The Importance of Staying Earnest!

It's hard to stay inspired. When I try to explain to most people about the new BFL roving I got that spins like butter - they look at me like I'm crazy... I don't blame them! That's why fibre related clubs and guilds have become my main source of learning and inspiration.

I recently took a class through the Downtown Knit Collective's winter workshop with Fiona Ellis. A fabulous designer and very inspirational teacher, Fiona's class allowed the students to dive into the design process and be as freeform as we wanted to be. She had us choose an image from a pile of images she had brought to class, I chose a picture of a delicious slice of cake...


After we chose our image we used strips of card to crop the image, focusing on a particular point of interest. I was drawn to the uneven lines and bumps in this image - I'm a texture person. Next we were to interpret the image in a swatch, a design for a garment or freeform piece - anything that would act as a spring board for inspiration in anyway the student felt comfortable approaching it. I chose to dive right in and start knitting using short rows, knits and purls and different yarn weights to create texture. I also added some embroidery and crochet baubles. I created two swatches that day. The top one in the image below - was my first one, the bottom was the second. I used my first swatch as a jumping board for the second. I utilized the elements I felt were working in the first to develop the second.


I loved this class and Fiona as a teacher. I don't know what I will do with my swatches but they did inspire me and remind me the value of "playing" without a goal. It's a great way for me to develop ideas.

Another wonderfully inspiring class I took was a while ago! It was last March and it was with Debbie New. Debbie is an amazing thinker, knitter and teacher. I saw her speak through the Kitchener Waterloo Knitting Guild and was wowed by every word that came out of her mouth!

Her class asked the students to forget about everything we've learned about knitting. We were going to break the rules to see what happened. The first swatch we worked on Debbie calls "Scribble Lace". We knit with light weight yarn on large needles and incorporated heavy weight yarn as we wanted. The result is quite interesting...


The second swatch we worked on with Debbie was a sample of what she calls "Labyrinth Knitting". She makes full sweaters that are hundreds of stitches long and about six rows wide. She utilizes increases and decreases to make a "puzzle". She'll give this long strip to someone and tell them if they can solve the puzzle and make it into a sweater shape, she'll sew it together for them. Seeing the picture below gives a better impression. The first one is a strip of knitting with increases and decreases, the second is the "puzzle" solved and positioned into a closed shape.


Both these classes have left an impression on me. I can never stop learning or playing. There is always inspiration around me.

To find a Spinning and Weaving Guild take a look at the Ontario Handweavers and Spinners Guild website.

Craftsmanship and the Quest for (Near) Perfection

I've been reading an amazing book called "The Craftsman" by Richard Sennett. It is an amazing book that is very much up my alley. Mr. Sennett defines "craftsmanship" as "the desire to do a job well for its own sake".

He goes back to the guilds of the middle ages and talks of apprenticeship and mastery. He discusses how our bodies adapt to our skill. For example, how the hands of a musician develop and are trained to move to produce the correct tone.

I could talk about this all day long! But, for today, I'm just going to apply his idea of "the desire to do a job well for its own sake" to my recent completion of a crochet project.

Crochet is a skill that I would say that I'm good at. I understand the stitches and what my hands need to do to make them, I have developed the manual dexterity to be able to manipulate the yarn easily. I do well at letting the developing pattern tell me where to go next. My intention is to do a good job for its own sake. Where do mistakes fit in to intention? I made some boo-boos in my project because I wasn't paying enough attention to the written pattern or because I made a mistake and let that mistake dictate my developing pattern on subsequent rows causing a kind of "mutation" of the written pattern.

Do unintended mistakes have anything to do with intention to do a good job? In this case, I believe I did all the right things. I chose a project that challenged me, I learned a lot about balancing reading patterns and letting the stitches tell me what to do. I was open to learning and challenged. My intent was pure. Mistakes are learning tools. A completed project by human hands will always have mistakes. The point of mistakes is to learn, the point of "making" things is to do a job well for its own sake. Both those things are the building blocks to (near) perfection in your craft.

Here's my shawl. The Blue Curacao Shawl designed by Doris Chan, interpreted by me! It's made of Diamond Luxury Collection's Pilar (Llama and Silk). I'm not going to point out the mistakes!

The Wrapping and the Turning...

