If you're coming to our blog looking for information on the Lucy Neatby workshop, scroll down a few posts or click here
http://indianapolisknittingguild.blogspot.com/2015/04/lucy-neatby-coming-to-indianapolis.html
Monday, May 4, 2015
Thursday, April 30, 2015
June meeting- Super Show and Share!
It can be a recently finish project or an old one, but this month we'll have more time for show and tell to go in to more detail.
(Pictures are from Meg Swansen's Knitting Camp, which inspired this guild topic a few years ago. )
Tuesday, April 21, 2015
Needle Sharing
For our April meeting members brought a wide variety of knitting needles for everyone to try out and talk about. Here are some of the more popular ones
Signature Needle Arts needles
http://www.signatureneedlearts.com/
These needles are one of the most high end available. They come in 3 different points, stiletto was represented at the meeting. The tips are slick for quick knitting, but the middle sections are micro etched to grip yarn and keep it from slipping off. These come in straights, DPNs, and "convertible circulars", where each set of tips comes with several screw on cables of different lengths.
Kollage Square needles
http://www.kollageyarns.com/needles.html
These metal needles come in all the standard formats, and some people find them to be more comfortable (some found them less!)
Knitter's Pride Dreamz
http://www.knitterspride.com/Materialwise-Details.asp?id=1&mcid=1
Dreamz are color coded laminated wood needles with fairly sharp points and flexible cords. (They also come in a square version) The example of these were an interchangeable set. These are nice because you have every possible needle size and cord length together in 1 set. They are especially nice for garments that will grow (like a circular shawl) or that you might want to try on as you go.
Dyak Craft
http://www.dyakcraft.com/index.html
There were also several interchangeable sets of Darn Pretty wood needles from Dyak Craft. These are hand made in Vermont. Unfortunately there was a fire at the DymondWood supplier last fall and they are currently not taking orders for the wood needles. They are still producing the metal interchangeable needles pictured above.
Chiaogoo
http://www.chiaogoo.com/
A variety of Chaiogoo needles were represented. These come in bamboo, metal (stainless steel), and lace (sharp) points, in DPN, circular fixed, and interchangeable styles. Their signature red cables are multi-strand, steel cable coated with red nylon that allows yarn to slide and has no memory. You may find that a good thing, or not, it seems to be a personal preference.
HiyaHiya
http://hiyahiyanorthamerica.com/
A variety of HiyaHiya needles were represented. These are a relatively affordable needle, and come in all varieties of fixed/interchangeable/DPN and metal (sharps and regular) and bamboo.
Denise Interchangeables
http://www.knitdenise.com/
Another set of interchangeables mentioned. Some features of these are that they click lock instead of screwing, are plastic (you may like, or not) and are fairly blunt points for those of you who do not like very sharp needles.
Peace Fleece
http://www.peacefleece.com/catalog/knittingneedles.php
Fair Trade, hand painted wooden needles.
There were others! So many, but these are a pretty good selection, and some of what was most discussed.
Signature Needle Arts needles
http://www.signatureneedlearts.com/
Kollage Square needles
http://www.kollageyarns.com/needles.html
These metal needles come in all the standard formats, and some people find them to be more comfortable (some found them less!)
Knitter's Pride Dreamz
http://www.knitterspride.com/Materialwise-Details.asp?id=1&mcid=1
Dreamz are color coded laminated wood needles with fairly sharp points and flexible cords. (They also come in a square version) The example of these were an interchangeable set. These are nice because you have every possible needle size and cord length together in 1 set. They are especially nice for garments that will grow (like a circular shawl) or that you might want to try on as you go.
Dyak Craft
http://www.dyakcraft.com/index.html
There were also several interchangeable sets of Darn Pretty wood needles from Dyak Craft. These are hand made in Vermont. Unfortunately there was a fire at the DymondWood supplier last fall and they are currently not taking orders for the wood needles. They are still producing the metal interchangeable needles pictured above.
Chiaogoo
http://www.chiaogoo.com/
A variety of Chaiogoo needles were represented. These come in bamboo, metal (stainless steel), and lace (sharp) points, in DPN, circular fixed, and interchangeable styles. Their signature red cables are multi-strand, steel cable coated with red nylon that allows yarn to slide and has no memory. You may find that a good thing, or not, it seems to be a personal preference.
HiyaHiya
http://hiyahiyanorthamerica.com/
A variety of HiyaHiya needles were represented. These are a relatively affordable needle, and come in all varieties of fixed/interchangeable/DPN and metal (sharps and regular) and bamboo.
Denise Interchangeables
http://www.knitdenise.com/
Another set of interchangeables mentioned. Some features of these are that they click lock instead of screwing, are plastic (you may like, or not) and are fairly blunt points for those of you who do not like very sharp needles.
