One of the changes we’re making to the Spring Retreat registration process is to post information on the classes prior to registration opening, so that you’ll have a chance to think about what classes you most want to take before having to submit your registration. Hope you like this change!
Today I’m posting descriptions for most of the knitting focused classes 🙂
Fair Isle Knitting
Description: Fair Isle knitting uses two or more colors per row to create gorgeous colorwork items. We’ll cover the basics of Fair Isle and get the hang of working it while knitting a hat with a simple motif. Skills students will learn: Yarn management, methods of tensioning for Fair Isle, yarn dominance issues, choosing colors for Fair Isle patterns, reading Fair Isle charts, decreasing in pattern, weaving in ends.
Steeking
Description: Steeking a garment is a way to allow a knitter to knit it entirely in the round. It is especially useful in Fair Isle garments. Steeks can be used at cardigan fronts, armholes and necklines as well as many other places. Taking scissors to our hard work can be daunting, but don’t worry – you will have help and guidance while you cut for the first time! Skills students will learn: We will cover several ways to reinforce your knitting prior to cutting. We will then cut our knitting – yikes! We will also cover picking up and knitting stitches at the steek seams, and ways to secure the steek edge.
Thrummed Mittens (wouldn’t these feel cozy this week?)
Description: Thrummed items are soft and cozy. They are also a good way to use some of the luxurious fiber you have in your spinning stash! We’ll learn the basics of knitting mittens and working with thrums in this class.
A Sampling of Short Rows
Description: Short rows are a great way to add shaping and interest to items. There are many ways to work short rows. In this class we will sample several of the different ways to perform them. ‘Wrap and Turn’ short rows, Yarnover short rows, German short rows, Japanese short rows and others as time permits.
Socks A La Carte
Description: Whether you have yet to knit your first sock, or you’ve knitted several, this class has something for you! We will cover the basics of sock construction – both cuff down and toe up – and different heel and toe treatments. We will also cover grafting and different cast ons for both cuff down and toe-up knitting. One or more ‘class socks’ will be knitted with the techniques each student wants to try out. Skills students will learn: Using dpns. Magic loop technique. Two circ technique. Cuff-down sock construction. Toe-up sock construction. Heel flap heels, short row heels. Wedge toes, spiral toes. Ideal cast ons for cuff down socks. Kitchener stitch. Cast on methods for toe-up socks. Plus any other sock technique that you want to learn, and we have time for, we’ll cover!
I plan to post the spinning focused classes tomorrow!
