9/7/25 – Cutting Loose: Free-Form Knitted Squares

Description

These modular squares, knitted in the style of log-cabin squares but without regard for symmetry, are both fun to make and useful.   Think of it as yarn painting!  The technique was pioneered by the late Valentina Devine of Los Alamos – a long-time instructor at workshops and conferences here and abroad.  She, in turn, had studied with modular expert Horst Schulz and some of his students.

This workshop memorializes Valentina’s work, with certain alterations that she (mostly!) approved.  Modular pieces are particularly fun to make because they are portable and easily managed.  Plus, they can be organized into a wide array of items – e.g., ponchos and ruanas, jackets, coats, kids’ sweaters, scarves, wraps, totes, blankets, pillows, pullovers.  I will share drawings.   They can be made at any gauge with any yarn weight, though fingering and sport-weight yarns are more time-consuming and less textural.  Finally, these projects are fabulous stash-busters.

Our first job, then, will be to talk about basic techniques (e.g., edge stitches, use of garter stitch, pickup methods, ideal row numbers, making L shapes for coherence, etc.), and then we’ll discuss some guidelines (yes, there are a few rules) so that pieces can be the same size.   Then we’ll identify a pile of yarns for you to work with (maybe a dozen).  You will use yarns from your stash in smooth as well as textured varieties (do consider animal fiber or animal blends), and you’ll make use of Sandra’s stash to round things out.  We’ll also talk about edging, finishing, and blocking.

Embellishments formed a key part of Devine’s work.  She used a crochet hook to create elaborate surface designs, as I often do.  It’s like DNA, though.  Every person does it differently.   Nothing says that you HAVE to embellish your work, and nothing prevents the use of other techniques – embroidery, appliqué, Japanese stitchery, beading, buttons, etc. – in the place of or alongside crochet.  It’s wise, though, to avoid visual jumbles.

Materials:   Balls of leftover mid-weight yarns, preferably animal or animal-fiber blends; 100 grams of a base color, same weight, preferably dark, appropriate needles (size 7-9).  Scissors and tape measure.  Include surprise color combinations and/or different textures and metallics.  Consider choosing the base color after we put together a pile of yarns for you in the workshop.  Black, btw, works with everything.  Also scissors and tape measure and tapestry needle.

Homework:  None

For most classes, we hope you’ll use our beautiful yarns! We offer a 10% discount on full-priced materials for class use.

All classes include detailed handouts or (as relevant) printed patterns.

Classes may require a minimum number of participants.  If Artisan Knitworks or the instructor has to cancel, a full refund (check), registration in another class, or store credit (120% of tuition) will be offered.  If you have to cancel your class registration up to 7 days before the event, we offer the same choices.  However, we cannot offer these choices if you cancel within the 7-day window.