Today I spent the day learning Andean knitting. It's very challenging for me, I'm using multiple colours and a graphic design to create a pattern. My usual knitting involves using one colour or self patterning yarn. This is also a very different way to knit. The knitting needles have been made of bicycle spokes filed at 1 end into a sharp point and the a small hook created at the other and we use 5. The yarn is alpaca hand spun and dyed by our teacher Ruffina. The yarn is very fine and soft, you must be careful not to tug too hard or create too tight of tension - as I found out (I've been known to bend a needle from holding all just a little too tight! I think I would describe the technique some mix of European and North American knitting, part crochet, you use your thumbs and hang the yarn from your neck to create the correct tension. Ruffina is lovely in her traditional dress and reminds us often patience, slowly. She speaks Spanish only but through demonstration, hand signals and a shared love of knitting she is a great teacher. It just goes to show if you share a love of something the spoken word isn't always necessary!
There were many other artisans sharing they're talents and finished projects with us. Weavers, embroiders ( hand an machine) , braiders, and carvers and spinners. So throughout the day we could see others working at their chosen craft.
So, how could life be better then spending a sunny day in the courtyard of a 'castle' knitting with new friends!
A truly marvelous time!
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