Classes and Groups

Class and description

Cost

Date

Time

free

Any time during business hours

$65 for
6 classes

(hook included)

Tuesdays – start any week!

6-7 pm

Learn-to-Knit

$65 for
6 classes

(needles included)

Tuesdays – start any week!

Learn to Knit - by doing a Sampler Afghan

Learn to knit by doing an exciting sampler afghan that starts with a basic garter stitch square and gradually adds stitch techniques to each new square to painlessly guide the new or intermediate knitter from inexperienced to experienced.

To minimize the time and financial worries, you will only need to focus on and pay for one square at a time. Your instructor will guide you through the afghan and provide you with just the materials you will need to knit each square.

If you stitck with it, when the 63rd square is seamed together there will be very little you will not know about knitting techniques. Plus you will have a great afghan to brag about to your knitting friends.

In this workshop learners will:
* complete a logical progression of patterns that will lead them through:
*knit-purl stitch patterns
*mosaic stitch patterns
*slip-stitch patterns
*twist stitch patterns
*cable stitch patterns
*increase/decrease stitch patterns
*lace patterns
*join knitted afghan squares

$18
($15 if return with completed previous sample)

+

book

every 2nd Wednesday -
Aug 11, 25
Sept 8, 22
Oct 6, 20
Nov 3,17
Dec 1, 15

2 classes each night:

7-8 pm
or
8-9 pm

a sign-up sheet will be available 2 sessions in advance for each class (max 10)

Sit'n Knit

Need time to just sit and knit without other demands? Join us to knit (or crochet), share tips, jokes, stories and even friendship.

free

Fridays

6:30-8 pm

Socks or Mittens class + Darn, There's a Hole

Register for the Darning class at the same time as you register for Socks or Mittens class to be eligible.
x

add Darn Class
for only $20
with registration and payment

Yarn Basics + Knitting in the Round

How to Read a Pattern + Gauge

Set of 5 Basics Skills Classes: Darn, There's a Hole, How to Read a Pattern, Gauge, Knit in the Round, Yarn Basics

Cables + Fixing Mistakes

Crocheted Granny Squares + Granny Shapes

Needle-felting: Picture + Figure

Class and description

Cost

Date

Time

Toe-up Socks on 2 Circulars

There are advantages to knitting socks toe-up: perfect fit (the sock can be tried on as you go) and ability to vary sock length (knit both socks at the same time and stop when your yarn runs out). This technique turns reluctant sock knitters into toe-up nuts.

Overview: It is run over 3 weeks. Participants will make one sock if they arrive prepared for the next class. They will learn to knit toe-up in the round on 2 circulars; "figure 8" cast on; turning the heel with short rows; double wrap cast off.

Prerequisites: Participants need to know how to knit.

Materials Req'd: 400-420m sock or sport-weight yarn, 2x 2.5-3mm circular needles (16" but many use 2 different lengths), 2 stitch markers, (pen for making notes)

$65

SPECIAL BUNDLE add Darning class for only $20

3 class workshop

Saturdays,
July 24
Aug 28
Sept 11

3 class workshop

Saturdays,
9-10 am
9-11:30 am
9-10 am

BASICS: Darn, There's a Hole

Have you ever put the time into handknitting a pair of socks (or anything really) only to find holes in them later on? Darning is a good skill to have if you want to prolong the life of your precious handknitting and this class shows you how.

Do it in the spring, before you put your clean wool socks away for the summer. Do it in the summer, on one of those lazy days as you bask in the sun. Do it in the fall, getting ready for blustery winter days. Do it in the winter, to keep your tootsies toasty during chores. Do it as soon as you see the first thin spot, or you'll be seeing holes shortly!

Overview: Participants will learn how to darn a hole in socks, mitts, or whatever to save them before it's too late! They will learn about warp and weft and basic techniques.

Prerequisites: None.

Materials Req'd: darning egg (or similar), something with hole, appropriate yarn, sharp AND rounded-tip darning needle, set dpn helpful but optional

$30

SPECIAL BUNDLE
class

Camp/Working Socks

Learn how to use two circular needles in place of the traditional 4 or 5 double-pointed needles to knit up this worsted-weight sock in no time! (This technique also gives you the option of knitting both socks at the same time.)

Overview: This is run over three classes - the first covers working the ankle portion, the second working the heel and instep, and the third finishing the toe and grafting. Participants will make at least one sock if they arrive prepared for the next class. They will learn:
• to knit in the round on 2 circulars
• long-tail cast-on (and why)
• joining and locking 1st stitches in the "round"
• ribbing
• turning a hell
• shaping a toe
• decreasing
• picking up stitches
• Kitchener stitch

Prerequisites: Participants need to know how to knit, longtail cast-on (preferable), cast-off, read a pattern (preferable).

