Current Class Offerings

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: 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

Saphira’s Wings is knit with a technique called “swing knitting.” Offsetting triangles will be created using “German Short Rows.” Triangles will alternate between solid color lace triangles and colorful stockinette triangles.

Instructor/Designer: Debbi Bowanko

Skill Level: Adventurous Beginner – all techniques and stitches needed will be reviewed in class. All participants will also receive a copy of the pattern in the first class.

Yarn:

The yardage recommendations for Saphira’s Wings are:

Fingering weight

Yardage needed approximately 150g (600 yards) of each color, variegated or solid

Color A – This color should be a solid or tonal color that will not obscure the various lace patterns

Color B – This color can be anything you want from variegated, self-striping, or speckled

Tools:

· Needle size: US4/3.5mm 

· Two stitch markers that differ in appearance from each other. One will be considered a Unique Marker to help identify the current triangle you are knitting. The other will help identify the active stitches on the row you are working.

· Darning needle to weave in ends

· Cable needle

Techniques Reviewed in Class

· Using German Short Rows and Double Stitches

· Casting on new stitches in an active project

· Knitted and crocheted cast-on

· Various lace designs

· I-Cord Bind-off

Dates & Times: Sundays from 1:00 - 3:00. March 24, April 7, April 28 and May 19

Cost: $105 + supplies

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: 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:  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: Jennifer Raymond  

2 hr. class

Your knitting or crochet looks great, but your seaming leaves something to be desired?  Wishing your finished projects looked a little more tidy?  Let us help you!

One two hour class

Skills needed:

This class is rated "funky" - basic knitting or crochet skills required.

Skills learned:

different ways to attach two pieces together, and when to use each one

tips on blocking weaving in ends

preventing or solving problems like curled hems, wrinkly seams, and much more

weaving in ends

Materials:

blunt tip tapestry needle

sharp tip needle, with eye that your yarn can fit through

locking stitch markers or safety pins

straight pins or t-pins

contrasting thread the same weight or lighter of the yarn you knit your swatches in

Homework:

Bring in at least 4 swatches – 2 knit in stockinette in the same yarn, and the other 2 knit in garter in the same yarn.  If possible, block them before-hand.  We will practice finishing techniques on them. If you have a project you are interested in advice in finishing, bring the project and the pattern and we will talk strategies to finish at the end of the class.

Fee $40

Sunday, November 18th 

1:00 – 3:00

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:  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