Workshops

A couple of fantastic workshops - crochet with Jennifer and Sharleen - I taught a very beginning beginner, and Sharleen took more experienced crocheters out of their comfort zone!  Very successful, with another session next Friday.  Newcomers are also welcome.

Tunisian knitting was a hit.  We learned:  Casting on, basic tunisian, joining in another colour, flattened 'stocking-stitch' style stitch, and casting off. Well done to all - some tricky manoeuvres there, but we made it.  A special mention for Ann who came all the way from Ponsonby!  Maybe I'll run some workshops on your side of the bridge soon.

Workshops for the exhibition

We have put together a programme of workshops.  These will cost $20, unless otherwise stated, and the cost will include materials.

Knitting a square

Covers casting on and off, plain and purl stitches and combinations to form different patterns, ideas for using squares to make: blankets, toys, garments.

Ideal for beginners through to experienced knitters.

Thursday 16^th June   10.30am to 12.30pm

Thursday 23^rd June  10.30am to 12.30pm

Thursday 30^th June  10.30am to 12.30pm

Knitting a picture

Choose a pattern or graph your own, then knit using 2 or 3 colours using both Fairisle and Intarsia techniques.

You will need to be able to knit and purl.

Sunday 10^th June   2pm to 4pm

Tuesday 21^st June  2pm to 4pm

Crochet for all levels

Jennifer Kipfer will teach new crochet enthusiasts the basics, including making a curlicue to add to the Seagardens Aotearoa installation, while at the same time Sharleen Greer will teach more experienced crocheters who want to take their craft to a higher level.

Friday 24^th June    10.30am to 12.30pm

Friday 01 July      10.30am to 12.30pm

 Tunisian knitting

Using a long needle with a crochet hooked end, learn basic techniques for making blankets, rugs, bags and more. 

Saturday 25^th June    10am to 12pm

High tea at the Estuary

Buy or bring your drink and join Sian Wray and Jennifer Kipfer to start to knit a cupcake, a sandwich and an asparagus roll.

Saturday 25^th June     2pm to 4pm

Freeform Knitting & crochet   $50   Full day

Join award winning freeform knitter and crocheter Jennie Eade to begin your bagmaking experience.

By the end of the day you will have started your bag and will be able to finish it in your own time at home.

You will need to bring:

 size 4 knitting needles,  scissors,

small balls or hanks of complementary coloured  and textured dk weight wools,

a crochet hook, a darning needle, a bag frame (wool & bag frame available from Spotlight). 

Some other materials will be available for purchase from Jennie.

Saturday 02^nd July  9am to 12pm, then the same day 1pm - 4pm


We'll also have people available almost all the time the exhibition is running for informal and spontaneous sessions on whatever people want to learn - including hyperbolic crochet and troubleshooting - bring your item for some advice and assistance.  Or just join us with some work to sit and chat in a convivial atmosphere!

Lesson 4 - crochet & Tunisian

What a fantastic lot you are!  We had some fun today - again.  Some people struggled, but the results have been brilliant!  Most of the people in all three classes chose to try the granny squares - despite the pattern being challenging!  I have rewritten the pattern and will post it here as well as including it with this week's email.

BASIC GRANNY SQUARE TO CROCHET

To start:    Ch4, join with a slip stitch to form a ring.

Round 1:   Ch3, 2dc in ring, ch2, (3dc in ring, ch2) 3times for corner. 

Join to top of starting chain with a sl st.

Cut yarn & tie off.

Round 2:   Join new colour at any ch2 space.

Ch3, in same space work 2dc, ch2, 3dc (this is your starting corner).

Ch1, (in next ch2 space work 3dc, ch2, 3dc, ch1) 3 times.

Join to top of starting ch with a sl st. 

Cut yarn, tie off.

Round 3:    Join new colour at any ch2 space. 

Work starting corner as before = Ch3, in same space work 2dc, ch2, 3dc .

Then *ch1, 3dc in next ch1 space, ch1. 

In next sp work 3dc, ch2, 3dc (corner). 

Repeat from * 2 times more. 

Ch1, 3dc in next ch1 space, ch1

Join to top of starting ch with a sl st. 

Cut yarn, tie off.

Round 4:   Join new colour at any ch2 sp,

Work starting corner as before = Ch3, in same space work 2dc, ch2, 3dc . 

Then *(ch1, 3dc in next ch1 sp) 2x. 

Ch1, work corner in next corner space = 3dc, 2ch, 3dc. 

Rep from * 2x more, (ch1, 3dc in next ch1 sp)2x, ch1.

Join to top of starting ch with a sl st. 

Cut yarn, fasten off.

  

For a larger square, continue to work around the piece in the established pattern, which is 3dc, 2ch, 3dc in each corner and 1ch, 3dc, in each space at the side of the square, with 1ch between the last 3dc group and the corner group.  Make one more 3dc group between corners in each round.

Some people tried the tunisian knitting - also known as tunisian crochet, afghan knitting or tricot.  It's so much fun - we must revisit it sometime.

Everyone is working away at the things for the exhibition with some great work happening - so exciting!!