Decision Made

Earlier this month I dug up a scarf project that was almost but not quite finished for more than a year, and did the last few stitches in time for the end of Lacevember.

As I worked with it, I chided myself for not completing it sooner, and tried to remember why it got buried. Was I uncertain about the appropriate bind off? Uncertain about which pattern row should be the last?

Well, after a few days, the answer came to me -- the edges were rolling and they would only roll more when the scarf was tugged and draped for wear, and I didn't know how to fix it. A quick, plain I-cord, or something more complex that was knitted or crocheted?

I've kept the scarf on display while working on December's other projects, and now the solution has fallen into my lap.

The Windy City Knitting Guild is hosting a crochet class for knitters, and participants are invited to bring a pre-knitted scarf that needs edging. Sign me up already! Since the class is at the end of February, I'm putting Marnie's Scarf on the back burner until then. See you at the workshop?

Crochet Workshop with Judy Swartz
Crochet for Knitters
$35 WCKG Members / $40 Non-Members
Sunday, February 25, 2007, 9 am - 4pm, Chicago, IL

Judy is one of the leading designers of contemporary crochet knitwear, former editor of Interweave Crochet magazine, and author of several popular books: Hip to Knit, Dogs in Knits, Hip to Crochet, and Getting Started Crochet. Judy has been an active crocheter for more than 30 years and inspires, encourages, and motivates her students and readers in this popular craft.
A native of Wisconsin, Judy earned an MS degree in textile design from the University of Wisconsin. In the early eighties, she moved to Chicago, where she began teaching courses at the Textile Arts Centre and designing her own patterns. For ten of her Chicago years, she managed the Weaving Workshop (now the Knitting Workshop), a textile arts retail store in Lincoln Park.

She creates garments for knitwear companies, yarn companies, and publications, as well as for private clients, including a commissioned sweater for the late Fred (Mr.) Rogers.

Now in Spring Green, Wisconsin, Judy runs the general store, Nina's, where she hand selects the yarns for their burgeoning needlearts department.
Judy regularly teaches classes and workshops in knitting and crochet, including sculptural crochet, from beginning techniques to creative expression. She writes for Interweave Press, and has had TV appearances in New York City, Chicago, and Minneapolis.

Workshop Info

Skill level: Beginning to intermediate crocheters. The instructor assumes that students will also have an advanced beginner’s knowledge of knitting.

Morning session will include a lecture about how knitters can use crochet, and conclude by learning to apply crochet to knitting. Students will review/learn basic stitches using their homework swatches.

After lunch, those ready for adventure can start a trim-a-scarf project. If you bring a pre-knitted scarf (garter st or st st), you can edge it and embellish it in a variety of ways. The instructor will have several finished samples so students can pick and choose techniques ranging from simple to fancy, from flowers and squiggles to lace edges and more.

Techniques covered include: picking up for crochet along a knitted edge; gauging correct number of stitches for picking up; slip stitch crocheted seams; using slip stitch crochet to stabilize a knitted edge; using blanket stitch embroidery to crochet an edge in a fine weight or woven garment; single crochet as front band, including buttonholes; backward single crochet (also known as crab stitch); simple scallop lace edges; crocheted motifs (e.g., flowers).