A Virtual Event!

Hello, friends!

We have an exciting invitation for you.

Please join us on Friday, August 18 for a virtual workshop with Olga Buraya-Kefelian, one of the most inventive designers we know. In a three-hour session on Zoom, we’ll dive into one of the graphic slipped-stitch patterns that make Olga’s designs so recognizable—and so adored. The project: Olga’s sumptuous Sei Cowl. 

Olga Buraya-Kefelian’s inventive spirit is a breath of inspiration. We’re busting our buttons with pride that she is the  featured designer for MDK Field Guide No. 24: Spark. Last month, Olga led a sold-out two-day workshop in Nashville, to rave reviews. A happy band of knitters left MDK World Headquarters with a fresh sense of the possibilities of knits and purls, and a great start on a beautiful project.

We’ve wanted to make a rich experience like this available to folks who can’t attend an in-person event, and here it is!

Like MDK’s in-person events, you’ll be inspired, engaged, and well cared-for. We’ve put together a beautiful workshop kit starring MDK’s lush 100% Rambouillet wool yarn, Atlas, in your choice of 2 colorways. To find out what else is in the box,  and all the details, keep reading, or click here for all the information and to sign up. Please note: although the workshop will happen on Zoom, attendance is capped at the number of boxes we were able to make, so if this sounds like fun, act now so you don’t miss out.

Details

Date:  August 18, 2023

Time: Noon-3 p.m. Eastern time

Location: Zoom—this is a virtual event. Fear not: the workshop will be recorded so that enrollees who can’t make the live session can watch it afterwards.

Project: Olga’s Sei Cowl. This smashing accessory is worked in the round, from the top down. You’ll knit a series of meditative slip-stitch motifs that grow progressively in size, forming a trapeze shape to envelop the neck and shoulders. The Sei Cowl would be a fabulous gift for someone special—but we will be keeping ours for ourselves. 

Our Workshop Leader

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One of the most prolific, innovative designers we know. Known to her fans as Olga Jazzy, she draws inspiration from architecture and industrial design, from European and Japanese textile arts and fashion—translating and transforming her sources into patterns that are engaging to knit and delightful to wear.

What’s in the Box

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We’ve put together a very special kit for this class. The kit contains:

• 4 skeins of Atlas yarn, in your choice of 2 colorways—enough to make either the small or large size of the Sei Cowl
• A custom Bento Bag, made in the USA in 100 percent linen
• A crochet hook
• A stitch marker
• A tapestry needle
• A packet of Soak wool wash
• A Ravelry code for the Sei Cowl pattern

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ABOVE: THE CLEMENTINE AND WHISPER COLORWAY, IN THE LARGER SIZE OF THE SEI COWL.

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ABOVE: THE SKYLINE AND MALLARD COLORWAY, IN THE SMALLER SIZE OF THE SEI COWL.

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ALSO INCLUDED: A CUSTOM-MADE BENTO BAG IN BEAUTIFUL LINEN. YOU’LL WONDER HOW YOU LIVED WITHOUT THIS USEFUL DUMPLING. it’s our go-to project bag.

Inquiring Minds Want to Know

What else will I need? Circular needles with cord lengths of 16″/40 cm and 24″/61 cm, in size US 6 (4mm) or size needed to obtain gauge. Everything else will be in the box!

Is the Sei Cowl suitable for beginning knitters? Absolutely! If you can knit, purl, and work simple increases, you’re ready. We’ll learn the crochet cast-on at the start; it’s super straightforward, and a great addition to your knitting skill set.

How should I get ready for the workshop? Maximize your workshop time by winding at least one skein of each color of yarn in advance. And although we will learn the crochet cast-on in class, if you cast on in advance you’ll be ready to dig into the stitch pattern that much faster—this is totally your call.

What’s the format? Olga will start us off with a talk about her process—otherwise known as “how the heck does she do that?” She’ll share stunning samples of her work too. With Olga’s instruction, aided by her excellent skills with the overhead camera focused on her hands, we’ll cast on the Sei Cowl, learn its stitch motifs and construction, and get ourselves on the road to glory. Participant mics will be muted, and the chat box will be monitored constantly for questions from participants. Later in the workshop there will be optional break-out rooms for companionable knitting and making friends, or for getting help from Olga and the team if needed.

How far along on my Sei Cowl can I expect to get during the workshop? We do not expect anyone to finish this project during the Zoom, but you’ll be casted on and confident, and well on your way. Olga’s stitch motifs are the essence of “one more row” knitting, so we predict a quick finish! For added support, you’ll receive a link to the recording of the class afterwards, and there will be a topic in the MDK Lounge for sharing, caring, and modeling our finished pieces.

I can’t make it to the live Zoom. May I still participate? Sure! Everyone enrolled in the workshop will receive a link to the event recording and all resources we share.

Do I have to order the kit to participate in the Zoom class or watch the recording? Yes, it’s a complete experience.

We hope to see you there!

Love,

Ann and Kay*

*We’ve both already finished our projects from Olga’s workshop in Nashville in June, but there is no truth to the rumor that we set up this virtual workshop just to get another Olga project on our needles . . . or is there?