Let’s have some knitting fun

Simplest mitts

Log Cabin Mitts

U-Turn Mitts

I am offering three classes this Winter.

I choose three different patterns for fingerless mitts, one each for the beginner, intermediate and advanced knitter.
All of these are knitted flat ( the last one in a very unique way).
I like fingerless mitts, because they are fun to wear and fairly quick to make.
The fee for the classes is $80 for the beginner and advanced class ( three sessions each ) and $60 for the intermediate class ( two sessions) plus material.  The patterns are all free.

I decided to start the classes the weekend following Martin Luther King Day.
Location:  The classes will be held at AL Stickles in Rhinebeck.

Beginner knitter/ Learn how to knit
The Simplest Fingerless Mitts by Doris Formby

Session 1 Sun 1.26.  12:30-2pm. Cast on and knit stitch
Session 2 Sun  2.2.   12: 30-2pm Review and purl Stitch
Session 3 Sun  2.9.   12:30-2pm  Bind off and mattress stitch
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Intermediate knitter ( needs to know cast on, knit and purl Stitch)
Log Cabin Mitts by Karen Templer

Session 1 Sun 1.26.  2:30-4pm  Choose your yarns, understand the construction, knit , pick up sts.
Session 2  Sun 2.2.   2:30-4pm. Check work and finish first mitt
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Advanced knitter ( needs to be comfortable with increases, bonus if you are familiar with Judy’s Magic cast on)
U-Turn Mitts by Sybil R.

Session 1 Sun 2.9.  2:30-4pm cast on, Part 1 of pattern
Session 2 Sun 2.16. 2:30-4pm  three-needle bind off and part 2 ( the triangle)
Session 3 Sun 2.23. 2:30-4pm the thumb and finishing your first mitt

What's on my needles??? (week #122 )

Pssst,...it's a secret

With all the holiday knitting going on right now,  I cannot really share what I am working on , but I can tell you about the shop sample I am knitting up:

The Building Blocks Shawl by Stephen West 

(click on the link for the pattern)

I am only working on this while I am at the shop, so it will take a while, but I can tell you that this is a fun and easy knit while at the same time a shawl construction different from anything I have knitted before.

I am really happy with the four yarns I choose and with the way they blend together at times and contrast each other in other sections.  Each yarn will have their moment to "shine" as each yarn will be knitted at some time in a larger amount and  be shown off in its full beauty in different sections :)

My yarn choices: 

Color A:  Knitting Garage Fingering Weight Yarn color "Purple Pop"

Color B: Madeline Tosh Twist Light color "Flashdance"

Color C : Hedgehog Fibers Sock color "Aroma"

Color D : Madeline Tosh Light color "Sand Dune"

Humble beginnings...actually I am a bit further than that; may add a photo after Saturday :)

And here you are Sat. 11.19. (a few more rows)

I am almost finished with the "week 1 clues".  

Here is a link to my pattern notes on ravelry: Strickliese's Building Block Shawl, but here is also a picture of a finished shawl knitted by someone else (Francieos on ravelry).

One of the many color combinations knitters have come up with and finished.

Also a quick word about my classes:

There are spots available in all of my classes.  I want to apologize to anyone who emailed me and did not get a response.  I have had problems with my email, bundling emails so they do not appear to be new responses or even filing them in spam.  It seems to be all sorted now, but if you don't hear from me within a day or two, please email or text again.  Thank you!!!

 

About my Current Classes and getting ready for Fall (# 116)

Classic Sock

2-at-a-time

One inside the other

When I put together a class schedule for this Fall, I overlooked how busy a time this is for many of you.  End of August/ beginning of September, Summer winding down and getting children ready to go back to school...I was too focused on having the classes end before the Sheep & Wool Festival in October.
So I sheepishly want to apologize...

But here is an idea:  If you are interested in one or more of the three sock knitting classes, you may want to get started on your own and take a private lesson with me when you get to a particularly difficult section in your knitting (Judy's magic cast on, turning the heel, stretchy bind off...).  
Any private lessons based on these classes will be 10% off until October 12.

I am always more than happy to help and this is true for any project you want to tackle this Fall.  Remember the Sheep & Wool Festival is only SIX WEEKS away and that special piece you want to wear should get started soon :)

• On another note:  Did you all enjoy the video I posted the other week?  

Well, Leah was not the only one Kristy interviewed at The Knitting Garage and I am planning on posting another video soon.  

Stay tuned :)

New Classes at The Knitting Garage in Rhinebeck

UPDATE:  Any private lessons based on these classes will be 10% off until October 12. 
From Sand to Socks

As the summer is winding down and the “barefoot in the sand” moments become memories, you may want to think about how to spoil your feet this winter.

I am offering three different sock knitting classes starting end of August. By starting early you can have your socks ready to wear and show off during this year’s Sheep & Wool Festival.

