Summer 2010 Classes
Grumperina's Jaywalker Socks
Grumperina's Jaywalker is knit in the classic cuff-down tradition. Pictured here is Sandra Park's fabulous version of the Jaywalker socks; she used a self striping sock yarn. A subtler yarn would yield a far subtler sock – your choice! This class will teach you a fun zigzag pattern and how to make a standard cuff-down sock.
Four 2.5-hour sessions, $100
Prerequisites: Cast on, knit, purl
Materials: Bring the pattern (www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/jaywalker). To get the pattern you must sign for a Ravelry membership, which is free and you should have it anyway! You’ll also need fingering weight yarn (9.5 stitches to the inch in stockinette worked in the round) and a set of five US 1 (2.25 mm) doublepoint needles, or size needed to obtain the aforementioned gauge.
Schedule: Sundays, 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM; July 25, August 1, 8, 15
Lilas Cardigan
Lilas is knit from the top down in one piece and requires no seaming at the end. Its big, floppy collar and relaxed style make for a chic and versatile piece that looks fantastic layered with long sleeves or over tanks and dresses. Quick and simple, this is a great sweater for beginning knitters — and just as we finish this sweater, it should be warm enough on the West side of San Francisco to wear it!
Four 2-hour sessions, $80
Prerequisites: Cast on, knit, purl, bind off
Materials: Bring the pattern (http://tinyurl.com/lilas-cardi) and all materials described therein
Schedule: Mondays, 7:00 - 9:00 PM; August 9, 16, 23, 30
Intro to Crochet
Sue's three-session class will give you a great foundation in crochet. During the first class you'll learn to crochet a simple beret in the round, making increases and decreases. In the second you'll try your hand at a sampling of different crochet stitches. And in the final class you'll learn to crochet flat objects by starting a scarf of your own design.
Three 2-hour sessions, $75
Prerequisites: Just a desire to learn to crochet
Materials: Patterns will be provided. Bring approx 200 yards of worsted weight yarn and size G crochet hook for beret; stash yarn and appropriate crochet hook for stitch samples (bring stash yarn to first session and we will assist you in choosing correct size hook); and 300 yards of yarn of your choice and appropriate crochet hook for the scarf.
Schedule: Sundays, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM; August 15, 22, and 29
EZ Rorschach Jacket
I love this very mod jacket by Elizabeth Zimmermann, which is knit in garter stitch with mitered corners to fit sizes 36", 38", 40", or 42". The sleeves can be snug-cuffed (as shown) or bell-shaped. Skills to be learned include double increases and decreases, button tabs, and I-cord.
Six 2-hour sessions, $130
Prerequisites: Cast on, knit, bind off
Materials: Pattern from Knitting Workshop*, plus 32, 32, 36, or 40 oz of Aran weight yarn for your size and whatever size 24"+ circular needle necessary to get the gauge of 4 sts/inch.
Schedule: Mondays, 7:00 - 9:00 PM; Sept 20, 27, Oct 4, 11, 18, 25
*Will be available at BSWP for 20% off list price!
Learn to Knit
In this five-week class, you’ll learn basic skills and more, including a long-tail cast on, knitting and purling using the English (aka the American or “throw”) method, increasing and decreasing, and binding off. A set of needles and a skein of yarn are provided for learning techniques; students will be given guidance as to what to purchase for their first hat, to be started in the third class.
Five 2-hour sessions; $110 (includes needles and initial practice yarn)
Prerequisites: None!
Materials: Initial materials provided. Additional materials to be purchased by student following the second class.
Schedule: Sundays, 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM; October 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31
Upcoming Classes
These classes are on our radar, but not yet scheduled, so be sure to check this page for updates. In the meantime, please tell us what class you would like to take next and we'll do our best to accommodate your request! Send a note to Thea at knitting@bookshopwestportal.com
Colette Lace Cardi
Aurora Shawl Cardi
Willie Intarsia Kid's Cardi
PLUS… Crochet 4 Knitters (Oct 3, 10, 17): learn to create one-of-a-kind crochet finishes on knitted garments!
Testimonials
“Thea Gray is a wonderful teacher. Since I’ve learned knitting from her, I’ve become absolutely addicted — to yarn, to knitting and making hats. It’s my new full-time hobby!”
—Shelley, Nursing Student, former Massage Therapist
“Thea’s clear and patient teaching style allowed me to keep the yarn on the needles for my first time ever. I’ve tried several times to learn to knit and have always given up in discouragement. I not only kept the yarn on, I made darn good rows. She gently showed me the tricks and how to fix the misses. I gained enough confidence during a short session with Thea to relax and enjoy the feel of the yarn and the rhythm of the stitches.”
—Beverly, Editorial Consultant and Writer
Not only is Thea a patient and thorough teacher, she's enthusiastic and skilled in many different knitting techniques. She's helped me go beyond merely following patterns.
—Rachella, Freelance Writer and Editor