For the LOVE of FIBER_2017

Mini-classes and Demonstrations

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Time Class Description Class Size
10:50 Kitchener Stitch: This technique is a type of seaming most commonly used to close the toe of socks, but it is also useful for projects like cowls, hats, and shawl edgings. Used for joining two pieces that have live stitch loops on two needles, it exactly mimics the appearance of stockinette stitch. The join is smooth and virtually invisible with no lumpy seam allowance, just as if it had been knitted in one piece. This class is for knitters who can already cast on, knit, and purl.

Materials and Homework:

  • Two identical swatches, still on the needles, about 15 st wide. Use yarn that makes stitches easy to see, and knit each swatch in plain stockinette stitch (knit on the right side, purl on the wrong side).
  • Two double-pointed needles, a size or two smaller than the ones used for the swatches. If you don’t have dpns, straights will do.
  • A few feet of similar yarn in a contrasting color.
  • A blunt tapestry needle (a.k.a. darning needle or yarn needle).

Optional but helpful:

  • Knit a third swatch like the others, but keep going. After a purl row, drop the main yarn and knit one row with the contrasting yarn. Then switch back to the main color and continue in stockinette for a few more rows.
  • Examine this third swatch, front and back, and observe the path that the contrasting yarn takes as it passes through the main-color loops above and below it. Our goal will be to join the first two swatches with the contrasting yarn so they look exactly like this one.
 8
12:00 Basic Cables: Learn basic cabling! We will discuss how cables are formed, how to read cables in a chart, and cabling without a needle.

Materials:

  • Worsted weight yarn
  • Appropriate knitting needles, either straights or circular
  • A cable needle or single dpn the same size or smaller
  • Typical knitting notions

Optional but helpful:

  • Begin a swatch before class approximately 20 stitches wide and 4-6 rows of stockinette stitch.
 12
1:10 Fiber Prep: From raw fleece to ready-for-spinning fiber, this demonstration is for those interested in understanding just what it takes to transform a sheep’s fleece into knittable yarn. Shearing and skirting, washing, combing or carding, blending and dyeing are just a few of the steps taken before we cast on. Intended for spinners as well as those generally curious about how and why certain decisions are made at each step of the process and the tools involved to accomplish the tasks. Bring your curiosity and questions. 20
2:20 Beaded Headband: It’s easy to add beads to your knitting. This class will show you how, using dental floss threaders. You will be making a headband, with sport or worsted weight yarn and size 6 glass beads in the colors of your choosing. We will supply the threaders. This class is for those who can cast on, knit, and purl.

Materials:

  • Sport or light worsted weight yarn
  • One large tube of size 6/0 beads
  • Needles appropriate for chosen yarn, scissors, etc.
 15
3:30 Tension and Pain Relief Strategies: Do you push for “just one more row”? Does that additional row give you tense shoulders, aching hands and wrists? Do you sit for hours at your spinning wheel only to feel strained or stuck when you do stand up? Do you have aches and pains from working on a project too long? Come to a Knit & Yoga session to learn how to avoid those project stoppers while sharing your passion for knitting, crocheting, or spinning with other yarn and fiber lovers. Bring your current works-in-progress and while you work, you’ll learn important strategies and a little yoga to avoid repetitive stress injuries while sharing our passion for all things fiber! The mission is to inspire you to be physically and mentally healthy to pursue the activities you love through both yoga and a healthy lifestyle. 15
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