Introduction to Irish Aran Islands Cabled Knitting and Textile History is an immersive class that blends traditional craft with cultural storytelling. Inspired by the rugged beauty and heritage of the Aran Islands, this class introduces knitters to the iconic cable patterns that made Aran jumpers famous worldwide.

Participants will learn foundational and advanced cable techniques, including rope cables, honeycomb cables, bobbles, lattice patterns, and more, while practicing chart reading and cable needle methods, including cabling without a cable needle. The class also covers yarn selection, tension management, and blocking techniques to enhance stitch definition.

Alongside hands-on knitting instruction, students explore the historical and cultural significance of Aran knitting, including its connection to Irish fishing communities and evolving textile traditions. During class, students will knit a sampler of classic Aran cabled motifs, inspired by this rich textile heritage.

More Information - Materials to bring - Homework

During this hands-on class, we work on a unique three-strand braided cable hat, which is Knitting Jenny Pattern 115: Irish Aran Islands Inspired Cabled Ski Hat. The pattern features a classic seamless design of textured cables, with triangular segments converging at the crown.

The pattern design was influenced by the historic knitting heritage of the Aran Islands, which includes wool traditions of knitting complex patterns with cables and other textured motifs. Often knit with undyed wool, knitted cables are associated with aspects of the sea and land of the Aran Islands, located approximately 30 miles from the city of Galway, situated on the Atlantic coast of Ireland.

The Aran Islands are an archipelago of three islands: Inis Mor, Inis Meain, and Inis Oirr. Since the nineteenth century, the people of the Aran Islands have cultivated textured cabled knitting, from which Knitting Jenny Pattern 115 was inspired. The ski hat is knit circularly, and is constructed as follows: Cast on, knit the brim, increase, knit the cable patterns of the head, then systematically decrease at the crown.

Cable knitting tips and tricks are included in this class, such as cabling without a cable needle, seamlessly joining circular knitting, splicing yarns. Hat images and more information are here: www.knittingjenny.com/products/pattern-115.

More Information - Materials to bring - Homework

Whether you're new to Fair Isle knitting and stranded colorwork or looking to sharpen your skills, this class is all about learning, creating, and connecting through the rich tradition of Fair Isle knitting. We'll explore color selection, managing floats, reading charts, and techniques for smooth, even tension - all while working on a beautiful Fair Isle project you'll be proud to wear. You'll receive hands-on instruction, guided support, and a cozy space to learn at your own pace. The textile history of the Shetland Islands, Scotland will be presented, along with the rich heritage of Fair Isle, the island on which the instructor, Jennifer Daley, lived and developed her knitting studio. During class, each knitter will be working on the Knitting Jenny pattern that they individually selected. 

The class includes:

• A Fair Isle knitting pattern of your choice, designed by Jennifer Daley
• Fair Isle knitting tips, tricks, and techniques
• A guided exploration of traditional Fair Isle patterns and motifs
• An explanation of ideal yarn properties for Fair Isle knitting
• A discussion of Fair Isle knitwear design, including color dominance
• A Fair Isle knitted hat-blocking explanation
• A steeking discussion on how and why to safely cut your knitting

More Information - Materials to bring - Homework

Let's discuss color! Bring your knitting and relax and knit while listening to an interesting and informative lecture about color in stranded colorwork.

How is color important in Fair Isle knitting? How does color affect the final design? Most Fair Isle knitting designs include light colored wool and dark colored wool, to create contrast. This contrast between light and dark is an important feature of authentic Fair Isle knitting. To benefit most from color contrast, it is important to understand color theory, color selection, and color dominance.

In stranded colorwork, the term "color dominance" refers to a particular knitting method that affects the final appearance of the colored knit stitches. Understanding the fundamentals of color dominance will enable achievement of a knitted project with more consistent, uniform stitch definition.

During this lecture, you will:

• Learn the basics of color theory and how to apply the principles to guide your color choices
• Learn about color in traditional Fair Isle knitting, and how it contrasts with new modern colorways
• Learn about natural plant-based dyes in traditional colorwork, and how/when/why modern chemical dyes drastically changed knitting designs
• Learn how to choose a color palette and look at yarns with an eye to creating successful stranded colorwork projects
• Learn to analyze how different color combinations can completely alter the pattern's appearance
• Learn the color differences between Fair Isle colorwork and other regional variations of stranded colorwork

More Information - Materials to bring - Homework

Learn to knit Icelandic lopi wool stranded colorwork, or improve your existing colorwork technique! Icelandic lopi knitting includes stranded colorwork techniques (like traditional Fair Isle) yet lopi is knitted with a much larger needle (generally 5.0mm) whereas traditional Fair Isle is knitted with a much smaller needle (generally 3.0mm). Everyone will be knitting an Icelandic lopi wool ski hat (or beanie) during the class. Join us for a fun and informative day of Icelandic lopi knitting!

The class includes:

• An Icelandic lopi hat pattern designed by Jennifer Daley
• Icelandic lopi knitting tips, tricks, and techniques
• An overview of the special qualities of Icelandic sheep and wool
• A presentation of Icelandic textile history, including traditional lopi ski sweaters with the distinctive yoke
• A guided exploration of traditional lopi patterns and motifs
• A discussion of Icelandic lopi knitwear design, including color dominance and color theory
• A lopi knitted hat-blocking explanation
• A steeking discussion on how and why to safely cut your knitting

More Information - Materials to bring - Homework

Part of Denmark, the Faroe Islands are a self-governing archipelago in the North Atlantic. Discover the beauty and heritage of Faroese lace knitting in this engaging class that blends technique with cultural history.

Inspired by the rich textile traditions of the Faroe Islands, participants will explore the delicate lace patterns historically used in shawls and garments designed to withstand the North Atlantic climate. The session begins with an introduction to the history of Faroese knitting, including its role in daily life, trade, and regional identity.

Students will then learn foundational techniques used in traditional Faroese lace, including pattern reading, yarn selection, and methods for creating airy yet durable fabrics. Guided instruction and hands-on practice will help knitters build confidence while working through classic lace motifs inspired by historic designs. The distinguishing characteristic of Faroese lace shawls is the unique shaping that ensures the shawls remain on the shoulders. The shawls are unlike standard flat triangular shawls. Faroese shawls often feature a center back gusset, the shaping of which ensures that the shawl remains stationary on the shoulders.

During class, we will knit a miniature sample of a Faroese shawl, which can be simply admired as a sample knit or worn on the head as a headscarf. By the end of class, participants will have a deeper appreciation for Faroese textile culture and the skills to incorporate elegant lace elements into their own projects.

More Information - Materials to bring - Homework

This knitting class explores the refined lace traditions of the North Atlantic through the distinctive techniques of the Shetland Islands. Inclusively designed for all knitters, the class combines hands-on skill development with an in-depth look at the cultural and historical context that shaped the renowned Shetland textile traditions. Students will learn advanced lace construction methods, including traditional Shetland lace motifs and openwork pattern reading.

During class, students will be knitting several different samples of lace, which can be washed and blocked to be used as a bookmark or candle cozy or greeting card decoration. Alongside technical instruction, the class examines the evolution of island knitting communities, the role of textiles in local economies, and the ways geography influenced design and materials. Participants will analyze historical patterns, practice complex chart reading, and create small lace projects inspired by authentic regional styles.

We will discuss the significant difference between "lace knitting" and "knitted lace." By the end of the class, knitters will have strengthened their precision, pattern interpretation, and lace knitting techniques while gaining a deeper appreciation for the heritage and artistry behind Shetland lace knitting.

More Information - Materials to bring - Homework