Winter 2010 Classes
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; January 31, February 7, 14, 21, 28
Ribbed Baby Jacket
Debbie Bliss's ribbed jacket can be knit up quickly in worsted weight yarn for a boy or girl aged 0 to 2 years. It's a great first sweater project, and will give you practice in following a pattern, casting on mid-pattern (with backwards loop or cabled cast-on), picking up and knitting stitches, and seaming both horizontally and vertically. The jacket can be fastened in a variety of ways, including with I-cord ties or buttons.
Four 2-hour sessions, $90
Prerequisites: Cast on, knit, purl, bind off
Materials: Bring a copy of the pattern (http://tinyurl.com/baby-jacket), sufficient worsted weight yarn for the size you're making, >24" circular needles in US 7 (4.5 mm) and US 8 (5 mm); a tapestry needle and another pair of 5 mm needles isn't necessary, contrary to what the pattern says.
Schedule: Mondays, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM; February 8, 15, 22, and March 1
Crofter's Lace Cowl
In our climate, I'm always looking for a nice portable layer to ward off a chill. This lace cowl by Gudrun Johnston will fit easily in a bag or backpack, and can be whipped on or off as the occasion demands. The two-session class will serve as an intro to chart reading, lace knitting, and Kitchener stitch.
One 3-hour session & one 2-hour session, $55
Prerequisites: Cast on, knit, purl, bind off
Materials: Bring a copy of the pattern (http://tinyurl.com/crofter-cowl) and all materials described therein. Pattern requires signing up for a free Ravelry membership, which you should have anyway!
Schedule: Sundays: March 7, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM, and March 1, 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Hiker's Waistcoat
I'm looking forward to making this nifty vest with subtle seed-stitch patterning by Kelbourne Woolens. Skills covered will include reading a pattern, increasing and decreasing, picking up stitches, making buttonholes, and seaming. Fits chests 36-44.
Five 2-hour sessions, $110
Prerequisites: Cast on, knit, purl, bind off
Materials: Bring a copy of the pattern (http://tinyurl.com/hiker-vest) and all materials described therein. As always, you can use a different yarn if it has the same weight and yardage. If you need help, consult your favorite yarn store or email knitting@bookshopwestportal.com.
Schedule: Mondays, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM; March 8, 15, 22, 29 & April 5
Intro to Crochet
Sue Appelbaum'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 class you'll try your hand at a sampling of different crochet stitches. In the third and 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, 1:00-3:00 PM; March 14, 21, and 28
Thea's Ropey Wrists Fingerless Gloves
This two-session class will give you an introduction to the mysterious ways of cables, as well as working in the round on double-point needles. You can complete the second glove at home. A great gift idea. Pattern provided in class.
Two 2-hour sessions, $45
Prerequisites: Cast on, knit, purl, bind off
Materials: One 50+ gram skein of DK yarn, size US 7 (4.5 mm), double-point needles (preferably 5" long, wood or bamboo), a cable needle (no thicker than the double-point needles), and a tapestry needle.
Schedule: Sundays, 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM; March 21 and 28
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
Fair-Isle Tams
Top-Down Raglan Sweater
Colette Lace Cardi
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