She is a master storyteller, historian, knitter, designer, and award-winning, best-selling author. She spent seventeen years buying and selling Cowichan sweaters in a shop behind her home on the Tsartlip First Nation Reserve near Victoria, BC. Since then she has studied the history of the knitting tradition and how it fits into the broader scope of knitting traditions around the world. With her daughter, Joni, Sylvia works in Salish Fusion, the Olsen family business that creates knitted things. Sylvia’s latest book Unravelling Canada tells the story, sometimes conflicted, sometimes celebratory, of her six week knitting tour across the country and examines the natural spaces and cultural geography of this great land through a knitting lens.
Contact:
Sylvia Olsen
North Saanich, BC
[email protected]
sylviaolsen.com
Workshop – Salish Fusion Toque
Unstranded colourwork was not invented by Coast Salish knitters but it is the technique used in the famous Cowichan sweaters. Many say you can see the truly unusual aspect of the technique when you turn the work inside out and look at the interesting pebbled look. Learn how to weave two colours into every stitch and achieve the elasticity and interior beauty found in Coast Salish knitting. This class will be taught using the throwing knitting style (also known as English or right-hand knitting) but the teaching can be adapted to fit with your style. Sylvia brings her love of storytelling to the workshop so come prepared to share and listen to knitting stories.
Participant-supplied materials: A US #10/6mm 24” circular needle or double pointed needles
A toque knit with pattern and yarn is included.
A kit including the toque pattern and yarn is included in the workshop tuition price and will be available at the session.
Skill level: Beginner/Intermediate. Basic knitting skills are required.
