Workshop Schedule  •  Course Descriptions  •  Teaching Information

Course Descriptions

6 Hour Workshops

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 Edges
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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Overcoming the Fear of Cutting
In this lecture and demonstration class, students will learn how to prepare a sweater worked in the round, to add sleeve holes, to make a cardigan by cutting the front, and other special finishing touches. Both Nordic and Fair Isle techniques will be covered.