Join Tanis for a Friday night one-hour lecture on the science and theory behind color and how to use that in our knitting.

On Saturday, we’ll learn the art of Estonian Inlay, or Roosimine in this hat workshop! Originating from the western Estonian island Muhu, this stranding technique has been used for centuries to embellish knitting. Sharing similar characteristics of stranded colorwork, intarsia, and embroidery, this beautiful technique adds texture and color to your knits.  You’ll have the option to make a 2-colored hat, or a 3-colored hat with 2-colored Vikkle Braids. We will also cover twisted ribbing, blocking, and finishing techniques, and knit A Short Reprise Hat.

Materials:

Note: 2 Colored hat needs one hank of Simply Spectacular DK and 1 Simply Spectacular Smalls or 1 hank of the MC and 1 DK mini. 3 Colored hat needs one hank of Simply Spectacular DK and 2 Simply Spectacular Small or 1 hank of the MC and 2 DK minis.

•            1 Hank Emma’s Yarn Simply Spectacular DK (3.5oz/100g ea approx. 255yds/233m, 100% superwash merino, 25% nylon) or any other DK equivalent

•            1 Mini each Emma’s Yarn Simply Spectacular Smalls (.7oz/20g ea approx. 50yds/46m, 100% superwash merino, 25% nylon) or any other DK equivalent

•            Size US 6 (4mm) 16” Circular Knitting Needle

•            Size US 7 (4.5mm) 16” Circular Knitting Needle

•            Size US 7 (4.5mm) DPNs

•            Tapestry Needle

•            Stitch Markers

•            Post-It Notes

•            Copy of A Short Reprise Hat Pattern available on Ravelry or TanisKnits.com

Homework:

With smaller circular needle using the Longtail CO technique, CO 100 sts in MC. Join into round being careful not to twist, pm for bor.

Rnds 1-10: [k1tbl, p1] to end of rnd.

Switch to larger circular needles.

Next Rnd: [K10, M1L] to end of rnd – 110 sts.

Info coming soon…

The PEI Fibre Festival is a celebration of all things fibre including a marketplace, workshops provided by world class instructors, book signings with your favourite designers and Maritime entertainment.

Sign up for my workshops here.

Oct 03 2024: 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

MOSAIC KNITTING 101 – TANIS GRAY

Oct 04 2024: 9:00 am - 11:30 am

STRANDED COLOURWORK 101 – TANIS GRAY

Oct 04 2024: 2:30 pm - 5:30 pm

2-COLOURED CABLES – TANIS GRAY

Oct 05 2024: 9:00 am - 11:30 am

STEEKING FOUR WAYS – TANIS GRAY

Oct 05 2024: 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm

ESTONIAN INLAY & ESTONIAN BRAIDS – TANIS GRAY

Let’s dye some one-of-a-kind yarn! In this workshop, you’re in charge as we ice dye 2 hanks of yarn using powdered dye, our imagination, and ice! Come prepared to try something new, get dirty, and make some magic! Yarn will be available to bring home on Saturday. Please wear old clothes and shoes you don’t mind getting dirty.

Date/Time: Friday, September 27, 2024 6:00-9:00 PM

Materials Fee: $30/student. Fee covers the cost of the dye, 2 skeins of fingering weight yarn per student, and soda ash. (Pay teacher directly in class. Exact change appreciated.)

Supplies to Bring:

• Apron to protect clothing

• Gloves (medical grade or rubber cleaning gloves are fine)

• N-95 Mask

• Safety Glasses

• Hair Dryer

• Optional - ear protection for when hair dryers are going

Homework: None

Skill Level: All levels

Take your cable game to the next level by knitting 2-colored cables! The Palace in Wonderland Cowl is packed with technique. Learn the provisional cast-on with two colors, 2-colored cables, chart reading, Kitchener stitch with two colors, cabling without a cable needle, and blocking. It’s a cable game changer!

Date/Time: Saturday, September 28, 2024 9:00 AM-Noon

Supplies:

• 2 highly contrasting shades of Worsted weight yarn (yarn used in the photo is Kim Dyes Yarn Cannoli Worsted), 400 yds each color - no fuzzy or novelty fibers, please

• Size US 9 (5.5mm) 24” circular knitting needles (NOTE: If you tend to be a loose or a tight knitter, you may need to adjust your needle size.)

• Cable Needle

• Stitch Markers

• Sticky Notes

• Tapestry Needle

• Worsted weight waste yarn

• Size G Crochet Hook for homework

• Copy of Palace in Wonderland Cowl Pattern (found on Ravelry or at Tanisknits.com)

Homework: With waste yarn and crochet hook, chain 132 using this method - https://tinyurl.com/48bhcmwz. Be careful not to chain too tightly.

