Class Photo - Michaels Parsippany

Here's a class photo of five happy knitters at the Discover the Pattern Stitch Class at the Michaels in Parsippany this past week.  Three are sporting their neck warmers from the previous week's Discover the Purl Stitch Class.  Two are wearing their Garter Cuffs from the Discover the Knit Class held two weeks ago and one is wearing her hat from the same Knit class. 

Supply Lists for the Discover Knit Classes

You are entitled to a 10% discount on all regularly priced class supplies.   

For all classes

Consider purchasing a Discover Knit and Crochet Starter Kit.  It is a Boye product with a SKU number 166806.  It contains many the accessories you will need for the knit and crochet classes.   In some stores it is found on the bottom shelf below the knitting needles.  In Wayne, they are on the knit and crochet class display shelves. 

It would be useful (but not required) for you to bring a pen or pencil, note paper, small scissors and a large (gallon size) zip lock bag. 

You may also like to designate a 3-ring binder for the hand outs you receive in class.  One and three-hole punches are now permanent items in my carry-all. 

Discover the Knit Class

1 skein – Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick and Quick  Choose a color that is light to medium.   Choosing very light, dark or variegated colors can make seeing the stitches difficult. 

1 set of US 13 straight knitting needles  Use may choose any material – bamboo, wood, plastic or metal.  It is easiest to learn on the shorter length needles. 

If you do not purchase the starter kit, you’ll need one large eye yarn needle.  The choice of plastic or metal is yours.  There is a set of yarn needles with upcurved ends and screw top holder.  It is made by Clover and found near the bottom of the display near the other Clover accessories.  Addition yarn needles can be found in the embroidery section in a nearby aisle. 

Discover the Purl Class

1 set of US 8 straight knitting needles  Use may choose any material – bamboo, wood, plastic or metal.  It is easiest to learn on the shorter length needles. 

2 skeins of Caron’s Simply Soft in contrasting colors  Choose colors that are light to medium to make viewing stitches easier. 

One Large Eye Yarn Needle - See Discover the Knit Stitch for details. 

Discover Pattern Stitches

1 set of US 9 straight knitting needles  Use may choose any material – bamboo, wood, plastic or metal.  It is easiest to learn on the shorter length needles. 

1 skeins of Red Heart Super Saver  Choose colors that are light to medium to make viewing stitches easier. Avoid multicolor skeins at this time.

One Large Eye Yarn Needle - See Discover the Knit Stitch for details. 

Discover Cables

1 set of US 7 straight knitting needles  Use may choose any material – bamboo, wood, plastic or metal.  It is easiest to learn on the shorter length needles. 

1 skein of Paton’s Classic Wool in the color of your choosing.  Go for it...pick any color.  If you have a wool allergy, check the Classic Wool ball band for gauge information and select a comparable yarn in a hypoallergenic fiber. 

If you did not purchase the starter kit, you will need a cable needle and two stitch holders. 

One Large Eye Yarn Needle - See Discover the Knit Stitch for details. 

Doug, my letter carrier

In early December, my letter carrier left a holiday greeting in our mailbox.  Doug is the guy who delivers all my knitting magazines, books and other goodies.  He also makes our Netflix movies appear and disappear.  He has his head in the game and does a great job. I wanted him to know we appreciate him.  What else would I do?  I knit him something...

Using a selection of cross stitch alphabet books I got from my library's treasure room (recycled bookstore), I charted and designed Doug a scarf.  It has the feel of an old time letter sweater.  I knitted up on my my mid-gauge knitting machine.  Now you might think that would make it easier but know the challenge with a knitting machine is that as you work, you see the back of the work...the purl side.  That means that all the letters were done backwards. 

I think it came out great and apparently Doug does too.  I see him delivering the mail sporting his new scarf.  Thanks, Doug!

Here are some photos of the scarf, as well as Doug's thank you.  

Tuck-in or Bow-Knot Scarf

I found this wonderful one skein project Saturday while noodling and googling around on line.  It's called a Tuck-in or Bow-knot Scarf designed by Katherine Burgess.  I reminds me of the little silky scarfs we used to tie around our necks in high school. 

I dug into my stash for a skein of Paton's SWS Natural Snow.  I love the way the slot for the crisscross was worked.  It felt like I was headed for double knitting but it was handled more simply and elegantly.  And, it took only a few hours to complete. Thanks Katherine!

Here's where I found the pattern - http://people.delphiforums.com/knit_chat/knitchat/patterns/bowscarf.htm

 

Yellow Cable Cuffs

Here's the pair of cable squares sewn up into cuffs.  I added a row of single crochet at the top and bottom to give it a firmer finished edge.  After washing them in Eucalan and warm water, they got a 5 minute trip in the dryer with a wet towel and laid flat to dry.  The fiber tightened up without felting and made it feel softer to the touch. 

Stitching Beyond Stockinette

Look at what I made on my knitting machine yesterday!  

This is my first attempt at cabling on my LK 150.  There was lots and lots of opportunity to use the latch tool.  The top and bottom are 6 rows of moss stitch - K2, P2 for 2 rows and then P2, K2 for the next two rows.  The cabling consists of 1x1, 2x2 and 3x3 stitches. 

I'll make another today and seam them up for fingerless gloves.

The yarn is a sunny yellow Harris Tweed with a flecks of white, red and black.

Teaching Knitting and Loving It...

I am into my second month of teaching knitting and I am loving it.  

My assignment is as a Craft Yarn Council Certified Knitting Instructor at five Michaels locations in Northern New Jersey -- Clifton, Paramus, Parsippany, Ramsey and Wayne.   Here's the link to the classes offered - www.craftyarncouncil.com/DiscoverProjects.html 


It's a treat to share my enthusiasm and passion for playing with fiber.