Tuesday, August 28, 2007

DFW Knit Out & Crochet Too Schedule & Information

I am really excited to announce the schedule for the KOC2. The event will go from 10am-6pm on September 29, 2007- feel free to come & just enjoy some time knitting & crocheting with other fiber artists or you can attend the following sessions: (for class descriptions & supply lists, go here

10:30am-11:30 am - Cable Class (Knit)
10:30am-11:30 am - Tunisian Crochet
12noon-3pm - Spinning Demo - there will be NO spinning lessons. But great for people curious about the art of spinning.
1:30pm-3:30pm - Las Vegas Scarf (knit & crochet)
3:30pm-4:30pm - Celtic Crochet - there will be a $2 charge for the book we will supply for you
3:30-4:30pm - Short row basics (based on Knitty's Calorimetry)

There will be people on hand to teach beginners how to knit or crochet during these time frames:
10am-12noon
2pm-5pm

Charity knitting: Each year we chose a charity to donate to. This year it will be the Austin Street Shelter. We will be accepting any knitted or crocheted item that you wish, including but not limited to hats, scarves, mittens, gloves - basically any clothing or accessories. These items may go to the inhabitants of the shelter or to be sold in the thrift store for profits.

CONTEST: This year the contest will be PURSES. There will be prizes in 4 categories:
* Best original crochet
* Best original knit
* Best crochet
* Best knit

Want to help? If you want to volunteer or donate supplies, Please email us at dfwkoc@gmail.com. What do we need?
* People to be available to teach beginners to knit or crochet during the above designated times.
* Spinners- I need about 5 people with wheels & some people willing to demonstrate with a drop spindle. Bring your own fiber, but this gives you lots of spinning time. Surely people will be asking questions & watching you - if that doesn't bother you - you are perfect for this task. (I can only take the first 5 respondents, sorry)
* Spare needles & hooks - Preferably a mid-sized (7/8, G/H) - Make sure they are spares, you will likely never see them again. We will use these for beginners that didn't bring their own.
* Yarn - scraps & odd balls are perfect. We need smooth, worsted yarn to teach beginners & crazy fun yarn for the Las Vegas scarf.

Friday, August 24, 2007

Class Descriptions

Cable Class (Knit)

Our cable class will cover everything from the cable basics and reading cable charts, to more advanced moves of undoing or fixing cables and cabling without a needle. Please bring a light colored worsted weight yarn along with your size US 8 needles of any kind, a cable needle and a crochet hook (size H). Basic knitting knowledge is required.



Tunisian Crochet


Learn how to do Tunisian crochet, or the “afghan stitch,” which is a cross between knitting and crochet. The front of the fabric created by this technique looks almost woven. Tunisian crochet is typically done with a special Tunisian hook. This is a long hook with a smooth, symmetrical shaft that has a stopper or cap on one end, rather like a hooked knitting needle.

For this class you will need smooth, worsted-weight yarn and a “G”, “H”, or “I” Tunisian hook. Basic crochet knowledge is required.

Las Vegas Scarf

Have you ever wondered where people come up with all those knit and crochet designs? Well, for this class, Lady Luck will be our designer! Our MC will roll dice, flip coins, spin the wheel, and direct us in creating a custom scarf. Both knitters and crocheters can participate in this unique class. Even beginners can join in.

You need to bring six colors of yarn that work well together, and your favorite hook or set of needles. We’ll provide the fun.


Celtic Crochet


Irish Crochet traditionally consists of wonderful pieces of lace, filled with small motifs and incredible workmanship. Historically, crochet became a large cottage industry in Ireland in the mid 1800’s, and it helped people supplement their income during the great potato famine. Often, each person would become skilled in stitching only one thing, such as a leaf or a flower, in fine thread. Someone else would join all these pieces together for the final work.

Our Celtic crochet class is inspired by the grand tradition of Irish Crochet, but it’s a lot easier and we’re using yarn instead of thread. You will crochet three sections and stitch them together to form a motif. We will be using the book “Celtic Crochet Accessories” by Dot Drake. The books will be available at the class for $2.

Please bring a smooth, worsted-weight or sport-weight yarn. You can use three colors, or make your motif all one color. Due to the small size of the pieces, it’s a great chance to use up some of your scraps. Basic crochet knowledge is required.


Short Row Basics

In this class you will learn the basics of short rows, why they are used, and how to work them in your patterns. We will be using the pattern Calorimetry from knitty.com. Basic knitting knowledge is required.

Materials needed:
Size 8 needles (can be circular or straight)
2 stitch markers
Tapestry needle for finishing
1 skein of worsted weight yarn

Pattern can be found here: http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEwinter06/PATTcalorimetry.html