MTM Workshop – Intarsia Knitting — Kaffe Fassett’s Persian Poppy

Colleen Davis Leads MTM Workshop: Intarsia Knitting — Kaffe Fassett’s Persian Poppy

In this class you will get lots of practice using two different yarns in the same row (intarsia). The result is an artistic fabric showcasing a beautiful flower (poppy) with a contrasting background. Colleen will provide an enlarged chart for two sections of the flower of which one will be offset. Please refer to Kaffe Fassett’s work for inspiration and ideas for color choices. This is the design he is famous for and has taught in many workshops. The sample will be approximately 8” wide.

Sign up at the May meeting. Workshop is limited to eight Guild members.

Materials to Bring and Use for Homework
Yarn: Bring either two “Magic Balls” (instructions below)or 16-20 partial skeins.
1 “Magic Ball” color A (background color), medium weight yarns
1 “Magic Ball” color B (flower), medium weight yarns
OR
8-10 partial skeins medium wt yarns in color group A (background colors)
8-10 partial skeins medium wt yarns in color group B (flowers)
Needles  Size US Size 6 or 7 circular needle.

Homework  Cast on 36 stitches in background yarn (color A). Purl back. Knit one row. Purl back. Leave on needle.

HOW TO MAKE A MAGIC BALL: Gather up eight or more (more is better) medium weight yarns in a compatible color range. Put them on the floor in front of your chair. Pull up strands from each color. Yank on all of them until you have approximately 3 ft pulled out. Cut and lay aside. Pull up strands again and yank about 2 ½ ft. Cut and lay aside. Pull up strands again, yank a different length, cut and add to your other strands. Putting all the strands together over the arm of your chair, start putting the lengths together with an overhand knot, letting the strands fall off on the floor in a puddle away from the unused strands. Roll up into a ball, a “Magic Ball.” Now you are ready to do intarsia, changing yarns without having to stop, make a decision on which yarn to use, find the scissors, cut and tie onto your work. The yarns can be of different fibers, but the weights should be medium even if you have to double up on some thin yarns.  Don’t worry about the knots.

Cost  $30 paid to the instructor at time of sign-up.

For more information, contact Colleen.