The Needlearts Book shop hosted Maureen Mason-Jamieson teaching the Japanese Knitting Techniques workshop today.
It was strange to wake up and had to be somewhere for a 9-5* scenario, especially on a Saturday since I don’t do a commute on a day to day.
I cannot say enough good things about Marsha’s shop (online only) and hosting. I loved how cozy and nice the space was. We had real plates, utensils and cups. I love the set up of her office and her husband’s photo studio. The food was great and we had lunch and both morning and afternoon snacks. It was AWESOME.
The class was good and I learnt some great techniques which I hope to put into use really soon. However, I think I did not enjoy the style of the class as much as I would have liked since Maureen’s teaching style just wasn’t my preferred learning style.
My verdict is that I’m definitely up to take another class at the store if Marsha ever hosts another one. (I hope so!) But I might not take another of Maureen’s classes since I might learn better from another teacher.
Just to be fair, I think her style works for a lot of people. But just not for me. If you are considering a class with her, you should try it out before dismissing it based on my so-so review.
But learning new techniques are always great. I’m already trying to picture when and where I can try out some Japaneses Short rows and some of those great bind off techniques.
As for the learning to read Japanese patterns, Maureen didn’t go over anything not already covered in this document free for download from the needlearts bookshop(pdf) which she helped write.
I was really hoping to learn how to size up the patterns etc. But she said that was getting into designing, and didn’t say anything about it more than use filler stitches on sides… so I was rather disappointed at that. It was as if she didn’t want to share secrets or it was another class… After all, since I read the above PDF before, I didn’t feel that I got much out of that session.
Marsha had all her Japanese books out for us to purchase along with many of the books, patterns and yarns she offers for sale at her store. It was great to see them all. Of course, I had to come home with some.
- Clear and Simple Crochet Symbols
- Clear and Simple Knitting Symbols
- Keito Dama 2007 134
- Let’s Knit #12
Most of the books were really beautiful but there’s just not enough money to get them all.
One she had on preview that hasn’t come in yet was Vintage Knitting in Tradition which looked Fantastic. So, seeing that book, I put two others back in anticipation of getting the new one instead.
Coming up, some photos of some favorite patterns from the two new books.
Oh a completely unrelated note, but I just have to vent a bit… I came home to cook some food for tomorrow’s family dinner. And managed to totally f-up the Mac and Cheese, since the recipe calls for chicken stock which I promptly used since it was so good. Somehow I forgot that my mom (who’s vegetarian) cannot eat it! groan.
I’ll have to do it all over again tomorrow. Sucks big time. I guess I’m just too tired to have attempted cooking for my own good. I’m going to try to do some knitting to relax for the evening. I hope I don’t manage to screw that up…
*Turns out we got out early anyway…. So, it was more like 9 to almost 4.
Popularity: 10% [?]
Tags: 1 Comment
1 response so far ↓
Hi May! I’d forgotten about this workshop at Marsha’s…..I’d wanted to go but was scared to open up the Japanese Knitting Pandora’s Box if you know what I mean — so much to knit as it is without tackling these gorgeous Japanese patterns that I’d definitely have to upsize to my larger north american body LOL!
Thanks for the links — I saved Marsha’s mini tutorial and will use it to try and read one of the Japanese books I already have — this might be a mistake — I might not be able to resist if this helps it all to make sense LOL!!!