For this week’s stitcholution, we are focusing on learning new skills and techniques. With a new year comes new chances and opportunities to expand our skillset. As adults we should never stop learning and for even the most experienced stitchers, there’s always something else to learn.
New Skills and Techniques
For new skills, maybe try lace or sock for the first time. Keep in mind that you don’t have to start off with fingering or lace weight right off the bat if you’re not ready. There are plenty of great shawl and sock patterns written for DK or worsted weight that make these projects a bit more approachable. If you’re ready to jump into the world of sweaters, try a top down raglan. They are relatively quick and usually require no seaming. One of my 2016 goals is to get back into colorwork knitting. I’m constantly inspired by my fellow Yarnistas to give Fair Isle and other colorwork techniques a shot again. There are a million stunning patterns on Ravelry that utilize these techniques that I’m just itching to make (I’m looking at you, Baa-ble Hat!). Another popular skill to learn, and I count myself in with that crowd, is brioche. I never had much interest in the technique until I started to see some of the amazing one and two color brioche patterns that have greatly risen in popularity over the past few years. With a few projects in my queue that utilize the unique technique, I’m making 2016 the year I give that a try as well.
2016 is also the chance for you to try a different method for a technique or project you already do. I just tried German short rows for the first time, which are a bit different (and totally awesome) than the wrap and turn technique I usually do for short rows. If you typically do top down socks, give toe up a try. If you like cables but haven’t given up that cable needle yet, pick a simple cabled project to try cabling without a cable needle. For more experienced sweater knitters, try doing a set-in sleeve for that unparalleled fit and structure that technique offers. For crocheters, give a foundation single crochet or double crochet a try, rather than fumbling with a simple chain or try intricate Irish crochet. The options are truly endless!
New Craft
Learning a new craft is also another great way to go! If you typically knit, learn to crochet or vice versa. From what I’ve heard around the shop, it sounds like learning to crochet is going to be quite popular this year. Having known both crafts for quite some time now, I don’t believe that one is easier or harder than the other to learn to execute, just different. They make stitches in different ways, produce different fabrics and are ideal for different types of projects. Or take the plunge into spinning. Spinning is definitely unlike knitting and crocheting, yet give the freedom to make the exact yarn you want to use.
Try a Class
Don’t forget that here at fibre space™, we offer a variety of classes designed to teach you new skills or expand the skill set you already have. Our schedule through March is up and classes are filling quickly, so be sure to check them out and make 2016 a great year filled with an expanding repertoire of stitching skills.
What’s on your to-do list for this year? What skills, projects or crafts are you hoping to finally master in the upcoming months? Be sure to share so that we can all become inspired.