Peace Fleece
http://www.peacefleece.com/catalog/knittingneedles.php
Fair Trade, hand painted wooden needles.
There were others! So many, but these are a pretty good selection, and some of what was most discussed.
Friday, April 10, 2015
Lucy Neatby coming to Indianapolis!
Classes will be June 5-7, 2015
Cost is $65 per class for Indianapolis Knitting Guild members, and $75 for non members.All classes will be held at Marten House Hotel and Lilly Conference Center 1801 W 86th St.
The hotel is offering a discounted rate of $89 per night if anyone should wish to stay at the hotel during the conference. Please call them directly and ask for the Indianapolis Knitting Guild Block. (http://www.martenhousehotel.com/).
The hotel is offering a discounted rate of $89 per night if anyone should wish to stay at the hotel during the conference. Please call them directly and ask for the Indianapolis Knitting Guild Block. (http://www.martenhousehotel.com/).
The Contented Stitch: Self-Sufficiency for Knitters
Friday, June 5th, 6-9pm
Novice - Intermediate knitters
This class is designed for both newer and seasoned knitters who would like to learn to read and understand their knitted fabric. With these skills, row counters and paper records become aids rather than lifelines! We will look at the following: The structure of a knit fabric both Stocking stitch and Garter and what makes for a contented stitch. The Long tail / Continental cast-on method and how to make it do your bidding. Decreases and how to recognise them, increases and their differences. Dropping stitches and staging rescues. How to mark your position and count rows.
Supplies: • One ball of fairly thick (chunky) weight yarn (to give a gauge of 3 - 4sts per inch in St st), please choose a smooth yarn in a solid (not marled) light colour and be prepared to swap a few metres with your neighbour as a contrasting colour. • One pair size 6mm / US #10 needles (or a circular needle). • Usual knitting paraphernalia, including a crochet hook.
Homework: None
Novice - Intermediate knitters
This class is designed for both newer and seasoned knitters who would like to learn to read and understand their knitted fabric. With these skills, row counters and paper records become aids rather than lifelines! We will look at the following: The structure of a knit fabric both Stocking stitch and Garter and what makes for a contented stitch. The Long tail / Continental cast-on method and how to make it do your bidding. Decreases and how to recognise them, increases and their differences. Dropping stitches and staging rescues. How to mark your position and count rows.
Supplies: • One ball of fairly thick (chunky) weight yarn (to give a gauge of 3 - 4sts per inch in St st), please choose a smooth yarn in a solid (not marled) light colour and be prepared to swap a few metres with your neighbour as a contrasting colour. • One pair size 6mm / US #10 needles (or a circular needle). • Usual knitting paraphernalia, including a crochet hook.
Homework: None
Almost Saintly Knitting – It’s So HOLEY!
Saturday, June 6th, 9am-12pm
Intermediate Knitters
It’s an ongoing source of fascination to me as to how to capture significant quantities of nothingness within knitting, in larger than traditional lace holes. We’ll take a look at single and double yarn-over lace holes and a series of different methods of making larger holes and how they can be employed to give a variety of effects. We’ll look at using waste yarn to create openings, with a crochet chain to hold the edges and the versatility of the marvellous scallop hole, which may be used for an all over fabric, for detailing and as a method for increasing and decreasing. How to handle multiple yarn overs and create new stitches. Even if you don’t currently plan to make holes in your knitting, there are many useful mainstream spinoffs for these techniques.
Supplies: • Double pointed or circular needles in a size to suit your yarn. • Smooth worsted weight yarns in at least two bright, solid colours. (Precise yarn weight is not critical.) • Crochet hook • Scissors and your usual knitting paraphernalia.
Homework: None
Intermediate Knitters
It’s an ongoing source of fascination to me as to how to capture significant quantities of nothingness within knitting, in larger than traditional lace holes. We’ll take a look at single and double yarn-over lace holes and a series of different methods of making larger holes and how they can be employed to give a variety of effects. We’ll look at using waste yarn to create openings, with a crochet chain to hold the edges and the versatility of the marvellous scallop hole, which may be used for an all over fabric, for detailing and as a method for increasing and decreasing. How to handle multiple yarn overs and create new stitches. Even if you don’t currently plan to make holes in your knitting, there are many useful mainstream spinoffs for these techniques.
Supplies: • Double pointed or circular needles in a size to suit your yarn. • Smooth worsted weight yarns in at least two bright, solid colours. (Precise yarn weight is not critical.) • Crochet hook • Scissors and your usual knitting paraphernalia.
