Islander
a traditional Norwegian Pullover
with a modern touch
by Skeindeer Knits


this photo is a copy from Eli’s ravelry page

4 Saturdays, 1 to 5 p.m. 
July 20, September 14, October 26, November 23

Woolly and warm, Islender/Islander Sweaters were knit for sailors and fishers, to keep them dry at sea.  This motif is traditional, and with its short floats creates a warm double layered fabric.  There are 3 short steeks: the neck, and both armholes.

Eli’s modern take on this garment includes knitting it from the top down in light weight woolen spun yarns.  Once you’ve knit far enough, the steeks can be cut, and it can be tried on to check for length and fit.

this photo is a copy from Eli’s ravelry page

The Learning

We will create a meaningful swatch that mimics circular knitting.

We’ll knit from the top down, in the round, with 3 steeks.

The short rows are optional.  If you decide to knit them, I will share how this is done within a stranded colourwork pattern.

We will strand the colours so that your fabric will lay flat and maintain its stretch.

We will reinforce the steeks, cut them, then pick up to knit the sleeves, and the neckband.

We will customize the fit if you want to. The sizes range from 31″ to 61″ at the bust. 

You’ll learn how you can make changes to the neck band if you want a different look.

We’ll learn to knit small circumference stranded fabric so that it matches the large circumference stranded fabric.

This project is best suited to a brave advanced beginners, who are comfortable knitting in the round.  and to intermediate knitters who want to add a few new techniques to their tool box.

You can find the pattern here.  Many of the yarns can be found here.

Please get in touch with questions, to be added to the class list, and to get the details and registration information.

Aran Weight Fairisle


picture from Marie Wallin’s website

The Farne Pullover by Marie Wallin
Top Down and Seamless
Five Saturdays, 1 to 5:00
July 6, July 27, August 17, September 7, October 5

This design, from Marie Wallin’s recently released book, Aran, features her new Aran Weight British Breeds Yarn.  Marie has magical powers when it comes to colour, and her yarn reflects this talent.  But, there are other beautiful aran weight yarns that can be used for this project.  I am happy to help you if you would like to substitute.  This pullover begs to be scrappy, too! Mixing lighter yarns together from your stash to create your own pallet. Imagine!

The Learning

We will create a meaningful swatch that mimics circular knitting.

We’ll knit from the top down in the round:  the design is basic, so the colourwork can be your focus

We will strand the colours so that your fabric lays flat and your motifs shine!

We will customize the fit if you want to: The sizes range from 40″ to 57″ at the bust.  You will learn how to adjust an all-over colourwork project to fit a wider range of measurements.

I’m seeing a turtleneck.  You’ll learn how you can make the neck your own!

We’ll learn to manage the ends because there will be many!  That should never be the reason for not knitting with all the colours!

We’ll learn to knit small circumference colourwork so that it matches the large circumference colourwork.

This project is best suited to a brave advanced beginner knitter who is comfortable knitting in the round, and would like to get a lot of practice stranding colours.  Intermediate to advanced knitters can make this project their own, by customizing the fit, switching up the colours, trying out a new stranding method, or even cardiganizing it!  I am here to get you where you want to be!

You can find the pattern here with a kit; here in the book; where you can also find the yarn.

Please get in touch with questions, or to be added to the class list, and to get the details and registration information.

picture from Marie Wallin’s website

The Cherri Cardigan by Joanna Ang
Top Down Lace Knitting
4 Saturdays, 1 to 5 pm
August 3, 24, September 21, October 19


picture from ravelry

Knit up with a strand of fingering weight wool plus a strand of silk mohair, the Cherri Cardigan has a soft and summery look, but can be worn as a warm layer for all seasons.  It is a raglan shaped garment, knit flat and seamless, from the top down.  Short rows raise the back for a comfortable fit at the front neck.  The button bands are worked at the same time as the fronts, and the sleeves are worked top down, in the round.  This is a size inclusive pattern with detailed schematics for customizing the fit.

This project is best suited to an intermediate knitter who might be new to lace knitting in a garment.  For knitters who have knit lace garments before, the intriguing charted pattern will hold your interest, too.

You can find the pattern here.


picture from ravelry

The Learning:

top down lace knitting
how increases, decreases, holes, and clusters interact to make lace fabric
 tubular cast on
 tubular bind off
 german short rows
 charted lace pattern with written instructions
 double knitted neck band
 broken rib

Choosing dates that work for everyone during the summer can be a challenge.   Please let me know if you would like to come.

My swatches with Knitting for Olive Merino and Isager Silk Mohair.

The Selbu Coat
a design by Eli at Skeindeer Knits

Saturdays 1 to 5:00 p.m.
March 9, April 13, May 25, July 6

As we do, we’ll look at the dates together during the first class,
and adjust them if necessary, to suit everyone’s schedules.


photo from Eli’s ravelry page

This stunning design based on the traditional Norwegian Selbuvotter patterns, is an easy to wear work of art.  Knit in the recommended yarns, the fabric is light and just cozy enough.  Intricate looking, but quick to knit on 5.5 mm needles!

The Learning

Steeks:  three of them!  This is one of the ways that Eli has made this a quick knit.  You’ll be knitting in the round for as long as possible, with steeks up the centre front/neckline, and at both sleeves.

All Over Colourwork:  But not overwhelming because this is a memorable and predictable pattern.  This design will quickly become a steady rhythm that will grow more beautiful with every round.  If stranded knitting is new to you, this piece will give you the practice and repetition that teaches your fingers what to do.  Them Bam!  A work of art, all finished.

Working from a Chart:  This is a step that I encourage you to take.  If you are a knitter still working from written instructions, this design could be your way forward.  Eli plans her motifs thoughtfully. 

A Shawl Collar:  Such a cozy feeling to have a shaped collar up around your neck.  You’ll learn to finish this jacket beautifully!

You’ll get a booklet to keep your pattern in, and add the notes that I will prepare for each class.  If you would like to modify the coat, I will help you to do that. 

If this sounds like the project you’d like to get onto your needles, please email me for more details about yarn, a little preparation, and the registration information.

The Awen

a design by Meghan Babin

Saturdays 1 to 5:00 p.m.
March 9, April 13, May 25, July 6

We’ll look at the dates together during the first class,
and adjust them if necessary, to suit everyone’s schedules.


images from the Hudson and West ravelry page

This raglan pullover is knit from the bottom up, in pieces, then seamed.  Heavily cabled designs need the stability of seams to prevent the heavier fabric from stretching out over time. The neckband is picked up and worked in the round after seaming.

the learning:

all over cabled fabric
working in pieces from the bottom up
shaping in textured fabric
working from charts
sewing seams and really loving it!
knitting to fit you: This is a size inclusive pattern.

We’ll begin by swatching together in the first class.  

                                                                                                                                                                    

We’ll discuss needles, sizing and style, techniques and tools,
and our progress schedule.   

You’ll get a booklet to keep your pattern in,
and add the notes that I will prepare for each class.

If you would like all the details about this program, please email me
I’ll send the registration information, too.


image from the Hudson and West ravelry page

Thank you very much for supporting new adventures at the studio.
I am so grateful for your trust, and for the friendships you have nurtured

 

until next time . . .

I hope that you will knit something that makes you smile . . .

       
Little hands knitting and crocheting at our after school club. 

love, love, love