Knit with me in the Fall

Happy Summer, everyone!

Summer is my favourite time. I thrive in the long days and the warmth. I love seeing all the teenagers released into hanging out mode and gorgeous in their summer clothes. I love the babies on the beaches and my garden filled with blooms, butterflies and birds. I love eating all the greens, the tomatoes, the FIGS and the bounty of the Farmer’s Markets brimming with mouthwatering delights. Enough - but trust that I could go on and on……

In the midst of relishing all this (and coping with the never ending stream of absurd to horrible news), I am planning my extensive Fall knitting deadlines and doing all the math, swatching and yarn detecting that this entails. I am particularly motivated by the arrival of my grandson at the beginning of September - threatening to derail all my attention for the next twenty years. I am teaching (and knitting along with my students) a variety of knits this Fall and I am excited for all of it. I hope you can join in on anything that catches your curiosity.

There will be 2 separate sessions of The Sweater Series along with a deep dive into Swatching class scheduled at Fiber Circle Studio. Once again, I have to mention what a great pleasure it is for me to spend time in this inspiring studio where I feel supported to create classes that I care about. There are my recurring knitting circles in Marin and a couple of sessions of KALs where we do some pretty crazy deep dives into construction (Central and Southern Marin). It would be great to see you around any of these tables and I hope you can join in any that inspire you.

My First Fitted Sweater (Fiber Circle Studio in Petaluma) This has become a perennial class where students choose a sweater pattern and lean how to think about creating garments that fit them exactly the way they want them to. Heads up - this class is sold out for the Fall, but do call Fiber Circle Studio at 707-774-6101 or email workshopsfcs@gmail.com or email me gayle@pacificiknittingretreats.com and let us know you are interested. We try to build additional sessions of any of my classes that sell out on the basis of how much enthusiasm there is. So please don’t despair at the ‘sold out’ status of any classes. Just let us know you would like to take the class and we can get it on the calendar.

Fitted with a Twist (Fiber Circle Studio in Petaluma) This is a new addition to the Sweater Series with a focus on Cabled Pullovers. The Cabled Pullover is a classic and every hand knitted wardrobe deserves (at least) one. They are so fun and engaging to knit with so much wow factor without being ‘fussy’ to create. Added bonus - they come in every possible style - from traditional to very modern expressions and everywhere in between. This class explores how to look for designs that can both flatter and fit every body and how to think about modifying for the fit you want.

The Ultimate Swatching Investigation (Fiber Circle Studio in Petaluma) The joy of swatching is the basis for this 2 hour class. We will explore all the questions about why and how to swatch meaningfully and you will leave in love with swatching … I promise. Because swatching is all about playtime!

There are 2 sessions of a Weird and Wonderful Sweaters KAL happening in Marin. Southern Marin dates are September 11, October 9, November 6 and December 4 from 10-noon and Central Marin dates are October 16, November 13, December 11 and January 8 from 10am-noon. If you have any interest in this class, please hit reply and I’ll fill you in on the details. The focus is on patterns with very unusual construction and beautiful design.

So please fit some knitting education into your Fall schedule. I hope some of it will be with me. A supportive, creative, calm and thoughtful environment feels more important than ever in keeping us sane, productive and distracted as we learn and create something concrete that is useful. Who knew it would become a rare and notable opportunity?

If you have any questions, need help with any knitting, or more information about any classes, please hit reply and get in touch. I appreciate you all very much.