Conquer Your Fears! Master Short Rows and Fearlessly Knit a Scarf/Shawl Without a Pattern! with Kimberly Langley

About Conquer Your Fears! Master Short Rows and Fearlessly Knit a Scarf/Shawl Without a Pattern! with Kimberly Langley

Short rows are feared by many who when told to turn in the middle of the row immediately fear they have made a mistake. Short rows are not a mistake, they add height to a collar, create that rounded bottom to a sweater back and can be the step leading to creativity. Short rows can also create curves and dips that add interest to or are the basis of the shape of a hat, a scarf or a shawl.
I often wear a lace weight shawl draped over my shoulder and wrapped about my neck. I am frequently asked for the pattern, and I say, “No pattern, I just knit it.” Invariably someone looks stunned and says, “I can’t do that, I have to have a pattern.” Knitting without a pattern should not generate fear.
This class will conquer both fears by teaching the short row technique of “wrap and turn”. We will then move forward and practice the technique using two different color yarns for maximum visibility. In the final portion of the class we will discuss how one can set the parameters of a knitted object so that the “I just knit it up” is no longer daunting. One sets the rules which provide the guide to the knitting. Call it a pattern and suddenly one can knit a beautiful, unique item in complete calm, while using short rows.

Materials, Equipment, and Supplies the Student Must Bring to Class

Completed homework, DK weight yarn (can be left over, you do not need an entire skein), fingering yarn in contrast color (if one is a multi-color, the second yarn should be a solid), knitting needles appropriate for DK yarn (US5 or US6, depends how you knit), knitting needles two sizes larger, the usual knitter’s notions (stitch markers, scissors, etc.), paper and pencil for note taking.

Materials Fee (to be paid directly to the instructor)

None. Instructor will provide handout with class outline and exercises to be completed as a class free of charge.

Pre-class Homework

Using a small amount of DK weight yarn cast on 40 stitches and knit 5 rows in stockinette. Leave knitting on needles and bring to class.