Lunch will be available on site. Details will be available in March.
Click on a class name below to see a class description. Grey-backed classes are sold out.
(K) = Knitting
(C) = Crochet
(S) = Spinning
(A) = Any Craft
Cast-on Cornucopia
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.
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Circular Tunisian Tapestry
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.
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Felt a Designer Scarf
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.
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Grannies Don't Have to be Square
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!
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Basic Spindle 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.
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Bind-off Bonanza
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.
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Computer Aided Design
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."
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Continental Knitting - A Variation on a Theme
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.
Click here for class description page
Continental Knitting - A Variation on a Theme
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.
Click here for class description page
Remarkable Reversible Ripples
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.
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Basic Wheel 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.
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Charts Made Simple
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.
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Design Inspiration
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?
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Learning Simple Lace - Knitting with Beads
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.
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Knit & Purl with 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.
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Plying Basics
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.
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Charts Made Essential
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."
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Reversible Cables
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.
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Spinning for Lace Knitting
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.
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Puffs, Posts, Cables and Connections: Designing Tunisian Arans
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.
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Drafting - The Long and the Short of it
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.
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Slick Set-In Sleeves
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.
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Pinstripe 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.
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The Roving Knitter
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.
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Twice as Nice Thermal Stitch
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.
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Wheel Mechanics
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?
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Double Helix Necklace/Bracelet
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.
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Fine Shaping in Stitch Patterning
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.
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Get Twisted
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.
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Shadow 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.
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Spinning Faster
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.
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