Skill Level: Intermediate, previous colorwork experience not necessary.  Must be comfortable knitting in the round.

Flummoxed by lace or been apprehensive about trying it? Then this is the beginner lace workshop for you! Join Tanis Gray and learn a classic leaf lace motif in the round. We’ll be creating both elegant texture and sparkly visual impact by adding beads to our cowl, will learn to read lace charts with comfort, and talk about proper blocking and finishing techniques regarding lace. We’ll work up the Luce Cowl together in class, and you’ll be knitting lace with ease in no time!

Date/Time: Saturday, September 28, 2024 1:30-4:30 PM

Supplies:

• 1 Hank sport or light DK weight yarn, approx. 285 yds/261 m in superwash or wool (no heavily variegated or fuzzy fibers, please)

• Size US 5 (3.75 mm) 16-20” circular knitting needles

• Size US 7 (4.5 mm) 16-20” circular knitting needles

• Stitch Markers

• Sticky Notes

• Tapestry Needle

• Approx. 300 6/0 mm Miyuki Round Seed Beads (auracrystals.com is a great bead resource – it’s recommended to avoid big box stores due to inconsistency in their manufacturing)

• .75 mm Crochet Hook

• Copy of Luce Cowl Pattern (found on Ravelry or at Tanisknits.com)

Homework: 

• With smaller circular needles, Longtail CO 144 sts. Join into round being careful not to twist, pm for bor.

• Work garter in the rnd (knit 1 rnd, purl 1 rnd) twice.

• Switch to larger circular needles.

Skill Level: Advanced Beginner.  Must be comfortable knitting in the round.

Sign up here.

Friday 9/20

1:00pm – 5:30pm – Yarnover Check-in – Hotel Lobby
5:30 pm – 9:00pm – Opening Night Party – Europa Room

Saturday 9/21

7:30am – 2:00pm – Yarnover  Check-in – Hotel Lobby
8:00am – 5:30pm – Yarnover Marketplace – Regency and Scandinavian Ballrooms
9:00am – 12:00pm – Morning Classes - I’ll be teaching stranded colorwork
12:00pm – 2:00pm – Lunch – Europa Room
2:00pm – 5:00pm – Afternoon Classes - I’ll be teaching double knitting in the round
7:30pm – 9:30pm – Bingo Bash – Europa Room

Sunday 9/22

10:00am – 12:00pm – Minnesota Knitters Guild Meeting – Regency Ballroom

Find out more here.

Sat. June 8, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm: Workshop Colorwork: Luminosu Hat or Cowl Pattern with Tanis Gray

Luminosu Hat or Cowl – Ms Gray will use this project to teach us traditional stranded colorwork.

Please visit www.tanisknits.com for pattern descriptions and yarn suggestions.

All of these patterns use DK and/or sport weight yarn. DK (Double Knitting) yarn is in between sport and worsted weight on the yarn weight spectrum. DK is less bulky than worsted weight. Ms. Gray recommends Emma’s Simply Spectacular DK which can be found online at $28/100 gm 255 yard skein of merino nylon blend. ANY DK WEIGHT WOOL BLEND WILL WORK FOR THESE DESIGNS. Check your stash too.
 You must pre-pay to register for the workshop.  Payment of $55 per member.  Non-Guild members $75.

Workshop to be held at the Central PA Chamber of Commerce Building located at 30 Lawton Lane,  Milton PA 17847.

​

Sat.  June 8, 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm: Workshop  History of Knitting Lecture and Bow Tie Pasta Mosaic Fingerless Mitts by Tanis Gray

This workshop includes a brief lecture on the history of knitting before she begins the Mosaic Knitting workshop.

Mosaic knitting: Fingerless Mitts

Bow-Tie Pasta Fingerless Mitts – This project will teach us how to knit the shortcut to stranded color called mosaic style.

​All of these patterns use DK and/or sport weight yarn. DK (Double Knitting) yarn is in between sport and worsted weight on the yarn weight spectrum. DK is less bulky than worsted weight. Ms. Gray recommends Emma’s Simply Spectacular DK which can be found online at $28/100 gm 255 yard skein of merino nylon blend. ANY DK WEIGHT WOOL BLEND WILL WORK FOR THESE DESIGNS. Check your stash too.
 You must pre-pay to register for the workshop.  Payment of $55 per member.  Non-Guild members $75.

Workshop to be held at the Central PA Chamber of Commerce Building located at 30 Lawton Lane,  Milton PA 17847.

