Knitting matters

I love to knit.  I was hoping to post my latest creation along with a FREE PATTERN.  It's almost done but not quite so I decided to post it anyway.  One more night of Olympics and I'll be finished but I was determined to post today.  So, without further ado,

Mint green shawl

It's a really easy pattern.  I used Shine by Knitting Fever (There are several yarns named shine and manufactured by different companies).  It's actually not being made so you may have trouble finding the 5-6 skeins required to complete the shawl.  I'll post the pattern at the end.

I also love to teach knitting and had a unique experience today.  A student I have been working with for several months is making a sample gansey from Beth Brown-Reinsel's book, Knitting Ganseys (on Amazon here) and we reached a critical point last week just as lesson time ended.  We both wanted to continue so we met online today.  It worked out really well.  She has now gotten past the critical shoulder join and is able to continue on her own until we meet again in person in 2 weeks.  Meanwhile, we now have a new tool in our knitting toolbox; video web conference or knitting online.  The picture was clear enough for me to see the stitch definition and the sound was also very good. 

Here's the shawl pattern:
Cast on 5 sts.
K one row.
Increase as follows:
Row 1:  k3, yo, knit to end.

Shawl fabric close-up

Row 2:  Sl, knit to end.
Repeat row 1 & 2 until you have 100 sts or are half the size you want for the shawl.
Shape center:
Row 1:  K3, yo, k2tog, knit to end
Row 2:  Sl 1, k to end.
Repeat these 2 rows 3 or 4 times.
Begin decrease:
Row 1:  K2, k2tog, yo, k2to, k to end.
Row 2:  Sl 1, k to end.
Repeat these 2 rows until you have 5 sts left.
Bind off.

Happy knitting!!

The Lotsaknots Fiber Geek

It’s about fiber and knitting, crochet and weaving.  It’s about connecting people, you and me, in an easier way and helping you conquer the fiber obstacle you are facing.

Have you reached a point in that sweater pattern where you feel lost?  You know something is amiss but you cannot tell what.  We can work together and figure it out.  You can join me in my studio and we can sit side by side by using our computers to bridge the miles.  You in your home and me in mine.

Video conferencing has been around for a long time and it’s reached the point where most computers have cameras and a microphone.  That’s all you need.  No software to buy or install.  Nothing special to do.  I send you an email, you click on the link and follow the instructions to allow your camera and mic to turn on.  That’s all there is.

And, one more thing.  We will record it so you can refer back to the session whenever you want.

 The recording is available 24/7. 

I am the Lotsaknots Fiber Geek.  I have been enjoying the benefits of video conferencing for many years. With the convenience of Skype, Gmail talk, Webex and other similar programs I have kept in touch with family and friends from around the world.  I have enjoyed meeting people from New Zealand to Belgium and from several miles west of my home.  

I have decided to put together my comfort with video conferencing and my ability to teach knitting, weaving and crochet and create the Fiber Geek Program.  

It's a one-on-one, private session to learn techniques, conquer problems and take on new tasks with the help of an experienced teacher.  I have been knitting for over 50 years and I have explored many advanced techniques and patterns.  The cost is $40 for a 2 hour session.  Payment through Paypal only.

I have been teaching others to knit for over 25 years,  I have been crocheting for equally as long and actually started teaching crochet over 30 years ago.  

I have been teaching Rigid Heddle Weaving for several years in my home studio.  Many of my students have advanced beyond the rigid heddle loom to 4 and 8 shaft looms and advanced classes.  

Have questions or want a test drive? Contact me at: lotsaknots@msn.com.

Introducing Lotsaknots Studio

Welcome to the new Lotsaknots studio.  Yes, it used to be Weave On Studio and over the past few months I realized that I teach more than weaving.  I teach knitting, crocheting and spinning, too.  I am also a Schacht dealer and that is still listed as Weave On Studio for a little longer.  I carry Schacht spinning and weaving products including the Flip loom in 15” and 20”, the Sidekick spinning wheel and I will soon have a Matchless spinning wheel for you to test in the studio.  In addition, I have several Cricket looms in both the 10” and 15”.  The looms are available to rent on a monthly basis.  

Weaving classes are currently scheduled for Saturday, July 14, 21 and 28 from 10am to 3pm.  You will learn:

•   how to weave
•   how to plan a project
•   how to warp the loom using direct warping method

I provide the looms, shuttles, yarn and written instructions.

If you are interested in registering for class, please contact me at:  lotsaknots@msn.com

Knitting classes are all private two-hour sessions for beginner, intermediate and advanced students.  All classes are for adults, over 18 years old, only.

Contact:  lotsaknots@msn.com

Lotsaknots Etsy shop

Farmer's Market in Poolesville, MD

Check it out.  Farmer's Market July 13 and 27.  Look for Weave On Studio/Lotsaknots.  We are merging into one company.  Lotsaknots is the selling part and Weave On Studio is for teaching.  We will be selling our products at the Farmer's Market and our new website will be up by the end of this week.  I love Friday the 13th.  I believe it's a lucky day so I have several plans for new ventures on Friday, July 13th.

You can find information about classes on this blog and on the Lotsaknots/Weave On Studio website soon.

See these looms?  That's what we use in class and they are lots of fun to use and to learn to weave.
Classes start on Saturday, July 14th and continue on July 21 and 28th.  You will learn to weave on this loom, warp or dress the loom and figure out how to make a scarf, bag, table runner, anything you like.  I supply the looms, shuttles, yarn and written instructions.  You supply the curiosity and interest in learning to weave.  Give it a try!!

