READY, SET, RAINBOW!
knitting with self-striping yarn
All Knitting Levels
We all have a skein of self-striping yarn hiding in our stash. Self-Striping yarn is undeniably, incredibly fun to knit, but too often those beautiful skeins are hidden away because knitters aren’t sure what to knit with their self-striping yarn. If you want to start knitting cowls, hats, mittens, shawls, and sweaters with your self-striping yarn, this class will help you confidently plan non-sock projects using your self-striping yarn.
Knitters will learn how to assess self-striping yarn, how to swatch for success, how to combine other colors with self-striping skeins, and how to cheat your stripes when your yarn isn’t the perfect fit for a project.
In this class, we will assess those lovely self-striping skeins. Every skein of self-striping yarn comes with its own opportunities and limitations. Let’s talk about what your yarn was dyed to do, and how you can make the most it. In the beginning of this class, we will discuss how yarn weight, stripe length, yardage, number of stripes, and your skein enthusiasm will affect the planning process. Let me show you how to unlock the secrets of your yarn before it has even been wound into a cake.
Next, we’ll plan for a self-striping project by using a simple, specialized method of swatching. I developed a simple, effective method for testing my self-striping yarn BEFORE I start a project. This method will help you determine if the pattern you want to knit works well with the yarn you have in your knitting bag.
We’ll practice combining colors with your self-striping yarn. In many non-sock projects, you may be called on to combine a self-striping yarn with another color. In this portion of our class, I will teach you my favorite methods for combining rainbow skeins with solids, tonals, and even speckles, so that you can create bright, happy, dramatic knits.
And finally, we’ll learn how to cheat the stripes. Sometimes your project just doesn’t seem to fit your beautiful rainbow yarn! Not to worry! To finish off this class, we will look at ways that you can cheat your stripes. Let me show you how to make the stripes in your yarn appear longer for larger circumference knitting using my favorite (uncomplicated) methods.
- Supplies Required: Knitting needles appropriate for a bit of swatching, pencil
- Homework: None
- Required Skills: Able to knit, purl, cast on
- Optional: If you have a skein of self-striping yarn from your stash that you would like help pairing with a project, bring it to class.
HALLOWEEN MYSTERY WORKSHOP
(photo is indicative of, but not the actual project! This class is an M-ystery K-nit AL-ong!)
Skill level: Intermediate. Comfortable with following a pattern without referring to a photo of the result. Knit, purl, increase and decrease, colorwork, slip stitches.
Grab your needles and your broomsticks, knitters! Are you ready for a Halloween adventure? Kick off Stephanie’s annual Halloween mystery cowl in style. Knitters will get to cast on the mystery early AND enjoy exclusive modifications written just this class!
In this class, we will choose your perfect color line-up, learn the rolled edge garter tab cast on, and start knitting your Halloween cowl.
First, we will choose colors for your line-up, and put them in the best possible order for your Halloween mystery cowl. Learn some simple tricks for checking contrast to give you the best possible start to your cowl.
Next, we’ll cast on using the Rolled Edge Garter Tab Cast On, developed by Stephanie, to create a clean upper edge.
We will get a head start on our mystery cowl by working the first 2 sections of the cowl AND add in some optional modifications designed exclusively for retreat guests. We will work through several textured stitches that will give the cowl dimension while remaining relaxing and manageable during your trip.
Lastly, while working through the pattern, we will explore this flattering top-down shawl-shaped construction that makes this little cowl special. Stephanie will bring previous MKAL knits for you to try on!
- Supplies Required: Six 38g fingering weight mini skeins in 6 colors (as described in the pattern), knitting needles appropriate to achieve gauge, a tapestry needle, 4 stitch markers, the Halloween MKAL pattern
- Required Skills: Able to knit, purl, cast on, increase, decrease, and go on adventures!
- Homework: None
LITTLE HOLIDAY GIFT COLORWORK WORKSHOP
Advanced beginner Knitters / Beginning colorwork knitters. Comfortable working with smaller needles; knit, purl, increase and decrease stitches, able to follow a pattern.
Are you ready for some gift knitting? It’s never too early to start preparing for the holidays!!! Come join Stephanie for some colorwork fun in this festive workshop. In this class, students can choose to knit a holiday themed fingerless mitt OR a sweet cup cozy.
This class will focus on the beginning skills needed for stranded colorwork, including choosing colors, identifying contrast, holding your yarn, managing tension, conquering color dominance, and weaving in ends. Whether you are new to stranded colorwork, or looking to improve your skills, this class is just what you need to kick off your holiday gift knitting!
First, let’s assess yarn for contrast. We will learn some simple tricks for checking color contrast to create a clear and graphic image.
Once we cast on, we’ll discuss techniques for holding your yarn. There is more than one way to hold your yarn when working in stranded colorwork. Let’s discuss which method works best for you. With a few simple tips, we will adjust the tension of your work in order to create pucker-free projects.
Let’s discuss the power of yarn dominance in stranded colorwork. No matter how you hold or carry your yarn, we will discuss how to find and conquer the dominant color in your work, so your motifs always POP!
Finally, I will show you how I weave in ends when working a stranded colorwork project.
- Supplies Required: Four 20g DK weight mini skeins in 4 colors (as described in the pattern), small circumference knitting needles appropriate to achieve gauge, a tapestry needle, 3 stitch markers, the holiday gift pattern
- Homework: None