TKGA Fall Show Set for Reno

Are you a member of The Knitting Guild Association? It’s the largest association of knitters in America, with more than 10,000 members. Membership provides you with a quarterly magazine full not only of patterns but lots of information on techniques that will help you become a better knitter no matter your skill level.

I joined a few years ago because I have this dream of becoming a Master Knitter (they offer a course of study and knitting samples that is judged by experts who declare you a Master) though I’ve been a little busy writing books and having a kid to do it!

The Guild also offers conferences throughout the country through the year, and the fall event is set for Sept. 14-16 in Reno, Nev., with extra educational opportunities starting on the 12th. The show includes classes, exhibits, fashion shows and other fun events for knitters and crocheters.

New this show is a special presentation of the Certified Instructor Program. Usually only available as a class at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, this class will actually be before the show, on Sept. 10-11. The class is being condensed into an intense 12-hour program instead of the usual 15. It will cost $150 for non-members and $125 for members. Preregistration and homework before the course is required. This is for advanced beginners and above who want to learn how to teach others how to knit. Sounds pretty cool.

Looking for Fall patterns to Knit? Check out these Fall knitting patterns we found on Etsy.

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There’s always room for more stitch dictionaries on your shelf, but Andrea Rangel’s Knitovation Stitch Dictionary is unlike those stitch pattern books you might already own. That’s because this one is full of colorwork stitch patterns rather than textured stitches, lace or cables, so the designs are ripe for adding to hats, sweaters and other projects with a stockinette stitch background.

The book starts with a quick introduction to knitting colorwork that’s also unlike what you’ve probably seen before, because it’s less about the colors themselves and more about the kinds of fibers you choose, how the yarn is prepared and the gauge you’re working at and how those things all change the look of a design.

Most of the book is filled with motif designs and swatches. The motifs were designed and named by Andrea’s husband Sean, who is an artist and brings a bit of whimsy to the designs.

You’ll find some classic looking leaves and flowers, mosaics and waves, but also rubber ducks, penguins, puzzle pieces, cherries and cows, snails and teapots, eyeballs and chess pieces, to name a few. Many of the designs also have funny names, like a fish named toilet bound, or cats in suits called corporate fat cat.

Of course you can use the designs in any way you want on any project you like, but there are also three patterns in the book — for a hat, a sweater and a pair of fingerless gloves — plus discussion of how the motifs were added, adjusting patterns for a different size or gauge, and adding your own motifs.

If you like adding a bit of colorwork to otherwise plain projects that other people have designed, or you’re ready to start making your own designs with fun motifs, this book is a great place to start. The fun and funny motifs are sure to inspire you to want to pick up your needles and add a little more color to your projects.

About the book: 160 pages, hardcover, 150+ motifs and three knitting patterns. Published 2023 by Interweave, suggested retail $28.

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