Materials Req'd: 2 skeins Tuffy yarn, 2x 4mm circular needles (16" but many use 2 different lengths), Briggs & Little Heavy Socks #101 pattern

$65

SPECIAL BUNDLE add Darning class for only $20

3 class workshop

Mondays,
Sept 13
Sept 20
Sept 27

BASICS: Yarn Basics
- from Lace to Super Bulky

When you go into a yarn shop, it's easy to be overwhelmed by all the choices. To the beginning knitter it is easy to just grab whatever yarn seems to be a good weight so which yarn is right for your project? Most people stick to the exact type (and colour!) of yarn suggested in the pattern, but that's not much fun. It's not necessary as long as you understand something about yarn weights.

Overview: This class will explain yarn terminology, help you understand yarn substitution and gauge, making you a more confident yarn shopper and knitter.
• what 4-ply, dk (double-knit), worsted, aran, bulky means
• what is Superwash and why care
• finding a substitute yarn for a pattern

Prerequisites: suitable for new knitters or crocheters

$30

SPECIAL BUNDLE
class

Cabled Snow Queen Beret

Take the mystery and fear out of doing cables... it's easier than you think! Learn to do cables as you knit a stylish chunky, cabled, oversized and up-to-the-minute beret. The pattern is sized to fit children and adult women.

Overview: Participants will begin a beret involving cables. In doing so they will learn:
• make one
• cables large and small ie C14B; C12B; C4B
• pass slip stitches
• working 2 balls of yarn together
• reading cable patterns

Prerequisites: Participants need to know how to knit, purl, cast-on (longtail preferable), cast-off.

Materials Req'd: 3-4 balls Sublime Cashmere Merino or Extra Fine Merino (or other soft DK), 6-7mm circular needle, cable needle, Sublime Accessory Book #625

BASICS: How to Read a Pattern

Looking at a written pattern causes many to ask "where's my secret decoder ring?" In fact, some veteran knitters still ask. Plus so much information is given in a pattern that it can be difficult to locate exactly what you need to know.

Once you've learned what the standard knitting abbreviations mean and how they're used, you'll be able to knit an increasing variety of patterned items with ease.

Overview: Participants will explore the common elements found in a knitting pattern and work in a group to decode and evaluate together sample patterns (and if time allows, a troubling pattern of your own). To do this you will:
• understand the elements that make up a pattern
xxx visual
xxx measurements
xxx equiment/tools
xxx gauge/tension
xxx instructions and finishing
• be exposed to common knitting abbreviations
• practise reading pattern instructions
• evaluate what makes a good pattern and one worth making

Prerequisites: Although no experience is required, it is recommended that you have been exposed to knitting before taking this class so the skills taught can be in context.

Materials Req'd: a troubling pattern from home requiring help. The instructor will evaluate time and possibly use pattern as an example for the class.

$30

SPECIAL BUNDLE
class

BASICS: Gauge

There is absolutely nothing more important to success in knitting than an accurtae stitch gauge. If you've ever worked a pattern and it came out too big or too small, you need to understand gauge. This workshop will guide you through the fundamentals, the math and the mysteries of gauge.

Overview: Learn the foundation for great knitting. You will knit gauge samples during the workshop as well as measure and record results. You will:
• prepare a sample gauge swatch
• complete simple gauge calculations
• learn how to prepare a gauge swatch when sts/in is not provided
• learn the factors affecting gauge and how to work within them
• learn what to do if gauge does not match with a pattern

Prerequisites: Participants should know how knit, purl and to cast on. Sample using different needle sizes to be completed before class from pattern available upon registration.

Materials Req'd: 100g Galway (5 sts/in), 4.5 mm needles

$45

SPECIAL BUNDLE
class

Knit in the Round

Hats? Mitts? Socks? Easy when we take the mystery out of knitting on circular and double-pointed needles. Be introduced to a whole new adventure in knitting.

Overview: An introduction to the various ways of knitting in the round:
• gain control over a set of "unwieldy pointy sticks"
• the joy and ease of circular needles
• joining without twisting

Prerequisites: Participants should know how knit, purl and to cast on/bind off.

$30

SPECIAL BUNDLE
class

Dishcloths

Knit them by the dozen because firends and family will want some. They are simple, fast, useful, use little yarn and therefore provide instant gratification. Use that leftover half-skein of yarn, mix scrap yarns or get several identical cloths from one new skein. Great for last minute gifts that show you care.