Sun. June 9, 9 am - 12:00 pm:   Estonian inlay A Short Reprise Hat by Tanis Gray

A Short Reprise Hat – this hat is made using Estonian Inlay and Estonian Braid. Estonian Inlay is a technique where a design appears to be embroidered but is actually strands from underneath the design pulled to the surface.

​All of these patterns use DK and/or sport weight yarn. DK (Double Knitting) yarn is in between sport and worsted weight on the yarn weight spectrum. DK is less bulky than worsted weight. Ms. Gray recommends Emma’s Simply Spectacular DK which can be found online at $28/100 gm 255 yard skein of merino nylon blend. ANY DK WEIGHT WOOL BLEND WILL WORK FOR THESE DESIGNS. Check your stash too.
 You must pre-pay to register for the workshop.  Payment of $55 per member.  Non-Guild members $75.

Workshop to be held at the Central PA Chamber of Commerce Building located at 30 Lawton Lane,  Milton PA 17847.

June 9, 2:00 pm: Guild Meeting  The Science of Color Theory presented by Tanis Gray

Knowledge of color theory is essential for all fiber artists, not just knitters. We hope to see many weavers and spinners at these presentations also.

Meeting to be held at the Central PA Chamber of Commerce Building located at 30 Lawton Lane,  Milton PA 17847.

​

Come away with me to Ireland! Register here.

PACKAGE INCLUDES:

• Round-trip international airfare from New York City to Dublin, Ireland. (Airfare available from your closest international airport for an additional fee. First/Business class upgrades available)

• First-class hotel accommodation in Galway, Killarney, and Dublin. (Suite upgrades available)

• Private deluxe motor coach and professional driver/guide the entire time.

• Professional knitting instructor, Tanis Gray as our special guest.

• Two half-day knitting workshops with our master instructor Tanis.

• Panoramic city tour of Galway including driving past the Galway Cathedral.

• A drive through the famous "Burren" area on the West Coast of Ireland.

• Shopping opportunities for purchasing Irish yarn.

• Delicious Irish breakfast served daily and some dinners.

• Sightseeing to Ireland's “Natural Wonder of the World,“ the Cliffs of Moher.

• Shopping opportunity on the famous Grafton Street in Dublin.

• Optional cooking lesson to learn how to make home-made Irish scones.

• Transfers to/from the airport/hotel in Ireland for full package guests.

• An optional show to see the Irish song and dance review, Celtic Steps.

• A welcome dinner, introductions, and orientation meeting.

• Visiting the family-owned Avoca weaving facility.

• An evening presentation of Irish Lace Making with local lacemakers.

• Panoramic city tour of Dublin with a local professional guide.

• Professional Craftours travel manager available throughout your entire journey.

• Shopping in the seaside craft village of Spiddal.

• Visiting the extraordinary Kylemore Abbey and walled gardens.

• Participating in a traditional “dry felting workshop”with a local Irish artist.

• Photo opportunity in Killarney to see the ruins of Ross Castle.

• Visiting the Connemara Sheep and Wool Center to see a wool demonstration.

• Sheep herding demonstration and visit to the Glengowla Mines.

• Stopping at the Blarney Woolen Millsfor great souvenir shopping.

• Touring the unique and beautiful Brigit’s Garden.

• A hands-on  Brigid's Cross Workshop with a local Irish instructor.

• An opportunity (for a nominal fee) to kiss the Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle.

• Touring the historic and entertaining Bunratty Castle and Folk Park.

• A Craftours lanyard, luggage identifier, and commemorative gifts.

• All taxes are included in this package, and insurance is highly recommended.

Join Tanis for a weekend of workshops at Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival! Sign up here for the below classes.

may 1, 9am-12pm

Stranded Colorwork & Latvian Braids 101 with Tanis Gray

Freaked over Fair Isle? Curious about stranded colorwork techniques? Intimidated by multiple strands of yarn in multiple colors? Not sure how gauge works or how to trap those floats? This is the workshop for you! In my most popular workshop, we’ll cover basic Fair Isle knitting techniques for English, Continental and Combination knitters, tackle common issues, proper technique, color theory, how to trap floats, how to read charts, how to combat puckering, Fair Isle history, and setting good stranded colorwork knitting habits. We will also learn Latvian braids going in both directions. We’ll put all these techniques into practice while working up either the Luminosu Hat or the Luminosu Cowl (knitter’s choice!). No previous colorwork experience necessary.

