Learn how to knit the timeless and terrific Baby Surprise Jacket by Elizabeth Zimmerman.  The 'surprise' is in how the jacket is constructed after knitting.  Let Veralynne reveal the mystery to you and guide you through each step of the knitting process.  After all -- who doesn't need to have an adorable baby sweater ready to give as a special gift to a special litlle someone?

ABC Surprise Jacket pattern booklet (includes Adult-Baby-Children's sizes), approximately 400 yards sock weight yarn for baby size , US3-5 - 24" circular needles (or size needed to obtain gauge of 5.5 stitches per inch.)

Assignment:  Knit at least a 4' x 4" swatch gauge prior to coming to class.

Why not knit? This 4-session learn-to-knit class covers all the basics for casting on, knitting and purling Continental style, and binding off. This class focuses on helping new knitters handle needles and yarn, develop an even tension in knitting, measure knitting gauge, read a pattern, and identify future knitting projects.

Smooth, light colored worsted weight yarn, US 7 or 8 needles, tapestry or darning needle, ruler or knitting gauge tool

How, when, where, and why should I block my knitting?  Can blocking make my finished project look more finished?  Will I hurt my project by blocking too much?  These questions will be answered at this morning seminar on blocking knits. 

Alice will demonstrate several blocking methods including using Knitter's Blocks, which are available at yarn-love.  Read a review of Knitter's Blocks here.

None.  Optional: bring a swatch to experiment on.

Learn to cable while making a neck cozy -- a short scarf that wraps around your nect and tucks into your collar.  A pair of buttons hold it in place and can add style to this relatively simple project.  This sophisticated and elegant neck cozy will knit up quickly and help you master cabling.

Key learnings:

• Knit a 6-stitch cable
• Complete increasing and decreasing
• Create button holes

Pattern,  chunky weight yarn (approximately 100 yards), US10.5 needles, darning needle, two buttons (approximately 1" diameter)

If you are an experienced right-hand knitter who wants to learn to knit Continental style, this is the workshop for you! In this 2-hour session, you will learn and practice how to hold your yarn in your left hand and knit in a more efficient way. Continental knitting also reduces potential wrist strain that may occur from “throwing” yarn, and it also increases the ease of color work knitting.

Feel free to bring your own materials with you - smooth, light colored worsted weight yarn and needles.

New class!

Learn how to read and understand common knitting pattern instructions and abbreviations including the ones listed below.  In addition, you will learn what knitting patterns don't tell you.  Discussions will center on information found in Knitspeak: An A to Z Guide to the Language of Knitting Patterns.  Learners are welcome to bring their own patterns for interpretation (as class time permits).

• "at the same time" -- how do I keep track of simultaneous shaping?
• reading knitting charts -- where do I start and which direction do I go?
• "increase (or decrease) evenly" -- how do I calculate and do this?
• "pick up and knit" -- how do I get the yarn where I need it; which direction do I go?
• "continue in pattern as established" -- huh?

Knitspeak book (purchased at yarn-love for $17.95 suggested retail price) and your personal notebook for your class notes.

You, too, can be a happy hooker!  Learn the basics of crochet in just three class sessions as you crochet a small project.  This class is a also a great way for knitters to learn crochet stitches most commonly used in knitting patterns.

Consider following up this class with the one-session Granny Square workshop.

Please note: This class will not meet April 13.

Approximately 200 yards worsted weight cotton yarn, size G or F crochet hook.  yarn-love will provide a face cloth pattern.

Here's your opportunity to learn to crochet traditional granny squares.  These multi-colored squares are the perfect building blocks for creating colorful retro heirloom blankets and many other items.  Granny squares are great take-along projects since they are small enough to go with you to appointments, kids games, and even to the beach this summer.  Plus, granny squares are a great way to use leftover yarn since each round uses a different color.   

Traditional Granny Square pattern, four same-weight yarns in different colors, appropriate sized hook for yarn weight, darning needle. 

For this workshop, you are welcome to bring your leftover yarn to use in class.  We will be happy to help you select yarns for your after-class project.

Interested in a little accessory that will have you swooning? New to lace knitting? Looking for a quick holiday gift? Knit a pair of fingerless mitts with a delicate lace pattern that will make you (or a lucky recipient) feel elegant and refined.

