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Varian Bradon is coming to Bella Filati

    Varian Brandon of Brandon Knitting Designs

    Join us August 16-18 to learn from the Master of Colorwork, Varian Brandon! She has been teaching colorwork and related knitting techniques for the past thirteen years and will be coming to Bella Filati to impart some of her wisdom.


    Classes

    Stranded Colowork (Fair Isle) Knitting – Beginning

    Saturday, Aug. 17 10:00-1:00

    Description: The class explores the technique of Stranded Colorwork Knitting using a headband pattern which can be expanded into a hat…for those who just can’t stop this extremely addictive form of knitting. This is a beginning class for knitters who are fascinated with what can be accomplished using only two colors per one round.

    What you need to know: Knit stitch, purl stitch, cast on/cast off

    What you will learn: Stranding with two hands, reading charts

    What you need to bring: 3 Colors of solid color DK weight yarn (not novelty or fuzzy) 115 yards each  – 1 light, 1 dark, 1 bright, US 4 16″ circular or dpn needles


    Ribbing and Edgings for Colorwork

    Saturday, Aug. 17 2:00-5:00

    Description: Corrugated ribbing in multiple colors…in three variations.  Picot edging in multiple colors in two variations.  Edgings that don’t curl without garter stitch or ribbing.  Seeing a theme? In this class, we will explore different ways of adding color to your edgings and ribbings.  Students will work on a variety of these colorful techniques for beginning or ending you knitting.

    What you need to know: Knit stitch, purl stitch, familiar with two color knitting

    What you will learn: Various edgings and ribbings for two color knitting including corrugated ribs, and purl when you can and two color picot edgings.

    What you need to bring: 2 Colors of solid color DK weight yarn (not novelty or fuzzy) 40 yards each  – US 4 needles


    Stranded Colowork (Fair Isle) Knitting – Beyond Beginning

    Sunday, Aug. 18 10:00-1:00

    Description: You have taken a Beginning Stranded Colorwork class and have more questions. How long do you leave the tails? Is there a way around weaving in all of those ends? Can I untangle the ever twisting yarns? What is yarn dominance? How do I get rid of long floats in the back? This class will answer these questions and more. Students will work on a two color swatch as we explore solutions to these beyond beginning questions.

    What you need to know: Knit stitch, purl stitch, familiar with two color knitting

    What you will learn: Catching floats, color dominance, weaving ends as you go, two handed method for holding yarns (optional), ways to start new colors, cast on for corrugated ribbing, using markers to help keep track of motifs

    What you need to bring: 2 Colors of solid color DK weight yarn (not novelty or fuzzy) 40 yards each  – US 4 16″ circular,2 24″ circulars or dpn needles


    Using Steek Stitches – Beginning

    Sunday, Aug. 18 2:00-5:00

    Description: You have heard of people  cutting their knitting. Sounds scary? Not really. Knitters around the world have been adding extra stitches as placeholders for opening for years and then cutting the extra stitches to reveal openings sleeves, neck and cardigan fronts. This class we’ll explore the use of steek stitches in your knitting. Students will knit a small swatch, secure selected stitches with a crochet hook, and cut the opening in class. Once you have made the cut, the scary part in not so scary.

    What you need to know: Knit stitch, purl stitch, cast on/cast off

    What you will learn: Various uses of steek stitches, single crochet stitch

    What you need to bring: Solid color DK weight yarn (not novelty or fuzzy) 40 yards  – US 4 needle, Size E or larger crochet hook, small sharp scissors.


    Pricing

    One class: $100

    Whole day (2 classes + lunch): $175

    The Whole Enchilada (All 4 classes + 2 lunches): $300