2012 Winter Classes

Updated 1/8/2012

To register for a class: Call (515/292-7076) or visit the shop to sign-up. A $10 non-refundable deposit will hold your place in class. ($25 deposit for Beginning Spinning classes). Classes do fill quickly so register soon!

Classes & Workshops Beginning in January

Beginning Sock Knitting
Skill level: Adv. Beginner (must be able to CO, K, P, BO, inc & dec independently; some experience knitting in the round)
Three sessions: Thursday eve. – January 5, 12 & 19. 6 – 8 pm
Instructor: Tracy Borts
Class Fee: $35 (+ materials)
What’s the best way to prevent cold feet in the winter? Hand knit socks! You’ll learn the basics: knitting in-the-round on double-pointed needles, making the heel flap, turning the heel, picking-up stitches, constructing the gusset and grafting the toe.  Warm toes ahead!!
Materials & Supplies:

• Yarn: 230 yds. of machine-washable worsted weight yarn [Berroco Vintage recomm.; Please avoid dark colors and variegated colorways, they make it hard to see stitch definition.]
• Needles: One set US#6 double-pointed (bamboo recommended)
• Pattern: Knitting Pure & Simple-#9728 Beginner Socks
• Notions: Stitch markers, yarn needle for weaving-in ends

Beginning Crochet *Class is now FULL!*
Skill level: No previous crochet experience necessary
Three sessions: Thursday eve. – January 5, 12 & 19. 6 – 8 pm
Instructor: Brenda Theoret
Class Fee: $35 (+ materials)
Learning to crochet is fun and easy with a big hook and bulky yarn! We’ll learn and practice basic crochet stitches in the first class, as well as begin a wonderfully textured scarf. Then, we’ll work our way around a basic granny square, and practice pattern/chart reading. And finally, we’ll crochet a border around a swatch of fabric, ending with finishing techniques and blocking.
Materials & Supplies:

• Yarn: One skein of Lamb’s Pride Bulky (Please avoid dark colors and variegated color ways, they make it hard to see stitch definition)
• Yarn: Two skeins worsted weight yarn (2 different colors),  Nature Spun recommended
• Hook: Crochet hooks N (10.0 mm) and G (4.25 mm) (bamboo recommended)
• Book: “Stitch ‘n’ Bitch: The Happy Hooker” by Debbie Stoller
• Notions: Split-ring or locking stitch markers

Beginning Knitting *Class is now FULL!*
Skill level: No previous knitting experience necessary
Three sessions: Saturday mornings – January 7, 14 & 21. 9 – 11 am.
Instructor: Tracy Borts
Class Fee: $35 (+ materials)
If you’ve always wanted to learn to knit, this is your opportunity! You’ll learn the basics of knitting: cast-on, knit, purl, bind-off, rib stitch, increase and decrease techniques, pattern reading, gauge swatching, and picking-up dropped stitches.
Materials & Supplies:

• Yarn:  One skein of Plymouth Fantasy Natural (100% cotton). (Please avoid dark colors and variegated colorways, they make it hard to see stitch definition.)
• Needles: One pair of US#7 single-pointed needles (bamboo recommended)
• Book: “Stitch ‘N Bitch” by Debbie Stoller (recommended)

BEYOND Beginning Knitting *Class is now FULL!*
Skill level: Exp. Beginner (must be able to CO, K, P & BO independently)
Three sessions: Tuesday evenings – January 10, 17 & 24. 6 – 8 pm
Instructor: Michelle Eppert
Class Fee: $35 + materials
So . . . you know how to knit. Now what!? Here’s your chance to learn tips and tricks that will take your knitting to the next level. You will learn how to: Decipher what that knitting pattern really means, make yarn substitutions, seam and finish your garment. You’ll also learn other handy techniques that will really make your knitting standout.
Materials & Supplies:

• Yarn: One skein of worsted weight yarn
• Needles: One pair of #8 single-point needles (bamboo recommended)
• Book: “Stitch n’ Bitch” by Debbie Stoller

