Seeing Stars (and Stripes, and Checks)

I'm creating a new class!  It's called "Stars and Stripes", and in it, you will design your own Norwegian Fana Sweater.

Named for the district of Bergen, Norway where they originated, Fana sweaters are recognized the world over for their iconic Nordic style:

A Commercially-made Fana by Dale of Norway

Evolving into fashion (and the stripe-and-check version we recognize today) sometime in the 19th century, Fana sweaters are associated with special traditions in Norway, that we'll discuss in class.  Teaser: Ever wonder where the curse of the Boyfriend Sweater originated?

Norwegian schoolchildren sporting their Fana; practically a uniform.

In addition to their fascinating lore, the real appeal of the Fana is their endless capacity for variation and customization.  The style of 8-point stars chosen, their placement on the body, the colors of yarn employed, and even the garment's silhouette are endlessly changeable; fantastically inspirational.

Notice how the star border location enhances his square shoulders?

In this class, students will choose from a "menu" of design choices, such as different star styles and placements, garment shapes, and design details.  Then I'll help you plug your chosen elements into a formula to create your very own personal Fana pattern.

Impossibly adorable baby Fana made by the incomparable Maria. 

This class is so new I haven't even made my own Fana yet!  But it's coming soon to a venue near you:  First to the Sandpoint Fiberarts Guild in September, then to Vogue Knitting Live in October, and who knows where after that!  Keep an eye on my Teaching and Events tab for more information.  Watch this space for the details of my personal Fana adventure, as I create the class sample for you.

Want to play with stars and stripes at your very own venue?  Round up some knitting friends and drop me a line!  This and any of my other class selections are yours for the asking.

Isn't Knitting Grand?

Start-itis

It's 90 degrees, here at Huff House today.  So naturally, I'm sitting under a pile of wool:

There are swatches, too, but I can't show you those yet.  I'm happily poised at the beginning of a brand new September Project.

Is there anything sweeter than the beginning of the knitting?  The idea is still new, the yarn pristine in its ball bands, and no math has happened (or failed to) that could threaten the unsullied beauty of my vision.  I cuddle the yarn in a blissful fugue, imagining its destiny fulfilled.

Oh New Project, I love you to distraction.  My desire to spend every waking moment with you insurmountable.  My other projects simper and whine from neglected corners: I only have eyes for you.  Nothing bad has ever happened between us, New Project, and I can convince myself that it never will.  That's right.  You, deer sweet New Project, will be the design that knits itself; your gauge perfect, your motifs exquisite, your fit divine.  And naturally, you will be finished long before your deadline.  Because that's how perfect you are.  I shall neither eat nor sleep, nor launder, until your completion is assured. 

You are the promise of every knitter's dream: This time, I'm totally going to get it right.

Spring Break

We took Monday afternoon off, to celebrate a day of clear weather which coincided with Phillip and the kids being out of school.  The wind at the beach was wicked, so I hunkered down in a sheltered spot and worked on JWS while the gang cavorted.

Notice anything new on JWS?  How about now?:

There's a finished neckline now!  Worried that I would run out of yarn, I pulled the opposite end from the center of my ball and worked the neckline ribbing from it, leaving the main working yarn in place at the bottom.  Once that was done, I returned to working the rest of the body.  I'm so close to the end!  Too bad I'm totally going to run out of yarn.  Story of my life.  On my tombstone, they will chisel "Failed to Estimate Yardage Correctly".

Trying not to let that knowledge harsh the rest of my afternoon, I grabbed some loved ones and squished them.

Good medicine, that.