Class Descriptions

Knitting     |     Crochet     |     Spinning     |     Any Craft

FRIDAY MORNING

Basic Spindle Spinning

Teacher:  Abby Franquemont
Skill Level:  All skill levels
Craft:  Spinning

Even if you already spin, or already spin with spindles in particular, there's something for you in this class that covers multiple methods of starting out, pros and cons of various types of spindles, finger spinning, thigh spinning, plying your yarn and directions for how to finish your yarn and get it ready to use in the project of your choice.

Cast-on Cornucopia

Teacher:  JC Briar
Skill Level:  Basic knitting experience required
Craft:  Knitting

Dozens of cast-on techniques exist:  one-strand or two-strand; loose and flowing or elastic and springy; invisible or decorative.  Review your options in this class:  try variations on old favorites and discover entirely new options.  Best of all, gain the familiarity you need to choose just the right cast-on for your next project.

Circular Tunisian Tapestry

Teacher:  Lily Chin
Skill Level:  Advanced
Craft:  Crochet

Learn this fascinatingly new technique of creating a moiré effect in crochet.  Create projects without seams.  Make pictures or motifs in two colors without stranding.  This is a ground-breaking, never-before-seen way of using Tunisian crochet, employing a short, double-ended hook.

Felt a Designer Scarf

Teacher:  Judy Crouch
Skill Level:  Beginner and above
Craft:  Any craft

Design your personal scarf using silk gauze and merino/silk fibers.  Start with a square of silk, a pair of scissors, some merino/silk fibers and a little soap and water to create your own personal designer scarf.  You will leave this class with a unique, one-of-a-kind scarf - a pleasure to wear and show off to your friends.

Grannies Don't Have to be Square

Teacher:  Darla Fanton
Skill Level:  Beginner and above
Craft:  Crochet

Grannies also don't have to be restricted to one color per round.  Explore different shapes of Grannies, different color placements as well as different methods of joining.  Darla will also share tips and techniques for improving the appearance of your Grannies that will apply to other crochet projects as well.  Just about everything you ever wanted to know about Granny - plus inspiration for a variety of uses!

FRIDAY AFTERNOON

Basic Wheel Spinning

Teacher:  Abby Franquemont
Skill Level:  All skill levels
Craft:  Spinning

Basic wheel mechanics, how to make your wheel work, troubleshooting common problems, how (and why) to ply your yarn (or not), how to get it ready to use in the project of your choice.

Bind-off Bonanza

Teacher:  JC Briar
Skill Level:  Basic knitting experience required
Craft:  Knitting

Creating a firm and sturdy bind-off edge is child's play:  you just keep a secure grip on the yarn as you bind off.  But what if you need some other kind of bind-off edge?  Take this class and learn about supple and seamless bind-offs for sock tops, bind-offs that blend into ribbing and decorative bind-offs.

Computer Aided Design

Teacher:  Lily Chin
Skill Level:  All skill levels
Craft:  Any craft

Even if you are computer-illiterate, you may want to know what all the fuss is about and what the possibilities are that computers offer when you design.

See a demonstration at work and get a broad overview of realistic achievements and what you can expect to get out of the computer.  Even discuss the pros and cons of different systems (IBM-compatibles vs. Mac's).  Sample some of the various software available.

"CAD" has been a new and exciting way for Lily to "visualize" her work beforehand and has allowed her to experiment a whole lot more without a whole lot of extra investment in materials and time.  Covered also will be down-to-earth information on price, peripherals, on-line help services, and the dreaded "learning curve."

Continental Knitting - A Variation on a Theme

Teacher:  Galina Khmeleva
Skill Level:  Basic knitting skills
Craft:  Knitting

Are you stuck in the past?  Still throwing your yarn?  Maybe even experiencing wrist discomfort?  Let Galina teach you this subtle Russian variation of the classic continental knitting method.  It's fast, it's easy, it's oh-so forgiving on your wrists!!  You'll wonder why you waited so long to make the switch.

Remarkable Reversible Ripples

Teacher:  Darla Fanton
Skill Level:  Intermediate
Craft:  Crochet

Take your double-ended hook on a journey to the peaks and valleys of the ripple pattern!  If you are a fan of the ripple, you will certainly enjoy working these four ripple patterns that are reversible with a totally different look to each side.  The different methods of increasing and decreasing learned while working the swatches for a scarf may be carried over into other double-hook projects.  We will also discuss how to expand the scarf patterns into shawls or afghans with design tips on color placement, working with more than two colors, working with yarns of different weights, and variegated or novelty yarns.

SATURDAY MORNING

Charts Made Simple

Teacher:  JC Briar
Skill Level:  Basic knitting experience required
Craft:  Knitting

The symbols of a chart take the place of written instructions, telling you what stitches to work.  But a good chart does so much more, showing you what the knitted fabric should look like.  In this class, you'll learn to read charts, making sense of their symbols and using them to keep your knitting on track and to minimize mistakes.