Homework: None
Gilding the Lily: Finer Points of Finishing
Saturday, June 6th, 2pm-5pm
Intermediate upwards – must have a working knowledge of grafting (Kitchener Stitch) and Mattress Stitch Great knitting is a sum of small parts.
We will be looking a variety of refinements to the detailing and finish of your pieces. We will use an easy provisional cast-on technique, work a facing, incorporate a selection of turning rows and fuse the facing to the main fabric. Preparation will be made for a seam involving no bulk or fabric loss, make an impeccable double-knit pocket and trim it with a choice of decorative pocket tops. All of this will topped with a modified bind off technique which improves ease, speed and adds elasticity to the bound off edge.
Supplies: • A smooth Worsted weight yarn (gives an approx gauge of 4 - 5 sts per inch) in a light solid colour, wool rich blend. • Bring 3m/yds of two contrasting colours of similar yarn (or be prepared to swap some yarn with a neighbour). • A set of lightweight dpns suitable for your chosen yarn, plus one smaller size dpn and two larger size ones. • Usual knitting paraphernalia, including a crochet hook.
Homework: None
Intermediate upwards – must have a working knowledge of grafting (Kitchener Stitch) and Mattress Stitch Great knitting is a sum of small parts.
We will be looking a variety of refinements to the detailing and finish of your pieces. We will use an easy provisional cast-on technique, work a facing, incorporate a selection of turning rows and fuse the facing to the main fabric. Preparation will be made for a seam involving no bulk or fabric loss, make an impeccable double-knit pocket and trim it with a choice of decorative pocket tops. All of this will topped with a modified bind off technique which improves ease, speed and adds elasticity to the bound off edge.
Supplies: • A smooth Worsted weight yarn (gives an approx gauge of 4 - 5 sts per inch) in a light solid colour, wool rich blend. • Bring 3m/yds of two contrasting colours of similar yarn (or be prepared to swap some yarn with a neighbour). • A set of lightweight dpns suitable for your chosen yarn, plus one smaller size dpn and two larger size ones. • Usual knitting paraphernalia, including a crochet hook.
Homework: None
Dabble into Double (Double Knitting Part A)
Sunday, June 7th, 9am-12pm
Intermediate/experienced knitters – No DK experience necessary
Make a voyage of discovery to achieve a deeper understanding of your knitting! Try a variety of types of Double Knitting to produce two-layer fabrics. Starting with tubular knitting on straight needles, open and condensed bind-off methods and the magnificent double knit pocket trick. Using two yarns we will introduce positive/negative DK color patterning techniques and quilting for added texture and warmth.
Supplies: • Two double pointed needles of sizes 3.5 - 4 mm/US #4 - 6. • 20g each of two contrasting solid colours of smooth DK or Worsted weight yarn. • Scissors • Crochet hook • Usual knitting paraphernalia
Homework: None
Intermediate/experienced knitters – No DK experience necessary
Make a voyage of discovery to achieve a deeper understanding of your knitting! Try a variety of types of Double Knitting to produce two-layer fabrics. Starting with tubular knitting on straight needles, open and condensed bind-off methods and the magnificent double knit pocket trick. Using two yarns we will introduce positive/negative DK color patterning techniques and quilting for added texture and warmth.
Supplies: • Two double pointed needles of sizes 3.5 - 4 mm/US #4 - 6. • 20g each of two contrasting solid colours of smooth DK or Worsted weight yarn. • Scissors • Crochet hook • Usual knitting paraphernalia
Homework: None
Double Up and Around! (Double Knitting Part B)
Sunday, June 7th, 2pm-5pm
Intermediate/experienced knitters – No DK experience necessary (Dabble 1 is not required to take this class. These 2 classes can be taken independently or together)
Make an exploratory journey into other realms of Double Knitting (which produces two-layer fabrics). We will begin with tubes within tubes, worked in the round, initially with a single yarn, two yarns and then with colour patterning. We will look at different ways to handle the yarns for maximum efficiency and how to incorporate shapings into double fabrics, topped off with tubular bind-off. These techniques are suited to ultra warm mittens and cozy lined socks.
Supplies: • A set of double pointed needles of sizes US 3 - 5,(3.5 - 4 mm) or one or two circulars according to your preferred method of working in the round. • 20g each of two solid colours of smooth DK - Worsted weight yarn. • Scissors • Crochet hook • Blunt darning needle • Usual knitting paraphernalia
Homework: Cast on 48 sts in the round and work 2 rounds of 1x1 rib (k1, p1). Use whatever type of needles you prefer. Leave the stitches on the needle.
