you wish to use for your sweater.
Copyright 2002-2006 The Tail Spinner - No graphics or patterns may be used without written permission from the Tail Spinner. They are not to be used in any publication in print nor should they be reproduced in electronic/digital format without written permission.
Page last updated: 06 Jun 2007
