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?