Norah Gaughan KAL Class

Today was the final class of our Norah Gaughan Knit Along series. Since November, the class has been learning the various techniques used to create the garments featured in the Norah's "Knitting Nature" book. She is known for her distinctive designs highlighting shapes found in nature such as hexagons, pentagons or repeating patterns called "fractals". She often uses cables and travelling stitches to compliment the beautiful shapes.

The students have either completed their garments or are well on their way to finishing their designer sweaters. Here is Gabriela's version of the "Russian Coat" that was featured in the Vogue Knitting Holiday 2007 issue.

Shelley is blocking an lacy inlay, that we learned to knit today; just perfect for a summer top. The lace effect is created by dropped stitches.

Debbie is knitting a coat that includes the front edges outlined with hexagons. The yoke on Jeanette's "Silkdream" sweater is made of connected pentagons . Michelle (not pictured) had already knit one Norah Gaughan sweater before starting the course and has another well underway and a 3rd one planned!

All the ladies accomplished so much great knitting in the last couple of months - except their teacher. I thought that I should set a good example and knit my own sweater along with the class. I picked out a soft Berroco yarn; Ultra Alpaca Light (yes, more purple). Knowing that it would be a busy time for me, I chose the "Cable Swirl Pullover", a design that was easy stocking stitch knitting on the lower section of the front, back and sleeves. The pieces were then to be joined in the round and the cable section worked on the yoke.

How embarrassing - everyone is proudly showing off their projects and I'm almost ready to start the cable section. I've had lots of requests to offer the course again. At least I'll have a good head start when the class begins again after the March Break!

Karen