Red Alder Fiber Arts Retreat Tacoma, WA Feb. 12-15, 2026
Make a Swish Net Scarf - Thurs. Feb 12 1:30 to 4:30 pm PST
The Swish Net Scarf is a fringed Wrap with a hexagonal mesh pattern evocative of a fishing net. This project uses a special technique called the lattice stitch, creating fabric out of a series of icords. Because of this special light weight fabric, you'll get a lot more for your yardage - A great advantage if you are using bulky weight yarns. Each row can be worked in a different color, making this the perfect project for mini skeins, scraps, or Advent calendars. In class, students will learn the basics of the lattice stitch technique including how to make an i-cord while making a section of the larger project. Requirements: This class is best suited for intermediate level knitters or adventurous beginners who have experience reading patterns and working basic increases and decreases.Needles: Circular needles 1-2 sizes larger than size on the ball band of your yarn. Bulky weight - #15 (15mm), fingering weight #6 (4mm)
Fox Paws Workshop Fri. Feb. 13 All day
Level: Experts and brave beginners, knit and purl stitches, increases and decreases as well as chart reading You'll begin by learning and practicing how to knit increases and decreases for a simple stacked stitch pattern. Then, color changes and color choices will be discussed. In the afternoon, you will start working on your own Fox Paws shawl and learn how to avoid, find, and correct mistakes.
Yarn: Worsted weight scrap yarn in multiple colors and 5 colors of yarn in the weight of your choice for a final project.
Needles: Size 8 (5mm) 20˝circular needles. Extra needles in adjacent sizes may be helpful.
Color Theory for Fiber Artists Fri., Feb. 14 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
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://redalderfiberarts.com/color-theory-for-fiber-artists/
Intro to Stacked Stitches Sat, Feb. 14 SOLD OUT
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.