A.    Traditional Cuff down with heel flap, gusset and finished at the toe with the Kitchener stitch

B.     2-at-a-time toe-up with FLK heel. This is my personal favorite, easy to remember and great fit.  I held this class last Spring and here are some of the comments: “Doris made sure we understood all the instructions, even helping us by drawing little sketches” (Elyse);”All the little extra tips were wonderful and I look forward to knitting more socks” (Betty);”…explicit in your lessons.  Each lesson was broken down to the right amount of time and information.  I loved the class and look forward to additional classes.  Thank you” (Dale);” Your patience in explaining and demonstrating things was phenomenal.   I would recommend your classes to everyone!” (Anne)

C.     For the more experienced sock knitter who wants to try something fun and new:

Two-at-a-time one inside the other. This is the method referred to in the classic “War and Peace”. 

We will be doing a sample sock in worsted weight yarn just to get the idea of how this is done.  Of course you may start a pair in sock yarn if you feel confident enough.

Materials needed

For A.  Yarn:  For fingering weight version: about 350 -400 yards of fingering weight yarn

                        For Dk/Sport weight version: about 275 yards of dk or sport weight yarn

            Needles:  For fingering weight version:

Set of four double-point needles US 1 ½- 2 ½  (for a gauge of 32 sts=4”)

 For Dk/ Sport weight version:

Set of four double-point needles US 3  (for a gauge of 24 sts=4”)

For B.  Yarn:  You will need two equal amounts of yarn  If you are purchasing one skein and

                         want to give it to me prior to the first class, I can divide the skein into two balls

                        for you.  The total yardage should be 350-400 yards depending on foot size and cuff length.

            Please note:  If you prefer to knit your socks one at the time you may do so. 

                        You will still learn many new techniques in this class.

            Needles: You will need two circular needles of the same size;

US 1 ½- 2 ½ (for a gauge of 32 sts=4”)

It is best if the two needles look different.  I suggest one 16" cable and

                        one 24" cable or cables of different colors.

For C.  Yarn: For training version: about 110 yards each of two different colors of Worsted weight yarn.

                       For actual socks:  about 400 yards of sock/ fingering weight yarn.

            Needles: For training version: US# 7 needles DPN’s or two circulars or one long circular

                                    Plus one additional needle of the same size (DPN or short circular)

                                    Plus one cable needle (for working the decreases). For a gauge of 20sts=4”

                           For actual socks: US# 1-2 ½ needles DPN’s or two circulars or one long circular

                                    Plus one additional needle of the same size (DPN or short circular)

                                    Plus one cable needle (for working the decreases). For a gauge of 30sts=4”

Sessions

For A. 1. Thursday 8.18. 11am-1pm stretchy cast on

            2. Thursday 9.1.  11am-1pm heel flap, heel turn

            3. Thursday 9.8.  11am-1pm gussets

            4. Thursday 9.22.11am-1pm toe, Kitchener stitch

For B.  1. Wednesday 8.24. 11am-1pm Judy’s magic cast-on

            2. Wednesday 9.7.   11am-1pm check gauge and determine width, make template

            3. Wednesday 9.21. 11am-1pm FLK heel

            4. Wednesday 10.5. 11am-1pm Jenny’s stretchy bind off

For C.  1. Monday 8.22.  11am-1pm cuff set up, start ribbing

            2. Monday 8.29.  11am-1pm check work, leg, heel flap

            3. Monday 9.5.    12 noon-1pm heel turn

            4. Monday 9.26.  11am-1pm gusset, foot

            5. Monday 10.3.  11am-1pm toe

Cost

All classes are held with a maximum of three attendees. 

With any more I would not be able to give you the one-on-one time I like to bestow on my students.

The cost for classes A. and B. is $ 125 and includes patterns and hand-outs.

The cost for class C. is $140 and includes pattern and hand-outs.

Please note, too, that I am flexible in regard to when and where to meet.  If you are interested in a particular class, but cannot make it to the times posted here, I am happy to hold the class at a different time more convenient to you preferably with a minimum of two attendees.

                       

To sign up e-mail me at formbyd8@gmail.com

 

 

What's on my needles (week 87)

Before anything else I want to stop and remember Margrit from Morehouse Farms who gave so much to our fiber community.  

She passed away this week and will be missed by many.  Here is a link to their newsletter: http://mail-dog.com/page.html?p=0000015Fu8vj7oAT4s0QaEieIptqiHfyF8&email=Debbieduck1223@gmail.com

 

CABLES * CABLES * CABLES * CABLES * CABLES

I seem to be completely hung up on cables; you could say I am on a cable binge ;)  !

