Events
Since I'jm no longer teaching and hosting classes here (after 28 years of it!) I'm going to try to offer a range of events here for those interested in either learning more about a topic, trying out something new, or simply socializing with other fiber fanatics!
Gauge, Fit, Sizing and other "beginner" questions....
Wed Oct 14th 4:30 - 7 2026
Understanding gauge, knowing the "fit" you like (because frankly we all like something a bit different) and figuring out how different patterns and designers describe their "sizing" are all really important to you getting the correct yarn and needles and choosing the right size sweater to knit for yourself. Or for someone else!
We've had a lot of new knitters in the shop embarking on their first sweaters and not knowing about any of this. The last thing we want is for a customer to knit the wrong size or fit on their first sweater because they either didn't understand gauge or didn't choose the correct size to knit for themselves. While we can help you make these choices when you're in to pick up yarn, its a lot of information to process and understand, so dedicating a bit of time to understand these issues (outside of actually picking yarn for a particular garment) will set you up for making good future decisions.
I see so many experienced knitters in the shop who have never taken the time to understand these basic concepts so every time they embark on a new project, they need help. Again, we're happy to help, but don't you want to understand this stuff yourself? To understand this so when you're travelling or at a sheep & wool festival and see an opportunity to pick up yarn from a farm, you can figure this out for yourself?
And even when new knitters get this part correctly, I hear from them that sometimes the garment doesn't have the drape or structure they wanted. And that's because we often have to substitute yarns and if you think ONLY about gauge you may get a fabric you didn't want. That's because the way a yarn is spun or constructed and the fiber content can affect the way a garment feels or holds its shape.
So come join us for this primer on these basics. The goal is just to help you make better decisions about these basics to ensure success with your future sweaters. We'll look at several gauge swatches and explore different fabrics at each gauge.
We can cover whatever other issues you have come across - like following patterns, reading charts, substituting yarns and understanding the effect your choice will have on the finished product, etc.
Discover Silk, Cashmere and other "luxury" fibers!
Wed Nov 4th 5:30 - 7 2026
If I had a dime for every time a customer came in asking for cashmere and then purchased alpaca or llama, I'd retire! Which is why I have only stocked cashmere blends and not the 100% version for the last few years (although I do have a very limited color selection of a 100% cashmere coming this fall to give it a try again!)
Everyone wants the cache of 100% cashmere but few are willing to pay for it and cashmere blends, alpaca, llama and yak make nice substitutes!
But these fibers are all very different - and are very different from wool - so knowing the characteristics of each fiber may help you make better decisions about which to use for what!
Breeds of Sheep and their wool...and how it's spun!
Wed Nov 18th 5:30 - 7
Not all wool is the same!
While a lot of knitters want "soft" and so default to merino, there are some wonderful wools from different breeds of sheep that have different, and really worthwhile, characteristics.
Come join me and learn more about the qualities and characteristics that different wools will impart to a project, as well as learn about the different way these wools are spun, and how both the breed of sheep AND the way it is processed and spun can affect the outcome of your project!
Coming after the New Year
dates TBD
Short Row Shaping - several ways to do it andhow to use it!
Steeks - Don't let them intimidate you!
Yarns 101 -explore how the means of construction (singles, 2 ply, blown in, etc) as well as the fiber content affect the way a yarn knits up and the characteristics of the resulting fabric.