The autumn 2019 Knit For Fun Retreat will take place September 19-22, 2019 in the seaside town of La Jolla, California. We’ll escape to the hacienda-style haven Estancia La Jolla Hotel and Spa, located just blocks from the world-class Torrey Pines Golf Course. This four-diamond hotel is surrounded by beautiful gardens and features a luxury spa, including a heated saltwater pool and whirlpool, complete with poolside cabanas. What’s more, a complementary bottle of Napa’s finest Trinitas Cellars Wine is included with each room!
The on-site marketplace will be hosted by Yarning For You of nearby San Marcos, California. This delightful shop is owned by mother-daughter duo Lynn and Lacey Koch who took a beginning knitting class together several years ago. The rest is knitting history.
Lynn and Lacey plan to bring lots of local talent and indie dyed yarn to the retreat marketplace. You’re sure to find something special!
Guest teachers will be Estonian knitting expert Nancy Bush, author of AlterKnit Stitch Dictionary Andrea Rangel, and Intrepretations co-author Veera Valimaki. Again, I’ll fill in as the Knit Doctor to help with whatever ails your knitting mojo.
As always, attendees get one 3-hour class with each instructor, plus a chance for a one-on-one appointment with the Knit Doctor. You can also opt for a 6-hour add-on class the opening day of the retreat for an additional fee.
Nancy Bush Will Teach:
Estonian Cast-Ons–Useful and Colorful Beginnings (3 hours)
The Estonians have many interesting ways to cast on for their knitting, each giving a unique effect. Students will learn several different ways to cast on, including variat
ions of a decorative braided cast on and an outstanding, stretchy and bold cast on for socks, cuffs or even the edge of a sweater. Students will learn when to use each technique and what makes each one special.
Yarn will be provided in class.
Nordic Color–Roositud, and Estonian Inlay Technique (3 hours)
Estonians use a special inlay technique for adding decorative color motifs to gloves and socks. Unlike embroidery, the technique is worked right into the knitting, row by row. Learn how to read Roositud charts and work this unique and colorful embellishment by knitting a sample in class.
Yarn will be provided in class.
Knitting Estonian Lace–A 200-Year History (3 hours)
Estonia has a lace tradition spanning nearly 200 years. In this class, you’ll explore the stitch patterns and some of the history of lace knitting from Haapsalu. Through knitting a sampler, you’ll learn several ways that Estonian knitters create texture in their exquisite lace shawls.
Yarn will be provided in class.
Muhu Knitting Traditions–Color and Texture from a Small Estonian Island (6-hour add-on class)
The knitting from Muhu Island, off the west coast of Estonia, has gone through many changes since knitting was first practiced there several centuries ago. Learn the evolution of knitting on Muhu and learn about the colorful, intricate braided and patterned cuffs of Muhu mittens and gloves, popular in the 19th and early 20th centuries, all while making a mitten, or mitt using unique techniques.
Andrea Rangel Will Teach:
The Fine Art of Yarn Substitution–Change Can Be Good (3 hours)
Have you ever had trouble choosing the appropriate yarn for a pattern? In this class, you’ll be guided through the intricacies of fiber, yarn weight, and plies. You’ll learn how to decode yarn labels to match the perfect yarn to your project. You’ll get lots of hands-on experience examining Andrea’s extensive collection of swatches.
The Basics of Stranded Colorwork–Color Your World! (3 hours)
Two colors of yarn can be used to create an infinite variety of beautiful patterns in knitted fabrics. Take the plunge and learn to work stranded colorwork. Andrea will guide you through all the elements needed to knit striking stranded patterns. Learn to read color charts, manage two balls of yarn, catch floats, and create gorgeous smooth fabric while working a fun cowl. You’ll also get hints on how to pick colors that shine together and which yarns will work best for your project.
Increasing & Decreasing Master Class–Adding and Subtracting with Style (3 hours)
Dive into the intricacies of shaping knitted fabric. Practice a variety of increases and decreases and learn the pros and cons of each method. You’ll learn how to make your shaping lean left, right, or center, and why it matters. You’ll also learn how to use shaping to improve the fit of your sweaters. This class will deepen your understanding of knitting, and allow you to add beautiful detailed precision to your projects.
Brioche and Beyond (6-hour add-on class)
Brioche knitting creates a lofty, squishy, and reversible fabric. In this class, learn to work basic brioche and two-color brioche, along with increases, decreases, and finishing techniques. Following instructions for both Continental and British-style knitters, you’ll work a brioche sampler.
Veera Valimaki Will Teach:
Colorplay–Unleash Your Creativity (3 hours)
This class focuses on color in knitting—what to expect from certain colors, which colors to pair, and which to begin with. You’ll learn basic color theory hands-on while knitting swatches. You’ll leave class full of inspiration and confidence!
Stripes–Beyond the Basics (3 hours)
Learn how to add stripes to your knitting, how to best work them, and how to make stripes extra special with easy techniques. You’ll also learn what to expect from certain colors and which colors pair best, how to enhance stripes with simple stitch patterns, knitting jogless stripes in the round, working stripes with short-rows, and keeping the edges neat.
Round-Yoke Sweaters–A Knitter’s Canvas (3 hours)
This class is dedicated to the art of round-yoke sweaters. Through knitting a mini sample yoke, you’ll learn the basic construction and math, then explore different ways to add colorwork, lace, or other stitch patterns. The lovely look and wide-ranging design possibilities make a round-yoke sweater ideal for experimentation.
Shawl Shapes–So Many Options! (6-hour add-on class)
In this class, you’ll learn the most common shawl constructions and how to take your shawl knitting to a whole new level. In addition to basic shawl shapes—triangle, crescent, square, circular, etc.—you’ll learn how to add stitch patterns while increasing or decreasing to form the desired shape.
In Addition to Being the Knit Doctor, I will also teach a 6-hour add-on class:
A Skirt for All Seasons–Design a Custom-Fit “Pleated” Skirt
Knitted skirts are becoming wardrobe staples—and they’re a lot easier to knit than you might think (they require just three to four skeins of sock yarn)! Learn how to take proper waist and hip measurements and combine them with your gauge to create a “pleated” skirt with a perfect fit, no matter your size. You’ll leave with a personalized skirt pattern for your yarn and gauge.
Click here for all the details and to register for this splendid opportunity!