SAFF Workshop Schedule

I am so so so thrilled to be teacing classes again at SAFF, in Fletcher, NC (which is right next to the airport, and minutes from Asheville and the amazing Biltmore Estate). This year, it's being held October 22-24, and I am teaching all three days.

SAFF has a beautiful newly refurbished website, and the workshop schedule has just been posted. There are so many wonderful classes, and I wish I could take some. Go and peruse the list- registration for SAFF members opens July 1, and registration for the general public opens July 15. If you want to become a member and get in on registration early, click here. (I just did- quick and easy).

I'm teaching:

Friday Oct 22: 9am-5pm (with lunch and snack breaks) Fair Isle in a Day-
Students will learn to read a chart, wrangle multiple yarns, and will work on a toddler-size Fair Isle hat. There is a small amount of homework involved (casting on and working the hat hem/facing, instructions will be sent to registered students), and students will need 100gr each of a solid and a variegated worsted weight yarn and size 5 needles (dpns or 16" circular, your preference), and some sticky notes. Students can use 2 solid color yarns as well- in either case, make sure there is a good contrast in your two yarns. No Fair Isle experience necessary, but students should be familiar with knitting in the round. Handouts and pattern/charts provided, including an adult version of the same hat.

Saturday Oct 23- 9am-5pm (with lunch and snack breaks) Design Your Own Fair Isle Hat in a Day- In the morning, we'll talk about Fair Isle design elements, and work on designing original motifs on blank charts. In the afternoon, students will begin work on their original hats. Some Fair Isle experience is nice but not absolutely necessary. A small amount of homework is involved (casting on and working the hat hem/facing- instructions will be sent to registered students). Students will need small amounts of various solid colors of worsted weight yarn (at least 2 colors, but as many as you like) up to 200gr, and size 5- 16" circular or dpn needles, and sticky notes. Students should bring colored pencils in the same colors as the yarns (though I'll have some colored pencils with me too). Handouts, patterns, and blank charts provided, including a chart for an adult size hat.

Sunday Oct 24- 9am-11am Little Tips and Knitting Tricks-
Discussion and demonstration of lots of little cheater knitting tricks that I use every day in my knitting: winding a center pull ball by hand, an easier decrease than SSK, putting beads in your knitting with wire instead of a crochet hook, knitting back backwards for heels and bobbles, and more. I'll provide some beads and wire, students should bring fingering weight yarn and appropriate needles.

Sunday Oct 24- 1pm-3pm Writing Patterns for Publication-
A talk about the percs and pressures of writing for publication, whether students are interested in designing for magazines and books, or in selling their own patterns. We'll talk about manuscript format, copyright, how to approach publishers, and what to do when your design is accepted. Students should bring a pad and pencil for taking notes. There will be time for Q&A at the end. Handouts provided.

Hope to see lots of you there!