Note that yarn colors may appear differently on your screen than they do in real life
“To the Unsure Knitter,To the Blind Follower, And
To all those who do not yet know that they can design their own knitting…”
So reads the dedication in Elizabeth Zimmermann’s 1971 work Knitter’s Almanac: Projects for Each Month of the Year. Join this hybrid bookclub and knitting class to explore knitting as a mode of self-expression, using Elizabeth’s words and projects to guide your learning.
Throughout the book, Elizabeth stresses the need for knitters to think for themselves when working on projects, following patterns, or “un-venting” knitting techniques and styles. The result is more confidence in your knitting - and your understanding of it - and the freedom to create the pieces that work for you. This class is perfect for you if you are:
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An experienced knitter who can’t imagine knitting a project without a written pattern
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An intermediate knitter looking to up your confidence and be introduced to cable and lace work.
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A confident beginner knitter eager to learn
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A knitting devotee who wants to learn from one of the greats of our craft
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A knitter who loves to learn, share, and explore within a social environment
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Anyone in-between!
During six 2-hour sessions over four months, we will work on two Elizabeth Zimmermann projects from her book Knitter’s Almanac, explore new techniques and knitting practices, and discuss Elizabeth’s knitting worldview and impact after reading excerpts from her many published works, interviews, and newsletters.
Project 1: An Aran Pillowcover
We’ll knit an intricate, Aran-style pillowcover using traditional cable motifs. The design inspires learning about individual gauge and importance of fit, as well as cable motifs and seamed finishes. This project will be the focus of sessions 1-3.
Project 2: A Lace “Pi-Shawl”
This circular shawl is designed using the geometric fundamental Pi, with the added bonus of lace motifs and seamless lace borders. This design inspires learning about lace motifs and charts, the relationship between math and knitting, as well as appropriate cast-ons and -offs for unstructured pieces. This project will be the focus of sessions 4-6.
Materials Needed:
An Aran Pillowcover
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Gauge: 3.5 st/in (14 st/4 in)
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Yarn: 700 g of 100% wool yarn that yields the correct gauge, likely around worsted/aran weight.
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Color: Lightly heathered or solid to highlight the cable motifs.
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Needles: 1x 24” cable needle in size needed to obtain gauge.
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We will make our gauge swatches on the first session of class, please bring a selection of needles size 4-10 with you to the first session of class.
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Other: Set of cable needles, pillow insert size 22x22 or 24x24.
A Lace “Pi-Shawl”
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Gauge: ~3 st/in (12 st/4 in)
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Yarn: 350 g of fine or Shetland wool in fingering or sport weight.
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Color: Solid or lightly heathered to highlight the lace motifs. You can choose multiple colors, one for each “ring” of the shawl.
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Needles: 1 set of 5 DPN, 1x 16” cable needle, 1x24” cable needle, all in the size needed to obtain gauge.
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We will make our gauge swatches on the 4th session of class, please bring a selection of needles sized 7-10.5 with you.
General
Elizabeth Zimmermann’s Knitter’s Almanac: Projects for Each Month of the Year. Available at Yarn Harbor, Sitch markers, Small crochet hook, Measuring tape or small ruler, Notebook or journal
Project 1:An Aran Pillowcover
Cascade Yarn Ecological Wool
Berroco Mercado
West Yorkshire Spinners Fable
Project 2: A Lace “Pi-Shawl”
Le Petite Lambswool
Bluesky Fibers Woostok Light
Jamieson’s Shetland Spindrift
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