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    Please Note Your Preferences for Workshops – MSKR 2018



    Friday, 5/18
    9:30 – Noon

    Embellished Knitting

    Leader: Charles Gandy
    Here’s a chance to learn numerous ways to enhance your knitted creations thru applied embellishments.  From frilly ruffles to bobbles to twists and ripples, I-Cords, special “finger” cords and even beading, we will explore, thru a hands-on sampler, how these techniques can make your projects unique and knitted with personality!

    Equipment:
    At least 50 yards of a solid NEUTRAL colored worsted weight yarn.  (Please no acrylic!)
    At least 25 yards of a contrasting color yarn
    1 set of DP needles for worsted weight (size 6, 7, or 8)
    1  24″ circular needles in desired size  (Lace pointed needles preferred but not required)
    1 crochet needle size C
    Tapestry needle
    Scissors
    Tape measure
    Row counter
    Stitch markers
    Notebook (one will be in your project bag)

    Skill:  Knitting

    Level:  Basic

    Cost: None

    Fleece to Yarn:  Hands On (Part 1)

    Leader:  John Crane

    In this 2-part workshop we will process a raw fleece (as it was sheared from a sheep) through the various stages of producing finished yarn.  In Part One, we will skirt, wash, and dry the fleece. The next day, in Part Two, we will pick, card, and spin the fiber.

    Equipment Required:
    Spinning wheel if you have one (some will be available for use at the retreat)

    Skill:  Other

    Level:  Basic

    Cost:  $10

    Now You See It, Now you Don’t: Shadow Knitting

    Leader: Franklin Habit
    Color and texture meet and mingle with startling results in the subtle, intriguing fabrics created by shadow (also called “illusion”) knitting. Stripes, garter stitch, and stockinette combine to create patterns that appear or vanish depending upon the angle of view…perfect for hiding secret messages in your work. We will not only learn the technique (including simple chart reading), but will also investigate methods for designing shadow patterns, and play with creating our own charts for custom projects.

    Materials Required:
    Yarns: Two balls (partial balls are fine) of smooth (non-fuzzy), worsted-weight yarn (for example: Hikoo Simpliworsted, Cascade 220, Universal Yarns Deluxe Worsted, or similar) in highly contrasting solid colorways.

    Needles: 1 circular needle, 24 inches, in a size appropriate to give a comfortable, firm gauge (such as would be appropriate for a warm scarf or hat) in the yarns selected.

    Skill:  Knitting

    Level:  Requries Some Knowledge

    Cost:  None

    Introduction to Weaving:  Part I

    Instructor: Dave Sledesky

    If you’ve ever wanted to give weaving a shot, consider taking this two-part class where you will learn how to warp a rigid heddle loom and weave a fabulous pinwheel scarf that you will take home with you from the retreat.
    Skill:  Weaving

    Level:  Basic

    Cost: $20 if you need to rent a loom

    Friday, 5/18
    2:00 pm – 5:00 pm

    Official Road Trip to Blind Buck Farm
    A tour of a local working goat and sheep farm and yarn shop where you can purchase fiber and/or yarn right from the hoof.

    Saturday, 5/19
    10:00 am – Noon
    Intro to Circular Sock Knitting Machines

    Instructor: Joe Wilcox

    Close up and personal look at an antique circular sock knitting machine (CSKM).

    The workshop will include the following:

    • a brief history of CSKM
    • review the components and parts of a standard CSKM
    • look at ways of acquiring a CSKM
    • a demonstration of how a CSKM works
    Skill:  Other

    Level:  Basic

    Cost: None

    Square Basket Weaving (part 1 of 2)

    Instructor: Michael del Vecchio

    Ever wanted to learn to make a basket? Now’s your chance! In this day-long workshop, we’ll learn to weave a base, work the keeping row, then move onto weaving the sides and finally lashing the basket. First time attendees will have the opportunity to make either a wool drying basket or a market tote; and return basket makers (and adventurous beginners) will have the chance to learn some two-color twills in a market basket. Basketmaking is a ton of fun!

