Our Techniques Series continues with learning to make two socks at the same time on two circular needles! And Christy's ever-popular New Pathways for Sock Knitters based on Cat Bordhi's latest book.

And back by popular demand - Fabulous Fair Isle, Short Row Shaping, Knit the Other Way and Seams & Joins!

So please join us this weekend for the camaraderie of other knitters, and the joy and relaxation of our favorite craft.

Stashbuster Blanket with Gunilla
This workshop will show you how to "paint" with your stash, weaving color and texture in ways that standard crochet or knitting just don't easily allow.
Using yarns of varying color & texture, this project is easy, fast and really, really fun! Knitting Arts Shawl Kits are perfect for this workshop, as well as single balls of 'this and that' just waiting to be plucked from your stash. You don't need to be a crochet master to master this technique. All you need is a great selection of yarn, an extended Tunisian hook (available at Knitting Arts in a variety of sizes), some expert guidance from Gunilla and your heirloom blanket is ready to take shape!
Materials: Bring a variety of 'stash' yarns, or let us help you pick a beautiful color palette to match your decor; extended Tunisian crochet hook.
Pre-Requisites: Knowledge of crochet basics helpful, but not necessary.

A closeup of the Stashbusters Blanket, that is pictured above.

'2 Socks on 2 Circular Needles' Workshop with Christy
Learn the invaluable technique or knitting two socks (or gloves!) at the same time! In this workshop Christy will step you through the ins and outs of working two socks on two circular needles. Say goodbye to the dreaded 'second sock syndrome', because from now on you'll be able to finish both at the same time! You are welcome to bring that sock or glove project you've been dying to start, or just bring some yarn to practice, and you'll be a master of this technique in no time!
Materials: Yarn appropriate for your intended project, or a smooth fingering to DK weight yarn to practice.
Note: It is important for this technique that you either have two balls of yarn to work with, or a center-pull ball from which you can get an end from both the inside and the outside. Please check this before you come to class. Two sets of circular needles in a size that is appropriate for your yarn, either 24" or 32" in length.
Pre-Requisites: Must be able to knit, purl, cast on and bind off. Must already be comfortable working in the round.

'Seams & Joins' Workshop with Gunilla
This techniques workshops is a 'must' for every knitter! Gunilla will step you through 3 of the most important finishing techniques: the Kitchener Stitch, the 3-Needle Bind-Off, and the Mattress Stitch. Having these skills in your tool bag will ensure that your projects and garments have that professional finished look to them.
This workshop has HOMEWORK! In a light, not overly fuzzy yarn (Cascade 220 or similar worsted weight plain yarn is fine, no silks or rayons - and needles of appropriate size) - cast on 30 sts and work about 12 rows in stockinette stitch. Leave on needle. Make 2.
Pre-Requisites: Must know how to cast-on, knit, purl and bind-off.

Fabulous Fair Isle Workshop with Gunilla
Are you ready for the next step? The 2-handed method of knitting fair isle that Gunilla will teach this Saturday leaves no floats on the back of your fabric! No little loops to snag on makes this perfect for mitts, sweaters, anything you can think of in the round. (Fair Isle socks, anyone?) You actually "weave" the yarn you are carrying in as you go, and with Gunilla showing you, you will find it's surprisingly easy! The pattern for the class is a pair of mitts from Drops Design, and Gunilla is making these in bright, springy colors of Rowan Cashsoft DK. Make yours subtle or bold, we have lots of choices in this yarn, as well as Filatura Zara. And hey - these fantastic yarns are machine washable!
Materials: 4 colors of Rowan Cashsoft DK, Filatura Zara or similar weight/type yarn; US size 6 double-poinit needles or longer circular for 'magic loop' method of knitting in the round. Free pattern available in class.
Pre-Requisites: Must know how to cast-on, knit, purl and bind-off.

