We have a limited number of SSK spots open for this year’s event. They are now open to the public.
If you are able to submit the form, then you are tentatively on the list – you must send your deposit within 24 hours to secure your spot. All the instructions are on the form itself.
Class signups will begin May 22nd and will continue until May 29th. You will have the option to add additional classes (availability pending) until the minute before classes start at SSK. I will email a google form link on May 22nd for people to fill out. I would prefer that all current attendees of SSK try to get this filled out by May 29th. We will do our best to let you know what class(es) you will have by June 15th. Class rosters will be linked here via a google document. If you have any questions, email or pm Laura (laura@theknitgirllls.com) and she will help you.
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 four classes, and we will do our best to accommodate your request based on demand/class size. Please be aware that some classes do require materials fees that will need to be paid ahead of time. I try to have everyone’s selections in before I assign classes. In the past 7 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 $60 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 and weaving classes: If you would like to take a spinning or weaving class and are unable to bring a wheel or loom with you, we will have 4-5 wheels and 2-3 looms 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!
Angela Tong
No Loom Weaving
Learn to weave without a loom. With a needle andthread, you will learn to weave different woven structures such as twill and dogtooth. It’s a great way to learn the basics of weaving without the complexity of a loom. You will be taking home your woven studies where you can display them as pieces of art.
Skills needed: None. No experience needed.
Homework: None.
Students will be purchasing a kit from instructor for $30. Students need to bring a pair of scissors.
Getting Fancy on the Loom
Please note: This is a more advanced level tapestry weaving class. You should already know how to warp a tapestry loom and how to plain weave.
Students will need to bring Small Frame Loom or Tapestry Loom, 10″ size is sufficient. (Plus the tools that come with your frame loom like weaving shuttle, weaving needle…etc.)
Scissors
Tapestry or Yarn Needle
Plastic Fork
Assorted yarns for weaving. Small balls and scraps can be used.
Measuring Tape
Instructor will provide warp yarn
Pin Loom Weaving for Beginners
Learn to weave on the go! These small portable looms make it easy to take along anywhere. It’s a great way to use up the odds and ends from your yarn stash. In this class you will learn how to warp the loom, plain weave, weaving with sock/fingering weight yarn and joining the squares.
Students will need to bring 4″ pin loom (3-Pin Style Pin Loom like the Zoom Loom, Wunderwag, Weavette, or Weave-It)
Needle for weaving
Tapestry or Yarn Needle
DK or Worsted Weight Yarn wound into a center pull ball. Squares take about 8 yards each. Bring assorted colors.
Sock/Fingering Weight Yarn wound into center pull ball. Bring at least 40 yards.
Plastic Fork
3.75 or 4mm crochet hook
Carina Spencer
Add an artful flair to any knitted piece! In this hands-on session, you’ll learn two surface design techniques and the tools and tricks to apply them to knitwear. Practice the techniques in class on sampler swatches and leave ready to transform sweaters, hats, and more into one-of-a-kind treasures. Materials are supplied.
Show off your knits at their best—no fancy equipment required. Turn the smartphone in your pocket into a powerful styling, shooting, and editing tool so every photo celebrates your craft, keeps colors true, and reflects your personal style. Come ready to play with light, experiment with angles, and leave with a repeatable workflow that makes sharing your projects a joy!
iPhone and Android users who want to create images that accurately and artistically document their knitting projects.
Please complete this quick Google Form about your smartphone by June 10, 2025, so I can tailor my teaching to your technology.
Turn your swatches into one-of-a-kind, patchwork knits! As a diligent knitter, you’ve collected a scrapbook of memories in swatches for each project you’ve made. Instead of letting them languish in storage, learn how to curate, join, and finish them into a cohesive fabric you can turn into accessories or garments. Swatchwork 101 works with rectangular swatches, guiding you through planning, construction, and finishing so you leave with the confidence to continue piecing at home.
with bonus thoughts on …
Swatches –
Needles & Notions –
Heavenly Bresser
Please note that YOU MUST be able to spin a single on a wheel or spindle and be able to ply in order to take a spinning class. These are not learn to spin classes.