Intermediate/experienced knitters – No DK experience necessary (Dabble 1 is not required to take this class. These 2 classes can be taken independently or together)
Make an exploratory journey into other realms of Double Knitting (which produces two-layer fabrics). We will begin with tubes within tubes, worked in the round, initially with a single yarn, two yarns and then with colour patterning. We will look at different ways to handle the yarns for maximum efficiency and how to incorporate shapings into double fabrics, topped off with tubular bind-off. These techniques are suited to ultra warm mittens and cozy lined socks.
Supplies: • A set of double pointed needles of sizes US 3 - 5,(3.5 - 4 mm) or one or two circulars according to your preferred method of working in the round. • 20g each of two solid colours of smooth DK - Worsted weight yarn. • Scissors • Crochet hook • Blunt darning needle • Usual knitting paraphernalia
Homework: Cast on 48 sts in the round and work 2 rounds of 1x1 rib (k1, p1). Use whatever type of needles you prefer. Leave the stitches on the needle.
Click here to register
Friday, March 6, 2015
Seaming Challenges
Join us this Tuesday to learn some tips to deal with seaming challenges from Barb Bettegnies
Happy knitting!
Tuesday, February 17, 2015
Short Row resources
I collected together some videos of the techniques we talked about at guild.
Cat Bordhi Wrap and Turn
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
"Thanks Ma" from Cat Bordhi's Sweet Tomato Heel
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
And here is a Free Craftsy Class on short rows.
http://www.craftsy.com/class/
It discusses Wrap and Turn, Yarn over, and Japanese Short rows, but also has a section on how to work them in shoulders, sleeves, and bust lines, so those of you wanting more specific information on how to add them for your own shape might find it there.
Wrap and Turn
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Japanese short rows
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Ysolda does the same thing as Japanese short rows using scrap yarn instead of pins, she calles this technique Wrapless short rows.
https://vimeo.com/84546182
https://vimeo.com/84546182
German short rows
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
(Note:
I think she makes an unfair comparison as the left side short rows
often don't look as good as the right side, but her instructions are
good and clear)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
And here is a Free Craftsy Class on short rows.
http://www.craftsy.com/class/
It discusses Wrap and Turn, Yarn over, and Japanese Short rows, but also has a section on how to work them in shoulders, sleeves, and bust lines, so those of you wanting more specific information on how to add them for your own shape might find it there.
Friday, January 23, 2015
Short Rows in February
Join us on February 10th where we'll talk about Short Rows.
Short rows are rows of knitting that do not go all the way to the end, which allow for shaping. We'll talk about when to use them, how to add them to your pattern to improve fit, and several different ways to perform them.
Short rows are rows of knitting that do not go all the way to the end, which allow for shaping. We'll talk about when to use them, how to add them to your pattern to improve fit, and several different ways to perform them.
Friday, January 9, 2015
Abby Franquemont workshop on January 24th
Abby Franquemont is the author of Respect the Spindle
and several Interweave videos. She is also the daughter of Ed and
Christine Franquemont who were textile anthropologist. Her family moved
to Chinchero, Peru when she was quite young and learned spinning and weaving there. Many of you will
remember her as the Abby Cat Bordhi mentioned a lot in her lecture.
Classes are:
Drafting: the Long and Short of it will take place from 10-1. This class is geared toward people who already know how to spin at least a little. Cost is $50 plus $30 materials fee (paid to Abby).
What’s the difference between long draw and short draw? Does it matter? Why would you choose one or the other? What difference does it make in your finished yarn? Are some fibers or preparations more suited to one or the other? What do people mean by woolen and worsted? We’ll talk about those subjects and learn to execute a range of drafting methods with a variety of fibers. Bring a wheel and/or spindle, and we’ll supply the fiber.Spinning for Knitters will be $50, plus $10 materials fee (paid to Abby), from 2-5.
Have you been wondering about learning to spin? Is it for you? Is it expensive? Why would you want to? How hard is it, really? How long does it take to get to where you can make lots of yarn you’ll want to use? Whether you’re just looking to find out if you’re interested or not, or looking to finally make that leap, this is the class for you. Using a spindle (we’ll supply one for class, and you can buy it if you want to keep going), get hands-on instruction right from one of the world’s foremost spinning teachers and feel confident you’re off to a great start.The lecture will be at 7, the topic is Handspinning through History, the cost of the lecture is $10.
Well-suited for audiences who may not spin. From ancient times through the dawn of industrialization up to the present day, who spins and why? What do they spin, with what tools? What do they make with yarn? What role to textiles play in the development of civilization? What would live be like without yarn? Includes spinning demonstrations with spindle and wheel.All 3 events will take place at the Olde Mill Condominium Clubhouse at 165 Olde Mill Circle North Dr,Indianapolis, IN 46260
Please email me (SheepyTime@gmail.com) if you have any questions or to sign up.
And please feel free to share this with anyone you think might be interested.
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