Overview: Check out patterns and complete a dishcloth.
• learn best cast-on/ bind off method
• discuss fibre content of yarn for kitchen use
• review variety of patterns an stitches available

Prerequisites: Participants should know how knit, purl and to cast on/bind off.

Continental Knitting

If you "throw" learn to "pick". Continental knitting is preferred by professional hand-knitters, as it is the more efficient method, requiring the shortest number of hand-motions per stitch. Being associated with Germany, it fell out of favour in English-speaking countries during World War II.

There is an advantage to be able to do both English-style knitting (throwing) and Continental knitting (picking) - working on stranded projects is the most obvious use of both methods. Many who know both default to the speed of picking but switch to throwing when they need more control over the yarn (ie when doing large cable crossings, picking up stitches, and knitting or purling more than two stitches together for lace projects).

Overview: Participants will learn how to knit Continental-style, also called German knitting, European knitting, or left-hand knitting. People with crocheting experience find this method easy to pick up.
• holding the yarn
• tension
• learning the motion of the right wrist to 'scoop' or 'hook' the yarn

Prerequisites: Although no experience is required, it is recommended that you have been exposed to knitting before taking this class so the skills taught can be in context.

Worsted-weight Beginners Shawl

A knitted shawl is worth all the fuss and worsted-weight yarn makes the stitches shine. A knitted shawl will be something that will be with you for the rest of your life and this class is a great way to get you started. Wear your shawl with pride.

Overview: Begin a simple shawl that will work up very quickly.
• knit with a yarn that is easy to work with
• follow your stitches and patterns very easily
• learn to ready a shawl pattern
• learn best cast-on and bind-off for shawls and wraps

Prerequisites: Participants should know how knit, purl and to cast on/bind off.

Cables

Many knitters find the idea of cable knitting a little scary. We are here to demystify this lovely technique, and provide you with the basic know-how and a sample cable pattern that you can then apply to any pattern.

Overview: Participants will find out how easy the cable technique is to master. They will learn how to demystify charts and written instructions and work a variety of different cables with hands-on practice.
• definition of cables
• tools needed
• different kinds of cables
• architecture of cables
• how to create cables
• how to read a pattern and chart
• fixing a cable (time permitting)

Prerequisites: Participants need to know how to cast on, knit, and purl.

Materials Req'd: worsted-weight smooth yarn, 5mm needles, cable needle

$45

SPECIAL BUNDLE
class

How to Fix Mistakes

The difference between the experienced knitter and the novice is the number of mistakes they've corrected themselves. Knowing how to identify and correct errors in your knitting is as important as knowing how to cast on and bind off.

This workshop will allow you to live free from knitting panic. 90% of knitting errrors can be unmade with the remaining 10% disguised or lived with.

Overview: Participants will be guided through fixing a prepared mistake-filled gauge swatch and learn how to prevent the same mistakes from happening again. They will:
• understand how knit and purl stitches are formed
• understand stitch orientation
• identify and understand 4 of the most commom ways extra stitches accur
• recognize and identify errors then determine the best course of action
• unknit or tink back stitches
• rip back stitches with control
• use a lifeline to return to a safe row
• deliberately drop sticthes to correct an error many rows back

Prerequisites: Participants need to know how to cast on, knit, and purl.

Materials Req'd: 4.5 or 5 mm needles, <4.5 mm crochet hook, darning needle, stitch holder, row counter, 2 split stitch markers (recommended)

$30

SPECIAL BUNDLE
class

Socks on 2 Circulars

Learn how to use two circular needles in place of the traditional 4 or 5 double-pointed needles. (This technique also gives you the option of knitting both socks at the same time.)

Overview: This is run over three classes - the first covers working the ankle portion, the second working the heel and instep, and the third finishing the toe and grafting. Participants will make at least one sock if they arrive prepared for the next class. They will learn:
• to knit in the round on 2 circulars
• long-tail cast-on (and why)
• joining and locking 1st stitches in the "round"
• ribbing
• turning a hell
• shaping a toe
• decreasing
• picking up stitches
• Kitchener stitch

Prerequisites: Participants need to know how to knit, longtail cast-on (preferable), cast-off, read a pattern (preferable).

Materials Req'd: 400-420m sock or sport-weight yarn, 2x 2.5-3mm circular needles (16" but many use 2 different lengths), 2 stitch markers, pen for making notes

$65

SPECIAL BUNDLE
add Darning class for only $20

3 class workshop

Mondays,
Oct 4,
Oct 18
Oct 25

3 class workshop

Sweaters From the Top-down

Knitting a sweater is quite a project to undertake, and most of us want to be pretty certain that we will end up with something we like... and fits and is attractive. Once you knit this type of sweater you'll be hooked forever. It's knit all in one piece, fully customizable and there are no seams to sew up when you are done.

