[Nfb-krafters-korner] Upcoming Dropped Stitch Class

[Annette Carr]

Hi All,

 

Just wanted to let you know that I will be teaching a class on how to pick
up dropped stitches.  The class is scheduled for 3 months from now, on
January 30th, and will be a 1 session phone class.  I thought I would tell
you about it now as there is a bit of homework prior to the start of the
class.  I wanted to tell you about it now so that you can plan accordingly
given the holidays.  Here is the description of the class, followed by the
list of materials and the description of the homework.  Feel free to ask
questions.

 

Dropping stitches is part of knitting.  When a pattern tells you to drop a
stitch, you do it even though it might make your stomach flip.  When you
find that you have dropped a stitch that was not intended, you want to cry.
Sign up for this telephone class and learn about the construction of knitted
and purl stitches and get experience picking up dropped stitches in a
controlled situation and get them back on your needles.  Even if you are not
successful in getting that stitch on your needles, I guarantee you will
leave this class with a better concept of the construction of knitted
fabrics and better able to recognize when something is wrong.  Working with
larger needles and a thicker smoother yarn will help you observe the
construction of your stitches.  So sign up for this class and shed no more
tears over dropped stitches.  You will be able to leave the tissues in your
knitting bag for when you need to clean the chocolate off of your fingers

 

.         Prerequisite Skills:  Know at least one method of Casting on and
binding off, Know how to knit and purl.

.         Supplies Needed:  

o   Large knitting needles such as a U.S. Size 10 - Using larger needles
will allow you to observe the construction of your work. 

o   A second set of knitting needles for working with your second swatch.
If the second pair are slightly larger or smaller is fine.  If you do not
have a second pair of a large sized pair of knitting needles,), then you
will need 1 stitch holder.

o   1 crochet hook smaller than your knitting needles, but big enough to
grab your yarn  

o   2 locking or split ring stitch markers.  If you do not have these, a
safety pin will work. 

o   Smooth Worsted weight yarn or thicker (estimated 30 yards) - a yarn that
is smooth and does not have fuzziness to it, will make it easier to observe
the construction of your work.  A light colored yarn might be helpful for
those who rely on vision instead of touch to observe their work.

o   1 pair of point protectors appropriate for the size of each pair of
knitting needles, or 2 rubber bands (Note:  given the short period of time
we will be using the rubber bands, they will not leave residue on your
needles.

 

Homework prior to class:  Create 2 swatches that are not bound off.  Swatch
1 will be the first one we work with in class, so you might want to make
that one last if you only have 1 set of knitting needles.

1.        Stockinet Stitch swatch - Cast on 20 stitches.  Row 1 Knit, Row 2
Purl, Repeat Rows 1 & 2 until you have completed at least 10 rows in total.
More is fine, just be sure to end with a Row2 (Purl.  This will leave you
ready to start with a Knit row in class.  Do not bind off.  This swatch will
need to be on your needles at the start of class.

Garter Stitch swatch - Cast on 20 stitches.  Knit at least 10 rows.  More is
fine.  Do not bind off.  Move to a stitch holder if you only have 1 pair of
knitting needles.  This will be the second swatch we work with in class.  If
you are storing it on a stitch holder, you will have to move the swatch on
to a pair of knitting needles during class.