Carson Demers Workshop- English Efficiency

Carson Demers is a physical therapist, and every other moment he's knitting, spinning, designing, teaching, or otherwise up to some fiber fun - always with a watchful eye toward ergonomics. His passion and experience in fiber arts, combined with his expertise in physical therapy and ergonomics, results in a unique skill set that he eagerly shares with the fiber community to keep us all creating healthfully - and comfortably - ever after. He has authored the book Knitting Comfortably

Carson teaches ergonomics, knitting and spinning throughout the US.

The Workshop:

How do you knit? English or Continental? Carson will be visiting Cast Away on November 10 to teach 2 classes on ergonomic and efficiency in knitting. Depending on which style you knit in you will sign up for the workshop that is in the style that you knit in..

English "Throw" Knitting: this is when you  pick up the yarn with your right hand when it's time to wrap.

Continental "European" Knitting: this is when you hold the yarn in your left hand and "pick" it with your needle.

Many knitters avoid knitting in the English style and might even switch to another style to be more efficient. The truth is, English, or  "throwing", is a very efficient method, but it's being done wrong by most of us in the 21st century.

This class is a deep dive into the original techniques and landmarks of English knitting, what we've done to make it seem inefficient and slow, and how to undo or modify those faulty variations. Knitters will learn to knit more efficiently and more comfortably with this class.

Skill Level: All levels of experience. Beginners are welcome but this is not a learn-to-knit class for first timers. Knitters must be able to independently cast-on, and make knit and purl stitches in the English style.

Learner’s Homework and Materials:

Using light colored worsted weight yarn and needle size 8 cast on 30 stitches (any technique) and work as follows: 

• Rows 1-6: Knit all stitches (garter stitch).
• Row 7 (WS): Knit 2. Purl 26 st. Knit 2 st.
• Row 8 (RS): Knit all stitches.
• Repeat Rows 7 and 9 until sample measures 4-inches (10.6 cm)
• Do NOT bind off. Leave work on needles and bring to class with the needles and yarn used to make sample. 

Cancellation Policy: If you need to cancel or reschedule we require at least 24 hours notice *per cancelled seat to give you store credit or a refund. We can not give you a refund or store credit with less than 24 hours notice per cancelled seat, no exceptions.

Access: Can't do stairs? Our shop is up a small flight of stairs, need help with access? Send us a text to arrange: 707-546-9276.