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Xandy's classes
Center Out Knitting
This class is a guided tour of the possibilities of center out
accessories. We will look at 3 different cast on methods for
center out projects and the unique strengths of each method.
After casting on, we will try out different arrangements and
types of increases to build different shawl, blanket, and scarf
shapes such as a square or other regular polygon, rectangle,
oblong, almond, and classic circular “pi” shawl. Many traditional
lace and colorwork motifs can be converted to work with these
shapes for spectacular results. By the end of the class, students
will feel confident using these cast on methods to create center
out accessories and add stitch and color patterns to various
shapes.
Supplies: 1 or more colors of worsted weight yarn, scraps are fine, circular and double pointed
needles in a size 7 and 8 extra needles may be helpful, scratch paper.
Knit Your Own Adventure
Put down that pattern and create your own rules of knitting! In this class we will create colorwork,texture, or lace using parametric (rule based) guides instead of restrictive instructions. The temperature blanket is a well-known example of parametric knitting. This popular pattern is knit according to one rule: work one stripe per day in a color determined by the temperature outside.
Unlike a traditional pattern that always produces the same result, projects based on parameters and rules have an element of randomness. In the first part of the class, we will discuss how to create unique and unrepeatable stitch motifs and colorwork based on anything from the roll of dice to the number of steps you take in a day. We will also go over
techniques and accessories that combine well with different parameters to produce stunning results. The swatches and patterns that we make in the second part of the class will follow your own set of rules. Each student will work on a swatch or mini shawl in class. Everyone will share their results and discuss how each rule affected the outcome of their stitch pattern.
Technique Requirements: Students should be familiar with ONE of these techniques, but do not need to be proficient in all of the following: Beginner Lace, Cables, Bobbles, Easy Colorwork
Supplies to Bring: A few balls of solid-colored yarn in any weight; scraps are OK. At least one multi-color yarn in any weight. Needles in an appropriate size for your yarns. A pencil and notebook or scratch paper.
Intro to Stacked Stitches
Stacked stitches are an innovative approach to striped colorwork, best known as the technique behind the Fox Paws pattern. Stacks can add shaping, create 3d texture, replace short rows, and when combined with stripes, they create intricate motifs without unsightly
strands on the wrong side of your projects. You’ll never need to manage more than one color at a time or worry about bobbins because stacked stitches bend rows of garter stitch into new shapes and patterns using only increases and decreases. This introductory class will enable knitters of all levels to try out the technique in a swatch and become confident working patterns that incorporate stacked stitches. We will focus on mastering the increase
and decrease stitches and learn several strategies for avoiding problems and fixing mistakes.
Materials: Worsted weight scrap yarn in multiple colors, circular needles with a flexible cord in a corresponding size to your yarn and a few adjacent sizes (metal or plastic needles are strongly recommended), stitch markers.
Optional materials: scratch paper, highlighter tape, and a digital row counter.
Fox Paws Workshop
In this class students will learn the basics of knitting with stacked stitches and begin a Fox Paws Wrap. We will start with an introduction to the stacked increase and decrease technique with some swatches in an easy stack pattern.
After all this hard work, there is a coloring break where we explore color choices. In the second half of the class, we will start working on our Fox Paws Swatches. Students will learn ways to check their own work and fix any problems that arise at home while testing out their new yarn and color choice in the pattern.
Yarn: Worsted weight scrap yarn in multiple colors and 5 colors of yarn in the weight of your choice for a final project.
Needles: Size 8 (5mm) 20 ̋circular needles. Extra needles in
adjacent sizes may be helpful.
Please bring metal or plastic needles if possible.
Optional materials: Stitch markers, scratch paper, highlighter tape, and a digital row counter.
