Events
Since I'jm no longer teaching 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!
To read more about the Free Events, just scroll down below the calendar!
Gauge, Fit, Sizing and other "beginner" questions....
Sat Feb 21st 12 noon to 2p.m.
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 2 hour 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 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.
Bring your questions along with a ball of yarn and some needles to work a swatch.
Heels n' Toes
Sat Oct 4th 12-1 FREE
Most people knit a standard sock pattern. But there are a lot of different ways to knit a heel and to shape toes. And some shapings are better suited to tall arches while others are best suited to pointy toes, round toes or wide feet, etc.
I have samples of each type of shaping of heel and toe knit up so you can see the difference. Even try them on to see how different they can be.
So come join other sock enthusiasts and examine the various options and get instructions for the combination that fits you best!
Discover Silk
Sat Nov 15th 12 - 2 FREE, but registration required
This event is free, but involves cost to me in the way of silk cocoons and mawattas that I would need to prep in advance. And more importantly, several hours of my time to set up the display and hands on stations for participants to enjoy. So I need to know that people are coming in order to go thru that trouble.
So you must register, even tho' there is no cost.
I hope some of you can come join me to explore the amazing life cycle of silk worms, experience how silk is harvested from cocoons, and the many forms it comes in along with the many ways we use it to add sheen to our felt, create silk paper for book binding or notecards, and even knit with it directly from the cocoon!
Call the shop at 288-8081 to register.
Needle Felted XMAS Ornament
Sat Ded 13th 12 - 2 FREE
If you haven't tried needle felting before, this is a great way to get the gist of it while making 1 holiday ornament.
We'll use cookie cutters for your shaping of santas, holly, stockings etc and I'll have out a range of XMAS colors of wool, ribbons and bells for you to use to design your own unique ornament for the tree or to hang on a present!
Don't forget to call the store to register. I can only take so many participants!
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.