• Read a pattern
• Work in the round
• Create a thumb gusset
• Knit a lace pattern

• Knitspot Delicato Mitts Pattern
• Lace or Fingering weight yarn
• Size 2 needle, or size to obtain correct gauge

Learn some alternative ways to knitting small circumferences in the round besides double point needles.  This class will introduce you to the concepts of Magic Loop knitting and using two circular needles to knit in the round.

This is a technique class: No project involved; the focus is on learning the basic concepts.

Bring some scrap yarn, a 40" long crcular needle, and two 16" or 14" circular needles in size appropriate for your scrap yarn.

Knit a zig-zaggy supersoft reversible scarf by blending a lightweight yarn with a baby mohair-silk yarn.  The curves of the scarf are created by knitting short rows.  Alice is using her own fabulous Altobish B Sharp B Natural yarn with Knit One Crochet Too's Douceur et Soie for the class sample.  Who wouldn't love wearing this concoction around her neck?

pattern, sock/fingering weight yarn, Douceur et Soie yarn, US9 needles

Here's your opportunity to learn the entrelac stitch pattern and knit a beautiful scarf. Entrelac is the French word for interlaced; and, in knitting, it produces a textured diamond pattern where each square is knit at right angles to its neighboring square. Using a variegated or striping yarn creates a rich and complex looking bag—even though no color changes are necessary! Please plan to work on your project between classes.

Key learnings:

• Read a pattern
• Knit backwards
• Master entrelac knitting

Self-striping worsted weight yarn or aran/chunky weight yarn, pattern - yardage needed depends on desired scarf size, needles in size to obtain gauge  (US9, 10 or 11 most likely), darning needle.

Join Jeanene for this technique and project class.  Jeanene will share helpful tips for knitting items for felting and the felting process itself, and creative ways to shape your felted objects.  In addition, you will learn strategies for fixing felting or shaping mishaps.  Feel free to bring along any felted items you have for feedback.  

In addition, you will get to apply what you've learned in class by knitting a bag, which will then be felted.  More information coming soon on the pattern.  You will be able to get a good start on the knitted bag in class, and will then have it as a Thanksgiving knitting project.

We will announce soon!

Cold weather is coming and you'll want to keep your head cozy and warm in style!  You can knit a hat with a rolled brim (as shown) or a wide brim.  If you are a new knitter, a knitter who wants to learn how to knit in the round, or a knitter new to felting, then this is the class for you!  You can accessorize your hat with buttons, a ribbon band, or pins.

Key learnings:

• Read a pattern
• Knitting in the round
• Felt a knitted item and shape it

Felt hat pattern, 400-500 yards worsted weight wool yarn (not superwash), US11 - 24" circular needles, US11 - DPNs, stitch markers, darning needle.

Have you fallen in love with a sweater pattern, then felt stumped when it came time to decide what size to make for yourself? Have you knit something perfectly, matching the gauge exactly, and then afterward felt you should have knit a size larger or smaller? Just as a medium in one brand of clothing will fit differently than a medium in another brand, a medium according to one designer will fit differently than a medium from another designer. Here is help in picking which size to knit. In this class we will measure our upper bodies and draw a sloper or template. We will discuss how to factor in ease for the yarn, and style of sweater.

This class will meet when the shop is closed. However, if you are not comfortable standing in class in your bra, please wear close or tight fitting garment such as a bathing suit, leotard, or camisole. We will just be measuring our upper body. Optional: a sweater that you feel fits you well (hand knit or store bought is fine). This class is for women only, please.

Handouts ($5), calculator, pencil, eraser, a measuring tape in good condition, a pattern you are considering making

Socks are a terrific take-along project for summer travels. Toe-Up Sock techniques are great when you are trying a new sock yarn, don't feel like knitting a gauge swatch, or want to just keep knitting until you run out of yarn. This class will introduce you to two different ways to start a toe up sock. And then you'll be able to decide which one you like the best. Alice will make suggestions for different heel patterns and finishing the sock on your own.

You will begin two different socks in class. You choose the sock yarn and the type of needles (choose: DPNs, 2 circulars, or 1 circular for Magic Loop)

Introduction to knitting in the round.  This is the perfect class for anyone wanting to knit in the round but aren't sure how to get started.  Class will include demonstrations of several knitting-in-the-round methods (DPNs, 1 circular needle, 2 circular needles).  Then, you will get started on your own project of your choice -- a hat, bag, or cowl. 

DPNs = double pointed needles

Depends on project choice and selected knitting-in-the-round method.

