Class - Colorwork Doodles with Stephanie

This class builds on the Intro to Stranded Colorwork class but you can take this even if you do not have prior experience with stranded colorwork.

Colorwork Doodles with Stephanie will allow deeper exploration and practice of colorwork techniques in the doodle project of your choosing. You'll build and refine your colorwork skills in an open format class. Learn skills related to your project as well as projects the others in the group are working on.

Class Project/Pattern: 

Stephanie highly recommends that you use any of Pacific Knit Co.'s Doodle patterns or Doodle Decks to make a cowl, hat, or scarf in class (no socks please). Stephanie plans to have an Autumn Doodle on her needles at class. See below for more detailed pattern suggestions. Pattern and/or Doodle Deck is not included in this class. 

Yarn:

Most of the Doodle patterns are based on DK weight yarn with option to adjust the pattern for thicker yarn (worsted weight) or thinner yarn (fingering/sock weight). Stephanie recommends you stick with DK or Worsted weight yarns for this class. 

You'll need at least 2 colors or yarn (Light and Dark). For the greatest joy doing colorwork doodles, you will want 3-5 colors or even more colors if the mood strikes you. The first day of class will talk about color selections if you need some help with color.

Doodle projects can work well with stash/scraps. If you need to get yarn for this class, we'll give you 10% off yarn purchased for your class project. Look for yarns with good stitch definition. Avoid textured, fuzzy, or hairy yarns. If you are new to stranded colorwork try to pick multiple colors of the same yarn base instead of combining different yarns that seem to be the same thickness.

Yarns in the shop to consider:

• Plymouth Galway
• Malabrigo Rios
• Tempting Ewe Yarns Ewe so Perfect DK (also available in mini skeins at the shop)
• Berroco Ultra Wool DK
• Berroco Vintage
• Berroco Vintage Baby (available in 50g balls!)
• Malabrigo Arroyo
• Ella Rae Eco Tweed 

Needles:

For DK to worsted weight yarns, expect to use needles sized between US 5 - US 8. Circular needle lengths will vary based on the project you select, but 16" circular will work for most of the doodle patterns. Review your selected pattern to confirm needle sizes and lengths.

Target Class Agenda:

First Day:

• We'll start class with a brief review of picking colors for colorwork.
• Check the yarn and patterns everyone has decided to use.
• Cast on together 
  • If you feel comfortable casting on and starting your project before class you may do so.
  • If you are working on an infinity cowl that has a provisional cast on, we'll cover that on the first day.
• As time allows, discussion and demonstration of methods and strategies for managing multiple strands of yarn at the same time. We'll be able to talk about at least 1 method on the first day.

The rest of the days:

• Work at your own pace.
• Continued discussion and demonstration of methods and strategies for managing multiple strands of yarn at the same time. 
• Check-ins to access float tension as your project progresses.
• Trouble shooting on individual projects as needed.
• Tips and tricks to improve tension, reduce tangles, and fix mistakes.

More Info on Suggested Patterns:

Cowl or Infinity Scarf from Pacific Knit Co.:
You can jump to Ravelry search results here but you must be logged into Ravelry to view the link. There are so many fun themes to choose from! Here just a few examples:

• Autumn 1 Doodle (Infinity Cowl) (this is the one Stephanie will be working on)
• Autumn 2 Doodle (Infinity Cowl) 
• Holiday Doodle (Infinity Cowl) 
• 8 Bit Doodle (Infinity Cowl)  
• Sci-Fi Doodle (Infinity Cowl)  
• Dino Doodle Cowl (Infinity)  
• All Together Now Cowl (Infinity Cowl)   

Hats from Pacific Knit Co.:

• Basic Doodle Hat    
• Autumn Doodle Hat  
• 8 Bit Doodle Hat  

Own a Doodle Deck or the Doodle Knit Directory book? Pick any of the Doodle Base patterns as the starting point for your personal doodle project (no socks for this class please). Suggestions include:

• Base Doodle Cowl  
• Base Doodle Infinity Cowl  
• Base Doodle Beanie  
• Base Doodle Cup Cozy