Celebrating Skirts!

Most of you already know that I’m smitten by handknitted skirts. I have three patternson Ravelry (from left to right:Putting On the Pleats, Take-Two Skirt, Lacy Pleats), one through Quince & Company (Tavia), and another soon to be published by a yet-to-be-disclosed yarn company, and one on my needles.

All of these skirts are knitted from the top down, beginning with the waistband facing (to hold waistband elastic), followed by four darts to increase to the high-hip circumference, then the introduction of purl stitches to create “gores” between the “pleats.” The skirts are designed to have about 2″ of negative ease around the high hips so the skirt hugs you from your waist to high hips, then the pleats begin well before the full-hip circumference so there’s no awkward “bucket-butt.” Because they’re knitted from the top down, you can customize for the most flattering length. The result is a tailored fit that hangs gracefully and looks good on all body types. It’s a little-known fact that skirts are easier to fit than sweaters and take less time than a sweater in the same weight yarn.

Next Saturday Jeane deCoster of Elemental Affects yarn and I will teach a workshop on designing and fitting a custom pleated skirt at Shuttles, Spindles and Skeins in Boulder, Colorado. The class fee of $210 includes a skirt’s worth of Elemental Affects Cormo yarn (your choice of fingering or sport weight), discussions on the best length and styling for you, personal body measurements, help filling out a custom pattern for your measurements and gauge (pick up sample yarn for swatching at Shuttles ahead of time), an 8-week knit-a-long that details all the steps of knitting the skirt, and ends with a follow-up party where you can show off your completed skirt or progress.

There are a few slots left. Call Shuttles at 303-494-1071 to register and join the fun.