2017 Classes/Events

STITCHES West 2017  – 4 Classes for you (Maybe 3 now…)

FEB. 23-26, 2017

Santa Clara, CA

Friday 8:30 am – 11:30 am Friday 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
 5002 Easy Portuguese Style of Knitting During this workshop knitters will have the opportunity to learn about the history and practice the style of knitting which is in Greece, Portugal, Egypt, and Turkey. The main characteristic is that the yarn is either wrapped behind the neck or looped the through a pin attached to the shoulder in order to maintain a constant tension. Students will learn the knit stitch, the purl stitch, increases, decreases, cast on and bind off. A project will be given to practice all techniques described in class for complete understanding.
Optional Material Fee: $5.00 for knitting pin.

Saturday 8:30 am – 11:30 am     SOLD OUT
 8060 Easy Turkish Crochet Turkish bead crochet is not yet widespread in this country. It consists of a simple crochet technique resembling bead crochet, but the effects and possibilities are quite different. It only uses 2 crochet stitches, and they are the simplest ones: slip stitch and single crochet. The execution is easy and quick and it makes a great way to get rid of bead stashes (or start one!). The design itself is made by combining at least 2 different kinds of beads. Once you learn the principles of this method, it is very hard to stop making necklaces and bracelets, purse handles, and much more. The applications are endless!
Note: A basic knowledge of crochet is required.

Saturday 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm Sunday 8:30 am – 11:30 am
 5242 Intermediate Peruvian Purl, Puntas, Picas, and Popcorn When Andrea had the privilege of traveling around Peru, she visited many villages and learned first-hand about knitting Peruvian style, comparing and contrasting it with the Portuguese style of knitting.

Andrea makes this comparison as she points out what makes the Peruvian style of knitting different and especially efficient, how much is inspired in woven textiles, how beautiful the patterns are, and what some of their motifs mean. The construction details exclusive to the Peruvian style will be taught including how they purl, how they work on the non-public side of the work, how they knit the puntas or picas as borders, and how they purl using 2 (or more) colors of yarn. As a bonus, you are going to learn how to make the popcorn stitch and how to apply it to your own designs. A pattern for a small bag is included in the class along with several traditional motifs to create your own if you wish.

NEW

Sunday 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm
 5235 Easy Hooked on Knitting Let’s explore knitting as it was invented! Mary Thomas reported in her book the discovery of a half finish sock and five hooked needles in a 12th century Turkish tomb. Since early age until nowadays, knitting is done on hooked needles. Countries like Peru, Egypt, Turkey, Portugal among others still take advantage of a hooked needle to work. Andrea is going to teach you how to knit using knitting needles with hooks at the ends, show you the traditions of their use in different countries, and contrast advantages and disadvantages when knitting with them. A small project pattern will be given to you to practice as well.
Materials fee: $16 includes 1 set of hooked needles, one knitting pin, and a pattern.