UPDATE JUNE 12, 2023
This event is currently sold out. We have started a waiting list through our amazing travel agent, Mara Hargarther, and you can get added at the link below.
Join Joji Locatelli, Xandy Peters, and me for twelve days--and fun-filled nights!--cruising, learning, and laughing (trust me!) as we knit our way from New York City/New Jersey to Nova Scotia, St. Johns, Greenland, and Iceland!
We're sailing August 4-16, 2024 on Celebrity Cruises' beautiful, award-winning "Eclipse" to the following ports: Halifax Nova Scotia, St. Johns, Newfoundland, Qaqortoq and Prins Christian Sund Greenland, Akureyri, Isafgordur, and amazing Reykjavik Iceland. (Our itinerary conveniently includes some great fiber-related stops! Stay tuned for special group excursions.)
We'll have knitting classes while we're at sea, group activities and parties during the evenings, and lots (and I mean lots!) of swag! (Just ask anyone.)
The class listings are below. Three sessions are included with the cruise (past in-person cruisers get four classes), and additional classes are $50 each. As always, evening activities, a world-famous goody bag, fabulous door prizes, and nightly seating with our super fun group is included.
Every knitter on the cruise will be given two (!!!) raffle tickets for the chance to win a Pirate Treasure Chest for Knitters. This amazing prize will include a brand new iPad, Lykke interchangeable knitting needle set, yarn, books and patterns, and more! Additional raffle tickets are available below.
Don't miss this chance to cruise and schmooze with us! Let's see who can pronounce "Ittoqqortoormiit" (just look at the double Q!) and "vaðlaheiðarvegavinnuverkfærageymsluskúrslyklakippuhringurinn" (the longest Icelandic word).
While we're traveling across the Northern Atlantic, we'll be making a beautiful top-down sweater using 100% Icelandic unspun wool.
We'll spend a few evenings together learning all the techniques needed to knit the quintessential unisex Lopapeysa. Hands-on teaching and light-hearted comradery will improve your skills while we have fun with our knitting community.
Choose your favorite color combination and size and we'll take care of the rest!
DESIGN YOUR OWN DROP SHOULDER CARDIGAN
with Joji Locatelli
Learn how to make a cardigan of your own creation by using the simplest construction!
An open front cardigan can be built in many ways, but the easiest method is to use a rectangular seamless construction. Just choose your own yarn and stitch pattern to make the cardigan of your dreams.
During this 3-hour workshop we'll discuss:
And of course, we will do some maths and get you started on your own journey as a sweater designer!
INTRODUCTION TO STACKED STITCHES
with Xandy Peters
Stacked stitches are an innovative approach to striped colorwork, best known as the technique behind the Fox Paws pattern, developed by Mastermind Extraordinaire, Xandy Peters.
Stacks can add shaping, create 3D texture, replace short rows, and when combined with stripes, they create intricate motifs without unsightly strands on the wrong side of your projects.
Best of all, you’ll never need to manage more than one color at a time or worry about bobbins because stacked stitches bend rows of garter stitch into new shapes and patterns using only increases and decreases.
This introductory class will enable knitters of all levels to try out the technique in a swatch and become confident working patterns that
incorporate stacked stitches.
We will focus on mastering the increase and
decrease stitches and will learn several
strategies for avoiding problems and
fixing mistakes.
Come learn from the OG!
MY FIRST BRIOCHE SHAWL
with Joji Locatelli
Let's start knitting your first brioche shawl together!
Sure, brioche can be intimidating, but the best way to learn it is to jump right in with a project you really like.
Joji has designed a simple but beautiful shawl especially for this class. It involves garter and brioche stitch sections to learn the basic brioche stitch (worked flat).
You'll leave this class having confidently taken your first steps in brioche knitting, and you'll have a fun project to knit as a cruise souvenir!
STITCH BY COLOR
with Xandy Peters
Have you ever struggled to find project ideas for multicolored yarn?
In this class we will create colorwork, texture, or lace using variegated yarn as our guide. In plain stockinette or garter stitch, multicolor yarns create a linear pattern, but you can completely change the way a multicolor yarn looks by isolating the colors!
In the first part of class, we will look at examples and patterns that use the stitch by color concept. We will also
go over techniques and strategies to produce stunning, colorful results.
In the second part of class, we will try out a variety of methods for isolating or emphasizing a single color in a variegated yarn.
Each student will work on a swatch or mini shawl in class using one of the techniques discussed, and everyone will share their results and discuss how color and their chosen stitch affected the outcome of their
stitch pattern.
