Vogue Knitting Live 2015

Last weekend was Chicago Vogue Knitting Live.  I have taken classes each of the 4 years that it has been here, had some really good, and some so-so classes over the years.  After the first year where I was taking classes all 3 days, I learned my lesson and scaled back the number that i took.

On Friday, I took the class Challenging Stitches from Japanese Designs with Gayle Roehm.  We learned 4 new stitch patterns that are not in stitch books, but came from garment designs.  It was interesting, and a good 1/2 day class.  I have misplaced my swatch, or I would show that to you.  A couple of years ago, I took an all day workshop through the Windy City Knitting Guild with Donna Druchunas.  That was really more comprehensive class in how to read Japanese patterns, and one that I would like to repeat again some day.  If you ever have a chance to take these classes from Donna, I highly recommend them.  In the meantime, if you want to learn how to read Japanese pattern books, this Knitty Article by Donna is very helpful, or a great refresher.  Many years ago, the Japanese government standardized knitting and crochet patterns and symbols, so it is very easy to figure them out once you have the general guidelines.  This book also will help to understand the different stitches, as there are very clear illustrations:

The second day was an all-day class with Deborah Jarchow in Lace Weaving with Pick Up Sticks on the Rigid Heddle loom.  I really really enjoyed this class, my friend Jane was with me, and it gave me new insight and challenges to the Rigid Heddle loom.  My loom is bigger, and will pose some of it’s own challenges, but I am anxious to try out these techniques.  Here is the sampler that I made.  My only regret is that I used crappy acrylic yarn, which shows the stitch patterns very well, but if I had used good yarn I would have ended up with a nice ascot for Dan.

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I did go to the Market, but was very selective on what I purchased.  A woman had a booth with Vintage buttons, I wish that I had known that she would be there and I would had taken stock of projects that needed buttons.  I got a few from her, and then a cool new book and some Rauma yarn to make some mittens (have been wanting to try this yarn for quite some time.

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No Vogue Knitting in Chicago next year, they will be in Minneapolis.  Might just have to take a road trip and visit some friends.