Ruffles, Diamonds and other yarn creations

We had lots of fun and laughter at my demonstration on self-ruffling yarn. This scarf is a quick, one ball project that doesn't require a lot of concentration—except for keeping those 8 or 9 stitches on the needles. We used Spectra by Universal Yarn for this fun project. Two of my students model their creations.

Left: Marie used Spectra Volcanic.
Right: Irene models Spectra Larkspur Glen.

One of the Diamond Girls, Sue, completed her mitered diamond vest, the project she chose in my Mitered Diamond Adventure workshop. She added a knitted band along the collar and sleeve edges of her piece. A hook and eye closure completed the look. It turned out fabulous!

Vest from my Mitered Diamond Adventure knitting workshop. 

My Knitting in the Round students are looking fashionable in their completed Retro Cloches with a knitted  flower embellishments. 

Student projects from Knitting in the Round class.

Here are other yarny creations that my students have completed. We love Show and Tell at classes and workshops. Enjoy!

Left: Linda accented a red Retro Cloche from Knitting in the Round with black trim.
She also knit a coordinating red scarf to go with it.
Right: Sharon used a zigzag lace pattern for this cute hat.

My talented students have other needle art skills as well. This is a crocheted baby blanket. Lovely!

A beautiful baby blanket crocheted by Marie.

We even knit for our 4-legged furry friends. Here are two doggie sweaters, knit by Jane, that any fashion-forward dog would be proud to wear.

Jane's colorwork dog sweater. Notice the pocket on the top of this sweater.

A sporty striped dog sweater for the same lucky little dog.

Diamond Girls... you sure do shine

I met with the participants of my Mitered Diamond Adventure modular knitting workshop for the final class session yesterday. I refer to this wonderful and talented group of women as the "Diamond Girls," and there was no doubt about the stellar work they did on their class projects.

The Mitered Diamond Adventure is a knitting workshop I offer that introduces participants to the concept and techniques of modular knitting. We work primarily with mitered squares and mitered diamonds (squares set on point) and the Mitered Diamond Shawl pattern by Michael del Vecchio is our inspiration impetus. Deluxe Worsted Long Print by Universal Yarn, a 100% wool worsted weight yarn with long color changes, was chosen for the project.

After providing instructions on knitting a mitered square in Session I, students practiced the technique and on their homework swatches. In Session II, I presented my "It's Cool to be Square" visual presentation on modular knitting that included garment silhouette possibilities and design opportunities.

Session III was a troubleshooting and review session, an idea exchange, and of course, Show and Tell. For their project, each student chose her own garment style. The projects included wraps, vests, and runanas. Here is a show and tell of their creativity and the progress they made.

Lois completed her mitered square vest.
The long color changes add a striking detail at the neckline, hem and sleeve edges.
CO = 31 sts.     Color: Midnight Blues

Sharon designed a ruana by opening the front of a poncho silhouette.
The larger squares focus on the color changes of the yarn.
CO = 51 stitches.     Color: Purple Sky

Left: Irene designed a long wrap in a "V" shape.
The hemline shows off the points of the mitered diamonds.
CO = 31 sts.   Color: Midnight Blues
Right: Pat chose a long, rectangle wrap using mitered squares.
In contrast, the edges of this wrap are straight.
CO = 35 sts.   Color: Hawaiian Sunset

Jane's circular wrap took some calculations! Graduating sizes of diamonds
cascade from the neckline. CO = 25, 31 and 35 sts.   Color: Sea and Sand.
Jane kept the color values more consistent by cutting out the navy from the color sequence.

Susan hit the "sweet spot" in the color change sequence.
The colors in her modules are very consistent which accentuates the symmetry of her design.
CO = 35 stitches.    Color: Purple Sky

Left: My (Veronica) design is a caplet.
The center double decrease miters make right angles in the front and back.
CO = 35 sts.   Color: Autumn Equinox
Right: Sharon chose a mitered square vest. The smaller units create a different color pattern.
CO = 27 sts.    Color: Sea and Sand

Aren't all these pieces Fantastic?!? 

