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Finishing techniques, although often considered an after-thought, in fact are one of the most critical components of a project. The finishing of an item is the difference between "hand-crafted" and "homemade". This class focuses on gaining experience in a variety of techniques to understand both their pros and cons and when to apply them. Techniques covered in class include seaming, picking up stitches, weaving in ends and blocking.
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Knitting is just the beginning. Learn how to purl and discover the limitless number of possible textures and patterns. Once you have mastered knit & purl, you can knit almost anything! Class will focus on learning the purl stitch and ways to combine it with the knit stitch to create interesting stitch patterns. Add a couple of seams, a button and a handle and before you know it, you will have created a cute purse.
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You know how to knit, you know how to purl and you are ready to move beyond the basics. Open up endless possibilities by adding a few more skills to your knitting arsenal. Learn to work on double pointed needles, add stitches with increases, remove stitches with decreases, create a basic seam - most everything you need to know after knit and purl. Best of all, the project is felted when you are done, so any imperfections while you learn are just felted away!
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Felted slipper socks are the perfect project to learn new skills and showcase your talents, all at the same time. But be warned -- everyone is going to want a pair! Students will learn how to use double pointed needles, perform decreases and turn a heel. The perfect way to learn sock construction in a quick project.
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You are beyond the basics, but still want to learn more. Begin exploring techniques that will move you to new levels of knitting. Learn to a unique flexible cast on, tricks on creating stripes and the secret of creating fingers and so much more. When complete, a pair of Fun Fingered Gloves will be ready to wear or give as a special gift.
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By opening up the world of fitted garments, a knitter's possibilities are endless. My First Vest is designed to cover many of the elements necessary to successfully execute any garment pattern. Pattern secrets such as calculating gauge, increasing evenly, picking up stitches and creating button holes are just a few of the many skills gained within this project. Although this is a full size garment, utilizing bulky yarn speeds up the knitting process.
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If you are ready to move beyond scarves, but aren't prepared to jump into a complicated project, try making a poncho. Ponchos are the latest craze, and with minimal shaping they are a great next step for newer knitters. With 3 styles to choose from and 3 yarn weights, you can make your own poncho design. Learn how to pick yarn to go with your favorite style. We will cover shaping & stitch pattern details that will customize your design based on your personal style and skill level.
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This class is designed for the knitter who would like to familiarize themselves with the techniques associated in knitting a garment from the top as opposed to the "traditional" method of bottom up. Some of the key concepts include flexible cast on and bind off methods, instructions for double increases and mirrored decreases. Previous experience in knitting garments is not required, although may be helpful. To keep the quantity of knitting manageable, only baby/toddler sizing is offered. However, techniques covered will easily translate into other garments.
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Managing Mistakes is for knitters of all levels who feel like they spend more time ripping than knitting. Learn how to recognize, analyze, and most importantly FIX common knitting mistakes, most without having to rip out. This is a very hands-on class, so class size will be limited.
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Do you love color but are hesitant to add it to your knitting, afraid that the techniques will be too complex? Gain experience without having to make the commitment of a large project. Techniques include working with stripes, utilizing slipped stitches, mosaic knitting, intarsia, duplicate stitch and fair isle. Sample pieces combine to create a teddy bear sized Kimono of Color.
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You have a vision and maybe you have the yarn, but how do you take from concept to a completed sweater? This class walks the students through the steps from the beginning with drawing a basic schematic, developing an appropriate swatch and taking measurements (or using industry "standards") to the finale with drafting a pattern, checking the numbers and knitting up your dream sweater. If the numbers make you nervous, fear not, all instruction is provided with the math-phobic in mind. The process is just a matter of working through the steps all designers use to take their vision and make it a reality.
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Knitting a sweater from the top not only is fun, it is practical. When knit from the top, it can be tried on along the way to ensure a correct fit and easily lengthen for growing children. In this class students will begin with the yarn of their choice and learn how to design a sweater from the top down. In addition to gaining an understanding of the calculations, students will also gain insight into flexible cast on & bind off methods, options for increasing and decreasing and basic design considerations. All students will be well underway in knitting their own creation upon completion class.
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Entrelac is fascinating and relatively easy to learn, but its construction limits the possible applications -- or does it?!? Even if you are new to entrelac, class begins with learning the basic construction of the components utilized in entrelac. Once students are comfortable with the basics we move on to solving common problems. After getting several small projects under your belt, you are ready to begin the process of designing a project in entrelac. Calculating gauge, utilizing schematics, shaping, seams and invisible joins will all be covered with skills building on one another.
