Sample Stitch Kimono
This one-of-a-kind creation is customized by you
while experiencing a variety of techniques for creating textural
patterns. Each strip is created with a different technique and
then joined together to create a wearable piece of art - the Sample
Stitch Kimono (SSK).
Mystery Knit-a-long
First offered in 2007, it was so popular, we are offering it again with new material added in each lesson. Each technique will be explained in detail with several options for stitch patterns utilizing the technique.
Strips can be made in a variety of widths allowing each knitter to
custom fit their kimono.
You can see what kinds of stitch patterns we are using, but the details of each month will not be released until the lesson is sent out. Although some of the mystery will be gone (since you can see what my sample garment looks like), the fun of exploring a variety of stitches and creating a garment of unique beauty remains. I have seen several finished version from our first knit-a-long and since yarn selection, garment length, stitch pattern selection and placement are all left up to the knitter, each garment is completely unique.
Below is the plan of the texture techniques as well as the additional skills covered in each month's handout.
- January
- Introduction to Project
- Selecting Yarn
- Taking Measurements
- February
- Knit/Purl Combinations
- Working with Charts
- Selvedge Stitches
- March
- Simple Lace Patterns
- Yarn Overs
- Various types of decreases
- April
- Slipped Stitches
- Stitch Anatomy
- Knitting in the opposite direction
- May
- Clustered Stitches - Pass Stitch Over
- Blocking
- Seaming - Beginning the Construction
- June
- Varied Stitch Counts
- Increasing Multiple Stitches
- Tracking Patterns with Variable Stitch Counts
- July
- Ribbed Patterns
- Keeping Stitches Even (tension)
- Working with Ribbed Fabric
- August
- Brioche Patterns
- Knitting into the Stitch Below
- Calculating Gauge on Difficult Fabrics
- September
- Creating a Stretched Stitch
- Counting Rows
- Consistancy of Fabric
- October
- Creating Elongated Stitches
- Dropping Stitches
- Using Blocking Wires
- November
- The Basics of Cables
- Creating Twist Cables - No Cable Needle Required
- Developing Your Own Cable Pattern
- December
- Creating Tucked Stitches
- Building Bobbles
- Adding Fringe
- Assembling the Kimono
- Adding Edgings
This project is about learning new techniques, having fun and exercising your own creativity. But you don't have to take our word for it -- read the comments from some of our participants from 2007:
"I definately give you a A++++ for the quality of the lessons, answering questions so promptly, and just always being there. I know for one, that if you ever do a project like this again, I will be signing up for it!" -- Cynthia
"I love the whole concept of this project.....the choices that I have to make the design mine, the concept of receiving it monthly and especially the interaction with the group via the digests. I think you're on to something Gwen. I'm barely started and already hoping there will be more projects with this format." -- Lois
"I've just returned from Stitches West in Santa Clara, CA. I know you'll all be jealous to know that I took a class from Gwen and she was wearing the Kimono. IT IS GORGEOUS! Gwen is a great teacher and I learned a lot about Pattern Customization. I think the yarn she used was Louet Sales "Gems" but maybe she can confirm that. I know she's been wearing it a lot and the yarn is holding up really nicely, just lovely! I'm now wishing I would have used that yarn." - Toni
Lessons will be presented in the standard Knitability booklet format of 5.5" x 8.5". The first lesson will be available on January 15, 2010. Participants can choose one of three options, with varying prices:
- Lessons sent via e-mail in a PDF format which can be printed by the participant on standard 8.5" x 11" paper and folded into the booklet.
- The same as above, but an appropriate sized binder and sheet protectors will be sent to the participant to be used for storage of all the materials.
- Each lesson, along with the sheet protectors and binder will be sent US Postal Service.
All participants will be invited to join a private Yahoo Group for ongoing discussion, questions and answers. Ravelry members will be encouraged to join our Ravelry group. If you have other questions, check out of KAL FAQ page. |