Beginning Hand-Spinning *1 seat remaining*
Skill level: No previous experience necessary
Six sessions: Saturday afternoons – January 14, 21, 28; February 4, 11 & 18. 1- 3 pm
Instructor: Michelle Eppert
Class Fee: $200 + tax (includes fiber & hand equipment; wheels avail. for rental)
If you’ve always wanted to learn to spin wool into yarn, this is your chance! You’ll learn to prepare raw fleece, picking, hand-carding, drop-spindle spinning, how a spinning wheel works, drafting techniques, spinning on a traditional spinning wheel, plying, skeining, Navajo plying, and how to prepare your yarn for knitting, crocheting or weaving. You’ll also have the chance to try your hand at other animal and plant fibers.
Materials & Supplies:

• Wheel Rental is available for $10, with a deposit
• Book: “Start Spinning” by Maggie Casey

Crochet: Big Chunky Cowl *1 seat remaining*
Skill level: Experienced Beginner (must be able to chain, SC, DC, inc, dec independently)
One session: Tuesday evening – January 17. 6 – 8 pm
Instructor: Brenda Theoret
Class Fee: $15 (+ materials)
Another BIG HOOK WONDER! This clever cowl works up quickly and will keep you toasty and looking smart all winter long.
Materials & Supplies:

• Yarn: Two skeins Berroco Vintage worsted weight
• Crochet hook: Hook N (10.00 mm)
• Pattern: “Interweave Crochet Accessories 2011”.  Additional hand-outs provided in class.

Yarn 101
Skill level: Knitters & Crocheters; No experience necessary        
One session: Wednesday, January 18. 6 - 8:30 pm
Instructor: Tracy Borts
Class Fee: $20
Worsted, superwash, merino, feltable, ply, dye lot, hank.  What does it all mean?!  This class is perfect for beginners who can be confused by the endless yarn terminology.  You will gain a greater understanding of the properties of yarn which makes selecting the right yarn for your next project a breeze.
Materials & Supplies:

• None

Tunisian Crochet Hat *Class is now FULL!*
Skill level: Beginner and Experienced Beginner
Three sessions: Tuesday eve. – January 24, 31; Feb. 7. 6 – 8 pm
Instructor: Brenda Theoret
Class Fee: $35 (plus materials)
Get hooked on Tunisian Crochet with this awesome hat. The beginner students will learn the basics of mattress stitching the finished hat, while the more advanced students will try their hands at working in the round.
Materials & Supplies:

• Yarn: One skein worsted weight yarn (Brown Sheep Lamb’s Pride or Berroco Vintage recommended)
• Crochet hook: Tunisian flexible crochet hook J (6.00 mm)
• Pattern: Provided in class

Knit: Turbulence Cowl *Class is now FULL!*
Skill level: Adv. Beginner (must be able to CO, K, P, BO independently)
One session: Wednesday eve. – January 25. 6-8:30 pm
Instructor: Tracy Borts
Class Fee: $20 (+ materials)
This fun and funky cowl makes the most of small amounts of yarn. Short row wedges and stripes combine to form wonderfully sculptural and eye-catching waves, while keeping the knitting fun! This will fly off your needles. 
Materials & Supplies:

• Yarn:  Two skeins of worsted weight yarn in contrasting colors.  Sample was knit using Brown Sheep Lamb’s Pride Worsted.
• Needles:  US#8 – 24” circular.
• Pattern:  “Turbulence Cowl” by Laura Chau available for purchase at Ravelry.com. Please contact the instructor if you need help purchasing the pattern.
• Notions:  Stitch markers, yarn needle

