A Master Class on Marls as Colorwork

A Virtual Class With Cecelia Campochiaro

Feb 5, 2:00-4:00pm;
Feb 6, 2:00-4:00pm;
Feb 12, 2:00-4:00pm;
Feb 13, 2:00-4:00pm CST

This four-part master class is all about multi-stranded handknitting and working with multiple strands as a kind of colorwork.

Class sessions will be recorded and remain accessible online to registered students of the class for 14 days following the event.

Working with marls is as simple as holding strands together while knitting, but as with much in knitting, simplicity can beget complexity. This four-part master class will cover how marls work, the history of marling, color theory for marls, how to arrange color changes into different marl sequences, working with gradient sets, and how to plan projects using marls. One crucial planning technique is prototyping how marls will look with tiny swatches called microswatches. Students will make these to see how the experience can help them with project planning and will also experiment with different marl sequences using their own microswatches.

If you have taken one of Cecelia’s marling workshops before, much of the material will be the same, but with one class per day spread over two weekends there is more time for interactive discussion and to do knitting between classes.

The class will include the Ella Improv cowl pattern and kits in a silk noil yarn in three color ways: Spectrum, Blues and Golds, and Shades of Gray. The Ella Improv is a small project that is a good way to experiment with the concepts in the class and make a beautiful and useful piece.

An $88 kit is required for this class:
To get the most out of this class, Cecelia recommends using Ito Kino (100% Silk Noil) in one of three colorways she has curated:
Spectrum: Denim, Capri Blue, Mint, Mustard, Cayenne Red, and Chili Pepper;
Blues and Golds: Denim, Dark Navy, Light Gray, Charcoal, Caravan, and Dark Brown;
Shades of Gray: White, Snow Gray, Light Gray, Gray, Charcoal, and Black

The yarn is fine, with 464 yards on a 50-gram cone, so when 2 strands are combined to form the marl, the fabric feels more like a DK-knit with wonderful drape. Using two strands of six colors, you can create a 21-step gradation.

When your order is complete, you will receive a link to select your color way.

NOTE: Due to time and shipping constraints, kits are not available to people living outside the United States; however, interested students may contact [email protected] for guidance on the yarn.

Supply list
• Sharp-tipped metal needles, often called lace needles, are best for working with marls
• Knitting Basics: Sharp scissors, Notebook, Pen or pencil with eraser, Stitch markers, Tapestry needles (large and small), Tape measure, Small calculator, Needles and crochet hooks of various sizes
Optional:
• For the cowl project, US 4 (3.5 mm) 16″ needles.
• A copy of Cecelia’s book Making Marls is recommended but not required.