This comprehensive learn-to-knit class is perfect for all ages and meets for four 2-hour class sessions. At the end of the class, you will have completed a felted bag. The class will begin with a brief overview of yarn, needles, and accessories.

Note: See class dates for knitting style that will be taught in class -- English-style knitting OR Continental-style knitting.  For more information on knitting methods, click here.  No one method is 'better' than the other; they are just different.

Key learnings:

• Read a pattern
• Cast on, knit, purl, bind off
• Increase and decrease
• Finish and felt a project.

Felted bag pattern, bulky wool yarn, US13 needles, darning needle, stitch markers, button

New class!

This is a perfect class for anyone who's been longing to knit a lace shawl but has been put off by the thought that 'it's too complex' or 'I don't know how to read a chart.'  This beautiful, easy triangular shawl has a simple Estonian leaf lace cascading down it.

You choose the yarn weight (lace, sport, fingering, or DK) and shawl size (small or large).  This shawl looks gorgeous in both solids and semi-solids (like Jeanene's shawl) and in variegated yarns (like Pam's shawl).

Key learnings:

• Learn how to get started knitting a neck-down shawl
• Learn how to read a lace chart (the pattern also includes written instructions)
• Discover a variety of tips for 'reading back' your stitches and counting stitches
• Practice a bind off techique that ensures a loose edge
• Learn tips and techniques for blocking your new shawl

Shawl sizes, blocked Measurements:

Small approximately 33" (84cm) deep, 68" (173cm) across; large 45" (114cm) deep, 90" (229cm) across.  Size will vary with yarn used and can easily be adjusted by adding or subtracting pattern repeats.

 

Leaf Lace Shawl pattern, your choice of yarn (See Yarn Requirements for more details), needles to match selected yarn weight.

Yarn Requirements:
Lace wt: small-650 yds (594m); large-1175 yds (1074m).
Fingering: small-600 yds (548m); large-1100 yds (1005m).
Sport: small-550 yds (503m); large-1000 yds (914m).
DK small-450 yds (411m); large-850 yds (777m).

Needles: 29" or 32" (72 or 80 cm) circular needle.
Lace wt: US size 5 (3.75mm).
Fingering wt: US size 6 (4mm).
Sport wt: US size 8 (4.5mm).
DK or light worsted wt: US size 10 (6mm).

Let Sock Goddess Jeanene show you all the tricks for knitting socks.  This 4-session sock class will show you how to knit socks using only one circular needle.  This is a great class for all levels of knitters – from beginners and new sock knitters to experienced knitters and those who have mastered knitting socks using double points.

Key learnings:

• Master the Magic Loop technique throughout all the sections of a sock -- working the heel flap, turning the heel, picking up gusset stitches and completing the gusset, knitting the foot, decreasing for the toe, and grafting the toe.
• Learn tips and techniques for ensuring a good sock fit.
• Learn additional applications of the Magic Loop technique in your knitting projects. 

Magic Loop pattern booklet, sock yarn of your choice, circular needle 40” in length

• Complete a crochet cast on
• Practice the Mobius cast on method
• Graft using a modified Kitchener stitch technique

Magic Mobius pattern, Douceur et Soie yarn (2 skeins), US8 needles (straight or short circulars), tapestry needle.  You will need a 3-4 yard length of yarn in DK or worsted weight yarn for your crochet cast on.  Be sure to select a non-shedding yarn such as cotton so the yarn doesn't get stuck in your baby mohair-silk blend yarn.

Here's your opportunity to learn the swoopy Mobius (Moebius) cast-on technique while knitting a fabulous lace patterned capelet.  This capelet will be your holiday party friend -- the perfect, swirly complement to your outfit, without the bulkiness of a sweater.

Approximately 450 yards sport-weight to DK-weight yarn, pattern, US7 circular needles in 16" and 40" lengths

Learn the basics of modular knitting while creating a lovely lace shawl. This is a garment you'll love wearing and are sure to get lots of compliments from knitters and non-knitters alike.

• Modular knitting
• Lace pattern

• Fan Shawl Pattern
• Lace to DK weight yarn
• Needle size that allows you to obtain gauge

Create a snuggly, cozy, 'go to' sweater that is sure to become your favorite sweater. This is a perfect class for first-time garment knitters or knitters who want to perfect their techniques. Let Jeanene Reed guide you in making a super-simple top-down V-neck sweater that fits you just in time for the new year!  