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

Materials for Hat:
-2 Highly contrasting shades of DK-weight yarn (sample uses Plucky Knitter Primo DK)
-Size US 2 (2.80mm) 16” circular knitting needles
-Size US 3 (3.25mm) 16” circular knitting needles
-Size US 3 (3.25mm) DPNs
-Stitch Markers
-Tapestry Needle
-Sticky Notes
Materials for Cowl:
-2 Highly contrasting shades of DK-weight yarn (sample uses Plucky Knitter Primo DK)
-Size US 2 (2.80mm) 16” circular knitting needles
-Size US 3 (3.25mm) 16” circular knitting needles
-Stitch Markers
-Tapestry Needle
-Sticky Notes

Materials Fee (to be paid directly to the instructor)

$8

Homework

Purchase a copy of Luminosu Hat & Cowl pattern: https://www.tanisknits.com/hats/luminosu-hat-cowl or https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/luminosu-hat--cowl

Skill Level

Beginner

May 1, 1-4pm Steeking 4 Ways with Tanis Gray

Interested in steeking but the thought of taking scissors to your knitting sends shivers down your spine? We’ll learn how to secure and cut our knitting 4 different ways with ease on swatches before you tackle that sweater pattern you’ve had your eye on! You’ll learn the single crochet method (no crochet experience necessary), the backstitch method, the needle felting method, and the sewing machine method making you a more powerful knitter!

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

• 4 completed swatches in 100% wool (see homework. Only make 3 if you plan on watching the sewing machine technique only)
• Tapestry needle
• 20 yards fingering weight wool (100% wool – no superwash)
• Sharp scissors
• Size F Crochet Hook
• US 5 & 7 needles (use the ones you used for the homework)
• 10-15 Removable stitch markers
• Clover Needle Felting Tool
• Clover Needle Felting Mat
• Optional sewing machine (I will be demoing this in class, but if you’d like to do it on your own with me, have your machine out and set up with brightly colored thread)

Materials Fee (to be paid directly to the instructor)

$5

Homework

Note: Completed swatches for homework are a must for this workshop! You will not be able to steek in class without them. The swatches are knit in a small circumference, so use whichever method you are comfortable with – DPNs, 2 circulars, or magic loop. Swatches should be knit in 2 shades highly contrasting worsted weight. If you wish, use different color combinations to mix it up!
• CO 45 sts with US 5 needles. Join into round being careful not to twist, pm for beginning of round. Work [knit 1 round, purl 1 round] three times.
• Switch to US 7 needles and work rounds 1-25 of chart.
• Switch to smaller needles and work [knit 1 round, purl 1 round] three times.
• BO knitwise.
Chart for swatch (click to enlarge):

Skill Level

Intermediate

May 2, 9am-12pm Estonian Inlay with Tanis Gray

Learn the art of Estonian Inlay, or Roosimine in this hat workshop! Originating from the western Estonian island Muhu, this stranding technique has been used for centuries to embellish knitting. Sharing similar characteristics of stranded colorwork, intarsia, and embroidery, this beautiful technique adds texture and color to your knits. You’ll have the option to make a 2-colored hat, or a 3-colored hat with 2-colored Vikkle Braids. We will also cover twisted ribbing, blocking and finishing techniques, and knit a hat pattern in DK weight yarn!

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

- Yarn: DK yarn (255 yards) of the MC and 2 DK minis (50 yds each).
- Needles:
Size US 6 (4mm) 16” Circular Knitting Needle
Size US 7 (4.5mm) 16” Circular Knitting Needle
Size US 7 (4.5mm) DPNs
- Additonal Supplies: Tapestry Needle, Stitch Markers, Post-It Notes

Materials Fee (to be paid directly to the instructor)

$5

Homework

Purchase a copy of A Short Reprise Hat available at tanisknits.com or Ravelry

Skill Level

Advanced Beginner

May 2, 1-4pm 2-Color Cables with Tanis Gray

Take your cable game to the next level by knitting 2-colored cables! The Palace in Wonderland Cowl is packed with technique. Learn the provisional cast-on with two colors, 2-colored cables, chart reading, Kitchener stitch with two colors, cabling without a cable needle, and blocking. It’s a cable game changer!

