Conversational Threads

Memorial Day Holiday

Just a quick post to let you know that we will be closed on Monday, May 30th, for the Memorial Day holiday (and Mr. Conversational Threads' birthday!).

See you Tuesday from noon to 7PM!

Knitting Iceland is Coming to Conversational Threads!!

  

 
Ragga Eiriksdottir, internationally known teacher/publisher/entrepreneur and owner of Knitting Iceland, will be teaching three workshops at Conversational Threads in June.

Ragga runs knitting tours of Iceland with teachers such as Franklin Habit, Stephen West, Veronik Avery, Ysolda Teague and Evelyn Clark.  She also teaches internationally, most recently at I Knit London, Purl Soho (NYC) and The Brooklyn General Store (NYC). Soon she will be teaching in Sweden and the Faroe Islands, and she has kindly consented to teach three workshops at Conversational Threads.  We are very excited to have her!!

 

The workshops will be:

 
June 15th - 1PM to 4:30 PM

The Little Lopapeysa

In this class Ragga shares her knowledge of Icelandic wool and the classic patterned yoke sweater that symbolizes Icleandic knitting in many knitters' mind, the Lopapeysa.  The class consists of practical information about lopi knitting and the knitting of a tiny classic Lopapeysa containing all the elements of a full sized one.  Through knitting the miniature version participants will learn techniques necessary to knit a Lopapeysa of any size.

Techniques covered:  German twisted cast on, invisible rib increases, working in the round with the Magic Loop method or DPN's, combining sleeves and body for the yoke, stranded knitting of the yoke pattern, yarn management for stranded knitting, decreases in yoke pattern, loose cast off for neckline.  Participants receive written instructions containing a pattern for a tiny Lopapeysa (smaller than the one pictured above) and various tips and tricks about lopi knitting.  During the class Ragga tells the participants about the Icelandic knitting heritage and how Icelanders have truly been a nation of knitters for centuries.

  

June 16 - 1PM to 4:30PM

Steeking and Knitting in the Round

The rumors are true - Icelanders knit everything in the round and they fearlessly steek their cardigans but cringe at the thought of knitting a whole garment back and forth.  This class covers the principles behind knitting in the round both using DPN's and the Magic Loop method.  Two methods of steeking are covered, including the conventional one using a sewing machine (demonstration using a ready sewn sample) and the increasingly popular crochet method.  Examples and tips on finishing are included.

Techniques covered:  German twisted cast on, Continental knit and Norwegian purl (optional for practice), connecting in the round, managing DPN's, Magic Loop for small diameters, steek with a sewing machine, crochet steek, finishing techniques.

 

June 17th - 1PM to 4:30PM

Tunisian Crochet Reinvented

Tunisian crochet is on the rise again.  This time novel techniques such as lace patterns and design are allowed for a greater variation in designs.  The test piece for this class is a two colored wristwarmer worked in the round using a Tunisian crohet hook with a long flexible cord.  Participants will get an insight into the possibilities of using Tunisan crochet as design elements in knitting projects.

Techniques covered:  Casting on, estimating size, Tunisian simple stitch, Tunisian purl stitch, seed stitch pattern, working in the round with one or two colors, binding off.

 

Each workshop will be held at our Conference Room teaching center at 860 Broad Street, Emmaus.

Each workshop is strictly limited to 12 participants.

Each workshop cost $60 if paid by May 31st, $65 thereafter.