Detailed Class Descriptions

Instructor: Jennifer Raymond

Skill Level:  N/A

Description:   

Ravelry is an online social website for knitters, crocheters and fiber-artists. With more than 8 million users, it is a wonderful social environment to interact with fellow hobbiests and share the skills that you love, as well as a great place to find patterns and yarns. The best part? The website is free! This class takes you through some of the basic skills to use Ravelry’s catalogue of features. Have a favorite yarn but can’t find a pattern that will work? Know exactly what you want to make but can’t seem to find it? Want to see how other people have approached a project before diving in? Part of the advantage of Ravelry lies in how you can use other people’s knowledge and experiences to enrich your own crafting life. Join Jennifer as she takes you step by step through Ravelry’s website and demonstrates how to maximize your experience. 

With this class, you’ll learn: How to use Ravelry’s advanced search functions to find patterns based on different criteria. Ways to get recommendations for yarn substitutions. How to look at what other people have done with a pattern. The best way to organize your library to make it searchable: never look for “that one pattern” again. Tips to plan your projects based off of your yarn and stash. 

Who should attend: Knitters and Crocheters interested in learning more about Ravelry. Ravelry users who want to get more out of their online experience. Knitters and crocheters interested in finding patterns and inspiration online. 

Materials needed: - tablet or computer with internet access (phone screens are difficult to use and not recomended) - pen or pencil 

Homework: - students should sign up for a free account and take note of username and password before class.

Date  & Time:   Sunday, March 3rd  10:30am – 12:00pm 

Fee: $37.50

Instructor: Jennifer Raymond

Skill Level: Intermediate

Description:  Have knitted items that are showing their wear? Learn how to repair your well-loved knits using a variety of approaches and techniques. 

Skills learned: - Reinforcing using the duplicate stitch - Taking care of your knits to prevent problems - Repairing holes using the duplicate stitch, kitchener stitch, and knitted patches - How to find materials to make repairs 

Materials:

• approx 10 yrds of different yarns: 2 sockweight in different colors, 2 - 3 worsted yarns. Make sure all yarn is smooth, not fuzzy, and has multiple plies 
• needles that correspond to the yarn you have brought: straight or circular. DPN's also helpful but not necessary. 
• darning needle (blunt tip)
• sharp tip needle (optional) 
• darning egg or large plastic easter egg (optional) 
• pencil or pen
• swatches (at least 3) 

Homework: Make and bring 3 swatches in stockinette (at least 5” x 5”, but larger is easier to practice with) that will be cut into or sewn into. The pieces should be made of worsted weight yarn. Block or steam to prevent curling and make practice easier. If you have knitting with rips, tears, holes or worn out places, bring it in, and we will use the last part of class to brainstorm solutions.

Date  & Time:   Sunday, March 3rd  1:00 – 4:00pm 

Fee: $75.00

Instructor: Jennifer Raymond

Skills Needed: ability to knit and purl, increase and decrease

Description:  

Ever wonder what was the best cast-on for cuffs? Getting tired of the one cast on you do over and over? Not quite sure how to change things up? Let's learn about cast-ons with Jennifer! 

Skills Learned:

•  How to make a variety of cast ons including: stretchy cast-ons, sturdy cast-ons, and decorative cast-ons!
•  How to choose the best cast-on for different situations 

Materials: 

• Worsted Weight yarn in at least 3 colors: must be light colored (to see stitches), not fuzzy, and hold up well to unraveling
• Needles to match worsted weight yarn
• Tapestry needle
•  locking stitch markers or safety pins (at least 10) 
• pen or pencil 

Homework: None

Date  & Time:   Sunday, March 3rd   4:30 – 6:30pm 

Fee: $50.00

Your instructor, Jenna, thought it would be fun to have some projects that could be taught in a short period of time and over what might be someone’s coffee break.  Join Jenna for the first of these courses.  

Instructor:  Jenna Hycner

Skill level:  intermediate

Not your typical sock – to make or to wear, but perfect as either socks or slippers.  Love how they work with clogs, such as Danskos.  These will make great gifts – even if you are the one to receive them.  Instructor has made a couple of modifications to the pattern to make them both more comfortable to wear and easier to knit.  

What we will cover:

• Pattern reading
• Increase stitches
• Picking up stitches
• Decrease stitches
• Magic loop
• Kitchener stitch 

Fee:  $55 (plus supplies)

Dates & time: Saturdays, February 2, 9, and 16, 2019

10:00am - 11:00 am

Supplies needed:

Pattern:  Turkish Bed Socks by Churchmouse Yarns and Teas (hardcopy and electronic version sold in shop)

Yarn:  A fingering weight yarn.  Instructors sample knit up in Lamb’s Pride Wildfoote (sold in shop) 170 – 175 yards.

