Classes

Dancing with Socks

This class explores the architectures and techniques of the unique socks in Cat’s book, New Pathways for Sock Knitters, Book One. You’ll realize just how each part of a New Pathways sock relates to other parts and learn how the answers to some sock questions might not be what you think they are. “Where can you put the heel?” “Where can you put your increases?” “Where can you put designs?” Cat says, “Anywhere!”  Lest so much freedom paralyze you, Cat will offer basic architectures to give you some structure, and we’ll discuss everything from how to steer stitch patterns gracefully along the curvy mountain road of the foot to fine-tuning fit and ensuring maximum durability. Our day together will be chock full of sock-knitting “Ah ha!” moments and a deeper understanding of how to cover the foot with a continuous strand of yarn in charming and clever ways.

This class is taught by: Cat Bordhi.

Class Level:Intermediate
Class Skills:Students should be comfortable working in the round and confident with increasing and decreasing.
Cost:$140.00
Class Length:6 hours
Class Materials:

In addition to the usual knitting supplies:
For our exploratory work, appropriately sized needles to go with your choice of EXCELLENT QUALITY sport to worsted weight yarn (please no synthetic, which tends to split and is often too limp and inelastic to manoeuvre easily, thus sabotaging your success) in light or bright colors (so you can clearly see your stitches).
One good choice is Lorna’s Laces “Cat Bordhi Ahah!” yarn, which Beth Casey and I developed to make investigating and deeply understanding new techniques clear and easy.
Also bring a favorite sock yarn for making full-size socks, with appropriately sized needles.
Needles may be dpn’s, 2 circs, or 1 long circ (please no circulars with unyielding cables, they make life hard; I recommend Addi Turbo Lace); bring a variety of sizes so you can swatch to get a gauge that makes good sock fabric.
Please also bring at least 4 different colored stitch markers or letter markers (Skacel has “Cat’s Magical Markers” which are letter markers)
scissors, ruler, or tape measure, graph paper, a mechanical pencil, and an art-gum eraser.
If your luggage allows, also bring a favorite stitch dictionary.

Homework:

Arrive already expert at Judy’s Magic Cast-On.
To learn this brilliant technique, visit inventor Judy Becker’s website page on the topic, where she provides links to her own tutorials as well as my Youtube video on the subject :
http://www.persistentillusion.com/blogblog/?pagename=techniques
Please also watch my Youtube videos on wrapping and turning and concealing wraps, and arrive able to perform the technique easily and correctly: Part one:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yVikAvPuE4&feature=channel_page
And part two:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFrVqx-iN7k&feature=channel_page

Please visit our Sponsors' Websites Abundant Yarn and Dyeworks SWTC Inc. Simply Socks Yarn Company Inc. Skacel The Fold The Loopy Ewe WEBS Louet North America Cherry Tree Hill Yarn Blue Moon Fiber Arts