Think Outside the Braid
“Join us as we explore different ways to spin combed-top braids including gradient spinning, combination drafting, and spinning multiple braids together into one yarn. First up for discussion is touch of color theory that will help the spinner to choose at least one color in the braid as a focal point. Next, we’ll look at ways to bring the vision to life which includes carefully omitting and/or adding colors to an existing braid, rearranging colorways, combination drafting with various fibers, and setting the stage for creativity to have it’s way. Say goodbye to comfort zones for a while and gain a boost of confidence in creating a truly unique yarn. After this class, you just might have an urge to raid your stash and take your fibers out for a new kind of spin.”
• Spinning wheel or espinner in working order
• 2 empty bobbins for sampling. (Spindles are welcome.)
• Notebook, pen or pencil with eraser.
Bring fibers from your stash: 2-4 ounces of dyed top fiber, preferably wool or wool blend.
Dyed top fiber should have more than two solid colors in its colorway.
Kit Fee: $25 includes color wheel
Fractal Spinning
Fractal spinning can result in a subtle self-striping yarn. It is one of the many ways to control color and create dynamic yarn from a dyed roving or top for knitting, crocheting, and weaving. To start, we’ll look at two really easy, yet different approaches to fractals—a basic 2-ply as well as a 3-ply using commercial top. Each spinner will have the choice of either method to spin during this session. In addition, we’ll discuss various types of fractal yarns that can be made based on the way fibers are dyed. Finally, we’ll examine samples using fractal yarn.
Fractal spinning:
• Spinning wheel or espinner in working order
• 4 empty bobbins
• Lazy kate or equivalent plying kate with capacity to hold 3 bobbins (may be tensioned or without tension)
• Spinner’s control card/wpi tool
• Writing utensil and notebook
• Small bag to keep bundled fibers organized during workshop
(Those with espinners may need a reminder to bring battery packs.)
Kit Fee: $20
Spinning from the Fold
Spinning from the fold is helpful for adding a bit of loft to lengthy fibers. It also helps with maintaining a consistent draft when slippery fibers are part of a blend. This technique can be performed in many ways, which is a great advantage to the spinner. In this session, you’ll learn how to spin from the fold and how to make minor adjustments for the yarn you desire.
•Spinning wheel or e-spinner in working order
•1 empty bobbin for sampling
•2-3 oz of light-colored top (sheep’s wool— Ex: BFL, Romney, Border Leicester).
•Spinner’s control card/wpi tool
Optional: Travel-sized niddy noddy to remove spun yarn.
There is no materials fee for this class.
Romi Hill
Devilish Details: Short Rows
A beautiful and successful project always comes down to the details! In this class, students will learn Japanese, Sunday, German, and wrap and turn short rows. We’ll be talking about where to use each short row technique to best advantage: working in pattern and also in straight garter and stockinette stitch. We’ll be swatching all of the different techniques and talking about how to substitute for one another.
Materials: worsted weight yarn and needles of choice for swatching; 2 locking stitch markers; 2 short pieces waste yarn
Lace and Cable Surgery
In this hands-on workshop, not only will we discuss techniques to avoid mishaps, participants will learn how to rip a simple section of lace and cables back and knit it up row by row without having to rip the entire project out. We will also go over using duplicate stitch to fix a mis-crossed cable. Students will be given charted knitting homework to be prepared prior to the class: 1 lace swatch with mistakes, and a cable swatch with mistakes, to be operated upon during class!
Materials: swatches, double pointed knitting needles at least 2 sizes smaller than used to knit swatch, crochet hook in similar size to dpns, small foam core sheet (or something else to which the swatch can be pinned), t pins, point protectors, patience.
Lace Surgery, Advanced
Are you ready to fix some trickier lace mistakes? In this class, participants will learn how to rip a section of all-over lace back and knit it up row by row without having to rip the entire project out. This is a more complex lace problem involving chart repeats, wandering stitches, and identifying yarnovers when lace is ripped out partially. Students will be given charted knitting homework to be prepared prior to the class: 1 lace swatch with mistakes, to be operated upon during class!
Materials: swatches, double pointed knitting needles at least 2 sizes smaller than used to knit swatch, crochet hook in similar size to dpns, small foam core sheet (or something else to which the swatch can be pinned), t pins, point protectors, patience.
