In the spirit of long distance fellowship between islands and the joy of knitting and color, we were excited to have two classes focusing on Fair Isle knitting. First, learning the traditional methods and techniques by knitting a small sweater, suitable for a teddy bear, in class with Mary Germain and Sandy De Master. Then, immediately following, was Janine Bajus’ Fair Isle Vest Design class. Students developed their own colorway from inspiration photos, knit several swatches and then planned their vest design. Fair Isle, the most geographically remote inhabited island in the UK, is famous for its knitwear. Sievers is honored to help keep their island traditions passed along and practiced on our island and beyond in the hands of […]
A tale of two classes
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 […]
Patterns, Part Two
More and more patterns! In both Ellen Graf’s Quilt Design class and in Fair Isle Design with Janine Bajus (assisted by knitting “angels” Sandy De Master and Mary Germain), we have been treated to another week of beautiful patterns. Whether inspired by colors, shapes or nature, the quilts and knit swatches all ended up as our favorites. See for yourself… The confidence to go forward with your own design was an important part of each class. Using inspirational photos or pictures and 200+ colors of Shetland yarn, the process and joy of developing your own Fair Isle design was the focus of the three-day class with Janine Bajus. We all need reminders to foster our innate creativity and fully appreciate the world […]
Patterns, Part One
Patterns in basket designs and in Fair Isle designs have surrounded us this past week. Jeanette Biederman’s Splint-Woven Basketry: Independent Study class worked on baskets of all shapes, sizes and colors. The students in Sandy De Master and Mary Germain’s Fair Isle Techniques class had a choice of two colorways to make a teddy bear sweater, the small size allowed it to be completed in class. The little sweaters incorporated corrugated ribbing, two-color knitting, armhole and neck steeks and finishing. Many teddy bears, a sheep and a sock monkey came along to class for their “fittings”. New and continuing friendships were an important part of these past few days, a “pattern” that’s repeated in many classes at Sievers. […]
Our Fair Isle
What’s better than one Fair Isle knitting class? Two Fair Isle knitting classes! Last week, Sandy De Master and Mary Germain taught a class in Fair Isle Techniques followed by Fair Isle Design with Janine Bajus, who we welcomed for the first time as a Sievers instructor. What made it even better was to have our Beginning Basketry class in session at the same time with Kay Normann and Drew Tibbetts sharing three fun and busy days with their students. Teddy had plenty of sweaters to choose from while modeling for the techniques class. Students learned construction techniques by knitting this small sweater. Then it was time to continue our Fair Isle theme and focus on the concept of design. By using photographs to develop […]
