Class Description: On Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada, the Coast Salish people developed this V-necked, shawl-collared garment after learning of knitting through Europeans who visited their area. The Salish prefer motifs that reflect the natural world (whales, birds, etc.) as well as geometric motifs. These pullover sweaters, still handspun by some people, are knitted in the round on double-pointed needles, with thick singles yarns in 2 or 3 colors. This class will cover working with up to three colors in a round, reading a chart, putting stripes in ribbing (without color distortion) a traditional shoulder join, creating a shawl collar shaped with short rows, and knitting sleeves from the top down while shaping the cap. This sampler can be made in worsted weight or bulky yarn.
Length: 6 hours (1 day)
Level: Intermediate to advanced- must be experienced at reading charts and using double pointed needles.
Supply List:
• Yarns: Main Color (A)– 2 oz. smooth-textured, WORSTED weight yarn (preferably wool) and two Contrast Colors (B and C): 2 oz. each smooth-textured WORSTED weight yarn (preferably wool); US Size 6 or 7 (4.0 or 4.5 mm) double-pointed needles and one 16″ (40 cm) circular needle. (If you prefer you may use the Magic Loop or two circulars when working the sleeves in the round.)
OR
• Yarns: Main Color (A)– 3 oz. smooth-textured, BULKY weight yarn (preferably wool) and two Contrast Colors (B and C): 2 oz. each smooth-textured BULKY weight yarn (preferably wool); US Size 10 or 10.5 (6.0 or 6.5 mm) double-pointed needles and one 16″ (40 cm) circular needle. (If you prefer you may use the Magic Loop or two circulars when working the sleeves in the round.)
Note about yarns: This garment was traditionally made in natural colors (cream, light and/or dark grey, light and/or dark brown) with bulky single ply yarns. While you are welcome to use other yarns, I suggest Brown Sheep’s Lamb’s Pride worsted or bulky weight yarns for the closest approximation to the original. If you are unable to find these yarns, you may use any solid -colored worsted weight yarns. Don’t stress about it! 😉
Notions: St markers, st holders, scissors, tapestry needle, sticky notes or magnetic board to keep your place on the chart.
Homework: None.