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Ready to expand your knitting horizons? Create a stylish purse and get a taste of a wide range of knitting techniques and skills. With nearly twenty different topics, there is something for knitters of all levels. Students knit nearly the entire time so as you learn a technique, you immediately try it on a real project. Multiple options are provided for several components of the bag, resulting in a customize project for each student.
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Have you tried knitting or crocheting with all the typical yarns but long for something fun and new? This is your chance to play with a variety of alternatives not found in your local yarn shop. Discover the pros and cons of knitting with non-traditional fibers! This class is about exploring and having fun while adding a new dimension to your favorite hobby.
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The ancient Japanese craft of Kumihimo creates a beautiful unique cord, perfect for using up left over bits from various fiber art projects. Class is focused on learning the basics of creating a Kumihimo braid. A variety of samples showing the possibilities of combining of colors, fibers will also be provided. Once inspired, let the creative juices flow to the boundless possibilities all with small amounts of leftover fiber!
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Most of us knit in one direction, but what would happen if you could knit in EITHER direction? Bobbles would pop out faster, entrelac would be even more fun and your yarn would be less tangled, and that is just the beginning. Some call it knitting back backwards, but regardless of the name, it is a great skill to have in your knitting arsenal. You can learn the basics to knitting in "the other direction" regardless of the way you knit now! All it takes, as with most things, is a little bit of practice.
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Knitting patterns use a language all their own and there is more to it than just understanding the abbreviations. Learn tricks for translating the language of knitting, clues for decoding the "secret messages" and hints for making educated guesses when nothing else seems to work. Students will gain experience locating key information and understanding the intention of real patterns as the class works through examples written in a variety of styles.
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Diamonds, or more specifically argyles, are a classic pattern. But argyles are no longer just limited to socks. We are using the argyle pattern to provide a great introduction to intarsia and duplicate stitch. In this class, make a simple card holder while discovering the basics of intarsia, gaining insights on color selection and learning tips and tricks.
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If you have ever wanted to give Fair Isle a try, but were afraid to commit to a large project, this is the class for you. Students will gain sight into stranded knitting techniques including the various options for carrying two yarns at once. All the while, creating a useful and handy cell phone case. This class is designed as a basic introduction to the technique and assumes students will have no experience with stranded knitting although experience with knitting in the round and using double pointed needles is required.
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Are those beautiful hand-dyed yarns just waiting for the perfect project? Do the striping properties or the pools of color create a disappointing finished product. A variety of simple techniques and utilizing multiple yarns can provide outstanding results. Discussion of dye repeats and basic color analysis will also enhance the students of understanding of methods to take that beautiful hand-dyed skein and create and equally beautiful knitted fabric.
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Do you love color but are hesitant to add it to your knitting, afraid that the techniques will be too complex? Are those beautiful hand-dyed yarns just waiting for the perfect project? Learn the basics of using more than one color utilizing simple techniques. An overview of selecting colors and managing ends will also be covered.
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Mosaic knitting, the result looks complex, but the knitting is simple once you understand the basics. The unique nature of this technique results in a specialized chart and options for stitches and colors. Students will be given the skills required and the opportunity to produce beautiful two color geometric patterns utilizing the mosaic technique. Possibilities for adding the unique two-color technique to knitting projects will also be discussed.
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Does you shop offer a variety of classes throughout the year? If your shop sells needle arts, you need to be offering classes. If not, you are missing a valuable revenue stream for your business. Shops that offer a mix of classes are able to create new customers, develop shop loyalty and increase sales, all with minimal additional effort. Learn how to build successful relationships with independent instructors, develop classes that sell product and organize class registration to make it a painless process for everyone involved.
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Retreat, camps or weekend get-a-ways, call them what you will, but they are becoming more popular. Busy people appreciate the opportunity to "get away from it all" and focus on themselves and activities they enjoy. Offering a quality experience takes some preparation, but the results are well worth the effort. Learn the secrets to the most successful events, tricks for managing the registration process and resources for developing an event the participants won't forget.
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I-cord, corking, spool cord, the name changes, but the result is the same -- a simple knit tube with limitless possibilities. Begin with the basics by learning methods for creating I-cord. Next uncover a variety of ways I-cord can be use in conjunction with your knitting from beginnings to endings, embellishments to complete projects. Finally, let your imagination go wild and stretch the limits by altering any number of variables and discover the results.