Knit the 'Other' Way Technique Workshop with Gunilla
Many knitters who knit 'American style' (throwing, or wrapping the yarn with the right hand) express the desire to knit using the 'Continental method', wherein the yarn is held in the left hand (behind the knitting). Some say this is a more efficient means of knitting, certainly when Fair Isle or two-stranded knitting is called for. Let Gunilla show you how - it's easier than you think!
Materials: Please bring practice yarn that is smooth and easy to work with, and appropriate size needles.
Pre-Requisites: Basic knowledge of 'how to knit' required.

Enchanted Forest Cardigan Knit-Along with Carol & friends
Ready for an advanced level project? This DKNY-designed cardigan, with it's elegant tree & moss stitch motifs was first introduced in Vogue Knitting in 1992! Featured in the recent VK 25th Anniversary Issue as one of their Top 10 Hits, this is a classic sure to be worn for years to come. The shape is oversized (remember, 1992), and Carol has offered to lead this knit-along in re-shaping the design to fit the more modern shape.
Materials: Approx. 1600 yds. of worsted weight yarn that knits at 18 sts over 4" using moss st pattern (recommended needle size 9). Alternatively, you can choose a finer gauge yarn (approx. 135 yds/50 grams) held double throughout. Pattern available in VK 25th Anniversary Issue - Fall 2007. It will be helpful to have your swatch completed prior to class.
Pre-Requisites: Must be comfortable working with stitch patterns, and working from a chart; experience with knitting cables.

Short Row Shaping with Gunilla
Take the short row class with Gunilla to find out what all the hype is about! Short rows allow you to create nearly invisible shaping in your garment or knitted piece, to accommodate shaping at the bustline, shoulder, hemline flounce, or in a simple ruffled scarf. Once you've mastered this technique, the "mystery" will vanish, and you'll be hooked!
This workshop has HOMEWORK! In a light, not overly fuzzy yarn (Cascade 220 or similar worsted weight plain yarn is fine, no silks or rayons - and needles of appropriate size) - cast on 30 sts and work about 12 rows in stockinette stitch. Leave on needle. Make 2. In class you will do regular short rows and the ever praised Japanese short rows.
Pre-Requisites: Must know how to cast-on, knit, purl and bind-off.

'New Pathways for Sock Knitters' Knit-Along with Christy
Cat Bordhi's latest book has been a big hit! Join Christy as you explore new forms of 'sock architecture', choosing from any of the 28 designs in this fabulous book. Here's what Interweave Knits magazine had to say about it:
"Cat Bordhi has once again turned the sock knitting world on its heel with her long-awaited New pPathways for Sock Knitters. Bordhi has the unique ability to see in an object something completely different from what you or I may see. This book stems from one such observation: The arch stitches in socks don't need to go where we've always put them. With a little understanding, you can put those stitches anywhere within the arch area - for example, in an orderly column or placed randomly - with equally successful results.
"Bordhi outlines eight sock architectures based on this principle, with master patterns that can be customized for any foot, yarn type, or needle, in any size ranging from an infant to large adult. More than twenty additional patterns round out the collection."
Wow! Check out a few of the designs below, then let Christy walk you through the basics.
Materials: Sock-weight yarn and needles appropriate to the pattern chosen; purchased book (workshop attendees receive a 15% discount on the book).
Pre-Requisites: Must know how to cast-on, knit, purl and bind-off.

Below is just a sampling of designs from the book:
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Tibetan Socks - this design features a band crossing the instep and ending beside the ankle, evoking the strength and beauty of traditional Tibetan garments.

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Above left: Ocean-Toes. This sock follows a steady progression from the cuff to the completion of the heel. And then the ocean begins to lap at the toes, tickle the sole, and dance up the foot with all the abandon and vitality of nature. Above right: Etta Mae's Bootikins. A bootie fit for a little princess!

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Above left: Max's Springy Ring Socks, shown in Nature's Pallette Fingering Weight yarn (a favorite at Knitting Arts!) Above right: Charlie's Wiggle Socks - These little socks have perfectly smooth sides and sole, with paired cables wiggling their way from toe to ankle along the top.