Block Island Hat 

Looking back, I can see that it all started with the beautiful Block Island Hat which I made last August.
Remember, we sell the kits at The Knitting Garage in Rhinebeck and I am giving a class on this especially for those of you who have not worked from a chart before.  You can take the class on Wednesday November 18th or Saturday November 21st  (10am to 12 noon on both days).

 

click here for more information and project notes:  Gansey Hat

Idlewild

After I finished the hat I went on to knitting cables in the Idlewild Tunic.
I wore the tunic on one of the days during the S&W weekend.  It is very  comfortable :)!

Click here for my Idlewild

And as soon as the Idlewild was finished I cast on another TWO projects which have cables:

 Tullamore Cardigan 

The Tullamore cardigan  and the Elementary Watson Socks for Tony.
I also could not resist buying an Aran Cabled Cardigan from Ireland at The Clothes Tree in Rhinebeck.

I am wearing the bought cardigan while working on the Tullamore

                                                                    

Click here for more information on the Tullamore: http://ravel.me/Strickliese/tc

With the back all done, I cast on the sleeves which I will be working two at the same time.

 

 

 

Elementary Watson Socks

And although I had said "never again" after knitting cabled socks for Tony two years ago, I am now working on a pair for him with cables.  

you can't really see all the pretty cables on these :http://ravel.me/Strickliese/tma

 This time I am using a solid color so the pattern can actually be seen and appreciated.  
The yarn which I found in the clearance bin at Stickles (quite a treasure trove!) has 10% cashmere (!!!) in it.  It is the Anzula Squishy (80% Merino, 10% Cashmere and 10% Nylon).  
I feel that such a nice yarn deserves to be knitted up in a special pattern. Since my husband and I both enjoy "Sherlock Holmes", I decided on the "Elementary Watson" socks.  This is a free pattern on ravelry.
Click here for more project information: http://ravel.me/Strickliese/ews

I doubled the yarn with reinforcing yarn for the toes

first chart repeat done :)

Classes this November and December at The Knitting Garage

Class Schedule At The Knitting Garage November and December

                                                                                                                               

I am starting new classes after the Sheep and Wool Festival.  Now you have bought all these pretty yarns, get some help to knit them up into something fabulous for yourself or a loved one (the holidays are not that far off!)

This year the theme is HATS.  In my opinion hats make the perfect gift.  They are quick to knit up and who does not need a hat?!

Whether you have never knitted a hat or you want to learn a new technique, there should be something for everyone.  

 Individual Projects:

       These classes are held on Wednesday mornings 10am to 12noon and then on the following Saturday from 10am to 12noon (dates are indicated below). 

       The cost of $45 per class includes the pattern unless otherwise indicated and any additional help you need to finish the project. 

       All classes are for a maximum of three students per class to insure individual attention.

       Prior sign-up is necessary for all classes. 

       Discounts: * 10% discount if you sign up for two or more classes.

                    * 10% family discount.

November 4^th and 7^th                     The simplest hat (Basic knitting skills required)

This hat is knitted flat, and then seamed.  This is a good first hat done up on US#10 needles and a bulky weight yarn (Cascade 128). You will learn decreases and seaming.

     

November 11^th and 14^th      Boyfriend Hat by Churchmouse (basic knitting skills required)

This hat is knitted in the round on US#7 and 8 needles in a heavy worsted weight yarn.  Tosh Merino or SimpliWorsted are two good choices. You will learn two techniques of knitting in the round. An additional charge of $5 for the pattern will be applied.

    

November 18^th and 21^st      Block Island Gansey Hat (For the Intermediate Knitter)

We are so lucky to have these kits at The Knitting Garage. The North Light Fibers Mill has been featured in both the “Vogue Knitting” and the “Cast On” magazines. The hat is knitted up on US#7 needles in the round. You will learn how to knit following a chart. You will need to purchase the SCI kit which includes the pattern and yarn for $35.

November 25^th and 28^th     Fair Isle knitting (For the advanced knitter who is new to color work))

The hat is knit on US#4 needles in two colors.  I used Cascade Sport weight yarn. You will learn how to keep good tension when working with multiple colors. You will need to purchase the booklet “Scandinavian Caps for Guys” by Cottage Creations ($7).

December 2^nd and 5^th               Men’s Crochet Beanie (For the beginning crocheter)

This is a basic beanie, crochet top down in worsted weight yarn and a crochet hook size H. You will learn to single crochet and how to read and count your stitches There is an additional charge of $9 for the pattern by Bobbi Intveld.

December 9^th and 12^th        Big Chunky Comfy Hat (For the beginner knitter with basic knitting skills)

This can be your last minute gift as it knits up quickly on US#11 needles.  I made a few of these last year in Madeline Tosh ASAP (1 skein per hat is enough). You will learn how to knit in the round.

Private Lessons are also offered at $40 per hour at your convenience.