Classes & Workshops Beginning in February

Beginning Rigid Heddle Weaving  *Class is now FULL!*
Skill level: No previous weaving experience necessary
Three sessions: Saturday mornings – February 4, 11 & 18. 9 – 12 am
Instructor: Brenda Theoret
Class Fee: $45 (+ materials)
This little Cricket will make you chirp! Learning to weave on this fantastic little loom is brilliant and easy. In this class, you’ll learn how to warp and sleigh the loom, and learn techniques for making a beautiful textured scarf in two colours. Plus, we’ll make some wonderfully patterned mug rugs
Materials & Supplies:

• Yarn: At least 2 colours of worsted weight yarn
• Schacht Cricket rigid-heddle loom (available for purchase or to rent)
• Recommended: “The Weaver’s Idea Book” by Jane Patrick or “Hands on Rigid Heddle Weaving” by Betty Linn Davenport for expanded techniques and projects.

Knit:Thrummed Mittens *Class is now FULL!*
Skill level: Advanced (This is an advanced technique class. Knitters should have completed mittens, in-the-round prior to this class; Must also be experienced in pattern reading & following detailed instructions)
Three sessions: Monday evenings – February 6, 13 & 20. 6 – 8 pm
Instructor: Michelle Eppert
Class Fee: $45 + materials
According to the Yarn Harlot: “Thrumming makes the insides soft, fuzzy and freakishly warm! This technique is most often associated with Canada’s Provinces of Newfoundland and Labrador . . . where they know warm!”  We’ll perfect the technique of “thrumming” and then you can knit your own fleece lined hats, headbands, mittens or socks.
Materials & Supplies:

• Yarn: 1-2 skeins of Brown Sheep Lamb’s Pride Bulk
• Needles: US#11 double-points (bamboo recommended)
• Fleece: Fleece for thrums will be provided in class
• Pattern:Pattern will be provided in class

Knit: Rocky Coast Cardigan *Class is now FULL!*
Skill level: Intermediate
Four sessions: Tuesday eves. February 7, 21; March 6 & 20. 6 – 8 pm
Instructor: Tracy Borts
Class Fee: $45 (+ materials)
The pattern for this cabled cardigan was an instant hit upon its release this fall.  It’s constructed from the top down with raglan shaping. The sleeves are knit in the round so no seaming is necessary.  It is available in a wide range of sizes (36” – 64” chest).  Swatching, gauge and sizing will be the focus of the first session.
Materials & Supplies:

• Yarn: 800-1800 yards of Berroco Vintage (worsted weight)
• Needles: US#10 ½ - 32” circular and set of 4 dpns & US#9 – 32” circular and set of 4 dpns or size needed to obtain gauge.
• Notions: Stitch markers, cable needle, stitch holders, yarn needle
• Pattern:  “Coastal Knits” by Alana Dakos and Hannah Fettig.

Top-Down Sweaters
Learn the basics of two types of top-down sweaters, circular yoke (February Baby Sweater) and raglan (Garter Yoke Baby Cardi).  Top down sweaters are nearly seamless and can be easily adjusted in length.  Each method will be taught separately so learn one or both!  Once you knit baby versions you’ll be ready to take on adult versions.

Knit: February Baby Sweater *4 seats remaining*
Skill level: Adv. Beginner (must be able to CO, K, P, BO, inc & dec independently)
Three sessions: Thursday eve. February 9, 16 & 23. 6 – 8 pm
Instructor: Tracy Borts
Class Fee: $40 (+ materials)
This Elizabeth Zimmermann design is an adorable top down, circular yoke, almost seamless baby sweater with a simple lace detail.  You will be guided through Elizabeth Zimmermann’s “pithy” pattern with plenty of details and explanation.
Materials & Supplies:

• Yarn: Two skeins of Berroco Vintage (worsted weight)
• Needles: US#7 – 32” circular.
• Pattern:  “Knitter’s Almanac” by Elizabeth Zimmermann [Baby Sweater on Two Needles; Practically Seamless]
• Notions: Stitch markers, waste yarn, yarn needle