Class sessions are spaced two weeks apart to allow for knitting time.  And, the class has been scheduled to give you time to knit on your favorite sweater over the Thanksgiving holiday. 

Sweater patterns, yarn (you choose worsted or chunky weight), needles in size needed to obtain gauge, stitch holders

Learn several common seaming techniques

If you avoid selecting patterns that require putting knitted pieces together or just simply want to get better at seaming, this class is for you! In this two-hour workshop, you will learn how to put knitted pieces together using several common seaming techniques. We will use The ‘I Hate to Finish Sweaters' Guide to Finishing Sweaters as our guide, which contains practical information and helpful illustrations to support you in your seaming after the workshop. Keep on seaming! Attend the one-hour Kitchener Stitch workshop

The ‘I Hate to Finish Sweaters’ Guide to Finishing Sweaters by Janet Szabo

Please bring 2 each of the below 5 stitch pattern swatches with you to class! Each 4”x4” swatch should be knitted using a solid color worsted weight yarn. 20 stitches should equal 4” for your swatches. Also bring US7 or 8 straight needles, yarn of a contrasting color to use for seaming, and tapestry needle to sew seams.

Freel free to bring along a one or more of your 'real' projects that need seaming.

Swatches to knit and bring with you to class:

1. Stockinette stitch (Row 1 K, Row 2 P – repeat these two rows)
2. Reverse stockinette stitch (Row 1 P, Row 2 K – repeat these two rows)
3. Garter stitch (K every row)
4. 2x2 ribbing (cast on 22 stitches – K2, P2, end with K2)
5. 1x1 ribbing (cast on 21 stitches – K1, P1, end with K2)

Peasant or afterthought heels are one of the oldest ways socks were made. Knowing how to do them is a great way to get ready for next holiday season. Already, you ask???? Yep, next holiday season. You can spend the summer knitting tube socks and then in November or December you can decide who will get which sock and decide at that time what size foot each sock will fit. Note: this class has a required homework assignment.

Required Homework:

Knit a 12 inch or longer sock tube (either toe-up or cuff-down) where you have completed the toe, cast off and forgotten to do the heel. Make sure to knit a tube that will fit the circumference of your foot.

Cuff-down pattern:

Using fingering weight yarn cast on 64 stitches.
Join for knitting in the round, and be careful not to twist the stitches. Place a marker to mark the beginning of the round.
Knit ribbing of your choice for 1 or 2 inches.

Then switch to stockinette and knit for 12 inches or more.
Start the toe decreases : Knit 32 and place another marker to mark the middle of the round.

Decrease round *K1, SSK, knit to the middle of the round marker, K2tog, K1, slip marker and repeat from * to the beginning of the round marker. Knit one round even.

Repeat the decrease round every other round until you have 16 stitches.

Kitchener stitch the toe closed

Same weight/gauge yarn used for the homework tube sock – approximately ½ or ¼ of a skein. (Doesn't have to be the same color yarn.), a pair of small sharp scissors (cuticle or embroidery scissors are best) or a pair of nail clippers.

Keep your hands warm this winter with a pair of hand-knit mittens.  This 2-session class covers all the basics to make a toasty pair of mittens. And, mittens make a great holiday gift, too!

Key learnings:

• Knit in the round using DPNs (double pointed needles)
• Accurately measure your hand for a good mitten fit
• Knit a thumb gusset
• Complete top shaping

Pattern, yarn of your choice (chunky, aran, or worsted weight yarn), needles in two sizes to achieve gauge, stitch markers, darning needle.  See pattern for gauge information.

Here's your opportunity to learn something new in the New Year!  In this class, you will learn the basics of sock knitting, including reading a sock pattern as you knit a fabulous pair of socks from the top down on double-pointed needles. Workshop sessions will focus on ribbing socks, knitting socks in a stockinette stitch pattern, turning the sock heel, and finishing the toe.

Sock yarn of choice, pattern, set of DPNs (most likely US2), tapestry needle, stitch markers

Snuggle up with this ruffled, lace shawl!  You choose either worsted or chunky weight yarn to create the warmness you want.  No prior lace knitting experience needed!  You will learn everything in class -- from the lace pattern to picking up stitches for the ruffled edge.

