Classes 2019

Class Rosters will be linked here on June 15th

Class sign up link (This will go live on May 24th and will close June 1st for first choice selection.) An email will be sent to all SSK participants when the signups go live.

If you have any questions, please contact Laura and she will be happy to help you!!!!

Class signups will begin May 24th and will continue until June 1st.  You will have the option to add additional classes (availability pending) until the minute before classes start at SSK.  I will add a google form link to this page on May 24th  for people to fill out.  I would prefer that all current attendees of SSK try to get this filled out by June 1st.  We will do our best to let you know what class(es) you will have by June 10th.    Class rosters are posted in the SSK group on Ravelry by time slot.If you have questions about anything to do with classes, please email or pm Laura  and she will help you.

Hint: Once the rosters are posted on Ravelry, If you use the thread text search feature for your ravelry name, it makes it easy to find your classes.

How signups work:

Your SSK fee includes one class at no additional cost from one of our amazing teachers. We will ask that you choose your top three classes, and we will do our best to accommodate your request based on demand/class size.  I try to have everyone’s selections in before I assign classes. In the past 4 years, almost every single person who was attending SSK at the time of class signups was able to get their first choice class.  That’s something I am hopeful will happen again this year.  

Additional classes may be available for an extra $50 per class cost.  If you decide that you would like to add a class at anytime, just let Laura know via email and she will do our best to make that happen.

A special note about spinning classes:  If you would like to take a spinning class and are unable to bring a wheel  with you, we will have 4-5 wheels available for free rental.  We ask that you let us know on the class form because that may affect which session of class you will be able to take.  If you can only use or prefer a specific wheel, please let Laura know.

And now to the good stuff, classes being offered!


Olga Buraya-Kefelian

3D Knitwear with Moko-Moko or Ginga Cowls
This class is part demonstration with AV presentation and short lecture about 3D knitwear in hand knitting approach, and all inspiration process. It will be part swatch-fest and all inspiration where I present my 3D design philosophy, and gearing to your own discovery of
knitwear in a new light! And test this new knowledge by making either Moko-Moko Cowl or Ginga Cowl.
Skills required:
Knit, purl, cast on, bind off
Skills learned:
● Learning cast on and bind off varieties for stretchy edging and its purpose for
dimensional knitwear.
● Learning to work partial knitting and short rows and their differences.
● Swatching a series of techniques and reviewing all the possibilities.
Materials:
Moko-Moko Cowl
Finished measurements 11” height (flat), 30” circumference
● 340 yds of any worsted weight wool
● Waste yarn in smooth texture and similar weight
● US 7 (4.5 mm) needle and a spare needle
● Crochet hook F (3.75mm)
● Waste yarn
Ginga Cowl
● 270 yds of smooth texture of worsted weight in light or bright color in MC;
● 270 yds of smooth texture of worsted weight in light or bright color in CC;

● US 7 (4.5 mm) circular, 24” long
● Crochet hook (size H or larger)
● Stitch marker
● Tapestry needle
● Scrap yarn
For both
● Copy of Ginga Cowl or Moko-Moko Cowl patterns before arriving to class
For swatching
● Some smooth yarn in light or bright colors for swatching with several needle sizes
comfortable to the yarn weight.
Homework: (if any)
● None

Brioche and Beyond
Ever wondered what is the difference and what is in common between Brioche and Tuck
and Fisherman’s rib and how to work them? In this class you will learn these methods and know how to tell them apart and how to benefit from using either of them. We will make either of these reversible cowl using either of 2 methods. Two cowl pattern options available Reimei Cowl and Boshoku Cowl.