Knit or Crochet: Silk Scarf *Class is now FULL!*
Skill level: Experienced Beginner (Crocheters: must be able to chain, SC, DC, inc, dec independently; Knitters: must be able to CO, K, P, BO, inc, dec independently)
One sessions: Tuesday evening – February 21. 6 – 8 pm
Instructor: Brenda Theoret
Class Fee: $15 (+ materials)
Now here’s something really fun! We’ll knit or crochet (you pick) a gorgeous silk scarf right from a bundle of beautifully hand-dyed silk hankies.?
Materials & Supplies:

• Yarn: Frabjous Fibers Hand-Dyed Silk Hankies (1 oz.)
• Crochet hook: Hook H (5.0 mm)
• Needles: US #8 (5.0 mm)
• Pattern: Provided in class

Knitted Shawls: Ishbel *2 seats remaining*
Skill level: Adv. Beginner (must be able to CO, K, P, BO, inc & dec independently)
Three sessions: Wednesday eve. - February 22; March 7 & 21. 6 - 8:00 pm
Instructor: Tracy Borts
Class Fee: $40 (+ materials)
This is the second shawl in our series of shawls and shawlettes where we are exploring different shapes, constructions, design features, lace patterns, designers, yarn weights and fibers. The Ishbel is another triangular shawl, worked in stockinette stitch with a beautiful vine lace motif. The garter tab cast-on and chart reading will be covered. Written instructions are also available for those who prefer them.
Materials & Supplies:

• Yarn:  One skein of Pagewood Farm Denali or 450 yds. fingering weight yarn.
• Needles:  US#6 – 32” circular.
• Pattern:  “Ishbel” by Ysolda Teague available for purchase at Ravelry.com.  Please contact the instructor if you need help purchasing the pattern.
• Notions:  Stitch markers, crochet hook, waste yarn, yarn needle

Felted Slippers for the Family
Skill level: Should know how to cast on, knit, purl and bind off.
Three sessions: Wednesday evenings – February 15, 22 & 29. 6 – 8 pm 
Instructor: Diane Corson
Class Fee: $35 (Anticipate $20 for yarn and needles.)
These warm, comfy slippers are easy to make for adults or kids.  Once knitted and  assembled, then felted, you can add suede soles to them if you wish for extra durability.    
Materials & Supplies:

• Yarn: One skein of worsted weight wool yarn [Lamb's Pride (wool/mohair) or Nature Spun (100% wool)]
• Needles: One #7 or #8  - 24” circular needle 
• Pattern: “Felted Slippers for the Family” from Fiber Trends

Beyond Beginning Rigid Heddle Weaving: Spa Washcloth
Skill level: Experienced Beginner (must be able to warp, plain weave (tabby) and remove your work from the loom independently.)
One session: Saturday Morning – February 25. 9 am - Noon
Instructor: Brenda Theoret
Class Fee: $20 (+ materials kit available at the shop)
Join the Slow Cloth movement and weave up these luxurious terry cloth washcloths on your Cricket loom. We’ll explore different and exciting fiber choices for these lather-up lovelies!

Materials & Supplies:

• Schacht Cricket rigid-heddle loom (available for purchase at the shop, or call for availability of rental), or other rigid heddle loom with 8-dent reed
• 2 Stick shuttles or 11” slim boat shuttle with 2 bobbins
• Yarn: Materials kit available at the shop
• Pattern: Provided in class
• Book: “Weaver’s Idea Book” by Jane Patrick or “Hands on Rigid Heddle Weaving” by Betty Linn Davenport for expanded techniques and projects (optional)
•  Notions: scissors, waste yarn, pen/notebook for project notes

Classes & Workshops Beginning in March

Knit: Garter Yoke Baby Cardi
Skill level: Adv. Beginner (must be able to CO, K, P, BO, inc & dec independently)
Three sessions: Thursday eve. – March 1, 8 & 22. 6 – 8 pm. (NO class 3/15)
Instructor: Tracy Borts
Class Fee: $40 (+ materials)
This simple little cardigan is a fast knit with top-down, seamless, raglan construction. Sleeves are knit in the round and options are given for the button band. Perfect for a boy or girl.
Materials & Supplies:

• Yarn: Three balls of Sublime Baby Cashmere Merino Silk DK
• Needles: US#4 – 32” circular & one set of US#4 double-pointed or size needed to obtain gauge
• Pattern: “Garter Yoke Baby Cardi” by Jennifer Hoel. This is a free pattern on Ravelry.com.  Please download and bring a copy to class.
• Notions: Stitch markers, waste yarn, yarn needle
• Homework:  Please swatch for gauge.  Detailed instruction available in the shop.