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

- Yarn: 2 Highly contrasting shades of Worsted weight yarn (yarn used in sample is Kim Dyes Yarn Cannoli Worsted), 400 yds each color
- Needles:Size US 9 (5.5mm) 24” circular knitting needles
- Additional Supplies:Stitch Markers, Sticky Notes, Tapestry Needle, worsted weight waste yarn, Size G Crochet Hook

Materials Fee (to be paid directly to the instructor)

$5

Homework

Purchase a copy of Palace in Wonderland Cowl available on Tanisknits.com or Ravelry

With crochet hook and waste yarn, chain 145 (be careful not to chain too tightly)

Skill Level

Advanced Intermediate

Saturday Morning Class: Ride or Die Cowl Workshop (3 hours)

Class Description: “Ride or die” is a term used to describe a person who is willing to do anything for their partner, friend, or family in the face of danger, or who stands by your side unconditionally. Join Tanis Gray and learn a unique lace brocade stitch and make the Ride or Die Cowl together as a class. We’ll be pulling stitches up from below to create both texture and visual impact, learn to read lace charts, and talk about proper blocking and finishing techniques regarding lace. Want to work in a thicker yarn or make a shorter cowl? No problem! We will talk about adjusting the pattern to suit your style.

Materials:

·      1 Hank fingering weight yarn, approx. 438 yds/401 m (sample shown uses The Lemonade Shop Sparkle Sock in Rainbows + Clouds) in superwash or wool (no heavily variegated or fuzzy fibers, please)

·      Size US 1 (2.25mm) 24” circular knitting needles

·      Size US 3 (3.25mm) 24” circular knitting needles

·      Stitch markers

·      Tapestry needle

·      Post-it notes

·      Copy of pattern will be supplied in class

·      NOTE: If working with a thicker yarn, there will be different yardage. Use the recommended needle size for the yarn chosen, plus an additional needle two sizes down from the recommended size for the ribbing

Homework:

·      With smaller circular needles, Longtail CO 248 sts. Join into round being careful not to twist, pm for bor. NOTE: If adjusting size to make the cowl less wide, CO a multiple of 4 sts, or email Tanis for assistance.

·      Work [p2, k2] across rnd for 6 total rnds.

·      Switch to larger circular needles.

·      Set Up Rnd: P1, move m here for new bor, p1, [k2, p2] to last 3 sts, k2, p1.

·      Work [p1, k2, p1] for 3 rnds total.

Saturday Evening Class: Confectionary Cowl Workshop (3 hours)

Class Description: Who wants ice cream? Join Tanis Gray and learn a sweet and unusual lace pattern while we knit up the Confectionary Cowl as a class! We’ll wrangle constant stitch amount changes, borrow a skill from Estonian knitting for our decreases, wield a crochet hook with confidence (no crochet skills required!), learn to read lace charts, and talk about proper blocking and finishing techniques regarding lace.

Materials:

·      1 Hank fingering weight yarn, approx. 463 yds/423 m (sample shown uses Kindred Red Rad sock in Lavender and Lightening) in superwash or wool (no heavily variegated or fuzzy fibers, please)

·      Size US 1 (2.25mm) 24” circular knitting needles

·      Size US 3 (3.25mm) 24” circular knitting needles

·      Small crochet hook for decreases

·      Stitch markers

·      Tapestry needle

·      Post-it notes

·      Copy of pattern will be supplied in class

Homework:

·      With smaller circular needles, Longtail CO 240 sts. Join into round being careful not to twist, pm for bor.

·      Work [k2tbl, p2] across rnd for 8 total rnds.

·      Switch to larger circular needles.

Sunday Morning Class: Choose Your Own Cable Adventure Workshop (3 hours)

Class Description: Embark on a magical twisty cabled adventure with Tanis Gray! In this workshop we’ll learn all about cable anatomy, the history behind certain cabled patterns, how to read cable charts more easily, decode cable symbols, cabling without a cable needle, and talk about proper blocking and finishing techniques. We’ll take all this cable knowledge and pick and choose from a variety of cable patterns to design and execute our very own cabled wrap, scarf, or cowl – knitter’s choice – using multiple cable patterns with varying repeats.

Materials:

·      Preferred yarn for swatching (DK, worsted, or aran are recommended) in a light color (no heavily variegated or fuzzy fibers, please)

·      Recommended needle size for above yarn

·      Pencil and eraser

·      Stitch markers

·      Post-it notes

·      Cable needle

·      If planning on starting your cable design, project yarn and recommended-sized needles (no heavily variegated or fuzzy fibers, please)

Homework:

·      If planning on starting your cable design, make a 6 x 6” blocked stockinette swatch with the needle size you like best in the yarn you plan on using for your design. This may mean trying out a few different sizes to get the perfect-for-you swatch!

February 2-9, 2024! Sign up here!

PACKAGE INCLUDES:

• Round-trip international airfare from New York City to Kenya. (Airfare available from your closest international airport for an additional fee. First/Business class upgrades available)

• First-class hotel accommodations in Nairobi. (Suite upgrades available)

• Professional and knowledgeable guide during our safari adventure.