    Skill:  Other

    Level:  Basic

    Cost: $15 (for both parts 1 and 2) – includes everything you need to go home with a finished basket

    Dyeing Workshop – Foster Sheep Farm

    Instructor: Dave Sledesky and Carole Foster

    Off-site, hands-on dyeing workshop with Carole Foster at Foster’s Sheep Farm.  Participants will learn about indigo dyeing and be able to dye up to 4 ounces of their own fiber.

    Materials Required:
    4 ounces of un-dyed yarn, wound into a hank

    Skill:  Dyeing

    Level:  Basic

    Cost:  $10

    Fleece to Yarn:  Hands On (Part 2)

    Leader:  John Crane

    A continuation of Part I – The next day, in Part 2, we will pick, card, and spin the fiber prepared in Part 1 (you must be in both parts of the workshop)

    Equipment: 
    A spinning wheel if you have one and can bring it…we will have some available for use.

    Skill:  Other

    Level:  Basic

    Cost:  $10 (for both parts)

    Saturday, 5/19
    2:00 pm – 4:30 pm

    Introduction to Weaving:  Part II

    Instructor: Dave Sledesky

    A continuation of Part I above (you must be in both parts of the workshop).

    Skill:  Weaving

    Level:  Basic

    Cost: $20 if you need to rent a loom (just the one-time cost for both parts of the workshops

    Become a Hooker

    Instructor: Bruce Glassford

    For the new crocheter or someone who hasn’t done it in a while, an intro to using only one stick to make magic.  Wield your wand to learn the magic of chains, slip stitch, single crochet, double crochet, and triple crochet.

    There will be multiple styles of hooks to borrow so you can try out styles to see what suits your hands, and we’ll be making a small project.

    Required Materials:
    Worsted weight or heavier yarn preferred – makes it easier to see.  Crochet hook appropriate for the yarn (4.5mm or 5.0 for worsted, 4.0/4.5 for DK, 5.5/6 for bulky – check the yarn label) – or borrow from the collection

    Skill:  Crochet

    Level:  Basic

    Cost:  None

    Double-Knitting In-the-Round

    Instructor: Lars Rains

    In this workshop, we will learn all of the techniques needed to create my Penumbra cowl. We will begin by working the Standard Double Knitting Cast On and discussing the Standard Double Knitting Bind Off. We will then discover how to read the most basic type of double knitting chart before jumping right into the pattern. By the end of the workshop, you will be well on your way to completing the project with confidence. Pattern will be provided.

    Required Materials:
    US #6 [4.00 mm] 24″ [60 cm] circular needle.
    6 colors of DK weight yarn.
    Please view my Penumbra pattern on Ravelry for more details.

    Skill:  Knitting

    Level:  Requires some knowledge

    Cost:  None

    Getting Off with Casting On

    Instructor: Kirk Hochstetler

    Cast on, Bind off, joining.  Will learn two color cast-on and bind-off, Channel cast-on, German twisted, two-color Latvian cast-on, etc.  Requests taken with enough lead-in time.

    Required Materials: 
    Two contrasting balls of yarn, needles appropriate size for yarn, yarn needle.  Basic cast-on/bind-off knowledge recommended.

    Skill:  Knitting

    Level:  Requires some knowledge

    Cost:  None

    Square Basket Weaving (part 2 of 2)

    Instructor: Michael del Vecchio

    Ever wanted to learn to make a basket? Now’s your chance! In this day-long workshop, we’ll learn to weave a base, work the keeping row, then move onto weaving the sides and finally lashing the basket. First time attendees will have the opportunity to make either a wool drying basket or a market tote; and return basket makers (and adventurous beginners) will have the chance to learn some two-color twills in a market basket. Basketmaking is a ton of fun!
    Skill:  Other

    Level:  Basic

    Cost: $15 (for both parts 1 and 2) – includes everything you need to go home with a finished basket