Class Notes: Knitting Beyond the Basics: Intarsia & Lace, Week 2

A lot of show n' tells. Individual pictures are at the end of this blog.

Free Give Away. Rosemary found these crochet pieces at a garage sale for anyone interested.

Linda finished the basket she was working on at the Summer Pool Party.

As always, it was an enjoyable night. Many finished their knit bag ornaments, and they are very cute. An optional ornament exchange will be held next week. If you would like to participate, bring your ornament in a bag that cannot be seen through.

This Week’s Project

Two handouts for Scribble Lace were passed around. Handout 1 shows two techniques: a lace cast on which Linda demonstrated and a yarn over bind off.

Handout 2 is the pattern for a scribble lace project whether you make a scarf, shawl, or a sampler. Linda shared several secrets or tips with us regarding this pattern.

1. Where it reads “work 3 rows in stockingnette stitch,” start with a purl row. So it should be “purl row, knit row, purl row” using lace weight. Then slide over to meet bulky yarn for “knit one row in thick yarn.”
2. Never slide the lace weight. It will always meet you if do it right.
3. Slide only the bulky weight. It will not meet you if you do it right.
4. You always knit a row (not purl) with bulky weight. Loosely carry bulky on the end every other row.
5. Count stitches every row at first, and then later just count the bulky.
6. Don’t stop in the middle of a row; make sure you finish a row since it is hard to pick up and becomes a mess. Better yet, finish one bulky row or three lace weight rows before stopping.

Linda used 28 stitches for the shawl and knitted until she ran out of yarn. For a scarf, she will use 12-14 stitches. Reminder: with the lace cast on, you will always have an odd number of stitches.

Next Week’s Project

We will start a lace sachet next week; this project is to teach us how to read a chart for lace by knitting by chart in class. Linda used fingering weight crochet cotton thread/yarn with a size 2 needle for her sachet. You may use any yarn that shows lace detail; make sure you choose a needle size that is appropriate for your yarn weight. For lace details, solid and heather yarn is suitable; some variegated yarn or tweed is okay. Novelty and textured yarn is not appropriate for lace since the details are lost in the texture.

If you are still working on the scribble lace, you do not have to start on the sachet or you do not have to complete your scribble lace project in order to start the sachet. In this class, you may go at your own pace and may elect to skip projects. Linda starts a new project fairly quickly because there are several students who finish their projects by the next class. Don’t feel like you have to keep up. Show n’ tell is also optional.

Class Computer
A computer with internet connection has been placed in the classroom. We can look up knitting websites and read the blog in class now. This week Linda suggested we look up www.theloopyewe.com. They specialize in sock yarn and their store is loaded with only sock yarn from floor to ceiling.

Not only is there a computer, a swift and ball winder will be available too. Linda L. collected money to help pay for the shipping cost.

Phone List
Every session Linda L. starts a new class phone and email list. This list has been very handy in getting messages and information to us during the week, answering questions we have, making friends, and more. Linda L. placed the old list on the table for new additions and update.

Indigo Summer Challenge
Show n’ tell for the summer challenge will be in a couple of weeks.

A knitting knoddy was used to make hanks for hand dying. Linda made this one using PVC pipes; the cost is $5 if you would like one.

More News
Pam had flyers on hand from Creative Urges, a craft supply store in Auburn. The address is 809 Lincoln Way, phone 823-8538. She also shared with us information on knitting for charity. The organization is called The Red Rose Society that offers handmade articles for local needs. Contact Pam for more information.

The missing knit bra has been found. Bra artists, please turn in your bio and bra title to Louise this week if you have not done so already.

The 2009 Stitches West brochure and registration is already online at knittersuniverse.com. Classes at Stitches West fill up fast if you are interested in taking classes. Mark your calendar for the Stitch n’ Ride if you would like to go. I haven't checked capitolcorridor.org if reservations are being taken for it yet.

Can’t wait to see you all next week. Knit on!

Karen's hats with brim.