This KAL is a celebration of past milestones and new creative adventures. If you’ve been a part of our Design-Along journey, you’ll know why Knitwear Design Workshop (KDW) has become one of the cornerstones of our brand. KDW was born from a yearning to empower other knitters who may have been wary of making their own clothes. Together, we walked through the design process and many unique, beautiful garments were created. It’s in this same courageous, collaborative spirit that we’ve planned something new for the KAL. We’ll knit the iconic Pea Coat from the cover of KDW but with new yarn and some serious DAL energy.
What’s New:
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For this KAL, we’ll be joined by knitters from over 15 countries.
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The original yarn used 10 years ago was Zara Plus. This time around, we’ve chosen Merino VIII for its silky, luxurious feel.
More About the Yarn:
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Using a size 8 (5 mm) needle, the Gold Merino VIII yields a beautiful, crisp fabric with a firm hand – perfect for knitting a coat. The size 7 (4.5 mm) needle creates a similar effect.
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On the size 8 (5 mm) needle the fabric made with the Merino VI has more stretch.
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Merino VIII will soon be available for purchase from our KAL STORE for $9.00/ ball.
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Merino VIII Specs: 1)100% Superfine Merino, 2) Worsted Weight, 3) Machine Washable, 4) 95 yards/ 87 m per 50-gram ball, 5) Needle Size 8 (5 mm), 6) 18 sts = 4”/ 10 cm, 4.5 sts = 1”
Lisa Hoffman
“I tell my students to explore new techniques without fear and to relish this creative process.”
Lisa Hoffman is a knitwear designer and knitting teacher from New York City. Her designs have been published in Vogue Knitting, Interweave Knits, and Knitwear Magazines. She has designed patterns for Artyarns, String, and Tahki Stacy Charles. Her book Faerie Knitting, co-authored with her cousin Alice Hoffman, was positioned at #1 on Amazon.com in the knitting genre.
Mari Tobita
“For me, the magic is in every stitch. It’s in the tiny details that work together to create a finished product.”
Mari is a multi-talented knitwear designer and visual artist. Her designs have appeared in magazines like Vogue Knitting, Interweave Knits, and in several knitting books. Mari’s creative passions also include film and animation. In 1996, she moved to New York City from Japan to continue her work as a puppet designer. One of the animated films she’s worked on received 2 Academy Award nominations.
Trudie Joseph
“Sunsets, spider webs, cats – my knitting is inspired by a little bit of everything from the world around me. Maybe beauty’s in the eye of the needle holder.”
Trudie is an avid handcrafter who enjoys knitting designs with intricate detail and classic garment construction. As a published knitwear designer, her Corolla Cropped Cardigan was featured in Vogue Knitting (Winter 19/20). Trudie’s ambitious upcoming designs are earmarked for publication in several major industry magazines next year.
Tracey Rivers
“I’ve been knitting and crocheting for more than 40 years, but every project feels like a new beginning. I try to take life one stitch at a time.”
Tracey is a multifaceted creative. She’s a knitwear designer and certified Knitting and Crochet Instructor (Craft Yarn Council of America). This fearless fiber artist will be co-moderating the group on Ravelry and on our website. Tracey’s a wife, mom, science and mathematics educator, former Principal Dancer (Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater) and former Broadway performer.
Sharpen your needles and get ready for a worldwide knit off. We’re celebrating our 10th anniversary with a Pea Coat KAL. Get inspiration, personal coaching, and insider secrets from the industry’s brightest knitwear designers.
Lisa and Mari have a wealth of design knowledge and industry insights to share. As KAL facilitators, they’ll host each Zoom session. These calls are a great chance to join together and tap into the artistic passion that inspires us all. Let’s chat, challenge each other and bring our creativity to the party!
Tracey and Trudie are our project moderators. Not only will they join the Zoom calls, but they’re also at the heart of our Ravelry community. They’ve spearheaded several KALs before and will guide you along the way. Mari will also translate for our Japanese knitters. Ask questions, post photos of your work on the group, and share your progress with us. We’re on this adventure together.
The Project
Celebrate with us!
What’s in store for you:
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One-on-one coaching from some of the best knitwear designers in the industry
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VIP discounts on selected yarn and KDW
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Downloadable instructions, charts and stitch work guides
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Roundtable discussions with top knitwear designers