Skills required:
knit, purl, cast on and bind off.
Skills learned:
● Brioche stitch
● Tuck stitch
● Fisherman’s Rib
● How to differentiate them and their best uses
Materials:
For Reimei Cowl
● 140 yds of chunky weight yarn in MC.
● 140 yds of chunky weight yarn in CC.
● US 10 (6 mm) circular needle, 24″ or 36″
● Crochet hook size G
For Boshoku Cowl
● 240 yds of chunky weight yarn.
● US 11 (8 mm) circular needle, 24ʺ long
● Crochet hook size G or H
For both
● Stitch marker
● Tapestry needle

● Copy of Boshoku Cowl or Reimei Cowl patterns before arriving to class
Homework
● None

Modular Knitting
This adventurous beginner class is based on Asanagi Wrap or Aranami Shawl design and is worked in modular technique. In this class you will learn the theory of modular knitting and create this stunning ombré scarf of scalloped patterning with yarn of your choice. But what is more, you will learn numerous vital techniques as a knitter which will be crucial for your future skill set.
Many of the tricks and tips and customization suggestions taught during this class will prove to be a lot of fun!
Skills required:
Knit, purl, cast on, bind off
Skills learned:
● Basic theory for Modular knitting
● Various cast on methods and their benefits
● Several ways of picking up stitches on both knit and purl sides
● Different methods of knit and purl decreases
● Numerous tips and tricks on improving your skills with this technique

Materials:
Asanagi Wrap
● 223 yds of fingering weight yarn in 5 (or more) complimentary colors
● US 3 (3.25 mm) short straight or two double pointed needles, or as preferred
(or size to obtain gauge)
● Crochet hook size C or D
● Tapestry needle
● Removable marker
Aranami Shawl
● Fingering weight wool in colors
A: 33yds
B: 77yds
C: 121yds
D: 165yds
E: 209yds
● US 2 (2.75 mm) circular, 36” or longer
● Stitch holders or scrap yarn

● Crochet hook C or D
● Tapestry needle
For Both
● Copy of Asanagi Wrap or Aranami Shawl pattern before arriving to class
Homework: (if any)
● Work the garter stitch swatch as asked in the pattern to determine the needle
size to obtain gauge. Do not cut yarn from the swatch, however wash and block
your swatch and bring to class.


Maggie Casey

WOOLEN OR WORSTED—HOW DO YOU DECIDE?

There are the rules: Long fibers—short draw, short fibers—long draw.  But sometimes rules are meant to be broken.  The best way to decide how to spin for a project is to spin a little fiber and make a swatch or a sample.  In this class we will spin fibers with different drafting techniques and you will have enough yarn to make a sample.   We will look at other factors as well, so you can design an amazing yarn for your project.

Beginning spinning skills required. Students should be able to spin a continuous yarn and be comfortable with their wheel.

Material fee $15

Students should bring:

Spinning wheel and all its parts

Lazy kate and at least 4 bobbins

ENGLISH LONGDRAW VS AMERICAN LONGDRAW

What is the difference between English longdraw (double drafting) and American longdraw?  It depends.  We will spin wool and cotton both ways and you can see the difference between the two techniques and add another drafting method to your spinning repertoire.

Beginning spinning skills required.

Material fee $10

Students should bring:

Spinning wheel and all its parts

TWIST

Yarn needs twist, without it we would just have fluff.  The question is how much do we need and how much do we want?  It depends!  It all depends on how you are going to use your yarn; sock yarn needs more twist than yarn for a lace shawl.  In this class we will practice controlling the amount of twist that goes into yarn so you can make the most appropriate yarn for your project.  We will spin  different fibers to see that twist is not a one size fits all proposition.

Beginning spinning skills required. Students should be able to spin a continuous yarn and be comfortable with their wheel.

Material fee $10

Students should bring:

Spinning wheel and all its parts

Lazy kate and at least 4 bobbins


Julia Farwell-Clay

Steeks for Scaredy Cats

Yup: we’re going to cut our knitting, no w(h)ine required. Be it stranded or plain work, cut steeks are (if you’ll allow for the pun) a shortcut for knitting in the round and can accommodate design aspects that might not be possible otherwise. But before we touch our scissors, we’ll stabilize our work, and explore finished (or not!) edges after they’ve been cut.

Skill Level: Adventurous beginner plus

Homework: Please bring to class a completed 6″ stockinette cuff (or flat piece) of 48 stitches in worsted weight or heavier yarn. It is optional to have used color work; plain stockinette is fine. Completed projects needing steeked finishing also welcome for consultation!

Materials: Contrasting yarn, needles used for work and one size down from work, crochet hook of similar size, scissors, a few yards of sock yarn (the kind with nylon or spun from long wool).