Needles:  Size to get gauge and 40” + cord length.  No DPNs 

Tapestry needle, stitch markers and measuring tape plus other knitting notions.

Bring a small swatch in stockinette stitch worked in a waste yarn and on needles (so not bound off).  This is to practice stitches.  Using a yarn not intended for this project is perfect.  Whatever you have just laying around that you find easy to work on.  

Pre-class work:  Must work up swatch.  Instructor will send to students prior to class instructions on swatching.  

Instructor:  Jenna Hycner

Skill level:  Intermediate

Entrelac is one of your instructor’s favorite knitting techniques.  It looks so dynamic and always makes the yarn look fabulous and when the yarn looks good – you look good!  Once you get it, you will be stunned at how easy Entrelac can be.  Plus, Jenna knows a trick or two and she can’t wait to share them with you.  

What we will cover:

• Pattern Reading
• Entrelac stitches, of course!  
• Increases
• Decreases
• Provisional cast on – the easiest way ever
• 3 needle bind off

Fee:  $90 (plus supplies)

Dates & times:  Tuesdays, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

November 27, December 4, 18, 2018 and January 8, 2019

Supplies (pattern, yarn and all supplies are available for purchase at the shop):

• Pattern:  Arizona Sunset by Yumiko Alexander (available via in shop purchase on Ravelry)
• Yarn: 3 skeins Universal Yarns Classic Shades (in shop)
• Needles to get gauge:  16 st = 4 in (please note, this pattern uses 2 needles and US 10 and 15 are the ones recommended by the pattern)
• 5 or 6 stitch markers
• Approx. 1 yard scrap yarn 
• Crochet hook approximately same size as your needles (but don’t buy unless you want it for other reasons/projects, just bring if you have in stash).  If you don’t have, someone else in class will likely have for you to borrow.  

Instructor:  Cardi-Jenn (a/k/a Jenna Hycner)

Skill level:  Very advanced beginner/intermediate

Have you tackled a simple sweater and are ready to really step it up?  Are you looking to really improve your skills and take a bigger bite out of knitting?  This project is probably just right for you.  So much to love about this sweater, from the face framing collar that is so flattering, to the pockets that always seem to be an element lacking in a sweater, and the opportunity to learn or improve your button hole & placement skills.  

Class will cover:

• Pattern reading
• Size selection 
• Anatomy of a sweater, what you want to include for great fit and comfort
• Pattern modification for size based on your measurements and your gauge
• Recommended cast on, and why
• Short rows
• Increases
• Decreases
• Shaping
• Button holes
• Pockets
• So many more elements

Fee:  $120 (plus supplies)

Dates & times:  Wednesdays, 10 a.m. – noon

December 12 and 19 2018, January 2, 16 and 30, 2019

Supplies needed (all available for purchase in shop):

Pattern:  Armande by Andi Satturlund (free on Ravelry)

Yarn:  Cascade 220 

Needles:  size to obtain gauge

Stitch markers, measuring tape and all other knitting notions

Pre-class work:  Gauge swatch.  Prior to the first class, instructor will send instructions on the swatch and probably some more interesting stuff, too.  

Instructor: Dianne Portwood

Skill Level: Beginner

Have you always wanted to learn to crochet? Make the same beautiful items you see that have been knitted. This class will give you the basic knowledge of crocheting. How to read patterns, basic stitches, yarn to use and much more.

Supplies needed:

3 different colors of yarn, I will be using Universal Yarn, Uptown worsted Number 4 medium weight. This yarn is found at Center of the Yarniverse.

US I or 9 aluminum or stainless-steel crochet hook. Over time you may find another hook is better for you.

Please bring pen or pencil.

Classes will be on Mondays January 7, 14, 28 and February 4th. 

10:00am - 12:00pm

Fee: $96.00

Instructor: Dianne Portwood

Skill Level: Beginner

Have you always wanted to learn to crochet? Start the New Year with marking crochet off your bucket list.

This class will give you the basic knowledge of crocheting. How to read patterns, basic stitches, yarn to use and much more.

Supplies needed:

3 different colors of yarn, I will be using Universal Yarn, Uptown worsted number 4 medium weight. This yarn is found at Center of the Yarniverse.

US I or 9 aluminum or stainless-steel crochet hook. Over time you may fine another hook is better for you,

Please bring pen or pencil.

