Virtual Knitting Tour to Japan April 30-May 2

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!