Knitopia Nashville 2023

Flutter Through Short Rows in the Butterfly Cowl with Marin 

Short row shapes nestle together in this triangle-shaped cowl. 

Based on her popular Butterfly/Papillon shawl, the cowl is an introduction into Marin’s short row pattern style. 

The class will help you conquer any fear of short rows. Learn &

improve your short row skills while making a fun and colorful cowl bursting with personality. 

Several short row

techniques will be covered, and Marin will show you which hand-dye technique is best for this sort of project.

Materials fee: $48 for  5 mini skeins from Vermont’s own FiberStash for placed colors and variety.

SLIP DROP & ROLL into Yayoi’s Dream with Marin 

Let's play with slipped stitches and two color knitting! 

Slip stitches make colorwork super easy, since only one color is used per row. Add one more step to this great technique by learning to drop and gather stitches with

confidence. Finally, try an unconventional increase technique (RLI /LLI) that looks smashing and is very easy--all while creating a beautiful fingering weight shawl dedicated to the renowned Japanese artist Yayoi Kasuma, “Yayoi’s Dream”.

Materials fee: $64 for  2 luscious hanks of Miss Babs Yummy 2-ply yarn lovingly hand-dyed in Tennessee.

Taking It From the Top: The Best Hat Design Evah! with Jenny 

Here's the ultimate way to knit a great-fitting hat. Working from the top down allows you to check the fit as you go!

In class, you will learn:

• how to start with a disappearing loop cast on (no hole!)
• how to shape the crown with spiraling increases
• how to finish with a super stretchy bind off

Optional Kit: $28 for a magnificent hank of Oink Pigments' worsted weight superwash merino yarn, Dapper.

The Recursive Shawl with  Bristol 

 A play on a traditional triangular shawl, Recursive takes the shape we all know and love on an exciting joyride. 

 If knitting is math you can hold in your hands, this shawl design takes that idea to the big leagues while still keeping it easy to knit and wear. 

Based on a formula in which each triangle is twice the area of the previous one, Recursive is nerdy, knitterly, and beautiful. 

Optional Kit: $160 for a 5-hank gradient set  in Cormo wool from Jill Draper.

Nashville Mystery Design with Marin

Marin designed a new short row project just for us!

Inspired by the beautiful John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge in downtown Nashville, this top-secret design features a delicate arch.

Various sizes of short row shapes sit in an architecturally-interesting fabric.

Come learn how this master knitter gets inspiration and transforms her creative energy into jaw-dropping designs.

Optional Kit: $60 for 4 balls of cotton-blend yarn from Queensland Yarns

 The AzkaBandana Cowl with Jenny

Have you ever wanted a bit more coverage and warmth in the winter without tons of bulk underneath your coat? Bandana cowls are the way to go! 

This mystery cowl is knit in the round from the bottom up and features a completely seamless construction using ribs and slipped stitches and is shaped with (easy!) German short rows. 

The back of the cowl is shorter than the front, removing the bulk at the back of the neck for a comfortable and flattering fit.

Materials fee: $29 for  2 balls of luxurious cotton/wool yarn from Katia.

Nestled Short Rows : The Topographical Scarf with Marin

Worked sideways, this rectangular shawl offers the perfect opportunity to (re)learn short row technique without the muss and fuss of increasing and decreasing.

In class, we'll work on small swatches to review short rows techniques, tips, and tricks.

Optional Kit: $90 for 3 hanks of  gorgeous worsted weight yarn from Urth Yarns

Honky Tonk Mystery Shawl with Melissa

 Come to this session to see Melissa release her latest shawl, designed exclusively for Knitopia Nashville!

In class, you'll learn the interesting construction of this design. Worked in simple mosaic stitch, you'll love watching the pattern develop as you knit, slip, sing, (and sip?)!

Optional Kit: $84 for 2 hanks (that's 1120 yards!!) of  Miss Babs' amazing 100% superwash merino yarn,  Keira

Crochet for Cowards!

Have you always wanted to learn to crochet but couldn't get your hook to do what you'd like it to do?

Let Melissa walk you through all the basics, from the foundation chain to simple half double crochet stitches. She'll even teach you how to ensure that your side edges are straight and not sloppy. (IYKYK.)

Believe it or not, in less than 2 hours you'll have a fun, cozy hat to take home!

 Optional Kit: $19 for 2 balls of chunky Italian wool-blend yarn, crochet hook, and faux fur pompom

Polymer Clay Workshop

Polymer clay artists create some of the most beautiful and intricate masterpieces. 

Think of this like play dough that you can keep forever and turn into a keepsake. 

In addition to learning the basics about working with this medium, Jenny will teach us some of her favorite hacks using everyday items --and the best tool for creating with polymer clay is probably already in your home! You’ll be surprised at what it is!

During this relaxed evening session, we will make a charm that looks like a knit swatch, or tap into your creative juices to create something else. 

For those who are more adventurous, we’ll make a bead or a tiny teapot charm!

Kit: $15 for clay and other materials