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