Discover Your Inner Knitter with Doris

Monday, September 16, 2013

Knitting for Lefties

Earlier this month I was preparing for the third time for a student who wanted to learn how to knit left-handed.

As I was about to set up my video camera to shoot some instructional videos on how to cast on, knit and purl left-handed, I checked out youtube first and found a goldmine of videos. As you can see from my photos left-handed knitting does not come easy to me (In the second picture I am holding the yarn in the wrong hand ).

So, why re-invent the wheel? I will add links in my knitting basics handout and after watching several videos I want to recommend the ones I deem to be the best.

Long Tail Cast-on:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTB2BaBtVK4

KNIT STITCH:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7D1xilyWc8

PURL STITCH:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLATXcoDfEw

For a list of "knit left-handed continental":

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=knit+left-handed+continental&oq=knit+left-handed+continental&gs_l=youtube.3...2528.11125.0.11498.28.28.0.0.0.0.97.1683.28.28.0...0.0...1ac.1.11.youtube.Zafv83RWAHk

Among all the videos I watched I want to recommend "yarn craft for lefties by Bill Souza". I found his videos to show the clearest instructions on a wide range of stitches:

http://www.youtube.com/user/YarnCrafts4lefties/videos

Monday, August 19, 2013

And here's for some chuckles :)

18 important life lessons to learn from knitting

Friday, August 16, 2013

Classes for Fall 2013

Class Schedule Fall 2013

Knitting Fundamentals

This class is for the beginning knitter and no previous knowledge of knitting is required. You will learn how to choose and substitute yarn, different methods of cast-on, the knit and purl stitch, decreases and increases and different methods of bind -off. The class will be custom-made to your speed and requests.

Six Saturdays from 10:30 am-12 noon beginning September 7 - October 12

Cost: $120/each (one participant)

$95/each (two participants)

$75/each (three participants)

Please e-mail me to sign up and also with special requests for classes you would like to see offered.

If you cannot come during the day inquire about my afternoon and evening classes held at my home.

Private lessons

Please note that the cost for private lessons at The Knitting Garage at AL Stickle has gone up to $35/ hour.

For private lessons held at your convenience call or e-mail to schedule an appointment.

Knitting classes and Private Instructions at A.L.Stickles

In Rhinebeck

Doris Formby
http://knitwithdoris.blogspot.com/

http://www.ravelry.com/people/Strickliese

phone: (845) 430-7619

e-mail: formbyd8@gmail.com

Friday, July 19, 2013

Gossamer Flower Power

Gossamer Flower Power

Materials: 1 skein Pagewood Farm Gossamer with Felted Flowers

Needles Size US 15

Cast on 5 stitches.

Row 1 (RS): knit all stitches

Row 2 (WS): knit

Row 3: knit to last stitch M1L, k

Row 4: knit

Row 5: *k, YO twice* repeat to last stitch, knit

Row 6: *k, drop the two Yos* repeat to last stitch, knit

Repeat Row 1-6 until you have 16 stitches total

Row 1 (RS): knit to last stitch k2tog, k

Row 2 (WS): knit

Row 3: knit to last stitch k2tog, k

Row 4: knit

Row 5: *k, YO twice* repeat to last stitch, knit

Row 6: *k, drop the two Yos* repeat to last stitch, knit

You will end up with 5 stitches. Finish up your yarn then bind off.

This will end up with an asymmetrical scarf.

Note: Make sure that all flowers will be on one side of your scarf.

Enjoy ! J

Pattern copyright to Doris Formby: You are welcome to use this pattern to knit for yourself or as a gift, or for charity. You may not sell the pattern itself or the finished goods made from this pattern. Please direct any questions to Strickliese on Ravelry. Thank you for knitting my design.

Saturday, July 6, 2013

A Tribute to a Friend

I first met Marie twenty-eight years ago when we were both expecting. That summer my husband and I had our first child, Gerry, and Marie and her husband had their second child, a daughter, Lynn. With three children and four adults we moved together and a year later became neighbors when my family moved to the house next door.

Although we both knitted then, it wasn't until much later that we sat together knitting and chatting, sharing regrets, joys, worries and hopes. In that relaxed state of mind while knitting we grew close together and became friends. Marie knitted and crochet many, many things for many people giving tangible expressions of love generously. When she was diagnosed with cancer in December 2011 she even started what she called a "hope chest". In this chest she placed beautiful baby clothes for future grandchildren.

She passed away two weeks ago from today on June 22nd, after battling cancer for the past 1 1/2 years. A battle which she seemed to win at times. I am grateful for any additional days and hours spent together knitting and otherwise.

Knitting therapy

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Summer classes 2013

Class Schedule Summer 2013

Knitting Fundamentals

You will learn how to choose and substitute yarn, different methods of cast-on, the knit and purl stitch, decreases and increases and different methods of bind -off.

Six Sundays from 2-3:30pm beginning July 7 - August 11 Cost: $120/each (one participant)

$95/each (two participants)

$75/each (three participants)

Walk in Tuesday

From 12 until 4pm: Walk in for a one hour basic instruction or help with your existing project; great way to get away from the pool this summer, too. Think about a mother/ daughter session. This is first come first serve and you can reserve your spot by calling ahead. Cost: $20/ hour (up to two people)

Fun with socks

I am offering two classes, one basic sock knitting class and another class with toe up instruction.

You will learn how to knit in the round on either DPNs or circular needles. You will learn the basic construction of a sock with stretchy cast-on, short rows, picking up stitches and the kitchener stitch as well as the three-needle bind off. We will meet every other week and should have the socks (or at least one sock) finished after four instruction periods.

Four Wednesdays Cost: $100/each (one participant; shorter sessions)

$90/each (two participants)

$70/each (three participants)

Basic sock cuff down: Wednesday, July 10 1:30-3pm (1 ½ hour)

Wednesday, July 24 1-3:30pm (2 ½ hour)

Wednesday, August 71-3:30pm (2 ½ hour)

Wednesday, August 21 1:30-3pm (1 ½ hour)

Socks Toe-up: Wednesday, July 3 1:30-3pm (1 ½ hour)

Wednesday, July 171-3:30pm (2 ½ hour

Wednesday, July 311-3:30pm (2 ½ hour)

Wednesday, August 141:30-3pm (1 ½ hour)

If you cannot come during the day inquire about my evening classes held at my home.