This class will be the 4th Saturday of each month beginning 

January 26, February 23, March 23, April 27 and May 25

10:00am - 12:00 pm

Fee: $120.00

Instructor: Dianne Portwood

Skill Level: Intermediate 

Do you know the basic crochet stitches, but would like to learn something more?  Let’s learn some different crochet stitches and use them in a small project.

Supplies needed:

Medium weight yarn, any light color and a US I or 9 aluminum or stainless-steel crochet hook.

Please bring pen or pencil

Classes will be on Mondays January 7, 14, 28 and February 4th  

1:00pm - 3:00pm

Fee: $96.00

Instructor: Sandy Aldridge

Skill Level: Advanced Beginner - Knitter should know how to cast-on, the knit stitch and the purl stitch.

Description: Build your knitting skills one square at a time! “Building Blocks” is a series of twelve fun patterns - each square focuses on new stitches and knitting techniques in a carefully designed sequential approach that “builds” upon the previously learned knitting skill. Starting with simple knit and purl stitches, your confidence will grow as you knit each new square or “block”. Learning to read, decipher, and understand knitting patterns and charts, cable stitch patterns, decreases, increases, twisted stitches, yarn-overs, bobbles, lace knitting - we’ve got a “block” that will teach you that knitting skill! At the end of the series, the knitter is rewarded with an abundance of knitting know-how and twelve beautiful squares to assemble into a sampler afghan, baby blanket, or pillows. 

The Building Blocks Part One Class will cover Blocks One through Six.

Knitting Skills to Be Taught:

● Reading a knitting pattern and chart

● Cable Patterns

● Yarn-overs and bobbles

● Decreases

● Increases

● Left and Right Twists

● Slip Stitches

● Mock Cables

● Fixing Mistakes, Lifelines

Supplies:

● “Building Blocks” Book by Michelle Hunter (available for purchase in the shop)

● 1400 yards of either an aran weight or worsted weight yarn

● Recommended Shop Yarns:

○ ARAN Weight: Diamond Luxury Merino Supreme Aran (wool)

○ WORSTED Weight: Cascade 220 (wool) or Uptown Worsted (acrylic)

● Knitting Needles: 

○ Size 10 if using an aran weight yarn OR 

○ Size 8 if using a worsted weight yarn 

○ A 24” or 32” circular needle is recommended; the blocks can be knitted on straight needles, but the stitches can get crowded on the needle. Using a circular needle allows each block to spread over the cable, making it easier to view. 

● Cable Needle (There are several styles of cable needles available - new cable knitters usually find the “J” hook shaped cable needles easiest to use.)

● Blunt Tip Tapestry Needle

● Stitch Markers

● Notebook and Pen/Pencil

● Optional but Very Helpful - Row counter, Sticky Notes, a second knitting needle in the same size you are using for your squares 

Dates & Times: Every Other Friday 10:00 - 11:30 AM

● January 25, 2019

● February 8 and 22 2019

● March 8 and 22 2019

● April 5, 2019

Fee: $90.00

Instructor: Sandy Aldridge

Skill Level: Advanced Beginner - Knitter should know how to cast-on, the knit stitch and the purl stitch.

Description: Build your knitting skills one square at a time! “Building Blocks” is a series of twelve fun patterns - each square focuses on new stitches and knitting techniques in a carefully designed sequential approach that “builds” upon the previously learned knitting skill. Starting with simple knit and purl stitches, your confidence will grow as you knit each new square or “block”. Learning to read, decipher, and understand knitting patterns and charts, cable stitch patterns, decreases, increases, twisted stitches, yarn-overs, bobbles, lace knitting - we’ve got a “block” that will teach you that knitting skill! At the end of the series, the knitter is rewarded with an abundance of knitting know-how and twelve beautiful squares to assemble into a sampler afghan, baby blanket, or pillows. 

The Building Blocks Part Two Class will cover Blocks Seven through Twelve with a CLASS BONUS - we will also cover finishing techniques for putting your squares together - blocking, horizontal seams, vertical seams, weaving in ends.

Knitting Skills to Be Taught:

● Reading a knitting pattern and chart

● Cable Patterns

● Yarn-overs and bobbles

● Decreases

● Increases

● Left and Right Twists

● Slip Stitches

● Mock Cables

● Fixing Mistakes, Lifelines

● Finishing Techniques - blocking, horizontal and vertical seams

Supplies:

● “Building Blocks” Book by Michelle Hunter (available for purchase in the shop)

● 1400 yards of either an aran weight or worsted weight yarn

● Recommended Shop Yarns:

○ ARAN Weight: Diamond Luxury Merino Supreme Aran (wool)

○ WORSTED Weight: Cascade 220 (wool) or Uptown Worsted (acrylic)

● Knitting Needles: 

○ Size 10 if using an aran weight yarn OR 

○ Size 8 if using a worsted weight yarn 

○ A 24” or 32” circular needle is recommended; the blocks can be knitted on straight needles, but the stitches can get crowded on the needle. Using a circular needle allows each block to spread over the cable, making it easier to view. 

