The Northern Lights VIP Package with ARNE & CARLOS

Tuesday Classes:

New Nordic - Knitting and Purling the Norwegian Way- Ergonomic Knitting

The Norwegian knitting style focuses on shift the tensioning of the yarn from the finger and on to the needle. This is done by minimizing the distance between the yarn, the needle and the left index finger.  By holding the yarn as close as possible to the needle and picking from the finger you will never have to think about tensioning the yarn correctly, as all you need to do is knit or purl and tension will come automatically!  When you knit the Norwegian way, you will also be able to better relax the muscles in your neck, shoulder, arms and hands.  In that sense, Norwegian style knitting is actually much more ergonomic than many other ways of knitting.  And finally, there is one more added bonus of knitting the Norwegian way:  you will increase the speed of your knitting dramatically!  In this class, ARNE & CARLOS will teach you the basics of knitting and purling the Norwegian way, as we knit a cowl using chunky yarn.

The Norwegian purl is particularly fun to learn:  Arne always says it is like a dance!!

Materials:  100 gms (2 balls) of ROWAN Brushed Fleece in any colour of your choice.
Needles:  1 standard circular needle 24 inch size US 10

VERY IMPORTANT note about needles:  Because you are shifting the tension from the way you hold the yarn and on to the needle, there is nothing you can do to control the tension, as it comes automatically.  The only way to that the right tension if you are a loose knitter is to go down a size in needles and if you are a tight knitter you will need to go up a size in needles.  Therefore, the specified needle size for this project is for the people who knit to the specified gauge and must be taken with a pinch of salt.  If you already know that you knit loosely or tightly we ask you to consider that when you select the needles to bring to this class.  If you are unsure, just bring needles in a couple of sizes, so we may help you determine the correct size in class.  Also, please do not expect to finish the entire hat in class.

HOMEWORK:  N/A



An Introduction to Traditional Scandinavian Twined Knitting

Twined Knitting (Norwegian: Tvebandstrikking, Swedish:  Tvaadsticking) is a traditional knitting technique that originates from Norway and Sweden and has existed since the 17th century.  This technique is used to make thicker, warmer and more water repellent garments.  Twined knitting is always knitted with two ends, even if the garment that is being knitted is of a single colour.  In this class, ARNE & CARLOS will teach you the basics of twined knitting using two colours and how to create the "herringbone" pattern with knitting a hat using this special technique. 

Materials: 2 balls of ROWAN Cocoon in colour Polar #801 and Seascape #813
Needles:  16 inch US 10 circular, 16 inch US 10.5 circular and set of 5 US 10.5 DPNs

HOMEWORK:  with smaller size circular needle and the colour of your chose, CO 64 sts.  Join and work around in k2, p2 ribbing for 10 rows.

Tuesday Evening Lecture

The World of ARNE & CARLOS  6 - 8 pm at the Longmont Performing Arts Center

Scandinavian design superstars ARNE & CARLOS have gained a passionate international following, not only through their work with well-known names such as Comme de Garcons, Urban Outfitters, Dale of Norway, Regia and Rowan but also their nine bestselling instructional books and numerous online tutorials.  It is in their books and videos that we are warmly welcomed in to their vibrant, colouful, creative world which is based in a renovated train station in the Valdres region of Norway, north of Oslo.  Here we see glimpses of the eclectic collections of memorabilia, the rich variety of materials and patterns, the natural elements outside and homey comforts of inside that spark their ever-active imaginations.  These are the sources or their hugely popular handcraft designs, which reflect their enthusiasm for finding new ways to value the old , as well as their commitment to developing innovative ideas that are wholly their own.  In this engaging lecture, ARNE & CARLOS speak frankly about the way they live, and how everyone of us can be inspired by the everyday things that surround us.  Learn how to create fabulous, unique knitting and crochet designs as well as other projects using their unique lifestyle techniques and walk away feeling energized and finally ready to bring your own original ideas to life.  

Wednesday classes:

New Nordic Knitting  - An Introduction to Norwegian Stranded Colour Work


Norwegian stranded colour works is all about tension.  In this class, you will learn the basics of Norwegian style stranded knitting with 2 colours from expert Nordic knitters ARNE & CARLOS, who will show you the easiest and most relaxing way to hold the needles and the yarn, and teach you important techniques and tricks that will help you achieve perfect tension while keeping all of your stitches even and beautiful, in true Norwegian style!  We will work with bulky yarn and thick needles and practice our colour works techniques while knitting a hat with the traditional X and O pattern, which is the easiest Norwegian pattern that you could possibly work with.  Whether you are an inexperienced or experienced knitter, if you have ever wanted to learn how to knit stranded colour work as it is done in the Noway and the other Nordic countries, by mast knitters who come from that part of the world, this class is for you!

Materials:  2 balls of Rowan Cocoon:  1 ball (100 gm) in colour #801 Polar and 1 ball in colour #813 Seascape
Needles:  1 standard circular needle 16 inch size US 10, 1 standard circular needle 16 inch size US 10.5, 1 set of 5 DPNs size US 10.5
HOMEWORK:  With smaller size circular needle and colour # 801 Polar, CO 64 sts. Join and workaround in K2, P2 Ribbing for 10 rows. 

Important note:  We will be focusing on stranded colour work techniques, so please do not expect to finish the entire hat in the class, as the hat itself may take longer than 3 hours to complete.  However, ARNE & CARLOS will give you lots of tips to take home with you, so you can finish later.



New Nordic Christmas Ball "The Squirrel"

Christmas is a special time for those who live in the north.  Winters are dark and cold, so people spend a lot of time sitting by the warm stove with some handwork.  ARNE & CARLOS have a particular weakness for that time of year.  With techniques, patterns, and sources of inspiration fondly shared by the designers, ARNE & CARLOS will outright charm you!  Their knitting antics are the perfect recipe for holiday decor that is colourful and festive, whatever your skill level.

Materials: ROWAN Alpaca Soft DK 1 ball in colour #201 simply white and 1 ball in color #206 deep rose.
Needles and Hooks:  1 set of DPNs size US 3 and 1 crochet hook size US D-3mm

Very important note about needles:  Choosing the right yarn and tools for any project is an essential!  For those participants with little or no experienced knitting with DPN, we strongly recommend bring wooden or bamboo needles.  Pleas do not bring metal or carbon needles if you have never used DPNS before. 

OTHER supplies for Christmas Ball:  Wool or Acrylic stuffing.
Homework: None.

Photography: ARNE & CARLOS/Ragnar Hartvig