Students will learn about Maine mitten construction by knitting a substantial part of several mittens (and a glove if desired) in two or more colors, circularly on double pointed needles, and dealing with many possible pattern repeats, individualized thumb gusset increasing, and tip shaping.  (If you prefer, you can use the magic loop or two circulars if you are proficient with those methods.) 

Techniques to be covered include several options for the cuff, the ingenious method of  developing the thumb gusset by increasing in full pattern multiples, the unique ways of increasing, knitting the lovely range of traditional motifs, and tip shaping at the end of the mitten which usually maintains the patterning.  (For instance, developing the gusset of the motif Fox and Geese and Fences, is very different than the gusset of Sawtooth or Salt and Pepper. Homework will include the cuffs of four different adult sized mittens and portions of the bodies of the mittens will be worked on in class, some to be finished at home later.  (Students will be able to choose whether to concentrate on one or two mittens throughout the retreat or to maximize their experience by partially working on several mittens.)

And of course, Melissa will be back to give us massages on Saturday, and we will be well fed by Kelly and Marci for breakfast and lunch.  For more information on how to get there, where to stay, cost, and schedule, go to this post.

Level: Intermediate (must be proficient with DP needles, Magic Loop, or working with two circulars).  Prior stranded (two-color) knitting experience is preferred.