● Cable Needle (There are several styles of cable needles available - new cable knitters usually find the “J” hook shaped cable needles easiest to use.)

● Blunt Tip Tapestry Needle

● Stitch Markers

● Notebook and Pen/Pencil

● Optional but Very Helpful - Row counter, Sticky Notes, a second knitting needle in the same size you are using for your squares 

Dates & Times: Every Other Friday 10:00 - 11:30 AM

● April 19 2019

● May 3, 17, and 31 2019

● June 14 and 28 2019

Fee: $90.00

Instructor: Dianne Portwood

Crocodile gloves are fun and always brings interest from people who sees them. These gloves are great for driving, snapping photos and texting.  Made with variegated yarn brings out the crocodile scales One scale over top of the other.

Skill level: Intermediate

Supplies needed:

#3 worsted weight variegated yarn, adult size 350 yards (check out Berroco yarn, sold here!)  You need washable yarn.

Size 3.5 or 5 crochet hook

Tapestry Needle

Monday: February 11, 2019 from 3pm to 6pm

Fee: $36.00

Instructor:  Jenna Hycner

Skill level:  Very advanced beginner/Intermediate.  You need to be very comfortable with knit and purl stitches.  Having already worked in the round before is a bonus but not required. 

The class will cover:

-          Brioche basics

-          Brioche Knitting & Brioche Purling

-          Proper Yarn Overs

-          Working in the round

-          How to get back on track if a stitch gets messed up

Materials:

-          Pattern:  Pretty Brioche Thing (Ravelry)

-          2 skeins of approx. 100 yds each Bulky yarns, of contrasting colors.  Sample done in Mano’s Franca

-          24” US 13 or 15 needle

-          Stitch marker

-          Basic knitting supplies (e.g., scissors, measuring tape)

-          Paper/post-it and writing implement always helpful

Pre-class work:  Prep for the 1st class is all you need do.  Please have pattern printed, yarn wound and other supplies ready for 1st class. 

Dates & Times: Tuesdays, January 15, 22 and 29, 2019 from 10 – noon.

Cost:  $80, plus supplies

This is the original Knitting Academy created by Jenna Hycner. A number of sessions will be a repeat of what was offered previously but I’ve added content to each topic. 

What is the Knitting Academy? It is a program developed to help you take your knitting to the next level. You will learn new skills, ways to perfect your technique and to perfect your finished project. Here is your chance to raise your craft to the next level. In the Knitting Academy, we will cover topics that will improve and enrich your knitting. 

Your Academy professor is Jenna. With more than 30 years knitting experience she loves to encourage others to be creative with fiber. Her goal is to release more fearless knitters into the world. 

Cost: $20/session

March 11 - Cast Ons. There are so many options for casting on. Learn a number of different types, why and when to use them. Start every project off right.  (Class filled)

April 15 - Bind Offs. Just like cast ons, there are so many different ways to bind off, and which one you use will have a significant impact on your finished project.  (Class filled)

May 13 - Decreasing/Increasing. Learn or improve your skills. Decreasing and increasing may seem scary, but it is the gateway to making more exciting projects. How you execute your stitches will also enhance the overall look of your knitted item. 

June 3 - Tips & Tricks. Jenna spends lots (and lots) of time thinking about ways to make things easier and better. In this session she will share her hard earned knowledge with you. At the end you should be more confident and produce a more polished project, as simply as possible. 

September 9 - Fix those flukes and flubs. Even the most diligent knitter runs into a willful stitch every now and again. In this session we will cover things like: how to Frog, Tink, save that dropped stitch, etc.

Ravelry. Hopefully you have already heard of and have used Ravelry. In this class we will cover why it is so wonderful and how you can make the most of this amazing tool.

October 17 - Short Rows. Short rows can create really dynamic results, not just in design but also in fit. There are a number of different versions. In this class we will cover the different types and when best to apply them. 

November 4 - Knitting in the Round/Magic Loop. Whether you knit socks or hats or anything in between, you could probably benefit from knitting in the round and/or using magic loop. Wouldn’t you like to knit both socks at the same time, or both sleeves? 