For my classes, I try and find small projects that are technique based. Something that would be fun and easy to complete and drive a technique into your brain. Then, the student can go on and know these techniques when the come across them in other patterns or when they make up their own! Easy gauntlets to learn 4-needle techniques, a picot edge or different cast on method for an easy cowl and, the feature of this post, The Ameila Earhart Aviator Cap which is all about wrapping and turning. These techniques together are all you need to make socks, for example. They are also projects that are easy to complete and easy to get a great head start on in a 2 hour class.

In my random internet searching for fun knitting patterns, I came across a website called Head Huggers. It is a site full of free hat patterns all suitable for people undergoing chemo or that have lost their hair due to surgery or other health problems. A very cool site! I found the Aviator Hat pattern on it and just thought it was so amazing. I made one using Louisa Harding Grace in this beautiful silver/blue/indigo colour way. The construction of the hat, the shaping and the head-hugging qualities were so amazing. It's all about W&T - it helps you master the W&T and shows you how to seamlessly shape this head hugging creation.

I contacted the operator of the site to ask if I could use the pattern for a class and she sent back a very nice email saying she'd be delighted. I asked about the designer and was told that all she knew was that she had been living in South America.

Because of the vintage style, it wasn't a very popular class. I was bummed because it's such a fun knit and you learn so much from it. I though later that I should have advertised the class maybe a little better. It could be used as a cap for under your bike or ski helmet, as a fashion statement (which I use it for), or, for the intention on the Head Huggers site, for someone who has lost their hair.

As an aside, I was wearing it one day and someone mentioned it looked like a Pilgrim hat. Now every time I wear it, all I can think of is the Crucible and Winona Ryder screaming, "I saw Goody Good communing with the devil!!!"

Sparkle Fresh Beret Pattern

This is a beret of my design. It was a really fun one and the process was a good one for me too.

I originally made it out of Louisa Harding Mulberry which is 100% silk. The fabric had amazing drape and it looked really good but I should have thought back to my fibre training and known that 100% silk doesn't have memory. It's a long fibre that's slippery and stretches and stretches and stretches with no "snap back" like wool. I thought that adding the Katia Pailettes (which is a thread of nylon with sequins threaded on it) would give it the body it needed but I was still very unhappy with my baggy, streatched out hat.

So, I remade the beret with a silk wool blend. I stuck with Louisa Harding because I'm a fan (hee). This time, I made it with her Grace which is a hand-painted silk/wool blend. It has a beautiful sheen, it's warm, springy and the colours are amazing. I, of course, still used the Katia Pailettes because it wouldn't be "Sparkle Fresh" otherwise.

If you make the beret please feel free to substitute yarns, any DK weight should work (check your guage though!!!). And please add sparkle - beads, Katia Pailettes, sequins - anything to make it sparkle FRESH!

Sparkle Fresh Beret
by Alisa McRonald
http://fibreperson.blogspot.com/

This beret was inspired by glamour, texture and luxury. Pop it on your head and you are ready to go out for a night on the town! So simple you can start it with your morning coffee and have it done for your evening cocktail!

One size fits most, approximately 10” in diameter once blocked.

Gauge: 18 sts and 24 rows = 4” (10 cm in Stockinette Stitch
(k every row). Please always check your gauge!

Materials: Two balls Louisa Harding Grace yarn, one ball Katia Paillettes, 3.5mm, 16” circular needle (for brim), 4.5mm, 24” circular needle for hat,
4.5mm set double pointed needles for finishing, darning needle to weave in ends.

Stitches used:
kfb = knit into the front and back of st (increases by 1 st)
ssk = Slip, slip, knit. Slip next two sts as if to knit, one at a time, to right needle; insert left needle into fronts of these 2 sts and k them together.

Brim:
Using Grace and with 3.5mm circular needles, cast on 80 sts. Mark beginning of round and join. Work circularly in k1, p1 rib for 1 1/2”.

Increase Round:
Switch to 4.5mm circular needles. *K1, KFB repeat from * around – 120 sts.
Continue to knit all sts until piece measures 4 1/2” from beginning. Place 5 more markers evenly spaced around (place marker every 20 sts. Make sure marker at the beg. of round is a different colour or easily identified from the rest.)

Crown:
Rnd 1(decrease rnd): *Ssk, work to marker, slip marker repeat from * 6 times.
Rnd 2: Work 1 rnd even. Repeat last 2 rounds until 48 sts remain (carefully switch to double pointed needles).

