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Fair Isle Day 2023
Day/Date/Time: Sunday, 6/4/2023 from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm.
Agenda: Tea and scones from 9:00 to 10:00; Class Sessions from 10:00 to noon and 1:00 to 3:00; Prizes and knitting belt demo at 3:00.
This event is a learning event with all proceeds donated to the Shetland Peerie Maker program that teaches youngsters in Shetland to knit. Led by volunteers, children learn at after school programs. Our donation helps keep this tradition alive in a very real way. Meanwhile, on this side of the ocean, we will be learning, too. We have options for those that would like to learn to knit in the Fair Isle style, those who would like to knit a hat and would like valuable tips to help make the process smoother and a session for those that would like to try their hand at Shetland lace. There will also be a demo in knitting with a knitting belt, a goodie bag for each participant, and even a few door prizes.
Choose one of three levels:
Level 1: Introductory Fair Isle knitting led by Master Knitters Mary Brandau and Debbie Wood. Students will learn how to knit with two colors at one time and make a headband. Students will need to purchase two contrasting colors of jumper weight yarn and do the homework listed below prior to class. Yarn is not included in the event fee, but handouts are. Limited to 8.
Level 2: The ins and outs of knitting a Fair Isle Hat with Master Knitter Cherie Cornick. Learn about ribbing, tensioning, increases and decreases and much more. Students will need one of our Fair Isle hat kits (not a stranded kit with sheep or other characters.) Limited to 8.
Level 3: A taste of lace with Joan Sheridan. Traditionally haps were often knit from the outside in. We will knit several lace edgings to get you comfortable with the yarn size and basic stitches. Recommendations for future knitting will be included. Students should select one skein of the size of yarn they are comfortable working with: Shetland Ultra, 2 Ply Supreme or Cobweb. Yarn is not included in the event fee, but handouts are. Limited to 8.
Additional materials: Levels 1 and 2) 16″ circulars in US sizes 1 and 3; Level 3) Dpns or circs in US sizes 1 to 3. Some knitters may want 1.5 or 2.5. The size will depend on your yarn and your knitting. Bring what you have in that size range and it will work. All levels: standard tool kit including crochet hook in size matching yarn used, scissors, locking stitch markers, and note taking materials.
Pre-class Prep: Level 1 knitters: Before coming to class, using smaller needles CO 144 stitches with whichever color you prefer. Join in the round and work k2, p2 ribbing for 6 rounds. Level 2 knitters should purchase a true Fair Isle hat kit (not a stranded kit with sheep or other characters) and following the pattern in the kit, complete the ribbing prior to Fair Isle Day.
Maximum students: 8 at each level
Fee: $75
Volunteer Instructors: Mary Brandau, Cherie Cornick, Debbie Wood, Joan Sheridan