Event Dates: July 16-20, 2025
Event Address: 1009 18th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37212
Contact us at ssk@theknitgirllls.com
We will open the lottery 12/4/24 at 11am central and close the lottery at 12/12/24 at 11am central. This is not a first come, first serve signup. If we have more entries of those that want to attend than available spots, we will pull entry numbers randomly. If your number isn’t chosen on the first round, we will automatically place you on the wait list. We regularly pull folkx from the wait list and will notify you if your number is pulled.
We will notify everyone of their status in the lottery pull by Monday December 16th.
Attendee Spots $600 each
Deposit – $150 non-refundable & non-transferable deposit due 01/15/25.
What’s included in your $600 fee:
ACCOMMODATIONS
At the request of the event center, we are requiring you book your own stay at Scarritt Bennett. We will provide you with details on how to do that and get our group rate in the welcome email if your entry is selected. Below is the overnight room cost for LAST YEAR – we anticipate that this year’s cost will be similar but do not have that information yet.
***Rooms will be $80.00 per person for twin bed room with a shared restroom (pre-tax price) $94.70 with tax included. You will be required to pay 1st night’s deposit at the time of booking. The remainder is paid at check-in. There is also a $25 cleaning fee added to the stay. Cancellation: As long as you cancel 48 hours in advance you will not be charged for the room. If you do not cancel, you will lose your deposit. Note that this is ONLY for the room – the deposit for attending the event itself is not refundable.
COVID Protocols
At this time, we are not expecting to require proof of vaccination or mandatory mask wearing. However, that may change if the overall situation around COVID or any other widespread health issue changes.
TEACHERS
Our lovely teachers for 2025 are:
Payment schedule will be as follows:
Deposit – $150 non-refundable & non-transferable deposit due 01/15/25.
1st payment – $225 due 2/28/25
2nd payment – $225 due 4/15/25
Vendor Applications can be found here: https://forms.gle/BxY5u1zVT17CpTyw9
If you’re still interested after reading all the details, Here’s the lottery link!
A huge thank you to all the makers who contributed some of their art as doorprizes!
Plus patterns from Shanalines Designs and Hook Mountain Handmade.
Plus more prizes from our amazing vendors and teachers, Kira and Kim!
We are so lucky to have so many amazing attendees that are also willing to lead breakout sessions! Breakout sessions are less formal opportunities to learn and last less than an hour. Some do require you to sign up (a link to a google form will be placed here and above when it’s time) while others are open to all. Here are some breakout sessions being offered this year:
Again, a huge thank you to every one offering breakouts! An extra special thanks to Jillian Moreno for creating the fiber pool several years ago and allowing us to continue with it. If you are looking for a great spinning Patreon, we love Jillian’s!
If you have any questions or need help with breakouts, please let Laura know!
We have a limited number of SSK spots open for this year’s event. They are now open to the public.
If you are able to submit the form, then you are tentatively on the list – you must send your deposit within 24 hours to secure your spot. All the instructions are on the form itself.
Class signups will begin May 27th and will continue until June 3rd. You will have the option to add additional classes (availability pending) until the minute before classes start at SSK. I will email a google form link on May 27th for people to fill out. I would prefer that all current attendees of SSK try to get this filled out by June 3rd. We will do our best to let you know what class(es) you will have by June 15th. Class rosters will be linked here via a google document. If you have any questions, email or pm Laura (laura@theknitgirllls.com) and she will help you.
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 four classes, and we will do our best to accommodate your request based on demand/class size. Please be aware that some classes do require materials fees that will need to be paid ahead of time. I try to have everyone’s selections in before I assign classes. In the past 7 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 $60 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!
Boob Camp: Bust Darts for Every Body
Learn life changing techniques for those of us with larger chests.
Sweaters look best when they fit us in our shoulders and properly
accommodate our chest. Bring your yarn, your needles and learn
how to choose a size and to construct 2 types of bust darts for your
chest, giving you endless choice for modifying any sweater pattern.
Homework:
Take these measurements and bring them to class:
Bums and Bellies: Sweater Shaping for Your Body
Using your measurements and worksheets, we’ll look at how to
master the fit of sweater patterns to YOUR body, and what those
modifications look like in a simplified form.
