I’m very pleased that Andrea Rangel agreed to be one of the teachers at my Knit For Fun Retreat in La Jolla, California, September 19 – 22. I’ve only “met” Andrea through an online group interview of all the Knit Star 3.0 teachers, hosted by Loops in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I’m super excited to finally meet her in person this September!
Andrea is a trained educator, having taught elementary, middle, and high school for several years before becoming a full-time knitwear designer. A true international representative, Andrea holds three passports (U.S., Canada, and Peru). She lives in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, where she knits, designs, and blogs. She also rides her bike and spends as much time outdoors as possible, often taking close-up photos of nature. She translates the detail and creativity she sees in nature into many of her knitwear designs. Enamored with the functionality and beauty of 
knitting, Andrea knits and designs everything from head to toe.
Andrea is the author of two books: Rugged Knits and Alterknit Stitch Dictionary. Her designs have also been published in Brooklyn Tweed Wool People, Twist Collective, Interweave Knits, and Knit Scene, as well as independently. Her printed patterns are available for wholesale purchase through Stitch Sprouts Distributors in North America and Ysolda Distribution in Europe.
Learn more by visiting Andrea’s website.
Andrea will teach the following classes at my Knit For Fun Retreat in La Jolla, California, September 19 to 21.
The Fine Art of Yarn Substitution
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
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. Expert knitter, teacher, and designer Andrea Rangel will guide you through all the elements needed to make striking stranded patterns in your knitting. Learn to read color charts, manage two balls of yarn, catch floats, and create gorgeous smooth fabric while working a fun cowl pattern. 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
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
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.
Click here for more information on the Knit For Fun Retreat that will feature Andrea Rangel as a teacher.