Continental Knitting - A Variation on a Theme

Teacher:  Galina Khmeleva
NOTE! Off-site location: Hilton Garden Inn
Skill Level:  Basic knitting skills
Craft:  Knitting

Are you stuck in the past?  Still throwing your yarn?  Maybe even experiencing wrist discomfort?  Let Galina teach you this subtle Russian variation of the classic continental knitting method.  It's fast, it's easy, it's oh-so forgiving on your wrists!!  You'll wonder why you waited so long to make the switch.

Design Inspiration

Teacher:  Lily Chin
Skill Level:  All skill levels
Craft:  Any craft

Have you ever wondered where ideas come from?  Where do designers draw their inspiration from?  How do they interpret their ideas into reality?  What problems arise?  What challenges are posed?  What details do they specifically look for?  What special tools are involved?

See the many examples of source and result in this show-and-tell lecture.

Knit & Purl with Crochet

Teacher:  Darla Fanton
Skill Level:  All skill levels
Craft:  Crochet

Yes, you can create a knit-look fabric with a crochet hook.  Whether you are struggling to master "two sticks and a string" or are just looking for something new to try, Tunisian Crochet is a fun alternative.  Often called the bridge between knit and crochet, this "one stick" method can take on many knit-like effects.  Learn how to create a solid knit/purl fabric or a more open "knit" lace look-alike fabric plus tips on converting knit patterns to Tunisian crochet.

Plying Basics

Teacher:  Abby Franquemont
Skill Level:  Must be able to produce singles
Craft:  Spinning

Often overlooked, plying is actually its own whole skill set.  There are many plying structures which bring different benefits to your yarn and this class will help you decide which you'd like to use and make sure you can get that done.  We'll cover the differences between singles, 2-ply, 3-ply, more than 3-ply, cabled yarn and crepe yarn.

SATURDAY ALL DAY

Learning Simple Lace - Knitting with Beads

Teacher:  Kay Meadors
Skill Level:  Intermediate - must know how to knit, purl, and have mastered YO, K2tog, SSK, and Slip one, K2, Pass Slipped Stitch Over
Craft:  Knitting

Let Kay Meadors of Natural State Knits Designs and author of I Can't Believe I'm Lace Knitting open your knitting mind to lace knitting with beads.  If you have mastered sweaters, but you are dying to learn how to knit a lace shawl with the added bling of knitting with beads, this is the class for you.  This class will work you through all of the techniques of a full size shawl in a doll size version.  The end result will be a crescent shaped shawl in stockinette stitch with a lovely lace edging.  You will receive the pattern for the full-size shawl to start on during class.

Kay will go over chart reading, adding beads to lace knitting and the proper way to block a lace shawl.

SATURDAY AFTERNOON

Charts Made Essential

Teacher:  JC Briar
Skill Level:  Ability to read charts
Craft:  Knitting

Being able to read charts is only half the story.  Take this class and learn to write charts:  to visualize written instructions, to convert between flat and in-the-round knitting, and to plan shaping.  Use charts to demystify phrases like "at the same time," "reverse shaping," and "shape in pattern."

Drafting - The Long and the Short of it

Teacher:  Abby Franquemont
Skill Level:  All skill levels
Craft:  Spinning

What's the difference between long draw and short draw?  Does it matter?  Why should you choose one or the other?  What difference does it make in your finished yarn?  Are some fibers or preparations more suited to one or the other?  We'll talk about those subjects, and learn to execute a range of drafting methods with a variety of fibers.

Puffs, Posts, Cables and Connections:  Designing Tunisian Arans

Teacher:  Darla Fanton
Skill Level:  Must be able to Tunisian simple, knit and purl stitches
Craft:  Crochet

Learn to create terrific textures in Tunisian crochet including assorted puffs, popcorns, post stitches, chains, and cables that look knit.  Use these textured stitches alone or combine them to create aran style projects with flair.  Learn a variety of ways to join Tunisian pieces including nearly invisible seams as well as methods using the seam as a design element.  Darla will also share her treasure trove of tips and tricks for working Tunisian crochet with ease.

Reversible Cables

Teacher:  Lily Chin
Skill Level:  Advanced Beginner and above; anyone who has tried their hand at some kind of cable
Craft:  knitting

Simple to execute, cables are almost always worked over stockinette stitch thereby producing a "wrong" side.  This is not particularly attractive on a scarf or shawl or afghan where the "wrong side" will be in full view of the public.  In this class, learn how cables work, which stitches, yarns and needles are ideal for these reversible cables, and how to chart them so you'll know what you'll be getting beforehand.  By the end of this class, you will have a sampler of reversible cables plus enough ideas to keep you in stitches for a long, long time.