Learn:
Homework:
Take these measurements and bring them to class:
– natural waist
– high hip measurement (circumference of body at the top of your pelvic bone — if you can’t feel your pelvic bone, lie down on your back and feel for it below your waist)
– low hip measurement (circumference of body at your hip joint)
– mid hip measurement (circumference of body halfway between high hip and low hip)
– length of body from waist to high hip, waist to mid hip, waist to low hip
**these measurements will be reviewed in class, so if you’re unsure, don’t worry!**
What to Bring:
All About Sleeves
If the shoulders fit, the sleeves don’t. If the sleeves fit, the bust
doesn’t. These are common fit issues in our sweaters. Let’s fix
them!
We’ll explore:
Homework:
Visible Mending
Visible Mending is a creative way to extend the life of your clothing and household items while embellishing them for a unique look. We will cover basic patches with running stitch as well as more decorative embroidery and woven darns using Speedweve looms. After this class, you’ll look at holes and stains as opportunities rather than tragedies!
Materials: embroidery hoop, embroidery needles, embroidery floss, scissors. Optional: Speedweve style mending loom, 10 yards fingering weight yarn. We will provide fabric for practicing and/or patching, but you can also bring your own items to mend.
Optional: materials kits are available, with embroidery kits (hoop, needle, fabric, embroidery floss) for $10, and options of Speedweve looms with needles and yarn for $30, $60, or $120.
Intro to Tapestry Weaving
Weaving is an ancient art that is easy to learn yet has endless possibilities. Unleash your creativity while playing with color and texture! We will use a simple frame loom to make an artistic wall hanging while exploring plain weave as well as rya fringe, soumak, and clasped weft weaving techniques.
Materials Kit: $40 Black Sheep Goods Pop Out Loom, scissors, darning needle, yarn.
Tips and Tricks for Crocheters
This class does require advanced beginner knowledge. Students need to already know the basics of chain stitch plus single crochet and/or double crochet, and if anyone needs to brush up Kira has a Beginning Crochet playlist on YouTube.
Kira has been crocheting since she was three years old, and has picked up lots of tips and tricks for the fastest, easiest, neatest projects. Learn her favorite shortcuts and uncommon but useful techniques in this fun class.
Materials: Bring your crochet toolkit, some easy-to-see yarn and appropriately sized crochet hook
Please be aware that none of these classes are beginner level. You need to be able to spin a continuous single and ply prior to taking a class.
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 yourself and add
another drafting method to your spinning repertoire.
Beginning spinning skills required.
Material fee $15
Students should bring:
Spinning wheel in good working condition and all its parts
SPINNING BIG AND LOFTY YARNS
Soft yarns, full of air, are a joy to knit and wear, but not so easy to spin. By choosing the right
fiber, tweaking our wheels, and choosing the right fiber, we can create those light and lofty yarns.
Beginning spinning skills required.
Material fee $25
Students should bring:
Spinning wheel in good working condition and all its parts, especially whorls and bulky flyers
Lazy kate and 3 bobbins
TWIST UNRAVELED
In this class we will unravel the mystery of twist. First, we will look at how to measure twist and
then practice ways of increasing or decreasing it in our yarn. Then, we’ll talk about some projects
and decide how much twist they might need and make samples.
At the end of the class twist won’t be so mysterious after all.
Materials fee: $10
Beginning spinning skills required. Students should be able to spin a continuous yarn and be
comfortable with their wheel.
Students should bring:
A Spinning wheel in good working condition and all its parts
Lazy kate and at least 4 bobbins
NOVELTY CABLES
Level: Intermediate
We all love the look of cabled knits but some of them can be quite complex to
execute! In this class you will be presented with 5 other novel options of creating
cables using other than the traditional technique! Students will be presented with a
headband accessory pattern to make using one of these techniques as well as
instructions for the other methods to try later!!
Skills needed: knowing how to knit, purl, cast on, bind off.
Skills learned:
Various cast on methods and their benefits
Ways of picking up stitches on the purl side and work welts.
