Socks and Summer: Made for each other

It's the first week of June and you know what that means, right?  July will be here before you have time to wash the ninth load of beach towels!

And that can only mean that the Sizzling, Sensational, Summer Sock workShop is coming up soon!

Super Summer Sock workShop!

Photo by Sean Money, The Charleston Museum

Sock Classes, July 12 and 19

 

I'll be teaching the cuff-down sock on double pointed needles (my favorite method!). You'll learn just how enjoyable it can be to knit socks for yourself or for gifts. As with so much of knitting, it's really not that hard with someone showing you how to do it. 

This is a two-part workshop to give you time to learn all the techniques that will make you a successful sock knitter. There's a lot to learn but it's also a lot of fun!

If you'd just like to brush up on certain sock knitting techniques, you can just take the class covering that topic.

Socks I
In this class we will cast on using double pointed needles, join in the round, do ribbing and stockinette, and knit a heel flap. We'll also discuss fit and patterns.

Socks II
In this class we will turn the heel, pick up stitches for the gusset, 
do gusset and toe decreases and learn the Kitchener stitch.

When, Where and How Much:
Class time:  9am-noon

Class location: Panera Bread near the Outlet Mall

Class Dates: Socks I: Saturday, July 12
Socks II: Saturday, July 19

Class fee: $35/student for one class or $60/student for both classes
Ages 12 and up

What you need to know:
The basics of knitting: cast on, bind off, knit and purl.

What you'll learn:
Sock construction, turning a heel, Kitchener stitch toe grafting, fit, and much more. 

What you need to bring:
One set of double-pointed knitting needles, US size 3.
Sock or fingering weight yarn, 100 grams will make a pair of socks, size medium men's or ladies large.
Also helpful: scissors, yarn needle for weaving in ends, and measuring tape.

Please register by email, no later than July 5:
knitoasis at gmail dot com

 

Memorial Day in the USA: Are you ready for Summer Knitting?

Today is Memorial Day in this country, a day to remember those who have died in service to our nation.  It is celebrated with parades, picnics, pool openings and sometimes a smidge of panic.  For most of us it marks the unofficial beginning of Summer. Schools will be out soon if they aren't already, and there will be vacations to take and (hopefully) long hours ahead of relaxation and of course, knitting.  And that, friends, is where the smidge of panic comes into play.

There are many things about Summer that can cause any knitter to panic just a bit.  The sudden influx of free time if you're lucky enough to have it, the change in schedules and locations that travel can bring, the weather, the celebrations...it's enough to make your head spin.

We're going to be smart about it, though, and plan ahead for these things by discussing them in an ongoing series that begins today:        

Summer Knitting

Summer Knitting, part 1: Knitting vs. Holidays
How can I fit knitting into our family's holiday observance?

Remember that family is special and so is your knitting time.  Also, nothing is perfect and if you manage not to overplan your holiday, there should be time for some knitting at some point.  If not, don't sweat it.

Last year on the 4th of July, I sat peacefully indoors by a window, knitting, while my son and hubby blew up fireworks in the driveway and my daughter practiced piano.  It may have been our best 4th yet.

Try to remember that it's summer and you should have more peace in your life. 

Take your knitting wherever your summer plans lead you.  It's a conversation starter, it's a generation gap bridger, and it's a sanity saver.  Be mindful of your manners (of course!) and don't let your focus be completely on your project if it will mean snubbing the people around you.  It's actually easier to pay attention to someone while you are knitting than it is if you are staring at your smartphone, but be as polite as possible. 

A holiday doesn't mean you have to take a break from your knitting.  If you're like me, you won't be taking a break from cooking, so you should knit, too.  Totally.  You have my permission, if you need it ;)

Happy Memorial Day!

Knitting and picnics go together like macaroni and cheese