Cushing resident, Helen Darmara, will lead a workshop on the knitting of the Komi people of northern Russia on Sunday, February 1, 2015, at the Cushing Public Library from 2:00 to 4:30 pm. In case of bad weather, the event will be held on February 9.

The Komi are a Finno-Ugric people, living west of the Ural Mountains. Their language is unrelated to Russian. They have an unusual knitting tradition, with distinctive motifs. The workshop will teach knitting a two color design in the round, using Komi motifs.

The workshop will include a short discussion of Komi knitting motifs and their similarities to and differences from other regional designs. Patterns for a headband and hat will be provided.

The workshop is aimed at intermediate knitters, although all are welcome. The ability to cast on, knit, purl and cast off is needed. Familiarity with stranded knitting is a plus, but not a requirement.

Helen started knitting as a child when she and her sisters went door to door in the neighborhood collecting needles and yarn that weren’t being used. They talked their grandmother into teaching them how to use what they had collected. Helen has designed several patterns and is active on Ravelry as cfabrication.

Materials required: Worsted weight yarn, approximately 50 grams each of 2 contrasting colors. Approximately 25 grams of a third color, if desired. You will need a 16” circular or double point needles in a size that works up at 5 stitches to the inch. Cascade 220 yarn is a good choice, as it is widely available and comes in many colors, but any yarn with between 200 and 220 yards per 100 grams will be fine. Yarn kits can be provided for $15, as long as they are requested in advance.

Please contact komi_camden@roadrunner.com before January 3, 2015 if you are interested in purchasing a kit or for more information.

This workshop is hosted by the Cushing Public Library and offered as a free community event in anticipation of the 28th Annual Camden Conference: Russia Resurgent, February 20-22, 2015. For more information, please call the Cushing Public Library at 207-354-7212.