Cool stuff!
INSIDE OUT KNITTING
with Xandy Peters
Join Xandy for this fascinating guided tour of the possibilities of center out accessories.
We will look at 3 different cast on methods for center out projects and the unique strengths of each method.
After casting on, we will explore how to use different arrangements and types of increases to build different shawl, blanket, and scarf shapes, including a square or other regular polygon, rectangle, oblong, almond, and classic circular “pi” shawl.
Many traditional lace and colorwork motifs can be converted to work with these shapes for spectacular results. By the end of the class, students will feel confident using these cast on methods to create center out accessories and add stitch and color patterns to various shapes.
Góða Skemmtun Mystery Shawl
with Melissa Leapman
Loosely translated, "góða skemmtun" means "have fun" in Icelandic.
In this class, Melissa will introduce her newest shawl design.
It has an unusual contruction with bits of colorwork which will ensure you will "have fun" knitting--and wearing--this beauty.
An optional kit will be available.
EMBELLISHED CABLES
with Joji Locatelli
Give your cabled projects a whole new look!
In this fun class, Joji will show you how to make your everyday cables pop and look intriguing by using techniques like embroidery, i-cord threading and weaving.
Early in the session, you'll get a comprehensive review of basic cabling techniques and will then explore an assortment of embellishing options.
SWEATERS THAT FIT
with Joji Locatelli
Are you afraid of knitting sweaters? Do you want to take your skills to your next level?
In this 3-hour workshop, we'll discuss how to make sweaters that fit you perfectly by choosing the right styles and customizing them just for you.
You will discover:
Bring your questions to learn all these things and more!
KNIT A MINIATURE WALL HANGING
with Xandy Peters
In this class, students will create a unique piece of Boho fiber art.
We’ll start by knitting a one (or two!!!) color base for our tapestry.
Students will finish the knitting segment of the class by learning how to attach their tapestry to a wooden frame.
Then, using the knitted base as a guide,
students will cut and tie fringe on to their tapestry to create a trendy, macrame-
inspired piece.
A special kit will be available for this session.
PLUG 'N' PLAY ASYMMETRICAL SHAWLS
with Melissa Leapman
In this hands-on session, learn how to mix and match different design elements to customize your own version of this popular silhouette.
Choose from lace, mosaic, bubble stitches, and more in this fun, design workshop.
Create your own one-of-a-kind masterpiece!
THE BOARDWALK WRAP
with Xandy Peters
The Boardwalk wrap is a fun and wearable pattern with an airy, beachy feel.
It uses the open structure of the lattice stitch to create a summer weight fabric. The stitch has an open an airy texture with a geometric look unlike any other knit fabric, it resembles fillet crochet and is made from i-cords.
This stitch is easy to learn, and once you know it, the possibilities are endless, including colorwork, lace, and border treatments that other stitches just cannot do.
In this class, we will learn the basic lattice stitch and a few variants on the openwork
texture, and then cast on a Boardwalk Wrap (or summery top) using what we’ve learned.
Students will leave ready to make
modifications to the gauge and size of
the wrap, spot and fix mistakes, and explore their own creative uses for this invaluable technique.
DESIGN YOUR OWN CRESCENT SHAWL
with Joji Locatelli
Have you ever thought of designing a pattern of your own? A crescent shaped shawl is the perfect canvas to get your imagination and creativity going. The way these shawls are constructed is simpler than it looks!
In this class, we’ll look in depth at the various basic construction methods you can use.
We'll also discuss how to include lace patterns in your design, how to use short rows to modify the shape and layout, how to handle different colors, and most important: How to block your shawls.
At the end of this workshop, Genius Patternwriter Joji will demonstrate how to write instructions for all these steps and turn them into a good, usable shawl pattern.
Spend a relaxing evening learning how to make a useful gift.
Worked in your choice of black or brown leather, you'll learn two different styles of lanyard and the perfect finish using a braided Turks Head Knot.
We'll be raffling off two grand prizes while on the ship! This amazing prize will include a brand new iPad, a Lykke interchangeable knitting needle set, yarn, books and patterns, and more! Every knitter in our group will receive two raffle tickets. Increase your chances by clicking on the button below!
The cruise package includes 3 individual 3-hour sessions (previous cruisers with us receive 4 classes); additional sessions cost $50 each.
Disclaimer: I will not be held responsible for any luggage busted by the huge amount of yarn and other goodies you'll return home with. Pack an empty bag. (Just ask anyone who's cruised with us in the past.)
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And don't worry about being bombarded by emails.
I'm not that organized! <grin>