Coast Salish/Cowichan Knitting Workshop

Last Friday (May 29th), I had the chance to attend author/knitting expert Sylvia Olsen's Great Canadian Knitting Tour workshop in my area. In this tour, she discusses the history of Coast Salish knitting, in particular the Cowichan sweater tradition.

Guys, I was really lucky to get in this workshop. I was on the wait list because the class was full. Fortunately, the yarn shop (Creative Yarns) was able to hold another one because too many wanted to do the class...yay!

To see these authentic Cowichan items was just great, and Ms. Olsen is such a great story teller. If you have the opportunity to go see her, I highly recommend it:)


The workshop included a toque kit (yarns and pattern), because we were also taught how to knit the way Coast Salish knitters do. So different from the traditional colour work style of Fair Isle/Intarsia knitting....


This dress was awesome outside AND inside.




There was a draw for prizes that the yarn owner (Nina) did. She's so nice.
 And me with me Sylvia Olsen:D
 I had her sign the books I bought, and I also bought a fingerless mitts kit (which I've started already).

This is the finished hat from the workshop:)
What it looks like inside. I haven't perfected the technique, but still happy with how it turned out:D

Here is the video that made me want to know more about Coast Salish knitting. I truly believe every Canadian should know this story, as it is a very important part of the country's First Nations history.

Have you attended a workshop like this?

Comments

Josie said…
Oh wow this looks like so much fun Emmy! It's so great to be in a room full of people who are all passionate about the same thing as you x

Josie’s Journal
Elle Sees said…
this truly fascinates me--i had no idea about things like this!
Anonymous said…
I wish I could knit. I'd knit myself a ginormous wardrobe full of funky knits.
FASHION TALES said…
It's nice that they could hold another one, I know this is so important for you. I always enjoy seeing the results of your knitting too. x/Madison
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It's awesome you were able to get into this class off the waitlist Emmy! Sounds like you learned alot from Sylvia and your hat came out great!

Rowena @ rolala loves
Oh wow, that is amazing that you were able to attend!
the-creationofbeauty.blogspot.com
Those patterns are really cool! I haven't done a workshop in a while, but I go to cooking class once a month. Next one's this friday, looking forward to it (mostly the eating part :-)!
Oh to Be a Muse said…
This must have been so much fun for you! Thanks for sharing, dear.

P.S. -- did you catch last night's episode of GoT? It was killer!

www.ohtobeamuse.com
Ti said…
Wow, amazing pictures :) Looks like a lot of fun
That was so cool Emmy, that you got in the class. I want that dress and that was awesome she signed your books. What a great experience!
http://www.averysweetblog.com/
Unknown said…
Sounds like it was an amazing workshop! I love the hat you created...the pattern is beautiful!

http://ourruins.com
Shon said…
Love, love and love! This is so wonderful that you are having a creative moment and learning some pretty incredible history. This is some really beautiful artwork.

I love her red clogs! I am going to watch the vid with my kids.

Thanks.
Adam said…
I never understood how the first knitting person figured out how to do it from scratch. I've seen the how-tos, and they make my brain hurt
Fantastic post! Very lovely photos too. Happy Wednesday dear! :)

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June said…
Ah I can see from that big grin that you had a wonderful time! Love your hair color
xx
www.JuneWantsItAll.com
Beauty Follower said…
Cool hat!
Keep up the good job ;)

http://beautyfollower.blogspot.gr
What a cool workshop! The hat is beautiful!
Coco said…
My dear Emmy, you must have had the greatest time! I can't wai to see what you have learnt! Have a great day doll!! Baci,
Coco et La vie en rose fashion blog - Valeria Arizzi
Unknown said…
So cute and creative!
Have a great day!
Natallia Jolliet
http://www.alexphotographygeneva.blogspot.com/
Beauty Editer said…
Fantastic post dear! Hope you have a lovely day.

** I'm inviting you to join Love, Beauty Bloggers on facebook. A place for beauty and fashion bloggers from all over the world to promote their latest posts!


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Vanessa said…
Those items are beaaaautiful! Looks like a very rewarding workshop. I've gotta learn to knit one day!
LV said…
Looks like so much fun and I have always wished I could knit and sew.
Unknown said…
Sounds like a great workshop and your hat is awesome!

Emma | http://www.fluffandfripperies.com
I wasn't sure what salish knitting was (not that I'm studious in the topic period) but it is so awesome to learn this about Canada. I can't watch the video right now (laptop battery is dangerously low and plug is nowhere in sight, naturally) but I am so on it tomorrow morning. Thanks for introducing me to this knitting world I was unaware existed.

Sxx
www.daringcoco.com
Jane said…
So beautiful and amazing! This winter I really hope to graduate to using more finer organic yarns and fiber and make sweater and more intricate patterns. I feel like I have so much more to learn and hopefully I'll get to a level where I feel more confident!
Arenda Holladay said…
I am so jealous! Thanks for taking so many photos...

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