The Norwegian knitting style focuses on shifting the tension of the yarn from the finger and onto the needle. This is done by minimizing the distance between the yarn, the needle, and the left index finger. By holding the yarn as close as possible to the needle and picking from the finger, you will never have to think about getting the correct tension again—all you need to do is knit or purl and the tension will come automatically! Norwegian knitting is much more ergonomic than any other style of knitting, which means you will be able to relax the muscles in your neck, shoulders, arms, and hands. Finally, a bonus of knitting the Norwegian way—you will increase the speed of your knitting dramatically!
In this class, ARNE & CARLOS will teach you the basics of knitting and purling the Norwegian way as we knit our REINE hat, which is inspired by traditional Norwegian fishermen’s patterns.
The Norwegian purl is particularly fun to learn. Arne always says it is like a dance!
Materials (these are not supplied, please bring)
1 ball (50 grams) of ROWAN Norwegian Wool, Coastal Fjord 013 1 ball (50 grams) of ROWAN Norwegian Wool, Cloud Dancer 014 OR any two other contrasting colours of your choice
Needles (these are not supplied, please bring)
1 standard circular needle (length 40cm/16in) size 3.5mm (U.S. size 4) 1 standard circular needle (length 40cm/16in) size 4.0mm (U.S. size 6) 1 set of 5 DPNs size 4.0mm (U.S. size 6)
Homework
None
Level of knitting proficiency required
Some experience in knitting and purling required, participants should know how to knit and purl, either in Continental or English style. This class is suitable for inexperienced and intermediate knitters as well as advanced knitters who want to learn the Norwegian way to knit.
Norwegian Stranded Colour Work Knitting
Norwegian stranded colour work is all about tension. In this class, you will learn the basics of Norwegian-style stranded knitting in the round from expert Nordic knitters ARNE & CARLOS. They will show you the easiest and most relaxing way to hold the needles and yarns. They will teach you important techniques and tricks that will help you achieve perfect tension while keeping all your stitches even and beautiful, in true Norwegian style! ARNE & CARLOS have designed an exclusive Christmas Ball especially for this class, which will be the perfect project to complete in three hours.
If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to knit stranded colour work as it is done in Norway, this is the class for you!
Materials (these are not supplied, please bring)
1 ball (50 grams) of ROWAN Norwegian Wool, Ribbon Red 018
1 ball (50 grams) of ROWAN Norwegian Wool, Cloud Dancer 014
Wool or polyester stuffing
Needles and Hooks (these are not supplied, please bring)
1 set of 5 DPNs size 3mm (U.S. size 3)
1 crochet hook size 3mm (U.S. size D-3) for the hanging loop
Note on Needles: This class is taught using DPNs but attendees can also opt to use a long circular needle for magic loop or 2 short circular needles, if they prefer.
Homework
None
Level of knitting proficiency required
Basic knitting skills needed. Participants should be able to knit (no purling in this class). This project is good for inexperienced, intermediate, and advanced knitters.
Layered Colourwork Knitting
In their never-ending search for new ways to present traditional inspiration, ARNE & CARLOS came across a little-used technique that layers one yarn on the top of another to create contrasting patterns and motifs. After a lot of experimentation, they fell in love with the way Rowan’s Kidsilk Haze layered on Felted Tweed to create an interesting graphic effect. The next step was to create motifs, usually worked in stranded colourwork or intarsia, and adapt them to this very easy technique. The Heine Hat is a wonderful way to learn this striking, yet simple, way of knitting.
Materials (these are not supplied, please bring)
1 ball (50 grams) of ROWAN Felted Tweed, Seafarer 170
1 ball (25 grams) of ROWAN Kidsilk Haze, Ruby 682
OR any two other contrasting colours of your choice. Make sure there is enough contrast between your colors or the Kidsilk Haze will “disappear” into the Felted Tweed when you knit this way.
Needles (these are not supplied, please bring)
1 standard circular needle (length 40cm/16in) size 3.5mm (U.S. size 3) 1 standard circular needle (length 40cm/16in) size 4.0mm (U.S. size 6)
Homework
With smaller-sized circular and ROWAN Felted Tweed, cast on 120 stitches, taking care not to twist cast-on edge. Join and work in the round in * k2, p2, rep from * to end. This forms the rib. Place marker at end of last round (to denote beginning and end of rounds). Continue in rib until the brim measures 3cm/1.25in. Increase 1 stitch at end of the last round (121 sts).
Level of knitting proficiency required
Some knitting skills needed. Participants should be able to knit, purl and decrease. This project is suitable for beginners with some experience, intermediate knitters, as well as advanced knitters who want to learn an easier way to do stranded colour work and intarsia.