Overview: Participants should be able to complete a small-sized sweater (ie baby size). The will review cast on; increases; raglan-style shoulder shaping; how to custom size; picking up stitches; button bands (if doing cardigan style).

Prerequisites: Participants need to know how to cast on, knit and purl.

Materials Req'd: 2 balls Mission Falls 1824 Wool, 5mm needles, 5mm 12" circular needle, crochet hook or tapestry needle

3 Class Workshop

Thursday,
Oct 14
Oct 21
Oct 28

Class Workshop

x

7-8:30 pm
7-8:30 pm
7-9 pm

Intarsia

Intarsia is when you knit a 'picture' or design into a garment. Learn how blocks of color are worked with separate balls or bobbins of yarn, producing a garment only one layer thick.

Overview: Participants will learn how to do colourwork using Intarsia techniques but knitting a multi-coloured swatch.

Prerequisites: Participants need to know how to cast on, knit, purl and cast off.

Materials Req'd: 25g each of 3 colours worsted-weight yarn, 5mm needles, scissors, 3 spools or baggies

Magic Loop

Magic Loop Knitting uses one long circular needle to knit small circumferences making it a handy alternative method for those who tire of using their double pointed needles. Less common, but handy to know, and some folks prefer it.

Overview: Participants will learn how to use one long needle to knit objects in the round. They will cast on to knit: a tube, a circle, 2 tubes, 2 circles.

Prerequisites: Participants need to know how to cast on, and knit.

Materials Req'd: dk or worsted weight yarn, corresponding circular needle 32" or longer

Knit Squares Doll

The premise is simple - if you can knit squares, you can make this soft 14" doll - perfect for the beginning knitter. These dolls would also be a wonderful, creative use of knitted gauge swatches, or small leftover balls of yarn. Perfect for someone to love.

Overview: Participants will make a knitted doll of simple squares; learn and use mattress stitch; learn proper stuffing technique; learn face and hair techniques and placement.

Prerequisites: Participants should know how knit, cast on and cast off. Must come with st st squares already prepared.

Traditional Crocheted
Granny Squares

Granny Squares are awesome - each square is the ultimate in immediate gratification. They are stash busting, fun and easily made. They can be bound off to be the size of a dishcloth or effortlessly continued and turned into an afghan. If you need to travel, they can be small and self-contained allowing you portability while you play with colour.

Overview: Learn the basics required to make these sassy squares that you find in a variety of handmade garments and household accessories. Participants will be guided through making a 1-colour and 3-colour Granny Square, learning to weave in ends to hide colour changes. They will also learn to seam these 2 samples to lie flat using single crochet and slip stitch methods, giving them all the skills needed to make something big... like an afghan.

Prerequisites: Participants need to know basic crochet (chain, single, double stitches). Understanding the slip stitch would be an asset.

Materials Req'd: 4.5-5mm crochet hook, darning needle

Sample is by Sarah London of New South Wales, Australia

$50 (includes yarn)

SPECIAL BUNDLE
class

Traditional Crocheted
Granny Shapes

The only thing better than a Granny Square is using the same principles and making it a triangle instead... or an octagon. These Granny variations can be pieces together to create crochet art pieces that bring to mind traditional quilt designs.

Overview: This is a continuation of Traditional Granny Squares Workshop where participants will learn how expand their understanding of Granny Squares into a variety of shapes. They will be guided through making avariety of Granny Motifs including: rectangles, 1/4 square, 1/2 square and octagon, and then piece the shapes together.

Prerequisites: Traditional Crocheted Granny Squares class

Materials Req'd: sample from Trad. Crocheted Granny Sq. class, 4.5-5mm crochet hook, darning needle

$50
(includes yarn)

SPECIAL BUNDLE
class

Entrelac Scarf

Entrelac is an easy knitting technique used to create a textured diamond pattern that looks like woven strips of knitted fabric. It's actually squares joined on two different orientations. It can be knit in garter stitch although stockinette is more common. The results are interesting and it looks a lot more complicated than it is.

Overview: A unique aspect of entrelac is that a "row" of knitting actually contains many smaller "rows" within the squares. Squares within a row are knitted in sequence and then topped with a new row of squares, picking up stitches as needed.

Participants will learn how to knit and start a multi-coloured Entrelac scarf. They will review cast on; learn to create basic triangles, knit squares and rectanges; picking up stitches; how to end with triangles.