Repeat Rnd 1 only, until 6 sts remain (note: decreasing every round).

Finishing:
Gently remove/cut paillettes from 6” of yarn. Using darning needle thread both ends through 6 remaining sts. Pull extra to inside and secure. Weave in all ends remembering to remove paillettes from any Paillettes yarn that needs to be woven in. Lay hat flat and pin to blocking area in desired shape, mist lightly with water and allow to dry.

February Classes at Passionknit

February Classes at Passionknit
3355 Yonge St. 416-322-0688
info@passionknit.ca


Learn to Knit on Four Needles – Easy Wrist Warmers
Don’t be scared! It’s easy and fun! Knitting on four needles allows you to make all sorts of small items in the round. In this class we will be making wrist warmers on 4 needles with a fun picot edging using a beautiful alpaca yarn. Please know how to cast on, bind off, knit and purl. (Pinchy)
$30 plus materials.
Wednesday Feb. 3, 7 – 9pm


Neck Cuddler with Buttons
If you are interested in learning how to make a buttonhole, this class is for you. This is a simple neck cuddler made out of beautiful hand painted Malabrigo yarn. You will learn how to make buttonholes and how to follow a pattern while making this easy and funky project (Peachy)
$30 plus materials.
Wednesday Feb. 10, 7 – 9pm OR
Thursday Feb. 18, 7 – 9pm


Easy Knit Hat
What a fun hat! It’s a great beginner project! You will learn how to cast on, cast off, shape a garment, read a pattern and sew up your project. It’s a quick knit with great results using Debbie Bliss Como yarn. Lofty and lovely! (Peachy)
$30 plus materials.
Thursday Feb. 11, 7 – 9pm OR
Thursday Feb. 25, 7 – 9pm


Passionknit Stitchers’ Night
This is a special night out for our Passionknit customers to come and socialize. Come join us to “unwind” the last Wednesday evening of every month for a fun knitting night. Come and let our array of amazing new yarns and patterns inspire and push your knitting and crochet to the next level. (Free)
Wednesday Feb. 24, 7pm - 9pm

Registration Information:
We keep classes small in order to be able to spend one-on-one time with each student. Please register in advance either by coming into the shop or calling us. Payment in full for the class is due upon registration, please check your schedule and class description carefully, registration fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. We also do not offer make up classes.

If you must cancel a class you have registered for, please notify us at least 48 hours in advance, we will issue you a credit toward another class.

Two-hour classes are $30, which is for the class only. Materials and applicable taxes will be in addition unless otherwise noted. If a class does not run due to low registration or extenuating circumstances, you will be refunded in full.

A 10% reduction on materials costs is offered once you are registered. You may pick out your materials anytime after registration.

Doors will open 15 minutes before class and class will start promptly. Please be on time.

We also welcome suggestions for class ideas – just send us an email or give us a call!

For up-dates on Passionknit events and classes please join our mailing list by calling or emailing us.

Class Rating:
Peachy = Easy
Pinchy = Medium
Persnickety = Difficult

Alisa McRonald, Fibre Arts Teacher
My love of the fibre and textile arts came as soon as I was old enough to sit on my mother’s lap at her sewing machine.

I have been fortunate enough to exhibit my work at galleries and shops in New York, Los Angeles, Asia, England and Canada. It was in the late 1990’s when my work as an artist became solely fibre based.

My interest in hand spinning came first from my love of animals and wanting to learn about yarn production from start to finish. I was able to gain hands-on experience during a two year internship at a small fibre mill / angora goat farm in Elora, Onatrio. During this time, my fibre knowledge was expanded exponentially.

I have been teaching fibre arts classes to both children and adults for several years and I am excited to bring my teaching skills and fibre knowledge to Passionknit. I feel fortunate to be working with a group of people who are amazing knitters and believe in helping people with their endeavors.

January Classes at Passionknit!

