Below are class descriptions for the classes Isabell Kraemer will teach at Knitting New Mexico 2018 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on September 28 – 29, 2018, and for the public class she will teach at the Yarn Store at Nob Hill before the Knitting New Mexico workshop. For complete information about the workshop and to register for Knitting New Mexico 2018, click here.

Amory — Contiguous Set-In Sleeves

Learn the contiguous set-in sleeves construction while knitting the Amory sweater. As this is worked from the top down, most of the challenging things happen right at the beginning. I will guide you through all techniques involved (short row neck shaping, shoulder and sleeve increases, underarm cast on methods and more). You’ll leave with all the knitting skills needed to finish your own Amory sweater that we start in class.

Level: Intermediate (knitting in the round, basic increases (M1L, M1R)).

Materials: gauge swatch (see homework), yarn that matches the patterns gauge requirements, matching circular needles (16″ and 32″ long), stitch markers, stitch holders or waste yarn, scissors, tapestry needle.

Homework:
gauge swatch at least 4 x 4″ in stockinette to decide on the yarn to use for class.

Top Down Knitting — Basics and Beyond

You’re confident with basic stitches and construction techniques? In this workshop, I’ll try to guide you through some techniques to expand your skills and take your knitting to the next level – I’ll take you on a (knitting) trip from the top down – a method that enables you to try your sweater on from time to time to check the overall fit while you’re knitting.

We’ll discuss different ways of knitting a sweater from the top down and learn some useful tricks.

Level: Intermediate (knitting in the round, basic knowledge about sweater construction)

Materials: Notebook and pen, knitting yarn and matching circular and double pointed needles (dk or worsted weight will work best), safety pins or locking stitch markers, darning needle, crochet hook (same size as knitting needles) and some waste yarn.

Homework: 1.: Neckband (starting point for short row use in neck shaping): cast on 60 sts and join to knit in the round. Work 4 rounds in 1×1 Rib (k1, p1), then knit 1 round. Stitches should be left ‘live’ on the needle to be able to work from this point.
2.: 2 tiny rectangles – provisionally cast on 10 sts for each of the rectangles and work 10 rows in Stockinette stitch. Stitches should be left ‘live’ on the needle (or holder/scrap yarn).

Short Rows — When, Why, and How

(Optional Add-On Class — not included in Knitting New Mexico Workshop!!!)

This class is open to the public and will occur on Friday morning, September 28, 2018, before the Knitting New Mexico 2018 workshop begins. If you register for the Knitting New Mexico 2018 workshop with Isabell Kraemer, you may add this class as an optional add-on. More information in the blog post about Knitting New Mexico 2018. If you wish to register for this class only, and not for the Knitting New Mexico workshop, please contact the Yarn Store at Nob Hill to register.

In this class you will learn several different techniques for short rows to add shaping to your knitting and where to use them. You will learn how to add shaping to a neckline worked in the round, how to shape shoulders, bust darts and hem lines. Examples of my designs that use this method of shaping will be available to view in class.

Level: Intermediate (knitting small circumferences in the round, basic increases (M1L, M1R)).

Materials: notepad and pen, knitting yarn and matching circular needles (dk or worsted weight will work best), safety pins or locking stitch markers, darning needle, crochet hook (same size as knitting needles) and some waste yarn.

Homework: 1. Neckband (starting point for short row use in neck shaping): cast on 40 sts and join to knit in the round. Work 4 rounds in 1×1 Rib (k1, p1), then knit 1 round. Stitches should be left live on the needle. 2. Bust darts and hem lines: cast on 28 sts, work 6 rows in Garter stitch, then 4 rows in Stockinette stitch. Stitches should be left live on the needle.