Spinning for Lace Knitting  

Teacher:  Galina Khmeleva
NOTE! Off-site location: Hilton Garden Inn
Skill Level:  All levels
Craft:  Spinning

Come join renowned lace knitting and handspinning instructor Galina A. Khmeleva, author of Gossamer Webs and The Design Collection, as she introduces you to the magical handspinning techniques of Russian knitters that ultimately result in the creation of arguably the most luxurious shawls and scarves found in the knitting universe.  In this workshop, the emphasis will be on the spinning of luxury fibers (cashmere, qiviut, pygora, buffalo, etc.) and the significance of gauging the proper thickness and length of these fibers, while learning the more economical use of luxury fibers, helping you conserve precious yardage.

SUNDAY MORNING

Pinstripe Knitting

Teacher:  Lily Chin
Skill Level:  Intermediate: must have knowledge of 2-handed color knitting as in classic, stranded Fair Isle
Craft:  Knitting

This is a quick and easy way of creating complicated looking fabric with slimming optical effects.  Infuse other colors for different "rhythms."  Make increases, decreases, and counting stitches simpler.  Throw in some textures for added seeming-complexity.

The Roving Knitter

Teacher:  Misty Urech
Skill Level:  Beginner-intermediate
Craft:  Knitting

Have beautiful rovings and no time to spin?  Learn how to draft, join and knit the roving into a beautiful neck warmer.  Learn how to cast on and gauge tension to create textures and shaping.

Slick Set-In Sleeves

Teacher:  JC Briar
Skill Level:  Intermediate to advanced; sweater knitting experience
Craft:  Knitting

Set-in sleeves give a sweater a crisp, tailored look.  And for easy knitting, you just can't beat sleeves knit from the top down.  Pick up stitches from the body, shape the sleeve cap with short rows, and you avoid the bulk of a seam and the fuss of easing a sleeve cap into an armhole.  Learn to adapt an existing pattern to this approach, or to design according to your measurements.

Twice as Nice Thermal Stitch

Teacher:  Darla Fanton
Skill Level:  Intermediate
Craft:  Crochet

Using standard crochet stitches and two colors of yarn, create projects with a different look to each side.  The resulting fabric can be dense and protective, such as the potholder we will be making in class, or soft and cushiony as a cloud.  This stitch is perfect for either keeping heat out or holding it in!  Learn how to select yarns, stitches, and hooks to achieve the result you desire.

Wheel Mechanics

Teacher:  Abby Franquemont
Skill Level:  All skill levels
Craft:  Spinning

Learn about drive systems, tensioning mechanisms, ratios, treadle systems, flyer design and how all these things affect your wheel's performance and the yarn you produce.  How, when and why would you choose one system over another or make setup changes?  How can you troubleshoot mechanical problems?  How can you changes settings on your wheel to change the yarn you're spinning?

SUNDAY AFTERNOON

Double Helix Necklace/Bracelet

Teacher:  Darla Fanton
Skill Level:  All skill levels; the ability to crochet a chain is helpful but not required; we will be working with size 10 crochet thread so some finger dexterity and visual acuity is needed.
Craft:  Crochet

Bead loops spiral around a central core of crochet thread in this lovely 21-inch long necklace and matching bracelet.  It is hard to believe that the very simplest of crochet stitches are used to create these projects, but it's true!  Those students already familiar with crochet should be able to leave class wearing their necklace.  Those new to crochet may wish to start with the bracelet.

Fine Shaping in Stitch Patterning

Teacher:  Lily Chin
Skill Level:  Advanced: should have basic ability to draft one's own pattern (have designed own garments), not be afraid of stitch-charts.
Craft:  Crochet

How often have you worked some fancy stitch pattern but became stumped when it came time to shape the neckline?  What do you do if you want a classic set-in sleeve instead of the dreaded drop shoulder?  How can you create a refined fit and nip in for the waist / full for the bust?  This class will clue you in on how to work within the stitch structure of a fancy pattern and still add the necessary garment shaping.  Find out trade secrets from my ready-to-wear experience.

Get Twisted

Teacher:  JC Briar
Skill Level:  Basic knitting experience required
Craft:  Knitting

Cables and other twisted knitting stitches make for some of the most captivating knitting patterns.  Though they look intricate, they are surprisingly easy to create.  Learn how while knitting samplers that you can later turn into a drawstring tote bag.  Along the way, you'll pick up tips for reading charts, reading your knitting, and fixing mistakes.

Shadow Knitting

Teacher:  Lise Wilson
Skill Level:  Basic knitting skills
Craft:  Knitting

Shadow knitting is a fun and easy way to put pattern and color into your knitting.  Learn this age-old technique on a simple dishcloth and apply it to other knit items like socks and scarves.  Do you think that you see only stripes?  Look again and see hearts or flowers or skulls appear in your knitting.

Spinning Faster

Teacher:  Abby Franquemont
Skill Level:  Intermediate to advanced
Craft:  Spinning

Do you wish you could make more yarn faster?  This is the class for you!  You'll learn several drafting methods and get personalized feedback on how you spin and where your bottlenecks are.  You'll learn to get the most out of your wheel, how to set up for efficiency, how to measure your productive rate and exercises to practice to improve your spinning speed.