Back in February, we had no idea that it would be July before the first Sievers class of 2020 would take place. In May, we weren’t sure when and if we could hold a class. Then guidelines were issued and we hoped some of our classes would work with precautions in place. Many factors are being taken into consideration for each class. Can an instructor teach from a six-foot distance? Depending on the subject, how many students can be accommodated in the studio? Are students using any shared equipment? What level of comfort is there from all involved in travelling and gathering with others?
All that being said, we have so far been able to hold two classes, Quilt Design with Ellen Graf and Fair Isle Knitting Techniques with Mary Germain. Both had five students, which provided for distancing within the studio.
The Quilt Design students all knew each other, having shared the same class in previous years. During the week they worked on individual projects (returning and new) with advice and guidance from Ellen.
Starting a new quilt, learning a new technique, renewing old blocks into something more modern and bringing show and tell quilts are all part of Ellen’s class.
Fair Isle Techniques was taught solo this time by Mary Germain. In order to learn the traditional methods for knitting a Fair Isle sweater, students knit a teddy bear-sized sweater using five balls of our Jamieson & Smith 2-ply jumper weight yarn in six different colorways curated for the class.
Directions for the wee sweater along with Fair Isle techniques is in Sandy De Master and Mary’s book, “For the Love of Fair Isle Knitting”. (We do have some available in the shop at $15.00 each.) With instructions in hand and the sun shining, the knitters used the perfect weather to spend much of their time knitting outside.
We are not sure how many classes will be held this year. We know the experience wasn’t quite the same for either class as it has been other times, but coming through just the same, we hope, was the essence of Sievers…sharing the joy of creating and making with new and renewed friends.
