Scandinavian Knitting with Mary Jane Mucklestone

What makes Scandinavian colorwork different from other world traditions? We will explore color choices and the classic motifs used in Scandinavian stranded knitting. Learn techniques for tacking down extra-long floats found in many motifs. We will learn the Norwegian purl and a way of executing garter stitch in the round. Explore ideas for combining motifs and adding colorwork to liven up your future projects. We will begin our exploration by starting a headband or hat.

Skills needed: Some experience working stranded colorwork in the round.

Materials:

• Two or more colors of DK-weight yarn with high contrast, 100% wool preferred, 50-100 yards of each.
• 16″ circular, the smallest size recommended on the ball band, and another one size larger. 1 set dpn in larger size if intending to finish hat.

Homework: With smallest needle and color of your choice DK-weight yarn that you like,
cast on 84 stitches, join for working in the round. Knit one round.

About the instructor:

Mary Jane Mucklestone is a knitwear designer, teacher and author of several knitting books who is based in Maine. She has a varied background in art and textiles earning a BFA in Printmaking from Pratt Institute, studying fashion at Parsons School of Design and Textiles and Historic Costume at the University of Washington. Her work has been featured in publications like Vogue Knitting, Interweave Knits and various books.

Mary Jane, also known as MJ, has specialized in Fair Isle knitting, also called stranded knitting. With Laine Publishing she has published her fifth book, Fair Isle Weekend.

With her friend Gudrun Johnston, they host popular once in a lifetime trips to Shetland and together they have co-authored Grand Shetland Adventure Knits, published through Laine. MJ is endlessly enchanted and inspired by Shetland’s windswept isles. Her book 200 Fair Isle Motifs is used by The Shetland Peerie Makker’s after-school knitting program, which, for MJ, is the equivalent of winning an Oscar!