Have you ever wanted to learn to knit how to knit cables, bobbles, twists and knots?  Intimidated to knit a whole afghan? Feeling left out of chances to win a whole sweaters worth of Lorna's Laces yarn by being the first to send Lorna's a photo of your finished applied cable sweater from the cover of the new Fall Vogue Knitting?  I have just the solution for you!  The Great American Aran Afghan Knit-a-long!  This is the perfect project for learning Aran stitches with out committing to large, complicated sweater patterns. Knit all the patterns or just the ones you like!

We will be using the The Great American Aran Afghan book which includes instructions for 24 uniquely designed 12" squares, 20 squares are used for the afghan and 4 are used to make two throw pillows. The plan is to start two squares each month over the next year but of course you are welcome to work at your own pace. Squares will be chosen so that the simpler patterns are done first to build skills and then we'll move on to the more difficult squares. To help those who are learning, we will be offering 2 classes each month in our retail shop to get each square started or for help with problems.  The first class is scheduled for Sunday August 24th from 1:30 - 3:30. Then keep a watch on our classes page for future class dates.

If there is interest we can plan some group knitting times in our shop as well.

One of the best things about working a project like this is that you don't have to buy all the yarn at once!  Each square will utilize about 200 yds of worsted weight yarn so you can purchase 1 or 2 hanks/skeins at a time.  Traditionally, Aran garments are made from unbleached white wool but you may choose any colors or fibers you like.  Dark colors are not recommended as it's too hard to see the cable patterns.  The yarn called for in the book is Plymouth Encore which is a good, budget friendly, gently machine washable 75% acrylic, 25% wool yarn.  I'm going to be recommending Cascade 220, Cascade 220 Superwash and Cascade Longwood for those who want 100% wools.  Other great yarns that could be used are Universal Deluxe Worsted & Deluxe Worsted Superwash, Plymouth Worsted Merino Superwash.

The first square we will do is the one on page 22 of the book, designed by Carol Adams. 

Supplies need will be:

The Great American Aran Afghan book
1 hank of worsted weight yarn
Size US 6 (4mm) straight or 24" circular needle
Cable needle
stitch markers are helpful but not required

The book has instruction in both written format and charts so this will also be a great way to learn to read charts!

I hope you'll join us!

(I'm just back from a lovely vacation so next week I'll return to my ongoing discussing on protein fibers)

Terry