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Set-in sleeves have long been considered one of the more difficult tasks in designing a sweater. Although proper fitting sleeves are challenging, there are guidelines that make this is a skill that can be learned. If you can design a basic tank top, you can design a sweater with a fitted set-in sleeve. Start with a fabric swatch, take your measurements and learn the calculations required to design a set-in capped sleeve that will fit -- every time. Class will move quickly so it is assumed that students are already familiar with basic design concepts such as gauge, ease and garment construction.
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If you love the entrelac stitch but find the technique limiting your design creativity, this is the class you have been waiting for. The construction of entrelac has limitations, but by applying unique shaping, seaming and joining methods, many of those constraints fade away. Class will focus on developing non-rectilinear shapes, invisible seams and specialized joining techniques.
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What to do when a yarn speaks to you, but you cannot find the perfect pattern? With some basic design skills and a calculator you can write your own pattern, creating the perfect merging of your vision into reality. Class will introduce students to the basics of knitted pattern drafting. Topics covered include taking measurements, garment ease, why a swatch is so important, basic rules of shaping and when it is okay to "fudge" the numbers. At the completion of class, students will have a basic pattern for one of two different basic styles of garment.
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What do gauge, yardage and sizing have in common with fear, dread and frustration (at least for some knitters)? Mathematics. This class will address the mathematics of swatching, gauge and yardage requirements with the math-phobic knitter in mind. Students will learn how to adjust a pattern for a new gauge, calculate evenly spaced increases and decreases and make pattern adjustments based on pattern stitch requirements.
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You have a handle on the knitting math basics, so now how do you apply this knowledge to your world of knitting? Students will each work through converting a basic sweater pattern into their own yarn/gauge. This class will address dealing with pattern multiples, stitch versus row gauge and when to make an educated guess.
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Have you always wanted to learn entrelac but thought it would be too hard. Whether a beginner or advanced knitter, this class is for you. During this class, each student will have the opportunity to knit a small project to gain hands on experience in the entrelac technique. Participants will learn the seamless entrelac technique and basic entrelac construction techniques. A discussion of other project possibilities will also be included.
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Finding the perfect button for you handcrafted creation often is a frustrating endeavor. Instead, learn to create intricate frogs, creative buttons and classics toggles all out of a unique cord from the project's left over yarn. Students will begin by learning the basics of creating a Kumihimo braid. Next we will explore a variety of ways to utilize the braid in creating Chinese style frog closures, simple toggles and three-dimensional buttons. Then let the creative juices flow to the boundless possibilities all with small amounts of leftover yarn!
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As a newer knitter, do you feel like other experienced knitters must have taken a class that you have missed? Do you have lots of questions but are not even sure what they are or how to ask them? Are you convinced that there must be some hints, tricks and secrets out there in the knitting world you have yet to discover? If so, this is the class for you. We will provide practical hints to help increase your satisfaction with knitting, tips on ways to maximize your knitting dollar through educated buying and a guidebook to the secret short-hand of knitting patterns.
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Sensational scarves are everywhere you look. Surprisingly, they are quick and easy to knit and make a great beginner project. Learn the basics or refresh your skills of casting on, knitting and binding off. This is a great project to get started knitting. But be forewarned, once friends and family see yours, everyone is going to want one!
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Knitted bags are a hot accessory and this class covers the many options available to build (or knit) a better bag. Gain insights on how better define three dimensional shapes with just a few well place stitches. Discover the key stitch to creating firm fabrics. Learn how to add "hardware" to complete your bag in style. Students will create their own "mini" bag utilizing the various techniques discussed.
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Calling all knitters who want to add to their current repertoire of cast on methods. Most knitters only utilize 1 or 2 cast on techniques but there are many more to choose from, each with pros and cons. In this hands on class, students will have an opportunity to try at least six different cast on methods (more if time allows). Each student will be provided detailed diagrams as a take home reference which includes information regarding each cast on method's advantages and drawbacks.
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Charts are called the "universal language" of knitting, but there is no universal standard. While learning the basics of reading charts, students will review a variety of charting styles and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each. Multiple symbol sets will also be presented including options utilized in various software programs designed specifically for this purpose.
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If you hate seams, but love stitch dictionaries, then learn how to take patterns written row by row and convert them to round by round. If the pattern is already charted, it can be even easier. Learn what to do with those extra edge stitches, the importance of stitch repeats and the secrets to selecting patterns that are easy to convert. Students will practice converting several stitch patterns to work circularly and convert a circular pattern to be worked flat.
