Beth's July KT Newsletter
OK, back on schedule (sort of) and looking ahead at the new month!
WHAT I’VE BEEN UP TO…
I have just completed laying out my pattern Eriskay to be sold digitally. The design is in my last book, Knitting Ganseys: Revised and updated. Some people prefer a stand-alone pattern. So now it is up on Ravelry and LoveCrafts. It’s not on my website yet, but maybe soon…
I’m studying and writing (and knitting) to teach a short class in December on the puntas (points) of the Peruvian men’s hats called chullos. What a joy they are to figure out and knit! This month I plan to write on a less pressured basis, which is when I can sit on the porch and enjoy my plants, and type! Well, when it’s not too hot! And I have an online workshop (in Patreon) this month on the Norwegian Fana Cardigan. I love that sweater! The class is full, and we have had our first session.
My porch
I have been day dreaming about my trip to Northern Italy. It is so amazing that Venice is still there as the waters encroach due to climate change! I’ll leave the US to be there on September 25, and look forward to the welcome dinner with everyone! I just love this photo, below! There is still room for anyone hoping to go along. You can see the info here and here. We’d love to have you!
Venice at sundown
Also, my Vermont Retreat in October, Oct. 30 to Nov. 2, is ALMOST full! We will be learning about the North Halland Pullover (see below). There are 3 spaces for knitters still available and you can gather more information from John by emailing knittingDOTtraditionsDOTretreatsAT gmail.com. The rooms at Dutton House are full but the Hampton Inn is not far away for sleeping. We have a wonderful time and because we will be there over Hallowe’en, you can come in costume or not for the Welcome dinner. But please, come however you feel comfortable.
IN THIS ISSUE
What I’ve Been Up To…
Pattern Notebook–Eriskay Gansey
On the Web
International Trips
Patreon: The North Halland Pullover and the Ullared
Upcoming Workshops
PATTERN NOTEBOOK–Eriskay Gansey
I love the texture of my design Eriskay.
Most ganseys are fairly straight-forward to knit. This design is too, with a caveat. Some more advanced stuff is in this pattern, such as optional short rows in the lower body, and strap gussets on either side of each shoulder strap. And ganseys with vertical patterning are always more demanding to knit than horizontally patterned ones, just because there are 13 patterns in each row (repeated front and back), rather than 3 inches of one pattern.
This garment is knitted in Frangipani yarn, from England. It has the traditional 5 plies, which gives the surface a distinct, defined look. You can see all those crisp little purls sitting up on the garment. And the gansey will last a long time, since the wool is worsted spun, rather than woolen spun. It makes a huge difference! If this design interests you, you can click on the links below for Ravelry or LoveCrafts. Enjoy!
This pattern is for sale (for USD$8.00) on Ravelry and LoveCrafts.
ON THE WEB
I ran across this YouTube video—it’s the official trailer of a knitting module for the computer game Sims, called The Sims™ 4 Nifty Knitting Stuff Pack! My kids used to play that game, building homes, and cities, etc. I think it’s a hoot, because the game even refers to the Dreaded Boyfriend Sweater. Here is a tutorial for the game: How to Start Knitting. I guess the game doesn’t officially debut until July 28.
INTERNATIONAL TRIPS
If you are interested in my 12-day trip to Northern Italy, Sept 25 to October 6, please click here to see the brochure which includes the itinerary, the knitting class, and other important information. Does anyone have a last-minute hankering for REAL pizza? Oh, I am telling you this was THE BEST pizza I ever had (in Pisa). I am sorry if you are squeamish seeing anchovies, but they were awesome!
Nov. 17 - Dec 4: Check out CraftCruises.com for our trip westward through the Panama Canal. We’ll stop off at Panama, Chile, Ecuador and Peru. I’ll be teaching four classes on the ship. I do enjoy cruising and we’ll have a great group of knitters along!
PATREON
I have been discussing the Norwegian Setesdal Lusekofte in the last few posts. And I am readying my October retreat class on the North Halland Red and Black Man’s Pullover. However, I thought I would discuss a different, though seemingly related, sweater, the Swedish Ullared.
The front of the North Halland Pullover.
The back of the Ullared garment.
I first saw this sweater in Nordic Knitting by Susanne Pagoldh. I immediately fell in love with the garment. The book was published in 1991, during the time that designers were creating oversized silhouettes. Being more traditional in my taste, I designed an Ullared that was more form fitting. So look at the two sweaters. What differences do you see? What similarities are there? Put your answers in the comments! I will talk more about these two pullovers in future Patreon posts.
UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
September will be busy, with meeting friends (The Bad-Ass Knitters) in the PNW, followed by my trip to Northern Italy.
July 20 -Aug. 10: A class online!
Sept. 24-Oct. 8: Northern Italy; class: Estonian Mitts or Gloves (your choice).
Oct. 30– Nov. 2: The Vermont Retreat; The Swedish North Halland Red and Black Man’s Pullover: Some spaces are left! For more info, email John at: knitting DOTtraditionsDOTretreatsATgmail.com.
Nov 17 - Dec. 4: The Panama Canal Cruise: Traditional Ganseys, Finnish Mitts, Puntas from Peru, Twined Fingerless Mitts.
I am booking workshops now for 2026!
Have a great month! ~ Beth
Hi Beth, welcome to Substack!