January 13, 2020 - Chart Reading/Cables. In this class you will learn some new techniques, we will also cover topics like reading stitches and quick fixes. 

February 3, 2020 - Blocking and Students choice. In this class we will cover the best blocking techniques. This, being the last in the Knitting Academy series, will be your opportunity to bring any and all questions to be answered in class. 

Instructor:  Jenna Hycner

Skill level:  Advanced beginner.   (Must be comfortable with knitting and purling)

If you fall into one of these categories, you should probably consider this class:

• Anyone who has been knitting mostly scarves, shawls or pretty much anything that isn’t a garment.  
• Anyone who has tried to knit a garment and you weren’t very happy with the end result (or…. you didn’t even finish it).  
• Anyone who wants to learn how to knit a sweater that actually fits.    
• Anyone who wants to up their game in knitting, and really perfect some of their skills.
• Anyone who just wants to learn something and have fun doing it. 

This may just become your go-to sweater.  You might even find that you want to make more than one!   

The techniques we will cover are as follows:

- Top down construction

- Working in the round

- Magic loop

- Proper body measuring techniques

- Proper size selection based on desired finished size and gauge

- Cast ons

- Increases

- Bind offs

- And a few other tips and tricks 

Supplies:

Pattern:  Narmin.  Available via Ravelry. 

Yarn:  Sport or DK weight yarn in quantity determined by size selected.  Center of the Yarniverse has a number of suitable yarns you are going to love.  

Needles:  You are going to need 2 needle sizes in a number of lengths.  Pattern suggests using double pointed needles (DPNs), but the instructor is going to encourage you to forego DPNs and work with magic loop.  With that said, it would benefit you to have an interchangeable needle set.  If you don’t already have one, this might be a good excuse to get one!  Not saying you need it so don’t get discouraged, but you would put them to good use.   Sizes may be anywhere from a US 3 – US 6, depending on your gauge.

Notions:  Stitch markers (3-4) and a locking marker is recommended.  A row counter is strongly recommended.  

Gauge measure, measuring tape, tapestry needle and writing materials – post it notes are always great to have on hand.

***Pre-class work: You will work a small swatch prior to the first class, just so we have something to work off to cover stitches, etc.  Best if you use the yarn you intend to knit the project, but not necessary if you haven’t made a decision come class time.

Dates and Times: Wednesdays from 10 a.m. - noon on February 27, March 6, March 20, April 10, and April 24, 2019

Cost:  $120 plus supplies

Instructor:  Jenna Hycner

Skill level:  Advanced beginner.   (Must be comfortable with knitting and purling)If you fall into one of these categories, you should probably consider this class:

• Anyone who has been knitting mostly scarves, shawls or pretty much anything that isn’t a garment.  
• Anyone who has tried to knit a garment and you weren’t very happy with the end result (or…. you didn’t even finish it).  
• Anyone who wants to learn how to knit a sweater that actually fits.    
• Anyone who wants to up their game in knitting, and really perfect some of their skills.
• Anyone who just wants to learn something and have fun doing it. 

This may just become your go-to sweater.  You might even find that you want to make more than one!   The techniques we will cover are as follows:- Top down construction- Working in the round- Magic loop- Proper body measuring techniques- Proper size selection based on desired finished size and gauge- Cast ons- Increases- Bind offs- And a few other tips and tricks
Supplies:Pattern:  Narmin.  Available via Ravelry.  Yarn:  Sport or DK weight yarn in quantity determined by size selected.  Center of the Yarniverse has a number of suitable yarns you are going to love.  
Needles:  You are going to need 2 needle sizes in a number of lengths.  Pattern suggests using double pointed needles (DPNs), but the instructor is going to encourage you to forego DPNs and work with magic loop.  With that said, it would benefit you to have an interchangeable needle set.  If you don’t already have one, this might be a good excuse to get one!  Not saying you need it so don’t get discouraged, but you would put them to good use.   Sizes may be anywhere from a US 3 – US 6, depending on your gauge.
Notions:  Stitch markers (3-4) and a locking marker is recommended.  A row counter is strongly recommended.  
Gauge measure, measuring tape, tapestry needle and writing materials – post it notes are always great to have on hand.
***Pre-class work: You will work a small swatch prior to the first class, just so we have something to work off to cover stitches, etc.  Best if you use the yarn you intend to knit the project, but not necessary if you haven’t made a decision come class time.
Dates and Times:  

Mondays from 7PM - 9PM  on February 25, March 4, March 18, April 1,  and April 22, 2019
Cost:  $120 plus supplies