Saturday, November 15, 2008

It Never Fails to Please


I always enjoy The Gathering workshops and fiber enthusiasts that congregate once every two years in New England. It was fun to catch up with bloggers from the area as well.

The first workshop I attended was a full day session with Myrna Stahman. It was very worthwhile to learn about Faroese Shawl knitting. Myrna takes the time to make her participants understand the basics of lace knitting. She also takes the time to explain the difference between " lace knitting" and" knitted lace."

Lace knitting provides the knitter with the much loved " rest row" while knitted lace affords the knitter no rest from chart reading. I was able to start my Faroese shawl in a DK weight blue yarn. Ever since my return from The Gathering I find myself picking up the started shawl and knitting more rows.

On Sunday I had the pleasure of taking a workshop on spindle spinning with Abby Franquemont. It is also worth your time and travel to learn about production spindle spinning from Abby. Abby's childhood experiences in Peru as a child were illuminating and instructive. Add to this Abby's wit and you have a wonderful Sunday morning with a new low whorl spindle.



In the project department I have many tales to tell. I have started a scarf with my spindlespun Hale Bop. I continue to spindle spin some merino/mohair. I'm on sock number two in an easy 3x1 rib. On the wheel I need to continue spinning Rebel, Rebel.........a luscious batt from CopperPot Woolies. Some merino/ silk I bought from RI Handspun is calling me................

5 comments:

vanessa said...

you new englanders have all the fun!

Unknown said...

It was great to see you! Will have to do it again soon!

Jenny Girl said...

sounds like you had a great time.
Very cool.

Laurie said...

It was a wonderful time! Myrna must have been a great class, and Abby is just beyond the pale for great. She is so much fun, and knowledgeable down into her bones.

Sharon said...

What a great learning opportunity and even better, the communal spirit your event. I envy you since it's been a while since I've been to something like that. Drop spindles are seductive - beware.