• Traveling with master knitter and Craftsy instructor, Tanis Gray.

• Three hands-on mosaic knitting workshops with our guest instructor, Tanis.

• Five safari game drives with professional safari drivers.

• Comfortable and roomy safari vehicles for our game drive.

• A welcome dinner, introductions and orientation meeting.

• An optional visit to David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage.

• Panoramic city tour of Nairobi with a local professional tour guide, including shopping opportunities to purchase Kenyan fabric.

• A professional Craftours travel manager throughout your entire journey.

• A special tour at the Nanyuki Weavers and Spinners facility.

• “Sit and knit” most evenings with our guest instructor, Tanis.

• Delicious buffet breakfast served daily.

• Tented camp accommodations at the first-class facility in a popular game reserve. (Suite Upgrades available)

• Special farewell dinner at the world-famous Carnivore Restaurant.

• An up-close encounter to see the Rothschild Giraffes at the Giraffe Center.

• Optional boat tour on Lake Naivasha to see the giant hippos and other wildlife.

• A tour of the Karen Blixen Museum from the movie “Out of Africa."

• Private deluxe motor coach and professional driver in Nairobi.

• An optional “bush dinner” under the stars with Masai dancers.

• All taxes are included, and insurance is highly recommended.

• A Craftours lanyard, luggage identifier and commemorative gift.

Join Tanis for a book signing of her newest book, accompanied by a trunk show, and Double Knitting Workshop at Dances With Wool, in Richmond, VA! Sign up for the whole weekend here.

Class Name: Double Knitting 101

Sign up here.

Length: 2 Hours

Description: Curious about double knitting but not quite sure how it works? In this workshop we’ll learn the magic of knitting two sides of your work at once with no visible wrong side. We’ll also cover ways to keep your edges tidy, the provisional cast on, how to read double knitting charts, and work up the Oogie Boogie Roulette Cowl with hearts, diamonds, spades, skulls, and club motifs from the new book by Tanis Gray.

Experience Level: Intermediate – Colorwork experience not necessary, but helpful

Skills required: Ability to knit and purl, confident working two strands of yarn at once

Skills Covered: Double knitting techniques, keeping edges tidy, how to read double knitting charts, casting on with 2 colors

Homework: Come caffeinated with yarn wound.

Supplies Needed: (This is what the sample uses, but any DK weight in 5 shades will do)

·      Laines Teintes À La Main Biscotte DK Pure (DK Weight, 90% Merino 10% Silk, 284 yds/260m per 115g skein), 1 skein: 'Charbon' (Black, MC)

·      Laines Teintes À La Main Biscotte DK Pure (DK Weight, 90% Merino 10% Silk, 284 yds/260m per 115g skein), 1 skein: 'Poudreuse' (Blue, CC1)

·      Laines Teintes À La Main Biscotte DK Pure (DK Weight, 90% Merino 10% Silk, 284 yds/260m per 115g skein), 1 skein: 'Rose Neon' (Pink, CC2)

·      Laines Teintes À La Main Biscotte DK Pure (DK Weight, 90% Merino 10% Silk, 284 yds/260m per 115g skein), 1 skein: 'Vert Biscotte' (Green, CC3)

·      Laines Teintes À La Main Biscotte DK Pure (DK Weight, 90% Merino 10% Silk, 284 yds/260m per 115g skein), 1 skein: 'Soleil' (Yellow, CC4)

·      US 6 (4mm) 16” Circular Knitting Needles AND a spare of the same size for picking up/ grafting.

·      4mm Crochet Hook

·      Tapestry Needle

·      Scissors

·      Scraps of contrasting yarn (for provisional cast on)

·      Copy of the Book by Tanis Gray

Please join us in 2023 for a beautiful fall weekend in the foothills of the Vermont Green Mountains.  It's the perfect place to treat yourself to fresh air, beautiful fall leaves and new friends before the holidays set in. Sign up here.

We'll stay in the Quechee Inn at Marshland Farms where the rooms are beautifully furnished with antiques and quilts.  The living room has an ever-present fire in the fireplace, snug sofas, overstuffed chairs, a fresh pot of coffee and bar to serve your favorite beverages every evening.

Also included in our weekend is the option of joining daily yoga sessions. These morning sessions will be active and invigorating but relaxing. It's the perfect opportunity to try something new in an easy fun setting.

A delicious menu has been created just for us with choices to suit any palate for our meals. Thursday and Saturday our evening meals will take place at the inn created by the Quechee Inn Chef and Friday night we will dine out at a nearby restaurant. Friday night out is subject to change and may take place at the Inn. 