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What is the best way to save time and improve your knitting? Learn to read what is on your needles. Begin by reviewing basic stitch construction, then learn how to determine where you are in your pattern and how to identify (and fix) mistakes before having to rip. Finally, with your new-found knowledge, convert finished stitch patterns into words. These are valuable skills for knitters of all experience levels
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Do you have a project that just isn't going as planned? Is your UFO pile growing due to project difficulties? Are the knitting directions confusing (or possibly just wrong) and you don't know what to do next? If so, the doctor is in! Bring in your problem project and leave with a possible solution.
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If you are intrigued by lace, but fear the complexity, this is the class for you. Lace looks complex (and can be) but some of the most beautiful patterns are actually quite simple. We will start at the beginning covering the terms yarn over and yarn around needle, explaining the different types of decreases and working through the basics. We will also provide an overview of lace charts and tips for dealing with more complex patterns. Open up a "hole" new world of knitting for yourself to enjoy and enter the world of lace.
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Intarsia, Fair Isle, stranded slipped stitches, what is the difference between these various color techniques? Gain a basic understanding and some hands-on experience with three types of color work while creating a small, pocket style bag. Students will learn tricks for working with multiple colors, creating consistent fabric and the basics to charting your own design.
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If you knit enough projects you have left over yarn -- a lot of it! Or maybe you just buy a single skein as a souvenir from your travels. But the question remains, what to do with all those bits, pieces and odd skiens. Class begins by learning how to organize the yarn for easier use. Next working with the yarn brought to class, create examples of five different styles of fabrics each with unique characteristics but only requiring a minimal amount of any given yarn. Finally, discuss options for utilizing the fabrics in a variety of projects.
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The pattern is just what you were looking for...except for a few changes. Get an introduction to design while gaining an understanding of how to adapt a published pattern to meet your stylistic needs. Whether selecting a different yarn, altering the stitch pattern, changing the sleeve length or choosing a different neck line the choice can be yours. Students will gain hands-on experience on converting a published pattern to meet their own design ideas.
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If you are familiar with entrelac and want to try something a little different, this class is for you. Felted entrelac creates a unique look and this Entrelac Purse is just "too cute". This bag is created in a unique way so class time will be spent sharing the secrets to its construction which include a provisional cast on, an entrelac gusset and decreasing in entrelac. The class will make the smallest size bag allowing for some knitters to leave with a bag ready for felting.
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Have you always wanted to learn entrelac but thought it would be too hard. Whether a beginner or advanced knitter, this class is for you. During this class, each student will have the opportunity to knit a bag that is felted upon completion. Participants will learn the seamless entrelac technique, shaping entrelac and basic entrelac construction techniques.
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Bags, purses and totes are currently the rage so learn the basics to design your own. Start with a simple folded rectangle, add a couple of seams and a flap (both with several options) and you have a card case. Next start with a flat bottom and work in the round to the top. Finish off with a custom eding and strap and you have a cell phone keeper. Finally, start at the top with spaced holes and shaping at the bottom, finish off with a strap and you have a handy pouch. Each bag provides opportunities to experiment with different closures, straps and finishes resulting in each bag being a custom creation. Discussion of hardware choices and resources will also be covered.
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This class is designed for the knitter who would like to familiarize themselves with the techniques associated in knitting a garment from the top as opposed to the “traditional” method of bottom up. Some of the key concepts include flexible cast on and bind off methods, instructions for double increases and mirrored decreases. Previous experience in knitting garments is not required, although may be helpful. To keep the quantity of knitting manageable, only teddy bear sizing is offered. However, techniques covered will easily translate into other garments.
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You know how to knit, you know how to purl and you are ready to move beyond scarves. Open up endless possibilities by adding a few more skills to your knitting arsenal. Learn to work on double pointed needles, add stitches with increases, remove stitches with decreases, create a basic seam - most everything you need to know after knit and purl. Best of all, the project is felted when you are done, so any imperfections while you learn are just felted away!
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If you are tired of stockinette or love the look of textured fabrics, this is the class for you. Come learn a new techinque every 30 minutes and walk out of class with a variety of textures that can be added to your knitting projects. Textures can be created with a variety of techinques including slipping, twisting, adding, subtracting plus many more. Class will focus on building a sample of texture starting with the basics and building progressively throughout the class.
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