| Workshop
Schedule • Course
Descriptions • Teaching
Information
Course
Descriptions
6 Hour Workshops
An Overture to Estonian Lace
Estonia has a lace tradition spanning nearly 200 years. We will learn about their
unique stitch patterns, special edging and corner treatments for modern lace,
and some very different ways of creating texture in lace. For the intermediate
to advanced knitter.
Estonian Lace Sampler
In Estonian lace knitting tradition, patterns were recorded by knitting them
into a long sampler or by a collection of small sample pieces. In this class
we will study this tradition and make our own sampler of Estonian lace patterns.
Making a true Haapsalu Sall; a traditional shawl
from Estonia
The tradition of knitting lace shawls began in Haapsalu,
a town on the west coast of Estonia in the early 1800’s.
In this class we will study the history and the techniques
involved in making shawls as they have been made in Haapsalu
for almost 200 years. We will make a miniature rectangular
shawl, easily translated to a human size, that incorporates
unique stitch patterns and special ways of finishing.
This course works best over 7 hours or 2 3 hour morning
sessions.
Estonian Kolmnurk Rätik – Estonian
Triangular Shawl
Estonian lace knitters have several ways of shaping triangular
shawls. In this class, we will discuss the variations and
study, in depth, one interesting way to create a triangular
shape, where decreases rule. We will make a miniature triangular
shawl, easily translated to a human size, with unique patterns
and special details.
Vintage Socks—Old Tricks for New
Socks
This workshop will begin with a discussion of the patterns
that were written for sock and stocking knitting in the
19th century, drawing extensively from the Weldon’s
Practical Needlework journals. We will look at styles that
were popular and how they translate into modern times.
We will also discuss the patterns, how they were written
and how best to translate them into 21st century knitting
language.
Students will make a sampler in this class, using techniques
adapted from Nancy’s new book, Knitting Vintage
Socks (Interweave Press. 2005), including a very interesting
heel and toe shaping not commonly used today. Students should
have intermediate knitting skills and be familiar with using
double point needles.
Baltic Braids and Bobbles
This is a new class created from parts of 'Discovering Estonian
Knitting' which has been discontinued. Many interesting
embellishments have been created by Estonian knitters to
decorate their knitting. In this workshop we will create
a small 'pocket' beginning with a braided cast on and advancing
on to different ways to make lateral braids, adding in a
unique 'button' or bobble-like technique as we go. This
class is packed with interesting techniques and traditions!
For the intermediate to advanced knitter.
Estonian Cuffs
Estonian Mittens have VERY interesting and unique cuffs!
The class will look at several different cuff treatments
and learn how to use the techniques to create edges on more
than mittens! We will practice some new ways of casting
on and working textured stitches. The techniques learned
in this exciting class can be applied to mittens, gloves,
socks, and even sweaters! For the intermediate knitter.
Traditional Estonian Mittens
Learn about Estonian knitting traditions through their mittens.
Students will make a mitten, learning some interesting Estonian
techniques: a special cast on, unique cuff treatment and
knitted braids. Students should be able to use double point
needles and have some experience with 2 color knitting for
this class.
Traditional Estonian Socks
Learn about Estonian knitting traditions through their socks.
Students will make a sock, learning some interesting Estonian
techniques: a special cast on, unique cuff treatment and
knitted braids. Students should be able to use double point
needles and have some experience with 2 color knitting for
this class.
Tvåändsstickning/Twined Knitting
Travel to Sweden in this workshop! We will study the traditional
technique of two end, or twined knitting, a special way
to make mittens, gloves, socks and other warm and sturdy
projects. Learn how to carry the two yarns, how to make
interesting textures and how to add in colors - all while
making a wonderful pair of mittens! Students would be familiar
with using double point needles for this class. There will
be a materials fee for special Z plied yarn. For the intermediate
to advanced knitter.
As The Heel Turns
Focus on those darn heels! This class will cover four different
heel shapings and their uses in various sock patterns. Look
at the logic behind each, when it is best (or easiest) used,
and some tricks involved in achieving successful heels.
Then we'll delve into the transition from heel to foot (the
gussets) and some toe lore. Students should have made a
sock before taking this class.
3 hour Workshops
Knitting Estonian Lace
Estonia has a lace tradition spanning nearly 200 years. Learn about the stitch
patterns and some of the history of these lovely garments. In this workshop,
students will learn several of the unique ways Estonian knitters use to create
texture in lace. For the intermediate to advanced knitter.
Nordic Color—An Inlay technique from Estonia
This is a new class created from parts of 'Discovering
Estonian Knitting' which has been discontinued. Estonians
use a special inlay technique for decorating gloves and
socks similar to embroidery but worked right into the
knitting. By knitting a sample, students will learn how
to read the charts and work this unique and colorful
embellishment. This class is for the intermediate knitter.
Estonian Cast Ons
The Estonians have some interesting ways to cast on - each
giving a unique effect. Students will learn three different
ways to cast on, when to use each technique and what makes
each one special. This class is different from Clues for
Casting On, in that it focuses on Estonian cast ons only.
Estonian Traveling Stitches
The Estonian's have a unique way of creating texture! In
this class, we will take a look at the traveling and textured
stitches used in both traditional and modern knitted garments.
We will learn how Estonian knitters make their stitches
move and how the stitches combine to form enticing patterns.
We will discuss the many applications of these techniques.
Clues for Casting On
There are many ways to cast on - some for special uses,
others for certain effects. Students will learn a number
of different ways to cast on, when to use each technique
and what makes each one special.
Heel to Toe
This 3 hour seminar will focus on heels and toes in sock
construction. We will look at several examples of shapes
of heels and toes, how they differ and when to use them
successfully. Each student will be able to try the techniques
offered. We will also cover some lock lore and tips
for making successful socks. Experience with double
pointed needles is useful for this class.
Longer Workshops
Nancy offers a selection of 3 day classes for longer retreats.
They cover Estonian Lace Knitting, Estonian Mitten Traditions
and Knitting Socks. Please contact Nancy for more information
about these longer courses
She also offers a series of 2 or 3 day classes with master
spinner Judith MacKenzie McCuin. The subjects we offer
are:
• Spinning and Knitting Estonian Lace
• Spinning and Knitting Extraordinary Socks and
• Handcoverings; The Art of Spinning and Knitting Mitts
and Gloves.
Please contact Nancy or Judith for more information about
these courses. |