January Classes at Passionknit
3355 Yonge St. 416-322-0688
info@passionknit.ca

For pictures of each project, please check out:
http://fibreperson.blogspot.com/

Learn to Knit on Four Needles – Cabled Wrist Warmers
Don’t be scared! It’s easy and fun! Knitting on four needles allows you to make all sorts of small items in the round. In this class we will be making wrist warmers on 4 needles with a cable technique using beautiful Mirasol yarns. Please know how to cast on, bind off, knit and purl. (Pinchy)
$30 plus materials.
Tuesday January 5, 7 – 9pm


Learn Entrelac – Make a Headband!
If you’re interested enterlac, this is the class for you! We will be knitting a groovy winter ear warmer that will help perfect your technique. This project is the perfect size for your TTC knitting bag and will certainly jazz up your winter wardrobe. Please know how to knit, purl, pick up stitches and read a pattern. (Pinchy)
$30 plus materials.
Wednesday January 6, 7 – 9pm or
Monday January 25, 11 am – 1pm



Short Row Technique – Vintage Style Hat
This beautiful vintage style hat can be made in several yarns and is a wonderful fashion statement! Short rows are very important in shaping a garment, working heels in socks as well as a great exercise in developing your dexterity. In addition to learning short rows, this is a wonderfully exciting project to hone your pattern reading skills. Please know how to cast on, knit, purl, read a basic pattern and bind off. (Pinchy)
$30 plus materials.
Monday January 11, 11am – 1pm or
Thursday January 14, 7 – 9pm



Finishing 101 – Blocking, Weaving In Ends
This class is designed to set you on the path to finishing your hand made garments. We will give you a peek into the craft of finishing. We will demo and go over blocking techniques and how to make a blocking area at home, talk about various fibres and stitches and demo weaving in ends. Participants will go home with handouts and tips galore! This is a great class for beginners or advanced knitters who want tips and ideas for finishing your special creations. No materials are needed for this class, however, participants may want to bring a notebook. Handouts are included. (Peachy)
$30 handouts included.
Thursday January 21, 7 – 9pm

Beginner Lace – Pretty Cowl
If you are interested in learning how to knit lace and read charts – this is a perfect class for you! This is a simple cowl made out of beautiful hand painted Koigu yarn. You will learn all the basics of lace knitting and reading a lace pattern. Please know how to knit in the round and read a pattern. (Pinchy)
$30 plus materials.
Tuesday January 26, 7 – 9pm



Passionknit Stitchers’ Night
This is a special night out for our Passionknit customers to come and socialize.
Come join us to “unwind” the last Wednesday evening of every month for a fun knitting night. Come and let our array of amazing new yarns and patterns inspire and push your knitting and crochet to the next level.
The last Wednesday of every month from 7pm – 9pm (Free)

Registration Information:
We keep classes small in order to be able to spend one-on-one time with each student. Please register in advance either by coming into the shop or calling us. Payment in full for the class is due upon registration, please check your schedule and class description carefully, registration fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. We also do not offer make up classes.

If you must cancel a class you have registered for, please notify us at least 48 hours in advance, we will issue you a credit toward another class.

Two-hour classes are $30, which is for the class only. Materials and applicable taxes will be in addition unless otherwise noted. If a class does not run due to lack of interest, you will be refunded in full.

A 10% reduction on materials costs is offered once you are registered. You may pick out your materials anytime after registration.

Doors will open 15 minutes before class and class will start promptly at the stated time, please be on time.

We also welcome suggestions for class ideas – just send us an email or give us a call!

For up-dates on Passionknit events and classes please join our mailing list by calling or emailing us.

Class Rating:
Peachy = Easy
Pinchy = Medium
Persnickety = Difficult

Alisa McRonald, Fibre Arts Teacher
My love of the fibre and textile arts came as soon as I was old enough to sit on my mother’s lap at her sewing machine.

I have been fortunate enough to exhibit my work at galleries and shops in New York, Los Angeles, Asia, England and Canada. It was in the late 1990’s when my work as an artist became solely fibre based.

My interest in hand spinning came first from my love of animals and wanting to learn about yarn production from start to finish. I was able to gain hands-on experience during a two year internship at a small fibre mill / angora goat farm in Elora, Onatrio. During this time, my fibre knowledge was expanded exponentially.

I have been teaching fibre arts classes to both children and adults for several years and I am excited to bring my teaching skills and fibre knowledge to Passionknit. I feel fortunate to be working with a group of people who are amazing knitters and believe in helping people with their endeavors.

December Classes at Passionknit!

December Classes at Passionknit
3355 Yonge St. 416-322-0688
info@passionknit.ca

For pictures of each project, please check out:
http://fibreperson.blogspot.com/

If you would like to see the projects in person come into the shop!

