Socks on Circulars 101 - Lofty Fibres class coming up

And isn't it about time?!?!??

This coming Saturday, June 26th, I'm looking forward to getting back in my yarney groove, and hopefully corrupting some new soles for my next offering of handknit sock teaching.  I'll be offering my basic Socks on Circulars at All Strung Out in Guelph.  Class is a 6-hour, two part workshop, the first part 10 am to 1 pm this Saturday, and part 2 at the same time, July 10th.  You have two weeks between for lots of practice and progress on your socks!  Head over to the link above, or call the shop at 519-772-6807 to book a spot (if any are left!  If not, be sure to leave your name for the next offering.)


The class covers a basic architecture for a toe-up sock.  Knitting from the toe up has many advantages.  For one - no risk of running out of yarn with one toe left to go!  You can knit as long a leg as you like, being sure, as your foot is already done, you'll have enough yarn (a shorter sock still works - a toe-less sock maybe not!) There are no stitches to pick up on the heel flap, no uneven sides.  We'll cover a straightforward formula for gusset increases that works well for most feet out there, and discuss a few modifications for when it doesn't.


The class is aimed at the ambitious beginner to intermediate knitter, whether you've knit a sock before or not.  Those who have knit socks may wish to turn things a new way up, and those who haven't - well, this is a great method to start.


A pattern "recipe" as well as book and pattern references will be provided at the class.  I don't teach to one specific pattern, as this is a class about structure and technique, which will enable the student to pick up any toe-up sock pattern and work from these basics.  You're welcome to bring books and patterns if you'd like to discuss, or try them out.

Required Materials:

Yarn: 40-50 grams of DK to worsted weight yarn, in solid, light colours - leftovers are fine! This is for practice/test exercises.

Needles: 3 mm to 4 mm needles

 - 2 circulars, 16 to 24 inch, OR

 - 1 long circular, 32 to 36 inch

 - for test exercises, can also use straights or two DPNs as straights (heel turn practice)

Clip-on stitch markers

Scrap yarn or string for holding stitches if needed

Writing materials for notes.

Nice to have: (we can improvise or share if students do not have everything):

Crochet hook or "stitch saver"

Darning needle

Small scissors or yarn cutter

Optional:

Finer sock yarn, for those who wish to start a kids or full-size sock.

Extra needles of the size required for your DK/Worsted yarn

Finer needles for your (optional) sock yarn

Stitch patterns, sock patterns, or sock books you wish to discuss.

Required knowledge: The workshop assumes the participant knows a knit stitch, purl stitch, and understands the idea of an increase or decrease (lifted increase, kf&b, ssk, k2tog).  A very enthusiastic new knitter could cover these basics shortly before the class.