IN THIS POST:
- two new classes
- a club for sweater lovers
- finished projects gallery
- trunk show wrap-up
DAYBREAK SHAWL CLASS: After making Stephen West’s Daybreak* you’ll be a master of the “make one” increase. This semicircular shawl gets its shape from 4 different kinds of these easy increases. Graphic stripes echo a rising sun and offer a fun way to play with color. You’ll also learn a foolproof garter tab cast-on technique and a neat trick to stop stressing over tension. Registration is open for this 2-session Saturday class meeting March 14 & April 4, 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Cost: $50 (Daybreak pattern additional, available at GYI); Yarn: 1 skein each of 2 colors fingering weight yarn; Instructor: Ann.
CUFF-DOWN SOCKS CLASS: New to socks? Or new to Magic Loop? This class is for you. You’ll speed through these worsted weight socks. Learn the Magic Loop technique using a 32″ (or longer) circular needle and our favorite Basic Sock* pattern from Churchmouse Yarns & Teas. Registration is open for this 3-session Saturday class meeting April 4, 18 & May 2, 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Cost: $40 (Basic Sock pattern additional, available at GYI); Yarn: 1 skein Berroco Ultra Wool or Vintage yarn (a second skein will be needed if using contrast cuff/heel/toe); Instructor: Kathy.
SWEATER CLUB: It’s not a class… it’s not a clinic… it’s a happy place for everyone who makes (or wants to make) sweaters!
In Sweater Club you can get together with other stitchers to “share the love” of making your own clothing and to work on your sweaters-in-progress.
Sweater Club is free and will meet 12:00-1:00 p.m. on 3rd Saturdays starting March 21. Stay for lunch if you can; bring a brown bag or join the regular Saturday Stitchers in placing an order from a local restaurant.
Even if you’ve never made a sweater before, Sweater Club is still for you. A lot goes into a sweater: choosing a flattering style, finding a well-written pattern, deciding on a size, selecting a yarn and getting a fabric you like with it (even if you don’t get exact gauge), altering the fit, assembling and finishing. Since no one likes talking about making sweaters more than sweater makers themselves, Sweater Club can offer plenty of inspiration.
(And if you think Sweater Club members should get sweater-quantity discounts on their yarn, we agree!)
FINISHED PROJECTS: Stephanie is the proud maker of a beautiful Seachange* from designer Jennifer Steingass, whose patterns are published under the name Knit.Love.Wool. Stephanie worked with our DK weight New York from Trendsetter. If you’re a fan of Norwegian inspired, seamless circular-yoke sweaters, the hardest part will be picking which of Steingass’ designs you’ll want to knit first.
This sleek Memories Sweater*, designed by Heidi May, will be a go-to sweater for Bonnie. It also shows why Malabrigo Rios is a go-to yarn here at GYI. This classic cardigan shape perfectly complements the vibrant color variations in Rios, a hand-dyed yarn.
Francie finished her spring green Junegrass Pullover* in Scout from Kelbourne Woolens in plenty of time for spring. She’s now working on a second Junegrass, having already swatched for gauge in summery wool-free Remix Light from Berroco. The designer is Carrie Bostick Hoge.
Here’s one more sweater FO: Jill’s Hyphen* in Malabrigo Rios. The color is called – what else? – Peachy. The pearl buttons only add to the cuteness. The pattern comes from Lisa Chemery.
Wanda made her bright Knotted Openwork Cowl in chunky Cascade 128 Superwash. Shannon Dunbabin’s pattern is free on the Cascade website.
Marcia’s Dimorphous Mitts* from Miriam Felton appeared in the last post as a WiP and are now a fabulous FO. Her yarns are Urth Uneek Fingering (the gloves) and Classic Alpaca from The Alpaca Yarn Company (the mitts).
PERENNIAL TRUNK SHOW: Here’s a last look at the models that were in the shop last month from the Kelbourne Woolens Perennial Collection, featuring their washable wool/alpaca/nylon Perennial yarn. If you weren’t able to see these pretty pieces in person, enjoy them here. The patterns and yarn are still available at the shop.
Roxborough Dolman* by Courtney Kelley:
Yangtze Cardigan* by Courtney Kelley:
Nana’s Pullover, by Kate Gagnon Osborn, a free pattern:
Baby Fiddlehead Pullover* by Courtney Kelley:
Colette* by Kate Gagnon Osborn:
Lucille* by Courtney Kelley (This vintage-inspired baby set includes cardigan sweater and bonnet.):
Meadowsweet Shawl* by Courtney Kelley:
Parquet* shawl by Kate Gagnon Osborn:
Note: Patterns marked with an asterisk (*) are available at GYI.