Dye Workshop:  Dyeing Animal Fibers *Class is now FULL!*
Skill level:  No previous dye experience needed
One session:  Saturday morning, March 3. 9 am - Noon
Instructor: Diane Corson
Class Fee: $45 (Includes all dye, mordant, equipment & dye blanks)
This hands-on workshop will explore the use of Lanacet (acid) dyes on animal-based fibers including wool and silk. We’ll cover fiber preparation, mordanting, dye application methods, setting the dye and proper handling and storage of dye solution.  Each participant will take home a hand-dyed silk scarf and hand-dyed wool yarn and/or roving.
Materials & Supplies:

• All materials are included in class fee
• You may wish to wear old clothes, dye stains are permanent

The Lucy Bag
Skill level: Should know how to cast on, knit, purl and bind off.
Three sessions: Wednesday eve. – March 7, 21 & 28. 6 – 8 pm (NO class 3/14)
Instructor: Diane Corson
Class Fee: $35 (Anticipate $25 for yarn and needles.)
Everybody loves this fun, ball-shaped felted bag, and it’s a great skill builder too. Make it in two colors of Lamb’s Pride (worsted weight) and learn how to knit on circular needles as well as some of the tricks and techniques of felting.  You’ll want to make more than one!
Materials & Supplies:

• Yarn: Two skeins of worsted weight wool yarn [Lamb's Pride (wool/mohair) or Nature Spun (100% wool)
• Needles: US#7 or #8  - 24” circular needle 
• Pattern: “The Lucy Bag” from Two Old Bags

Dye Workshop:  Indigo T-shirt Dyeing
Skill level: No previous dye experience needed
One session:  Saturday, March 24. 1 – 4 pm
Instructor: Diane Corson
Class Fee: $45 (Includes all dye, equipment and dye blanks)
Indigo is one of the oldest and best-known natural dye methods, famous today as the coloring in blue jeans. What has long been viewed as a slow, complicated and smelly process is now made much faster (and better smelling) with the use of modern, pre-reduced indigo. We’ll use some classic Japanese shibori (meaning “to crumple”) tie-ups to create fun, surprising patterns on the t-shirts we’ll dye with indigo.
Materials & Supplies:

• All materials are included in class fee
• You may wish to wear old clothes, dye stains are permanent

Knitting with Beads *Class is now FULL!*
Skill level: Intermediate
Two sessions: Tuesday eve. March 27 & April 3. 6 – 8 pm.
Instructor: Tracy Borts
Class Fee: $30 (+ materials)
Want to add a little B-L-I-N-G to your projects?   Welcome to Knitting with Beads!  You’ll learn three different methods for adding beads to your knitting.  And, we’ll get you started on a pretty little scarf.  Once you know the techniques, you’ll be adding beads to ALL your projects!
Materials & Supplies:

• Bertie pattern by Kate Blackburn available for free at www.hauntedyarns.com/blog/free-patterns.  Please bring a copy to class.
• Yarn: Sublime Lustrous (260 yds.)
• Yarn: Sport weight yarn (not variegated) for creating a beaded swatch.  Brown Sheep Nature Spun Sport is recommended.
• Needles: Set of US#4 and US#6 (straight or circular)
• Notions: One oz. Size 6° seed beads and beading needle (available at the shop).
• Book: “Knit One Bead Two” by Judith Durant (recommended).