Virtual Knitting Tour to South America December 1-3

FIESTA DE BIENVENIDA!

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 make a traditional  dessert of the region to enjoy all weekend while we share fun facts about our focus countries.

Yum!

TEXTILE TRADITIONS OF THE PERUVIAN HIGHLANDS 

sponsored by Andean Textile Arts

Come on an inspiring journey in this virtual visit with the weavers of Peru to learn about the  unique textile traditions of the Andes, and the cultures behind them.

This one-hour hosted program features Andean weavers, spinners, knitters, and dyers. 

• You’ll learn about the preservation and revitalization of their traditional textile arts—some of them dating back almost one thousand years. 
• You’ll watch weavers produce marvelously complex cloth on simple backstrap looms, using doubleweave, discontinuous and supplementary warps, ikat  and tapestry techniques. 
• You’ll view video clips highlighting traditional ways of spinning, dyeing, and knitting.
• And you’ll see remarkable clothing, hats, belts, and bands up close. 

The program, sponsored by Andean Textile Arts, features ten villages, all cooperative members of  the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco (CTTC). 

Traverse rolling pampas and farmland,

climb 13,000 feet above sea level, and discover the birthplace of the rainbow all without leaving your living room!

NATURAL DYEING IN PERU

with  Maira Jimena

In this session, the founder/owner of Kinua Yarns and Design will introduce us to local dye plants, flowers, and roots that are used  for long-lasting dyeing results, as well as how to process them according to traditional local practices to create a beautiful color palette of vibrant dyes. 

In addition, you will discover the fascinating history of Peruvian Fibers including Alpaca, Peruvian Merino, Pima, and Tanguis Cotton. 

Begin your journey into natural, ecologically-sustainable dyeing with the pros at Kinua Yarns and Design!

TWISTED CABLES

with Beatriz Rubio 

In this class, Chilean designer Beatriz Rubio (@sambaknits) introduces the twisted cable techniques used in her beautiful and versatile Twisted Cables Hat.

Sure, the pattern involves lots of twists and cables, but fear not! The end result looks much more complex than it actually is, making this a great option for adventurous, curious knitters.

Class handout includes the complete pattern for this unisex hat, with options for a slouchy or traditional beanie fit, and instructions for sizes to fit the whole family.

THE LANERAS YARN STORY

with Nikki Waters

Discover what makes Uruguayan wool special as we delve into the many facets of wool production and history in Uruguay. 

In this session, you will learn how the wool industry in Uruguay has developed, leading to processes which truly set it apart from other nations. 

We will discuss how these special methods influenced Laneras Yarn Company's decision to source and process all of their retail yarns in Uruguay, as well as why it is important to know where your wool is coming from and the global impact your decisions can have. 

Join us on this enlightening journey into the unique world of Uruguayan wool! 

PERUVIAN CEVICHE COOKING WORKSHOP 

During this fun evening session, we'll meet Ricardo Rivera, a 28-year old chef from Lima ,Peru.

He will teach us several versions (including a vegan one!) of ceviche, the representative Peruvian seafood dish made in different styles all over Central and South America.

And what is a party without cocktails?!?! Ricardo will also show us how to make the perfect pisco sour,  the national cocktail of Peru and Chile.

ANDEAN DESIGN AND COLOR PALETTE 

with Marcela Chang

 From Tierra del Fuego to the Chilean highlands, the Andes have been and are inhabited by many indigenous peoples who are possessors of an immense textile and cultural heritage. 

In this lecture, we will immerse ourselves in their most representative colors and designs.

We'll start at the far south, at Tierra del Fuego, with the Selknam or Onas people, and then "travel" to the Araucanía to talk about Mapuche culture , and finally finish up north at the Chilean Andes with the Aymaras.

No need for luggage. Just bring all your colored pencils and explore the beautiful Andes in just 2 hours!

POPCORNS AND POINTS

with Mary Jane Mucklestone  

Several unusual techniques create the unmistakable, beautifully textural,

and delightfully colorful look of traditional Andean knitting. In the Andes, knitting

knowledge is handed down rather than documented, so it can be difficult to find

instructions for the techniques online or in print. 

This class will teach you how to make two of the most recognizable decorative Andean accents: punta scalloped edgings typically seen in men's chulla hats, and grutas, strings of finger-crocheted popcorn bobbles—a kind of homemade novelty yarn--that can be applied later or knit into fabric.

Our in-class sample can easily become a charming "friendship" bracelet or as trim to add to other projects.

ALL ABOUT ALPACA

with Laura Zukaite

Have you ever met an Alpaca? They are some the cutest animals on earth! But you'll want to respect their personal space- or you might just get spit on!

Alpaca fiber has gained the reputation of being some of the softest,  strongest and sustainable fibers in the world.

Join Lithuanian knitwear designer and author Laura Zukaite, currently living in Ecuador, to discover all about alpaca fiber: 

• What is baby alpaca and how is it different from Imperial alpaca? 
• What is special and unique about knitting with alpaca yarn? 
• How is alpaca fiber different from other
• natural fibers? 

In class, play with several  types of alpaca fibers from your class kit while knitting two fun lace border techniques that you can later apply to your new projects.

Kits (optional) must be ordered by November 17 in order to be shipped in time for the event.