Okay, you need to know that I wanted to win Natural Stitches June BINGO – the postage stamp. I could get it, most of the blocks were doable – sit and knit (I can do that) – buy stuff (I certainly can do that); then— The Challenge --take a “new to you class.” Uh oh. What would I take? What haven’t I already taken that will fit into my already booked June schedule??? A quick look at the calendar…hmmm….”Knitting from Japanese Patterns” I’ve never taken that…I don’t speak or read Japanese… Will I end up making those little animals? Will I have to take off my shoes? Will there be a secret ingredient? Will Alton Brown be commentating? Will I run screaming from Godzilla? Will there be subtitles?
Oh -- class description – “learn to read/interpret Japanese patterns”… “must be comfortable working from charts...” Charts – I can do charts; charts are my friend. I can do this. So I sign up for class and get the “homework.” A few basic supplies to be gathered and search Ravelry for Pierrot. What’s Pierrot?
Pierrot - a Japanese pattern company. Oh, so I search…why are the patterns coming up in English? Kind of defeats the purpose of learning Japanese chart reading, if the charts are in English; what did I do? Forgot to click the appropriate filters; try again, click Japanese filter, click clothing filter…ooooohhhh…
I like these…I manage to pull off a few patterns of projects that I like and could see myself working on – a rectangular shawl, a vest, a beautiful sweater, and off I go to class.
The shop was all a bustle with people and projects when I arrived. It was nice to reconnect with a few knitters I hadn’t seen in a while, but all too quickly it was time for class. Connie was well-prepared for class, and we started on my new journey. After review of an informational handout explaining a few of the common Japanese symbols, we dove right into the patterns to discover this new and exciting charting method.
The Japanese chart is very different from English and yet some pieces are the same. In a Japanese chart, the little drawing is blown up and shows not only how long or wide a garment measures, but includes the direction of knitting (top up, or bottom up, in the round); increases and decreases; and number of stitches or rows in a particular section. “English” charts are then used to provide the stitch pattern – the symbols are common with what we use.
A little detective work provides the gauge for the piece. Of course, you need to swatch…I knew there’d be a drawback somewhere! Swatching is important when working with Japanese patterns because these patterns do not provide multiple sizes. You will need to be able to take the swatch and make revisions (needle size, change yarn, etc.) so the piece will fit the intended recipient.
We reviewed the patterns I brought and went through bunches of books and magazines Connie had acquired. It was fun to review the Japanese books, because the patterns held something new and exciting. For example sweaters that would be knit in color work in English patterns were interpreted through lacework in Japanese patterns. Absolutely beautiful and total different from what I am used to seeing.
All too soon class was over and my head was reeling with ideas and new information. I couldn’t wait to get to my computer to see what new adventures I could get into. I managed to track down a book (New Style of Heirloom Knitting) that I drooled over during class in New York. It came the other day, and I’ve been savoring it. I’ve decided that I’ll make the Mondnacht shawl. It will test my Japanese chart reading, yet not make me totally crazy because no need to worry about whether it will fit.
So, what have I learned? I still don’t speak Japanese, but have discovered that language isn’t a barrier when knitting; I am connected with an entirely different culture through only a few simple symbols. Yes, there is a secret ingredient -- the desire to explore and be open to new ideas and opportunities. I only have to worry about Godzilla if I knit one.
I look forward to continuing my journey into Japanese patterns -- shoes optional…