Key learnings: knitting lacework, picking up stitches

Assignment: Knit swatch gauge prior to class

Sugar Maple Shawl pattern, yarn in selected weight (approximately 425 yards chunky or 800 yards worsted), US11 (chunky) or US8 (worsted) 32" circular needles, stitch markers, darning needle.

New workshop!

New class!

Knitting a gauge swatch is the critical first step in our knitting projects and will ensure the finished item is the intended size.  And, let's be honest, swatching is also the step that most of us are tempted to skip!  When skipped, we often end up with shrieking "It's too tight/big/short/long!' or wondering how we ran out of yarn. 

This workshop is designed to help attendees understand the importance of knitting a swatch and how to adjust needle size to obtain the correct gauge.  Also included: how to block and measure swatches, methods for ensuring even tension throughout a project, and how different needles and yarns can affect knitting tension.

Workshop assignment: knit 3 swatches and bring them to class (see Materials)

3 knitted swatches (see below), yarn and needles used for swatches; a Knit Check, ruler, or tape measure; paper and pencil for note taking.

Swatches: Using a solid, light-colored worsted weight yarn, knit three swatches (at least 4x4 inches each) and bring them to class.  Use the same yarn for all swatches.  Swatch 1: Stockinette stitch using US7 needles; Swatch 2: Stockinette stitch using US9 needles; Swatch 3: Garter stitch using US9 needles.

Join us for a tea party!  Learn to knit this adorable teapot mitten and sample delicious tea and cookies.  This adorable teapot mitten will keep your teapot cozy all winter long while your tea helps you keep warm while knitting.

Prior knowledge knitting in the round is suggested. 

Prework: Please complete the following two things before class: 1) print out and bring pattern with you to class, 2) complete a 3x1 ribbing swatch gauge as described in the pattern

Teapot mitten fits teapot 12" high by 15.5" around. 

Approximately 90-120 yards sport or DK yarn (fingering weight yarn may be substituted); US 4 needles (or size needed to obtain gauge) of your choice -- 1-16" circular, 2-24" circulars, or 1-40" circular (for Magic Loop), or DPNs; 3 buttons (approximately .5").

Learners are responsible for printing out Tea Mitten pattern and bringing it to class.

This fun little yarn pouch was designed specifically for the 'one skein' knitter on the go.  While you are knitting on your travels, the bag will neatly dispense your yarn from the bottom hole.  The pouch also doubles as a travel bag for your small projects.  (A perfect project and class for sock knitters -- you can knit a travel pouch using sock yarn and then use it for your sock projects!)

And, if you find yourself not knitting on-the-go, you can close the hole in the bottom of the pouch and you’ll have a colorful, drawstring bag perfect for holding life's little necessities.

pattern, one ball or hank of sock yarn, US2 needles, tapestry needle

This is the perfect sweater to make, especially for first-time sweater knitters! This stockinette stitch sweater is knitted in one piece beginning at the neck and requires minimal finishing. You choose the yarn and sweater size, newborn through adult sizes. Please plan to work on your project between sessions.

Edited on 3-31-10:  Date changes

Pattern, worsted weight yarn for selected size, see pattern for needle sizes and lengths

We've all done it!! Now, let’s learn how to easily fix mistakes in our knitting. In this two-hour workshop you will learn how to get your knitting back on your needles (without twisting stitches), how to unknit (“tink”) or rip back (“frog”) your work, how to pick up dropped stitches, and how to fix stitch mistakes in common stitch patterns.

Lace stitch pattern:

The 4-row lace pattern contains 18 stitches with a 3 stitch border on each side of the swatch. For one pattern repeat, cast on 24 stitches; for a two pattern repeat, cast on 42 stitches (36 pattern stitches + 6 stitches for border).
* Row 1: k (right side)
* Row 2: k3, purl to last 3 sts, k3
* Row 3: k3, *[k2tog] 3 times, [yo, k1] 6 times, [k2tog] 3 times; repeat from * to last 3 sts, k3
* Row 4: k

Repeat rows 1-4 until swatch is 5" in length

Crochet hook and knitted swatches

Bring 5 5"x5" worsted weight yarn knitted swatches on stitch holders in the following five stitch patterns. Do not bind off your swatches! Instead, keep your stitches "live" by placing them on a stitch holder.

1. stockinette (you can keep this one on your needle, since we’ll start with this one in class!)
2. garter
3. seed
4. 2 x 2 ribbing
5. simple lace pattern of yarn overs (YO) and knit two togethers (K2tog). (see lace stitch pattern)