When I was planning and creating this workshop, I wasn't sure where the exercises might lead the student. I wanted workshop participants to get a good understanding of modular knitting techniques and the process for knitting and assembling the units, but to also provide an encouraging and creative environment in which the knitter could take a step or two beyond the pattern, if she/he chose.

The fun and excitement for me (as a teacher as well as a knitter), is having the opportunity to take an adventure down a path less traveled... even if it requires some detours and problem solving. To be able to see sights that were not on the original itinerary and experience the joy of discovery... that's half the fun for me.

These garments far exceeded my expectations. And I feel confident that I achieved my goals. Thanks to my students for taking this Modular Knitting Adventure with me. You are all shining stars!

Modular Creativity and Design

Designing and dtermining the knitting sequence.

The second session of the Mitered Diamond Adventure modular knitting workshop was full of inspiration, design, creativity... and a few calculations.

After learning the modular knitting techniques and determining their preferred cast-on method and double decrease, workshop attendees gathered their swatches and commenced with designing. Hands down, the preferred cast on was the knitted cast-on, and preference for the double decrease was a split between a center double decrease and the slip 1, k2tog, psso. Knitting, as I tell my students, is all about choices!

Design
This phase of the Adventure was to choose a garment silhouette. For this workshop, we're using the Mitered Diamond Shawl pattern as a roadmap, however students are encouraged to try a different garment style using the shawl pattern as an inspiration springboard.

To provide some design, color and texture "food for thought," I presented a digital slide show (using Keynote on my iPad and connecting it to a projector) of the various shapes, color and texture options that can be used for modular knitting. We are working primarily with mitered squares and diamonds (squares on point), but modular knitting can be done using many other geometric and tessellating shapes. There is also a wealth of design, pattern and texture potential with this technique. The presentation sparked ideas for their projects and their modular knitting adventure took off.

Here are some of the sketches and layout mock-ups they are working on.

Using "line" as a design element.
Miters can go in a single direction or different directions. 

Mitered square vest.

Mitered diamond wrap.

Calculating unit size and garment width.

Knitted swatches and a mitered diamond ruana or poncho layout.

Mitered square vest.

One of the considerations we discussed was determining the sequence of knitting the modules. If the diagonal of the miters are going in different directions, which unit do you knit first, second, and so on? It's like putting a puzzle together and following a recipe. You have to add the correct ingredients at the proper time.

New knitting class: Mitered Diamond Adventure

Mitered Diamond Shawl

I've been asked to create a new knitting workshop: 

• something that's interesting, yet fun, 
• challenging, but an "easy knit," 
• with the opportunity to learn a new technique (of course!),
• and play with color. 

So, here it is: A Mitered Diamond Adventure, a workshop on modular knitting.

The beauty and magic of modular, or domino knitting—and what fulfills all the requirements above—is its pure simplicity. In this workshop, participants will explore modular knitting techniques and use the Mitered Diamond Shawl pattern by Michael del Vecchio as the precursory roadmap for the journey. However, since I'm not one for following the itinerary to the letter, and believe you should use a pattern as a jumping-off point, we'll also be taking some "side excursions." We'll experiment with several construction options, discuss design possibilities, and make garment choices to personalize each student's project. Students will be knitting a shawl, wrap, ruana, poncho or similar garment for their class project.

The yarn for the project, Deluxe Worsted Long Print (Universal Yarn), is included in the workshop. It will be offered at a special workshop price to workshop participants. The workshop will be 3 sessions, with the first two sessions on March 5 and 19 from 9:30 am - 12:30. The third session to be scheduled later. A pattern, worksheets and handouts will be provided. Contact me at veronicaquilts@gmail.com for more info and to register.

Are you ready for a knitting adventure? Let's go!