4.30.2013
Announcement regarding knitting instruction!
Posted by Tonya at 10:51 AM 0 comments Links to this post
3.27.2013
Shawlette Queue
Hey knitters (and crocheters, and everyone else!)
Spring is here . . . supposedly. It's still about 20 degrees below our average temperatures for this time of year. It seems like just the right time to cast on for a shawlette.
The shawlette class begins April 10 and is three sessions from 6-8 p.m. You can register at classes@theshizknit.com . There are several shawlettes that have caught my fancy . . .
Like Damson, by Ysolda Teague

Magrathea by Martina Behm

and Clara by Sarah Sipe

. . . just to name a few.
All of these use fingering weight yarn, but you can always try a pattern that uses a heavier yarn. (Like Springtime Bandit, which uses Aran weight.) If you want to go all out, you could select a pattern on lace weight yarn like the Print O'The Wave Stole, and if you're *really* ambitious you could do something larger like this shawl from Petite Purls. The choice is yours! I'm here to help.
Posted by Tonya at 7:54 AM 0 comments Links to this post
2.25.2013
Hello there, old sweater.
Okay, so maybe not miles of seed stitch, but I did complete the body of a sweater and one sleeve. This is something I designed that I love - the collar has a really cool design element.
I dug out the sketch of this sweater and got excited about it all over again.
Here's the thing - it doesn't fit. It's fine in the waist, but there's no way it would button and fit my hips. This is a sweater that will look best buttoned.
I still really want to make this sweater, but I am going to have to rip it out, since I'm pretty sure my hips aren't shrinking that much. It's bottom up so to get the hip shaping right I have to redo the entire thing. I love knitting, so ripping isn't too sad - it just means I get to spend more time knitting! Still, it's frustrating to see all of that hard work go to waste. Lucky for me, I adore seed stitch!
Posted by Tonya at 12:20 PM 0 comments Links to this post
2.19.2013
Interview with Annie Watts of Wattsolak Designs
I love Annie Watts - her designs are full of whimsy and wit. (Example: her new design, Rock, Paper, Scissors . . . SHOOT!, which was just released today!) On top of that, she's a pretty cool mama of two. I hope one day to find myself in Colorado to pay her a visit. For now, I decided to interview her for the blog.
I started making things without patterns almost immediately after learning how to knit about 11 years ago, probably because of equal parts of not finding patterns for what I wanted and not knowing how to properly read patterns. When I started knitting I didn’t know any other knitters so I was sort of winging it for a few years. I started actually writing my patterns down after being hounded by many friends to do so.
Playful! I try my best to take a light-hearted approach to designs. I want to make patterns that others will be excited to knit. I want to make things that make the knitter feel clever and the wearer smile.
Most of my toy patterns are based on what my kids like. I like toys that are fun to make and cute to look at, but are also going to withstand the strenuous abuse from little ones. I like to make toys that are actually, you know, supposed to be played with and aren’t too fragile to handle.
What about your less-traditonally-cute-but-equally-adorable First is the Worst and the other two toys in that series?
This set started with the Third is the One With the Hairy Chest. My friend Jane had her third child last winter. She’s a knitter too and I wanted to send the baby a toy but couldn’t find just the right pattern. I woke up one morning with the chant in my head: “First is the worst, second is the best, third is the one with the hairy chest”. Obviously the third child needed a hairy chested doll and the rest kind of fell into place.
I usually think of the design first. Kraken Knuckles came to me all at once and fair isle was the easiest way to work the design. Same for Fightin’ Words. I generally have at least one or two colorwork patterns going at a time so when I finish one pattern, I think my mind constantly searches the back of my brain for the next one.
Posted by Tonya at 10:36 AM 1 comments Links to this post
2.18.2013
A Tale of Two Socks
I posted this on Facebook on Friday night, but I thought I'd save it for Monday on the blog to brighten your workday. Presenting the first ever Shizknit short "commercial." I hope you enjoy it!
Posted by Tonya at 8:08 AM 0 comments Links to this post
2.15.2013
Hearts!
Posted by Tonya at 9:42 AM 0 comments Links to this post
2.10.2013
Spring 2013 Class Schedule
The Shizknit reserves the right to cancel any class that doesn't meet minimum enrollment requirements.
HOWARD
It's always fun to knit a toy! Howard is knit in the round in pieces and the appendages are sewn on. Learn a lot of new techniques while making this sweet pup, including Judy's Magic Cast On!
$60 for three two-hour sessions
Wednesday, March 6, 13 and 20 from 6-8 p.m.
CABLES
Learn to make cables and create beautiful designs by knitting stitches out of order. You may use any pattern you'd like, but you will receive a free updated copy of Epitome when you enroll in the class.
$40 for two two-hour sessions
Friday, March 22 and 28 from 6-8 p.m.
MITTENS
Mittens are a great small project. Learn to make some and your hands will be toasty warm!
$40 for two two-hour sessions
Wednesday, March 27 and April 3, 6-8 p.m.
PERSONALIZED CUFF
Have you ever noticed how Elizabeth Zimmermann often personalized her sweaters with the name of the recipient or the sweater? Learn how to make a fold over cuff and personalize it with fair isle. You can use any pattern that is knit in the round and I will teach you how to modify it and add a fair-isle message.
$40 for two two-hour sessions
Friday, April 5 and 12, 6-8 p.m.
SHAWLETTE
Learn shawl techniques without the commitment of a huge shawl. You may choose any pattern, but I like those that balance a combination of garter stitch and lace like Clara. Shawlettes make the perfect accessories for spring!
$60 for three two-hour sessions
Wednesday, April 10, 17 and 24, 6-8 p.m.
KNIT TO FIT
This class could easily be called "Measurements and Gauge." You will receive a packet of sheets with a list of needed measurements and information about how to use those measurements to modify patterns for a perfect-fitting sweater. We will measure both your body (wear close-fitting clothing) and a sweater that fits you well to get an idea of how much ease you prefer. We will also have a discussion about how to make proper gauge swatches and why gauge matters so much.
$25 for one two hour session
Friday, April 19, 6-8 p.m.
SIX WEEK SWEATER
Receive help with any sweater! Perfect for your very first sweater knitting experienced or a complex pattern that you're hesitant to try on your own.
$120 for six two-hour sessions
Friday, April 26 and May 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31 from 6-8 p.m.
This basketweave look is achieved by picking up lots and lots of stitches! We'll discuss the history of entrelac and learn how to create it. You may knit a hat or a head warmer. Some people prefer to use a self-striping yarn while others like to combine multiple colors.
$40 for two two-hour sessions
Wednesday, May 1 and 8 from 6-8 p.m.
$60 for three two hour sessions.
Wednesday, May 15, 22 and 29 from 6-8 p.m.
Any technique you choose!
$25 per one-hour session
By appointment.
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