Different methods for achieving 3D look of cables using 5 methods
How to perform several methods of cable decreases
Tips and suggestions on when to use all of these techniques in knitwear
Materials:
2-3 colors of 200 yds of worsted weight yarn for swatching
US 6 (4 mm) needle
US 7 (4.5 mm) needle
Double pointed needles in sizes US 4 (3.5 mm) and 5 (3.75 mm)
Crochet Hook Size F or G
Tapestry needle
Homework: None
MAGICAL BRIOCHE
Level: Advanced Intermediate
Learn a relatively unused technique of Double Brioche, discover various ways of
adapting and customizing it for your style of knitting, creating incredibly elastic
fabric and its use in knitwear. Create a completely reversible and incredibly elastic
top-down hat in either sizing of your choice, customizing crown height and choice
for brim. (brand new design using DITW+DITS called “Fireworks”).
Skills needed: knowing how to work basic brioche
Skills learned:
How to make a disappearing circular cast on.
How to work Brioche and Tuck techniques simultaneously in the same pattern in
the round and its nuances.
Learn how to work double brioche in solid or bicolor
How to increase in 2×2 Brioche rib
How to work several methods of elastic bind off
Materials
Approx. 200 yds each in MC and in CC of sport weight yarn
US 2 (2.75 mm) circular, 24-36” long
US 2 (2.75 mm) set of 5 dpns or 2 circulars or long circular (to work small
circumference in the round)
Removable stitch marker or safety pin
Cable needle
Homework: None
BRIOCHE AND BEYOND
Level: Beginner Intermediate
Ever wondered what the difference is and what is in common between Brioche and
Tuck and Fisherman’s rib and how to work them? Join this class to learn these
methods and know how to tell them apart and how to benefit from using either of
them. We will make this reversible cowl using either of the 2 methods. (Two cowl
pattern options available Reimei Cowl and Boshoku Cowl )
Skills needed: knowing how to 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 as well:
Stitch marker
Tapestry needle
Please purchase a copy of either Boshoku Cowl or Reimei Cowl patterns and bring
to class
Homework
For Reimei Cowl:
Using the Crochet Chain method and Color A, CO 136 sts. Join work into rnd, pm at
the join.
Rnd 1: With Color A, knit.
Rnd 2: With Color A, purl.
For Boshoku Cowl:
Using the Crochet Chain method CO 101 sts. Join work into rnd, pm at the join.
Event Dates: July 17-21, 2024
Event Address: 1009 18th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37212
Contact us at ssk@theknitgirllls.com
We will open the lottery 11/30/23 at 11am central and close the lottery at 12/06/23 at 11am central. This is not a first come, first serve signup. If we have more entries of those that want to attend than available spots, we will pull entry numbers randomly. If your number isn’t chosen on the first round, we will automatically place you on the wait list. We regularly pull folkx from the wait list and will notify you if your number is pulled.
We will notify everyone of their status in the lottery pull by Monday December 11th.
Attendee Spots $525 each
Deposit – $125 non-refundable & non-transferable deposit due 01/15/23.
What’s included in your $525 fee:
ACCOMMODATIONS
At the request of the event center, we are requiring you book your own stay at Scarritt Bennett. We will provide you with details on how to do that and get our group rate in the welcome email if your entry is selected.
***Rooms will be $80.00 per person for twin bed room with a shared restroom (pre-tax price) $94.70 with tax included. You will be required to pay 1st night’s deposit at the time of booking. The remainder is paid at check-in. There is also a $25 cleaning fee added to the stay. Cancellation: As long as you cancel 48 hours in advance you will not be charged for the room. If you do not cancel, you will lose your deposit. Note that this is ONLY for the room – the deposit for attending the event itself is not refundable.
COVID Protocols
At this time, we are not expecting to require proof of vaccination or mandatory mask wearing. However, that may change if the overall situation around COVID or any other widespread health issue changes.
TEACHERS
Our lovely teachers for 2024 are:
Olga Buraya-Kefelian (OlgaJazzy)
Payment schedule will be as follows:
Deposit – $125 non-refundable & non-transferable deposit due 01/15/23.
1st payment – $200 due 2/28/23
2nd payment – $200 due 4/15/23
If you’re still interested after reading all the details, please click here to submit your lottery entry!
If you’d like to apply to vend at SSK 2024, please fill out this form.
We’ll keep Vendor applications open until 12/1/23, and we will let you know by 12/31/23.
We have had so many wonderful folkx contribute door prizes this year!
Plus more prizes from our amazing market vendors!