Included in the cost of the retreat...

Welcome reception with open bar and appetizers

3 full breakfasts (included in cost of room)

2 lunches

3 dinners

2 yoga sessions 

Daily knitting workshops 

Materials for weekend projects

Tour of Green Mountain Spinnery Yarn Mill/Shop

Cost per person: $1050*

Deposit due at time of registration: $300

*Returning participants receive a $50 discount
* Returning Participants bring a friend new to K&YA and both of you receive $50 off for you and $50 for your friend 

All deposits are non-refundable.

Payment in full September 15, 2023 or space will not be guaranteed.

*Room cost is not included--please contact The Quechee Inn at Marshland Farms directly to reserve your room after your registration is accepted

Stranded Colorwork & Latvian braids

Description: Freaked  over Fair Isle? Curious about stranded colorwork techniques?  Intimidated by multiple strands of yarn in multiple colors? Not sure how  gauge works or how to trap those floats? This is the workshop for you!  In my most popular workshop, we’ll cover basic Fair Isle knitting  techniques for English, Continental and Combination knitters, tackle  common issues, proper technique, color theory, how to trap floats, how  to read charts, combat puckering, Fair Isle history, and setting good  stranded colorwork knitting habits. We will also learn Latvian braids  going in both directions. We’ll put all these techniques into practice  while working up a debuting cowl pattern designed exclusively for this  retreat! 

Experience Level: No previous colorwork experience necessary

Skills required: Ability to knit and purl in the round

Skills Covered: Stranded  colorwork knitting techniques in English, Continental, and Combination  methods, how to read stranded colorwork charts, how to trap floats,  color dominance and its importance, blocking and finishing techniques,  basic color theory, how to tell the difference between the types of  colorwork.

Yarn is provided. 

2-Colored Cables

Description: Take  your cable game to the next level by knitting 2-colored cables! The  Palace in Wonderland Cowl is packed with technique. Learn the  provisional cast-on with two colors, 2-colored cables, chart reading,  kitchener stitch with two colors, cabling without a cable needle, and  blocking. It’s a cable game changer!

Experience Level: Advanced Intermediate

Skills required: Basic cabling techniques and ability to read a chart

Skills Covered: Cabling  with two colors in the round, crochet chain provisional cast on,  blocking and finishing techniques, cabling without a cable needle,  kitchener stitch with two colors

Homework: With waste yarn and crochet hook, chain 140. Be careful not to chain too tightly.

Supplies Needed:

· 2 Highly contrasting shades of Worsted weight yarn (yarn used is Kim Dyes Yarn Cannoli Worsted), 400 yds each color (yarn provided)

· Size US 9 (5.5mm) 24” circular knitting needles 

· Stitch Markers

· Sticky Notes

· Tapestry Needle

· Worsted weight waste yarn

· Size G Crochet Hook

· Copy of pattern will be supplied in class

Lectures include The Science & Theory Behind How We Perceive Color & How To Use That in Our Knitting and A Brief History of Knitting.

Join Tanis at the Arlington Handknitters Guild in Arlington, Texas. Info to come…

Read more about class choices and the event here!

Read about the classes and event here!

I am extremely excited to announce that I'll be teaching stranded colorwork in Iceland for Craftsy in November 5-13th, 2022! This land tour is jam-packed with adventure! A trip to the Lopi factory, hanging out with the Hand-Knitters Association, a working sheep farm, a yarn crawl, an opportunity to see the Northern Lights (in my top three Bucket List items), a Viking-style dinner, waterfalls, the Golden Circle, seeing the recently completed longest tapestry in the world, geothermal baking, the Kerid crater, the famed Blue Lagoon, a Viking Villiage, the textile museum, and so much more! This is truly the trip of a lifetime tailored to knitters.

I am designing a traditional Icelandic pullover (30"-70" bust) for us to knit together during the adventure and instruction will include stranded colorwork techniques for English, Continental, and combination knitters, sweater construction, finishing, blocking, and making the entire pullover from cast on to bind off. I cannot think of a better souvenir than a traditional Icelandic sweater knit in Iceland with Icelandic wool, while having the time of my life with fellow knitters! More information is below and I very much hope to see you there!

Click here for more information.