Prerequisites: Participants need to know how to cast on, knit, purl, increase, decrease, an ability to "k2tog" and "p2tog" (knit or purl two stitches together) and to pick up stitches.

Materials Req'd: 4 balls Noro Silk Garden or 4 balls in at least 2 colours of Mission Falls 1824 Wool, 5 mm needles, crochet hook or tapestry needle, (pen for making notes)

Toe-up Socks on 2 Circulars

There are advantages to knitting socks toe-up: perfect fit (the sock can be tried on as you go) and ability to vary sock length (knit both socks at the same time and stop when your yarn runs out). This technique turns reluctant sock knitters into toe-up nuts.

Overview: It is run over 3 weeks. Participants will make one sock if they arrive prepared for the next class. They will learn to knit toe-up in the round on 2 circulars; "figure 8" cast on; turning the heel with short rows; double wrap cast off.

Prerequisites: Participants need to know how to knit.

Materials Req'd: 400-420m sock or sport-weight yarn, 2x 2.5-3mm circular needles (16" but many use 2 different lengths), 2 stitch markers, (pen for making notes)

$65

SPECIAL BUNDLE
add Darning class for only $20 

3 class workshop

Saturdays,
Nov 6
Nov 13
Nov 20

3 class workshop

9-10 am
9-11:30 am
9-10 am

Needle-felting: Picture

Take the traditional craft of needle-felting and turn it into an adventure. Using raw fleece and a barbed needle, allow your creativity to complete a picture.... ready to frame!

Overview: Participants will learn the history of felting, use and care of needles and equipment use, materials used and variations, creating shaped and forms, wrapping a core with colour, making firm or soft sculpture figures. Samples of figures (people), animals and jewelry will be on-hand to inspire.

Prerequisites: none

Materials Req'd: none. Roving and felting needle will be provided.

$40

SPECIAL BUNDLE
class

Saturday,
Nov 6

Needle-felting: Figure

Take the traditional craft of needle-felting and turn it into an adventure. Using raw fleece and a barbed needle, allow your creativity to complete a small figure.... eventually a crowd!

Overview: Participants will learn the history of felting, use and care of needles and equipment use, materials used and variations, creating shaped and forms, wrapping a core with colour, making firm or soft sculpture figures. Samples of figures (people), animals and jewelry will be on-hand to inspire.

Prerequisites: none

Materials Req'd: none. Roving and felting needle will be provided.

$40

SPECIAL BUNDLE
class

Saturday,
Nov 6

Finishing Skills

Learn what you need to know so you can finish all those projects you've knitted and put aside, too afraid to sew them together for fear of ruining all your hard work!

Overview: This class will cover the basics on seaming (st st, garter st, ribbing), blocking, grafting (joining), hemming (picot, straight), pick up and knit and other pertinent pearls of wisdom.

Prerequisites: Participants should know how knit, purl and to cast on and off.

Cabled Snow Queen Beret

Beaded Shawl

The simplest lacework takes on spectacular glamour when strung with glimmering beads. Along the bind off edge, the shawl can be blocked to subtle points, or straight.

Overview: Participants will knit a neck shawl with beads. They will learn 2 methods of using/attaching beads, lace techniques, following a chart, about blocking, use of a "life line" and how to do a Russian Join.

Prerequisites: Participants should know how knit, cast on and cast off.

Materials Req'd: approx 300m lace-weight yarn (more if want longer), 4mm 24" circular needle, size 6/0 beads (smaller may fit on yarn but try it first!), stitch markers.

BASICS: Darn, There's a Hole

see earlier description and information

$30

SPECIAL BUNDLE
class

Mittens on 2 Circulars

Make mittens now for holiday gift-giving. This class covers the basics. If you can knit in the round, you can knit mittens!

Overview: It is run over 2 weeks. Participants will make one mitten if they arrive prepared for the next class. They will learn to knit in the round on 2 circulars and how to knit a thumb.

Prerequisites: Participants should know how knit, purl, cast on and cast off.

Materials Req'd: 2 balls Sublime Organic Wool (or other dk weight), 2 x 3.25 mm circular needles, Briggs and Little mitten pattern

$45

SPECIAL BUNDLE
add Darning class for only $20

2 Class Workshop

3 Class Workshop

Knit Squares Doll

The perfect gift for someone to hold and love.
see earlier description and information

Saturday,
Dec 4

10 am - noon

Drop by or call to put your name down for these classes.
Prepayment is required to secure your spot!

Or let us know what you are interested in!