EDITED MARCH 26
All spots for this virtual knitting tour have been sold. If you missed out, I hope we'll knit together at our next virtual destination!
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This Spring's virtual knitting destination is amazing Japan! Experience the excitement, beauty, traditions, food, and crafts presented by Japanese locals, expats, and wishful admirers.
Join us for a knitting weekend of learning, laughter, and fun surprises.
ようこそ
YŌKOSO! WELCOME!
Tonight, we'll gather to get (re)aquainted and to meet our new traveling buddies.
In the course of this fun-filled evening, we'll bake super jiggly (and super yummy!) Japanese cheesecake and will be joined by Meri Tanaka , owner and publisher of the stunning Amirisu knitting magazine and yarn shop in Kyoto.
Since this is my party, you can expect lots of door prizes! <grin>
TOUR OF TOKYO
Shake off your jetlag and take a virtual tour of this mesmerizing city with our local guide, Mr. Hideaki Murayama.
We'll visit the Imperial Palace, the Tzukiji fish market, the Meiji Shrine, and more!
EAST MEETS WEST, NORTH, AND SOUTH:
AMIMOJI JAPANESE TYPOGRAPHY AND KNITTING
Join Amimoji knitwear designer Duke of Nikko for a talk as he introduces the Japanese kanji characters for North, South, East, and West and presents ideas to knit them in colorwork. No experience necessary!
UNDERSTANDING JAPANESE KNITTING PATTERNS
Japanese knitting designers are creative and innovative, and their designs use beautiful stitchwork with impeccable details.
Their patterns are presented in an almost entirely graphic format, which is quite accessible to a western knitter once certain conventions are explained.
Using an actual pattern (with permission from the publisher), master Gayle Roehm will cover how to “read” a schematic for sizing and shaping, and where to find basic information such as gauge, yarn requirements and needle sizing. as well as where to get help when you encounter something unfamiliar.
Prerequisites: For the best experience, you must be comfortable with knitting charts and should have knit at least one sweater.
TRADITIONAL SASHIKO STITCHING
This afternoon, Cassie Harada, an American knitter and gifted seamstress living in Tokyo, teaches us the ins and outs (see what I did there?! <grin>) of this classic Japanese embroidery.
Literally translated as "little stabs", sashiko has been used for centuries for the practical visible mending of worn garments.
Today, modern makers enjoy these stitches for their meditative and "mindfulness" qualities as well as their beauty.
All necessary supplies will be included in the goody box shipped to you prior to the event.
IZAKAYA NIGHT
With inviting paper red lanterns on the stoop, tonight's meet-up will take place in a traditional Japanese bar known as an izakaya.
During this fun and casual evening, we'll head to the kitchen and prepare a Japanese-inspired dinner together.
In addition, we'll be treated to an interview of Yoko Hatta, the genius behind the Japanese knitting studio Kazekobo, with Cassie-san.
Will you drink your sake hot of cold?
のぞみ
NOZOMI
This morning, Melissa will introduce the mystery project, Nozomi, which translates to "Hope", designed especially for our weekend together in Japan.
Using the special 100% silk gima yarn included in your goody box, learn all the techniques necessary to knit this exclusive design while enjoying the camaraderie of our group. And the stupid jokes of your hostess.
THE MINAMO CRESCENT SHAWL WORKSHOP
Designed and presented by Mari Tobita, an expat from Hokkaido now living in NYC, this lovely shawl is worked from the top down in a croissant shape with curled ends on both sides. It's created using easy slipped stitches on a garter stitch ground with simple stripes.
In class, we'll knit a miniature version packed with all the techniques needed to knit the full shawl.
Participants will learn the garter tab cast on, color work, slip stitch, an elastic bind off, and
more!
Plus, the pattern for the full Minamo shawl will be provided to all!
THE POETRY COTERIE
In the grand finale of our tour to Japan, we'll explore Haiku, the traditional Japanese short-form poem.
Haiku uses sensory imagery and a formal construction of 5-7-5 syllables to illuminate a single instant of time. Often, well-crafted haiku inspires personal enlightenment , insight, and mindfulness.
After learning the basics, we'll have a fun haiku-writing contest with prizes.
Bring your trusty thesaurus as well as your knitting!
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And don't worry about being bombarded by emails.
I'm not that organized! <grin>