Color Work Weekend with Tanis Gray
Delve into colorwork in this ZOOM Class. There are many ways to add patterns and motifs to hand knits. Learn the basics of both Fair Isle (stranded) knitting and Mosaic (slip stitch) patterning with designer, teacher and colorwork expert Tanis Gray. With a generous amount of time to spend together, this two-session workshop allows for a deep dive into specialized tricks, strategies, and insights that will make your knitting more fun and more exciting. Click HERE to register now!
Saturday, March 13 1-4:30pm (all times EST)
Sunday, March 14 1-4:30pm
Feel as toasty (and as sweet!) as a summer’s day with the Limoncello Hat. Knit this classic, stranded colorwork hat in the round (and from the bottom up), while learning how to work a multicolored corrugated rib, and about the mechanics (and math!) of traditional crown shaping.
Fair Isle 101 Workshop: Limoncello Hat (3 hours).
Freaked over Fair Isle? Curious about stranded colorwork techniques? Intimidated by multiple strands of yarn in multiple colors? Not sure how gauge works or how to trap those floats? This is the Class for you! We’ll cover basic Fair Isle knitting techniques for English, Continental and Combination knitters, tackle common issues, proper technique, color theory, how to trap floats, Fair Isle history and set good Fair Isle knitting habits. We’ll put everything we learned into practice while knitting up the Limoncello Hat!
Level: Advanced Beginner – no previous color work experience necessary
Materials:
• 3 Highly-contrasting shades of DK weight yarn, 100 yds each (We recommend Kenzie.)
• Size US 4 (3.5mm) 16” circular knitting needles or as needed for gauge
• Size US 4 (3.5mm) DPNs or as needed for gauge
• Stitch Markers
• Tapestry Needle
• Sticky Notes
• Pattern provided in class
Homework:
With circular needle, CO 130 sts using Longtail or German Twisted CO method with CC1 (the equivalent to the gray in the project photo). Join in the round being careful not to twist. PM for bor.
It’s uncommon to call a scarf design “dynamic” but the Domino Scarf is just that. With a contemporary colorway and classic mosaic pattern, all stitches are slipped purl wise creating a clever textural effect. Mosaic patterns have been trending in knitwear patterns. Tanis will guide you as you come to understand the structure of slipped stitch knit fabric. Once you understand the basics, you can do all sorts of clever things to elevate the technique! Learn by doing with this fun, repeating pattern.
Slip-Stitch Colorwork 101 Workshop: The Domino Scarf (3 hours)
The easygoing cousin of stranded color work, slip-stitch knitting is a fun and easy technique that brings more color into your work without the stranding or trapping of floats. We’ll knit up The Domino Scarf, discuss the different types of color work, how to read charts, basic color theory, and finishing techniques.
Level: Advanced Beginner – no previous color work experience necessary
Materials:
• 5 Contrasting shades of Worsted weight yarn, 200 yds each color (We recommend Simplinatural.)
• Size US 8 (5mm) 24” circular knitting needles
• Stitch Markers
• Sticky Notes
• Tapestry Needle
• Copy of pattern will be supplied in class
Homework:
Note: This scarf is worked flat back and forth in rows. We are using a circular needle, but DO NOT join in the round.
• With circular needle, CO 54 sts using Longtail or German Twisted CO method with CC1 (the equivalent to the red in the project photo).
• Knit 2 rows.
• With CC2 (the equivalent to the pink in the project photo) knit 2 rows.
Special skills or knowledge needed to take these classes: Advanced Beginners. Students must know how the basics of knitting including casting on, and the knit and purl stitches but do not need to have any prior color work experience for these classes.
Additional Notions: Highlighter tape, post it notes, magnet board or preferred knitting app to keep your place on the chart.
+ Knitter’s Basic Toolkit: Sharp scissors, stitch holders, notebook, pen or pencil, stitch markers, tapestry needles, tape measure.