I am extremely excited to announce that I'll be teaching stranded colorwork in Iceland for Craftsy in October 22-30, 2022! This land tour is jam-packed with adventure! A trip to the Lopi factory, hanging out with the Hand-Knitters Association, a working sheep farm, a yarn crawl, an opportunity to see the Northern Lights (in my top three Bucket List items), a Viking-style dinner, waterfalls, the Golden Circle, seeing the recently completed longest tapestry in the world, geothermal baking, the Kerid crater, the famed Blue Lagoon, a Viking Villiage, the textile museum, and so much more! This is truly the trip of a lifetime tailored to knitters.

I am designing a traditional Icelandic pullover (30"-70" bust) for us to knit together during the adventure and instruction will include stranded colorwork techniques for English, Continental, and combination knitters, sweater construction, finishing, blocking, and making the entire pullover from cast on to bind off. I cannot think of a better souvenir than a traditional Icelandic sweater knit in Iceland with Icelandic wool, while having the time of my life with fellow knitters! More information is below and I very much hope to see you there!

Click here for more information.

Sign up link coming soon!

Fair Isle 101

Class Description:

Freaked over Fair Isle? Curious about stranded colorwork techniques? Intimidated by multiple strands of yarn in multiple colors? Not sure how gauge works or how to trap those floats? This is the workshop for you! We’ll cover basic Fair Isle knitting techniques for English, Continental, and Combination knitters, tackle common issues, proper technique, how to trap floats, Latvian braids, Fair Isle history and set good Fair Isle knitting habits. We’ll put everything we learned into practice while knitting up the Skybridge Hat!

Class Level:

Advanced Beginner, no previous colorwork experience necessary

Materials:

2 Highly contrasting shades of Blue Sky Fibers Skyland Yarn

Size US 3 (3.25mm) 16” circular knitting needles

Size US 4 (3.5mm) 16” circular knitting needles

Size US 4 (3.5mm) DPNs

Stitch Markers

Tapestry Needle

Sticky Notes

Copy of Skybridge Pattern (found on Ravelry or at Tanisknits.com)

Homework:

• With smaller circular needles, CO 120 sts using Longtail CO method with MC (the equivalent to the red in the project photo). Join in the round being careful not to twist. PM for bor.

• Work [k1 in CC (the equivalent to the pink in the project photo), p1 in MC] for 8 rounds.

• Knit 1 round in CC.

• Switch to larger circular needles. Knit 6 rounds in MC.

Steeking 4 Ways

Class Description:

Interested in steeking but the thought of taking scissors to your knitting sends shivers down your spine? We’ll learn how to secure and cut our knitting 4 different ways with ease on swatches before you tackle that sweater pattern you’ve had your eye on! You’ll learn the single crochet method (no crochet experience necessary), the backstitch method, the needle felting method, and the sewing machine method.

Class Level:

Intermediate, students must have previous colorwork experience.

Materials:

4 completed swatches in 100% wool (see chart in homework)

Tapestry needle

20 yards fingering weight wool (100% wool – no superwash)

Sharp scissors

Size F Crochet Hook

US 5 & 7 needles (use the ones you used for the homework)

10-15 Removable stitch markers

Clover Needle Felting Tool

Clover Needle Felting Mat

Sewing machine will be available in class for student use

Homework: 

Note: Completed swatches for homework are a must for this workshop! You will not be able to steek in class without them. The swatches are knit in a small circumference, so use whichever method you are comfortable with – DPNs, 2 circulars, or magic loop. Swatches should be knit in 2 shades highly contrasting worsted weight. If you wish, use different color combinations to mix it up!

• CO 45 sts with US 5 needles. Join into round being careful not to twist. Work [knit 1 round, purl 1 round] three times.

• Switch to US 7 needles and work rounds 1-25 of chart.

• Switch to smaller needles and work [knit 1 round, purl 1 round] three times.

• BO knitwise.

Two-Color Cables

Class Description:

Take your cable game to the next level by knitting 2-colored cables! The Palace in Wonderland Cowl is packed with technique. Learn the provisional cast-on with two colors, 2-colored cables, chart reading, kitchener stitch with two colors, cabling without a cable needle, and blocking. It’s a cable game changer!

Class Level:

Advanced Beginner, no previous colorwork or cabling experience necessary

Materials:

2 Highly contrasting shades of Worsted weight yarn (yarn used is Kim Dyes Yarn Cannoli Worsted), 400 yds each color

Size US 9 (5.5mm) 24” circular knitting needles

Stitch Markers

Sticky Notes

Tapestry Needle

Worsted weight waste yarn

Size G Crochet Hook for homework

Copy of Palace in Wonderland Cowl Pattern (found on Ravelry or at Tanisknits.com)

Homework:

With waste yarn and crochet hook, chain 140. Be careful not to chain too tightly.