Learn a New Stitch – Brioche Scarf
This is a great scarf for a gift. It is a fun stitching technique to learn. The brioche stitch is a very stretchy and elegant stitch and will give you a fun and warm scarf. You must know how to cast on, cast off, knit and purl to take this class. (Peachy)
Wednesday December 2, 7 – 9pm or
Monday December 14, 10am – 12pm


Easy Knit Hat
What a fun hat! It’s a great beginner project! You will learn how to cast on, cast off, shape a garment, read a pattern and sew up your project. It’s a quick knit with great results using Debbie Bliss’ Como yarn. Lofty and lovely! (Peachy)
Thursday December 10, 7 – 9 pm or
Monday December 21, 10am – 12pm


Learn Entrelac – Make a Headband!
If you’re interested enterlac, this is the class for you! We will be knitting a groovy winter ear warmer that will help perfect your technique. This project is the perfect size for your TTC knitting bag and will certainly jazz up your winter wardrobe. Please know how to knit, purl, pick up stitches and read a pattern. (Pinchy)
Thursday December 3, 9 – 11am or
Wednesday December 9, 7 – 9pm


Cable Knitting - Scarf!
During this class we will be working on a lovely cabled scarf. We will be learning a basic cabling stitch. You must know how to cast on, cast off, read basic patterns, knit and purl for this class. (Pinchy)
Thursday December 17, 7 –9pm or
Wednesday December 23, 9 – 11am


Learn to Crochet – Granny Square Style!
Curious about crochet? Interested in enhancing
your knitting through expanding your craft knowledge? If so, let’s get together and learn a basic granny square out of yummy Noro yarn. Any and every Noro colourway is like a delicious candy surprise! You can choose the weight and any Noro colourway that suits you! During the class we’ll go over the pattern, look at some samples and start your granny square – then you’ll be on your way to hooking up something comfy and cozy! (Peachy)
Tuesday December 8, 7 – 9pm


Crochet Cowl – Jaquard Techinque
Special guest teacher Danielle Kassner (http://crochetcodex.blogspot.com/) will be joining us to teach her amazing jacquard crochet technique. We will be working on a 2-colour cowl with a roving lining that Danielle has specially designed just for this course! We welcome her to Passionknit! This class is intended for crocheters with an intermediate skill level. $45 plus materials. (Pinchy)
Tuesday December 29, 6:30pm – 9:30pm


Passionknit Stitchers’ Night
There will be no Passionknit Stitchers’ Night this month. We will resume regular Stitchers’ nights starting the last Wednesday of January from 7pm – 9pm

Registration Information:
We keep classes small in order to be able to spend one-on-one time with each student. Please register in advance either by coming into the shop or calling us. Payment in full for the class is due upon registration, please check your schedule and class description carefully, registration fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. We also do not offer make up classes.

If you must cancel a class you have registered for, please notify us at least 48 hours in advance, we will issue you a credit toward another class.

Two-hour classes are $30, which is for the class only. Materials and applicable taxes will be in addition unless otherwise noted. If a class does not run due to lack of interest, you will be refunded in full.

A 10% reduction on materials costs is offered once you are registered. You may pick out your materials anytime after registration.

Doors will open 15 minutes before class and class will start promptly at the stated time, please be on time.

We also welcome suggestions for class ideas – just send us an email or give us a call!

For up-dates on Passionknit events and classes please join our mailing list by calling or emailing us.

Class Rating:
Peachy = Easy
Pinchy = Medium
Persnickety = Difficult

Alisa McRonald, Fibre Arts Teacher
My love of the fibre and textile arts came as soon as I was old enough to sit on my mother’s lap at her sewing machine.

I have been fortunate enough to exhibit my work at galleries and shops in New York, Los Angeles, Asia, England and Canada. It was in the late 1990’s when my work as an artist became solely fibre based.

My interest in hand spinning came first from my love of animals and wanting to learn about yarn production from start to finish. I was able to gain hands-on experience during a two year internship at a small fibre mill / angora goat farm in Elora, Onatrio. During this time, my fibre knowledge was expanded exponentially.

I have been teaching fibre arts classes to both children and adults for several years and I am excited to bring my teaching skills and fibre knowledge to Passionknit. I feel fortunate to be working with a group of people who are amazing knitters and believe in helping people with their endeavors.