April 9-11, 2027 Grumpy Ginger Wyong, Australia
Color Theory for Fiber Artists Fri. Apr. 9 8:30 - 11:30 am AEDT
Learn strategies to help you quickly and efficiently try out exciting yarns and colors in your knitting. First, we will use coloring pages to explore our innate color sense. The fundamental concepts of color interaction and theory will be introduced in a lecture format. During the presentation, students will learn about the color wheel, historical points of interest, and will see examples of quick and dirty color-ups from a fashion industry perspective, focusing on methods of exploring color combinations without the expense of yarn and the time intensive process of swatching. Students are encouraged to bring in “difficult” yarns, spinning fiber, and color inspiration. Coloring and knitting
swatches during the lecture time is encouraged.
In the second half of the class, we discuss everyone’s coloring pages and yarn comparisons. This is an interactive and conversational class, designed to show range of palettes and color perspectives and how a pattern is changed by color.
Homework: Fill in at least one coloring page on paper or digital printout or knit a stripe contrast swatch to show in class.
https://www.grumpyginger.com.au/products/colour-theory-for-fibre-artists
Intro to Algorithmic Stitch Patterns Fri. Apr. 9 1:00 - 4:00 pm AEDT
In this class we will create texture, colorwork or lace using rule based guides instead of restrictive instructions. Unlike a traditional pattern that always produces the same result, projects based on algorithms (rules) have an element of randomness. In the first part of the class, we will discuss how to create simple but unique stitch motifs and colorwork based on anything from the roll of dice to the number of steps you take in a day. We’ll go over a range of techniques that produce stunning results. I’ll demonstrate how to plan a temperature blanket inspired project from a set of data. Each student will work on a swatch or mini shawl in class using their own set of rules. Everyone will share their results and discuss how each rule affected the outcome of their stitch pattern.
Supplies: 4+ balls of yarn in any weight, Bring mostly solid colors. Needles /hooks in an appropriate size for your yarns, a pencil, paper or notebook. Dice will be available, but students are encouraged to bring their own.
Optional: Color Card for project yarn, coloring supplies to match your yarn, a set of data (such as daily average temperatures from 1975).
https://www.grumpyginger.com.au/products/intro-to-algorithmic-stitch-patterns
Intro to Stacked Stitches Sat, Apr. 10 8:30 - 11:30 am AEDT
Stacked stitches are an innovative approach to striped colorwork, best known as the technique behind the Fox Paws pattern. Stacks can add shaping, create 3d texture, replace short rows, and when combined with stripes, they create intricate motifs without unsightly strands on the wrong side of your projects. You’ll never need to manage more than one color at a time or worry about bobbins because stacked stitches bend rows of garter stitch into new shapes and patterns using only increases and decreases. This introductory class will enable knitters of all levels to try out the technique in a swatch and become confident working patterns that incorporate stacked stitches. We will focus on mastering the increase and decrease stitches and learn several strategies for avoiding problems and fixing mistakes.
Requirements: This class is best suited for intermediate level knitters or adventurous beginners who have experience reading patterns and working basic increases and decreases.
Supplies: Worsted weight scrap yarn in multiple colors, circular needles with a flexible cord in a corresponding size to your yarn and a few adjacent sizes (metal or plastic needles are strongly recommended), stitch markers. Optional materials: scratch paper, highlighter tape, and a digital row counter.
https://www.grumpyginger.com.au/products/intro-to-stacked-stitches
Center Out Knitting Sat. Apr. 10 1:00 - 4:00 pm AEDT
This class is a guided tour of the possibilities of center out accessories. We will look at 3 different cast on methods for center out projects and the unique strengths of each method. After casting on, we will try out different arrangements and types of increases to build different shawl, blanket, and scarf shapes such as a square or other regular polygon, rectangle, oblong, almond, and classic circular “pi” shawl. Many traditional lace and colorwork motifs can be converted to work with these shapes for spectacular results. By the end of the class, students will feel confident using these cast on methods to create center out accessories and add stitch and color patterns to various shapes.
https://www.grumpyginger.com.au/products/centre-out-knitting
Flower Shawl Sun. Apr. 11 8:30 - 11:30 am AEDT
In this class students learn how to make a basic 5 petal flower bobble, change the number and shape of the petals to create different looks. Assigned pooling with the flower bobble will be covered. Combing flower bobbles with colourwork, brioche, marling and more will be discussed.
Students will have the opportunity to look at samples and swatches showing various colour and texture inspiration so that they can apply these flower stitches in their own projects.
Requirements; This class is best suited for intermediate or adventurous beginners who have experience reading patterns and working basic increases and decreases.
Supplies: 2 colours of worsted weight yarn with a springy texture, (scraps are fine) , circular needles appropriate for your yarn and a crochet hook.
https://www.grumpyginger.com.au/products/flower-shawl
Introduction to Brioche Class Sun. Apr. 11 1:00-4:00 pm
We will make a basic swatch and look at the unique terms and symbols used in brioche stitch patterns. The second half of the class is dedicated to examining and understanding our brioche swatches and troubleshooting commonmistakes. This class focuses on 2-color brioche worked flat, but information will also be provided for 1-color (it’s more advanced than with 2 colors!) and circular techniques.
Requirements: Must know knit, purl, slip, yarn over, and experience reading written or charted patterns.
