Working from a southwest inspired palette of 10 shades of Jamieson’s Spindrift we will begin a pair of fingerless mittens with a large stranded colorwork motif. We will look at background and pattern color interplay, yarn dominance, and how to best highlight the colorwork pattern. Everyone will choose at least 6 of the colors to work with in class allowing for a fabulous variety of finished motifs. Gudrun will also provide some background to traditional Fair Isle knitting techniques and how color has been used through the years. Gudrun will also have lots of examples of stranded knitting swatches and finished knitwear for inspiration.
You will leave with the confidence and skills to pick your own shades for future stranded projects!
Supplies to Bring
US 3 / 3.25mm Long Circular Needle for Magic Loop or set of DPNS
US 4 / 3.5mm Long Circular Needle for Magic Loop or set of DPNS
Stitch Markers
Join us for a delightful journey back to art class as we explore the beautiful world of Navajo-inspired pictorials through fiber arts. Inspired by the pictorials found in Navajo rugs and the work of Gilbert Begay in his wonderfully crafted jewelry. In this class, you will harness your creativity and learn a variety of knitting techniques while crafting a fun piece that reflects your personal style.
Skills to be Learned:
1. Stranded Colorwork: Discover the techniques of working with multiple colors to create vibrant patterns and textures.
2. Steeking: Learn the art of steeking, a method that allows you to knit in the round and then safely cut your project to add openings or additional details.
3. Duplicate Stitch: Enhance your work with this embroidery technique that allows you to add detail and color after your piece is complete.
4. Needle Felting: Explore the soft and sculptural qualities of wool by adding dimension through needle felting.
Supplies to Bring:
- A selection of yarn in various colors that inspire you (Provided through Jamieson's Shetland Spindrift)
- Knitting needles US 3 or US 4
- Optional: Any additional embellishments you'd like to incorporate
- Tapestry needle (for duplicate stitch)
Materials Provided:
- A selection of yarn in various colors that inspire you
(Provided through Jamieson's Shetland Spindrift)
- Scissors (for steeking)
- Felting needle and felting mat (for those interested in needle felting)
Conclusion:
At the end of the workshop, you will leave not only with a beautiful piece of art but also with newfound skills and inspiration to continue exploring the world of wool. We can't wait to see the vibrant creations you will bring to life!
Mosaic knitting creates colorful patterns using slipped stitches. This technique uses one yarn color at a time which can be less intimidating for those who are wanting to learn more about multi-colored knitting and don’t want to fuss with carrying two or more colors at a time. In this class we will learn the basics of mosaic knitting with a fun scarf design. We will use a provisional cast-on to knit one side of the scarf, then pick up the stitches from the provisional cast-on edge to knit the other side making it symmetrical. Using a southwest inspired yarn bundle, you will be challenged to choose a color palette that might be different from what you would normally choose.
Supplies to Bring:
Crochet hook
US size 4 needles
Scrap fingering weight yarn (for provisional cast on)
Stitch markers.
Join knitwear designers Jennifer Berg, Tressa Weidnenaar and Gudrun Johnston as they discuss how they think and play in color. They will share their approach to colorwork in their individual design process and how they draw from the cultural significance of their respective backgrounds and influences. They will also be letting you in on the design process and what it was like to work from a special southwest inspired palette to create the projects for this retreat.