Elizabeth Zimmerman’s Percentage System 

It’s hard to beat the classics. Elizabeth Zimmermann’s Percentage System stands the test of time, offering a basic and foolproof guide to fit in both traditional and modern silhouettes. In this class we will demystify the fundamentals of gauge as it applies to garments, and follow in EZ’s footsteps to gain mastery over our own knitting to make sweaters that fit. 

Skill Level: Advanced Beginner and up
Homework: Please bring to class a washed and blocked swatch at least 7″ square in a yarn and stitch pattern of your choice (stockinette is fine) but worked without edgings or borders which means no garter stitch edges or ribbed  hems. 
Materials: pencil, measuring tape, a calculator (the one on your phone is perfect), and a garment you already own whose fit you like, be it a sweater or a T-shirt from the store.

 

Combination Knitting

Learn the difference between Western and Eastern knitting styles, and how their marriage in Combination Knitting is the best of both hemispheres. With practice, you may knit faster and more comfortably than any other way of knitting. See what modifications one needs for lace and cable work, and what benefits Combination Knitting wisdom brings to everyday technique even if this doesn’t become your favorite way to knit. 

Skill Level: beginner

Homework: None
Materials: Knitters need only yarn and matching needles


Tanis Gray

Fair Isle 101

Freaked over Fair Isle? Curious about stranded colorwork techniques? Intimidated by multiple strands of yarn in multiple colors? Not sure how gauge works or how to trap those floats? This is the workshop for you! We’ll cover basic Fair Isle knitting techniques for English, Continental and Combination knitters, tackle common issues, proper technique, color theory, how to trap floats, Fair Isle history and setting good Fair Isle knitting habits. We’ll put these techniques into practice while working up the Suburban Warrior Cowl.

Materials:

  • 2 Highly-contrasting shades of sport weight yarn, 230 yds each
  • Size US 5 (3.75mm) 24” circular knitting needles
  • Size US 7 (4.5mm) 16” circular knitting needles
  • Stitch Markers
  • Sticky Notes
  • Tapestry Needle
  • Copy of Suburban Warrior Cowl pattern: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/suburban-warrior-cowl

Homework:

  • With A and smaller needles, CO 132 sts. Join into round being careful not to twist.
  • Work [knit 1 round, purl 1 round] three times,

Design Your Own Fair Isle Cowl Workshop

Ready to move beyond basic stranded colorwork? Interesting in trying your hand at designing? Let your imagination and creativity take over in this Design Your Own Fair Isle Cowl workshop! Working with simple graph paper, we’ll start your very own design from scratch, beginning with inspiration, sketching, moving onwards to design, figuring out how to manipulate the math, and finally start knitting your own work of art! Worried that you’re not an artist? All you need is an idea, a love of knitting, and the desire to try something new.

Materials:

  • 200 yards worsted weight yarn in contrasting colors (or desired yarn weight – thinner yarn requires more yardage)
  • Size US 7 (3.75mm) 24” Circular Knitting Needles (or one size smaller than desired gauge)
  • Size US 8 (4.5mm) 24” Circular Knitting Needles (or size needed to get desired gauge)
  • Stitch Markers
  • Tapestry Needle
  • Sticky Notes
  • Graph Paper
  • Colored Pencils
  • Pencil
  • Eraser
  • Highlighter
  • Calculator (most phones have one)

Homework:

  • Work a 6 x 6” solid-colored stockinette swatch in desired yarn and block.

All About the Braids

Looking to add some dimension to your knitting? Do knitted braids intrigue you? We’ll learn how to work 2-color Latvian (sometimes called the Baltic Braid) and 2-color Estonian braids while knitting up a textured cowl! We’ll also cover finishing techniques, and a brief history of these braids.

Materials:

  • 2 Hanks aran (250 yards each color for shorter cowl version) or heavy worsted weight (400 yards each color for longer version) in contrasting shades
  • Size US 8 (5mm) 24” circular knitting needle
  • Stitch markers
  • Tapestry Needle
  • Copy of Heirloom Braid Cowl pattern: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/heirloom-braid-cowl

Homework:

  • With MC, cast on 120 sts, join into round being careful not to twist. Place marker for beginning of round.
  • Knit 1 round.
  • Purl 1 round.