What a blast the last two days have been! The Annie Modesitt classes were packed and the shop looked great. I was very tired, however. But doesn’t the shop look nice?
Just kidding, that’s not really me (despite the uncanny likeness). Getting everything ready took a LOT of work, and a lot more help from some very nice people (you know who you are, thank you again!). I hope that everyone who was able to attend a class came away from it with a new perspective of their own knitting and maybe even knitting’s noble place in the world.
The first class I took with Annie last June at the TNNA Market took a few days to sink in and become part of my “bag of knitting tricks.” Hostessing her classes at KnitWitz was a great learning experience as well. I’m really glad she was the first nationally-known teacher we’ve had here – I’m not sure anyone else would have taken my newbie glitches half so well.
One of the many things I really like about Annie Modesitt is her direct nature. Having taught classes myself, I know how difficult it can be to stay on top of things – keep the ball rolling, everyone interested and their attention engaged. Most of all, to stay “on” yourself. Annie is one of the best knitting teachers I’ve encountered at doing this. It’s easier to manage in a traditional college classroom, but it’s harder when the group is there because they **truly love** a subject matter that fills their precious spare time. Especially with a knitting class, enthusiasm bubbles over and focus comes at a premium. Put twelve plus people in a small space and it makes for a lively experience. Throw some chocolate on the table and…well… :::snort::: that’s my fault, the chocolate.
Annie manages to pack a lot into a relatively short – three hours flies! - time period. I think that in addition to having fun, everyone learned a lot – enough that I’m sure you’re all simmering with new knitting know-how out there! Remember what she said, just let it settle and take it as it comes.
I got a few pictures taken of each class – so they are included here. KnitWitz does retain rights, so please do ask me before using them on another webpage. First up on the schedule was Cables & Lace on Friday afternoon. This was the most full class, and the first of the two technique classes. Annie’s really big on demonstrations, and here’s one she did with Kelley. Don’t they make lovely stitches?
The next class was the Corset Top class. I know several of you took the class for the techniques involved, but seriously – how many of you want to make this awesome top now?? I sure do. I love the way Annie described how she designed it, and how it can be worn by any shape. Take the project and making it your own is a great lesson for this or any project. Girl power!!
And needle power – my swan got to meet Annie’s evil duck, and tried to explain the whole back-end ruffles thing.
Saturday morning dawned bright and early – and warm. What was up with the weather yesterday? The first class of the day was the Mitered Bag and modular knitting. Everyone learned that you can knit corners around corners and change yarns will very little fuss. What I liked about this were the different color choices – no two projects were alike, and the pattern is universally adjustable.
The last class was the Potpourri class. It was in this one that we all learned how to use combination knitting to our best advantage. I will be doing this whenever I face ::gulp:: endless fields of 2×2 ribbing. Ribbing is unavoidable, but the combination knitting “way of knitting” just so rocks.
Annie had a plane to catch, but signed patterns and her book, Romantic Hand Knits (there is one left that has been signed, fyi) for everyone in each class who asked. Just a note on Romantic Hand Knits – it’s amazing to hear a designer talk about their designs. If you have this book, take a fresh look at the skirts in particular. If you don’t have it, it’s a must have for your knitting collection. Thanks again to everyone who participated – and to Annie for coming to KnitWitz. We’re not stalkers… not really (wink). The shop got back to regular in no time despite that some of us were VERY sorry to see Annie go and didn’t take it at all well. Case in point… poor thing.
