This was originally designed as a three-meeting class for the shop. I taught it once or twice a year. It is meant to help beginning knitters move beyond accessories to sweaters without the commitment of an expensive pile of yarn and months of knitting.
It seems there is always someone having a baby! This classic little cardigan pattern from Elizabeth Zimmermann is such a fun knit you may be looking forward to the next baby shower. My contribution is a series of refinements that ensure a finished chain stitch on all raw edges, an elegant flat shoulder seam, a cast-off that prevents one stripe having an extra row, and a striping planner. I also include a trick for picking up the selvedges of the back tab extension in a way that is both easy and produces a tidy result!
Skill level is competent beginner.
Prerequisite: Students should already know garter stitch. Experience with increases and decreases is helpful, but not required.
What you will learn:
crochet cast-on
make 1 left
make 1 right
double-decrease
slip-stitched selvedge
end-of-row cast-off
picking up along a selvedge using a vertical lifeline
mattress seam
crab stitch (if desired) or
attached i-cord (if desired)
Maximum 20 students.
Multi-meeting workshop consisting of 3 classes meeting 2 hours each with a minimum of 2 weeks between class meetings.
No materials fee.
Homework:
Swatch garter stitch with your project yarn so you are sure you have good fabric.
Supplies:
A purchased copy of Elizabeth Zimmermann’s pattern
Project yarn — e.g. 2 skeins Malabrigo worsted or 4 skeins Trendsetter Tonalita or 2 skeins Ella Rae Seasons or 3 skeins Classic Elite Liberty Wool or 3 half-skeins of sock yarn for small teddy-bear size. (Bulky yarn makes a child jacket, worsted makes a baby jacket, sock yarn makes a teddy-bear jacket)
a needle that produces garter stitch you like with this yarn
5 buttons you like with this yarn and that will fit in a yo, k2tog buttonhole
I bring with me five baby surprise jackets.
No special needs for the room set up. A whiteboard or flip chart is nice to have but not need to have. I have a projector if the facilities can accommodate it. Room set-up should be tables and chairs either facing forward or in a U-shape.
This class has been taught multiple times at
The Whole Nine Yarns, Woodstock GA;
and as a weekend workshop at
Kanuga Knitting & Quilting Retreat 2020, Hendersonville NC.
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