Questions?  Leave a comment here or write to Claudia at weaveonstudio@me.com  

Summertime Classes!!

The month of June has always seemed like a month of transition. Summer begins. School ends for the year. The days seem longer and the pace is slower. I always look forward to July. First, it's truly summer which means time to play. Second, it's the month before my birthday an d I can allow myself to daydream about an upcoming day of decadence on mny birthday in early August.

Now, July means a new series of Learning to Weave on a Rigid Heddle loom. This is a class for people who know how to weave and those who do not. It covers the differences between rigid heddle weaving and floor loom weaving. It also covers all the weaving basics. I provide the looms, the yarn and detailed written instructions. You provide an interest in learnning to weave on a rigid heddle loom like this one.

Please contact me at weaveonstudio@me.com to register for class. Registration is limited to 3 students. I do not teach anyone under the age of 18. We will meet on July 14, 21 and 28 from 10am to 3pm each day. You will take the looms home with you and have homework after each calss. Please bring a bag lunch and we will take a short break mid-day to eat and chat.

I am working on a new scarf on my Cricket loom just like the one pictured in the above picture.  I will post all about it and the sample I just finished in my next blog.  I'll also offer some tips about weaving with knitting yarns on a rigid heddle loom.

Happy weaving,
Claudia

Spreading the Love

Here I am in Columbus, OH to spread the love of spinning and weaving. Why Columbus? It's the annual TNNA (The National Needlearts Association) Trade Show and Spinning and Weaving is a fledgling group in this land of yarn, needlepoint, counted thread and accessories. We (the Spinning & Weaving Association) joined TNNA almost a year ago and need 100 members of our group to become a voting member of the association. We have 97!

I will be meeting yarn and fiber wholesalers to invite them to join us and introduce them to the joys of spinning & weaving. I have 3 days to find 3 or more new members and help demonstrate weaving and spinning on the Trade Show floor. Sounds like a great way to spend a few days.

Meanwhile, back home, I am working on new samples for the upcoming class. I plan to expand the curriculum to include lace weaves, warp and weft floats, and other pick-up stick tricks for the rigid heddle loom. The next class starts July 14th and meets for 3 Saturdays, July 14, 21 and August 4. We'll spend most of that time working on planning projects, warping and dressing the loom. These are the most important pieces to being able to weave on your own. Weaving is the "easiest" part. I put that in quotes because learning a new craft is never easy. It takes practice and a certain amount of devotion to learn to weave. But there is so much more. To get to weaving, you must be able to calculate how much yarn is needed and determine if you have enough. Then, you need to get the yarn on the loom properly and thread the heddle, tie it on to the front apron rod and then the weaving begins. What can you expect in a class? We start with weaving and learning the language of weaving the first day. With shuttle in hand you throw the weft pick across the warp and begin to create your sample. Once we spend some time learning how to place that weft pick in the shed (several new words for some), I demonstrate the planning process and work with each student to plan their first warp. Unlike using a floor loom, you direct warp a rigid heddle loom. A very different and faster process. You create the warp right on the loom, wind it on the warp beam and then thread it through the holes in the heddles. The direct warping is done through the heddle slots and, once beamed, we need to thread through the holes. The tension needed to weave is created by tying the warp onto the front apron rod which is tied to the front beam. All this is covered in the first class.

Weaving is a complex craft. It is not easy to learn but it can be very rewarding. The cloth you weave can be a scarf or shawl or you can use it for fabric to create a top, jacket or skirt. You are weaving fabric and can do so on any size loom. A 15" rigid heddle loom can produce 13.5" wide fabric which can be used for fabric to create a jacket. Sew two 13.5" pieces together and you have the jacket back. Two more lengths of fabric and you have both fronts. Add two more pieces for sleeves. All on a rigid heddle loom. You can make a jacket as easily as you can make a few scarves. It's just that simple. It's all in the project planning which we will cover in the first class.

I hope to keep reporting from Columbus. I believe it will be very busy starting later today so my posts may be short. There has been a big increase in weaving and spinning. Schacht has 21 looms each with a different scarf placed around the trade show floor. Each scarf was made using the yarn from a different wholesaler and can be found at that wholesaler's booth. I will take pictures and share them here.

Be back soon. Claudia

Washington Folk Festival- June 2&3

The Washington Folk Festival at Glen Echo Park is one of the best shows we attend all year. It offers something for everyone including dancing, musical programs and a great craft show. For the past 4 years we have been part of the craft show and we have enjoyed the experience every time.

This is the show to attend. The vendors are the most unique you will find in the DC area, the show offers both outdoor and indoor venues. If it's hot, there's the Spanish Ballroom to cool down in while you watch great dancers perform. If the weather is cool, there are several tents to sit in and enjoy a wide variety of music.  Read more about the WFF 2012 here.

Bring the kids!  The WFF is a great place for families. Children (and adults) enjoy the hand painted horses on the infamous antique Carousel that is at the heart of Glen Echo Park.  The WFF includes storytellers, dancers, crafter (come visit us in the Bumper Car Pavilion), and performers roaming the park with impromptu shows.

Lotsaknots (our retail name) will be selling hand knit, sewn and woven items.  Here are a few examples: