Class Rosters are linked here
Class signups will begin June 1st and will continue until June 7th. 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 June 1st for people to fill out. I would prefer that all current attendees of SSK try to get this filled out by June 7th. We will do our best to let you know what class(es) you will have by June 15th. Class rosters are 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. I try to have everyone’s selections in before I assign classes. In the past 6 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!
Jillian’s Classes
Skill Level: If you are familiar with your wheel, have used it recently, can spin a continuous thread,
and have plied a yarn (even one), this class is for you.
Students should bring: A wheel in good working order, 3 bobbins, a lazy kate, a niddy noddy, tags to mark samples and pen and paper to take notes, baggies for sample fiber.
Woolen Prep and Draft
$25 materials fee
Get the air in there! Interested in spinning a lofty, cozy woolen yarn? This class explores different woolen preparations and drafts. We will spin several woolen and woolen-ish preparations, roving, sliver, rolags, batts, and spinning top from the fold. They all spin with different amounts of loft, and spinning them side by side will help you fine-tune your woolen yarns.
We’ll practice woolen drafting from short forward and backward drafts to longdraw, keeping an eye on drafting zones and twist to manage size and consistency. Once we have woolen singles spun, we’ll ply, woolen-style, and see how adjustments for consistency can be made to woolen yarns when plying.
Twist and Ply: Plying Basics and Beyond
$20 materials fee
Have you ever knit with your handspun and something just wasn’t right? The answer may be in your plying.
In this class we will go over the basics of plying, setting up your wheel, your lazy Kate, and your body. We’ll talk rewinding bobbins, resting bobbins, counting in plying, the difference between woolen and worsted plying, and how to use a ply back sample for plying. We’ll explore the number of plies in a yarn, including chain plying, how to control it and what
effect the number of plies has on your knitted fabric.
There will be discussion about designing your yarn through ply, the number of plies, the how and why of color combinations, and breaking some plying ‘rules’ to make easy textured yarns.
True Color: Exploring Dye Patterns in Braids
$25 materials fee
Speckled, striped, dyed in a repeating pattern, or dyed in no pattern at all, painted braids come in a huge variety of styles. It’s hard to know what your yarn will look like when spinning a particular pattern of braid.
In this class we will explore several popular dye patterns so you’ll have a better idea of what your yarn will look like no matter the braid you spin.
We’ll first look at braids, unchain them, and investigate how the dye has been applied to the fiber. Pattern? No pattern? Lots of white spots? Something else? How much of a pattern can you see when
buying a braid? Then you’ll spin several pattern types to see exactly the outcome a particular dye style has on your yarn. There will be lots of samples on hand to see each dye style from fiber, to yarn, to knitted swatch.
Don’t really like the dye pattern in your braid? That’s an easy fix! We’ll explore manipulating the colors in our braids to play with switching up the patterning.
You’ll leave this class ready to tackle your braid stash (or add to it) with color confidence.
Shana’s Classes
MODULAR KNITTING
Learn to embrace garter stitch and work on modular joining and finishing techniques while making a useful object or 2. Learn or brush up on a few techniques including: provisional cast-on, picking up stitches, modular join-as-you-go knitting, basic increases and decreases, icord bind-off.
Materials:
50 g of DK weight yarn in 2+ colors OR fingering weight yarn (to hold doubled)
2 pair of knitting needles with 32” / 80 cm cord or longer (choose a size to achieve approx. 22 st over 4” / 10 cm– suggested size US 2-4 / 2.75-3.5 mm)
smooth waste yarn in contrast color
crochet hook in similar size for provisional cast-on
10+ light bulb stitch markers, preferably in different colors / different styles
scissors
tapestry needle
tape measure / ruler
pencil(s) / preferred note-taking device
Optional:
interchangeable cords for needles
gram scale to weigh yarn
tubing / waste yarn / stitch holder to hold live stitches (NOTE: spare tubing will be provided!)
Homework: Knit 2 swatches in garter stitch. Laura will email specific dimensions to students.
RECALIBRATING
Using my popular fingering weight design, Recalibrate, as a jumping off point, this class will teach knitters how to make adjustments on the fly! Prepare for this class by looking at some of your favorite garments – knit or store bought– and familiarizing yourself with a few of your measurements– but don’t worry, we’ll also cover your preferred dimensions during the class. We will do a little bit of math and talk about gauge adjustments and the basics of estimating how much yarn might be needed for these adjustments. Topics covered will empower students to be able to make suitable adjustments to meet their needs. Students will get a copy of Recalibrate to reference during this class and work on beyond!
Materials
50 g of DK weight yarn in 2+ colors OR fingering weight yarn (to hold doubled)
2 pair of knitting needles with 32” / 80 cm cord or longer (choose a size to achieve approx. 20 st over 4” / 10 cm– suggested size US 3-5 / 3.25-3.75 mm)
smooth waste yarn in contrast color
crochet hook in similar size for provisional cast-on
10+ light bulb stitch markers, preferably in different colors / different styles
scissors
tapestry needle
tape measure / ruler
gram scale to weigh yarn
pencil(s) / preferred note-taking device
Optional:
interchangeable cords for needles
colored pencils / digital coloring materials
tubing / waste yarn / stitch holder to hold live stitches (NOTE: spare tubing will be provided!)
Homework: Bring in a shirt (t-shirt or hand knit) that you like and be ready to photograph and measure it! Also, knit a swatch in garter stitch. Laura will email specifics to students.
SCRAPPY STUFF
Experiment with different techniques on a small scale, creating useful and decorative pieces. Students will learn a variety of techniques and make custom and unique mug rugs in the process. Instruction will also be provided for Textured Marble Fidget Toy, and students will get a copy of this pattern to work with. This class will present a menu of techniques to try including: tubular cast-on, tubular bind-off, basic double knitting, knitted welts, German short rows, icord cast-on, icord bind-off, marling yarns, magic knot, clasp weft join. Examples will be shown at the start of class and students can choose to explore as many of the techniques as desired while creating a unique technique exploration.
Materials:
50 g of DK weight yarn in 2+ colors OR fingering weight yarn (to hold doubled– choose this option to practice marling techniques)
knitting needles with 32” / 80 cm cord (needle size to achieve approx. 24 st over 4” / 10 cm– suggested size US 1-3 / 2.25-3.25 mm)
needle size to achieve approx. 22 st over 4” / 10 cm – 22 st over 4” / 10 cm– suggested size US 2-4 / 2.75-3.5 mm)
smooth waste yarn in contrast color
crochet hook in similar size for provisional cast-on
10+ light bulb stitch markers, preferably in different colors / different styles
scissors
tapestry needle
tape measure / ruler
pencil(s) / preferred note-taking device
Optional:
interchangeable cords for needles
gram scale to weigh yarn
extra yarn in DK weight or fingering weight – any length
tubing / waste yarn / stitch holder to hold live stitches (NOTE: spare tubing will be provided!)
Homework: none!
Sarah’s Classes
Gno Fun like Gnome Fun: Beginner Gnome Class
Learn the basics of Sarah’s gnome patterns with Gnoah. Cute,
sweet, simple, and fast to knit, he’ll give you confidence to tackle
other gnomes and toys. Knit on worsted weight yarn using your
choice of knitting in the round methods.
More detail: Fundamentals of gnomes/toys including i-cord,
stuffing, changing colour, sewing pieces, dealing with ends.
Students get a special learning version of Gnoah, plus a code for
downloading the full Gno Fun Like Gnome Fun pattern.
Note: a festive Santa gnome version of Gnoah is available
Supplies:
Worsted weight yarn in 3 colours – hat, body,
beard/nose/hands. Wool or wool-blend suggested.
Weighted stuffing (poly pellets or beans) and fluffy stuffing
(polyfill or roving).
Yarn needle, scissors, removable st marker.
US 5 / 3.75 mm needles needles for knitting a small number of
stitches in the round (double pointed needles, long circular for
magic loop, 2 circulars for the 2 circs method)
Required Skills:
Able to knit, purl, and work in the round with one of the following
methods: DPNs, magic loop, or the 2 circs method.
Tips for Stuffing and Finishing Toys
So much of the personality of a toy is created in the finishing steps
and it can be frustrating. Knit a wee worsted ball toy and practice
stuffing, dealing with ends, attaching safety eyes, and attaching
limbs. Perfect for beginner toy-knitters and those looking for more
confidence in their finishing techniques.
More detail: Homework to preknit most of the ball. Laura will email homework once class rosters are finalized.
Supplies:
Worsted weight yarn in 2 colours, wool or wool-blend
suggested.
Weighted stuffing (poly pellets or beans) and fluffy stuffing
(polyfill or roving).
Yarn needle, scissors, removable st marker, safety eyes.
US 5 / 3.75 mm needles needles for knitting a small number of
stitches in the round (double pointed needles, long circular for
magic loop, 2 circulars for the 2 circs method)
Required Skills:
Able to knit, purl, and work in the round with one of the following
methods: DPNs, magic loop, or the 2 circs method.
Getting to Gnome Colorwork Part One: Stranded Colourwork Fundamentals
Try stranded colourwork! We will cover choosing colours,
understanding charts, and what on earth to do with your hands
when you have 2 strands of yarn. Three hour class includes the
Emotions of Colour Choices framework, discusses colour moods,
and develops a personal colour vocabulary to use to help you
easily pick colours that will make projects you love.
Note: 3 hours with Emotions of Colour Choice or with more focus
on time spent knitting
Supplies:
5-10 g of two colours of worsted weight in high-contrast colours
and appropriate needles for working in the round.
scraps of yarn in various colours (bring 3 or more 2-5 g balls).
These scraps will be used communally to experiment.
a phone or digital camera is recommended
Required Skills:
Able to knit and purl in the round.
Tian’s Classes
CARDIGAN FOR EVERY BODY (ANY YARN CARDIGAN)
Do you struggle with finding cardigans for your body? Do you struggle with what yarn to use or figuring out if you have enough yardage of the yarn you choose?
I believe that you deserve to fit the body you’re in now and not wait or not change your body to fit the pattern.
In this class, we choose a size that is your fit or close to your fit and then we work through the math to figure out how to make it YOUR PERFECT FIT! Choose your yarn (any yarn weight) and we’ll walk through step-by-step how to make a swatch, measure the gauge, determine fit, and use simple math to make modifications and determine the amount of yarn needed.
This is a great class to take before you go yarn shopping because you will know exactly how much yarn you need to buy for your size. Also, it’s great for stash diving.
Fit the body you’re in now!
Prerequisites: – Basic skills
• crochet: chain, basic stitches (sc, hdc, dc), increasing, decreasing
• knit: casting on, knitting, purling, increasing, decreasing
– Basic understanding of patterns, schematics, and terminology
– Basic understanding simple math
Course Materials: – Any yarn of your choice
– Hook/needle size appropriate for the yarn
– Any stitch pattern of your choice
– Removable stitch markers
– Tape measure
– Scissors
– Tapestry needle
– Button(s) (optional)
– Paper, pencil, calculator
Homework: – Make a swatch (at least 6” x 6” square) in desired stitch pattern in desired yarn
MOSAIC CROCHET (ORCHID PATH SHAWL)
Colorwork can be intimidating to start. It might look complex and feel overwhelming trying to figure out how to juggle multiple colors and strands of yarn.
In this class, we’ll walk through step-by-step how to manage your yarn so that you end up with a beautiful finished object and not a tangled mess. All you need it 2 colors.
Choose your two (2) colors. Choose colors that are highly contrasting for a dramatic effect or similar color palettes for a more muted feel. The sky is the limit.
Prerequisites: – This is not a BEGINNER class
• basic crochet skills: basic stitches (sc, hdc), read charts, changing colors
Course Materials:
– Two (2) contrasting colors
• Yarn recommended: worsted weight wool
• Hook size recommended: US size 8/H/5.0mm
– Scissors
– Tapestry needle
– Phone (for taking pictures)
Homework:
– None. Come ready to play
SWEATER COPYCAT: HOW TO HAND-KNIT A SWEATER TO FIT USING A STORE-BOUGHT VERSION
In this class, you’ll learn how to hand-knit (and crochet) a sweater that fits perfectly using a store-bought version as your guide.
We’ll cover everything from selecting the right yarn and needles/hook to customizing the pattern (all the calculations) to suit your style.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced knitter/crocheter, you’ll leave with the skills and confidence to create your own cozy sweater copycat.
Prerequisites: – Basic skills
• crochet: chain, basic stitches (sc, hdc, dc), increasing, decreasing
• knit: casting on, knitting, purling, increasing, decreasing
– Basic understanding of patterns and terminology
– Basic understanding simple math
Course Materials: – Store-bought sweater for reference
– Swatch and gauge measured
• Yarn recommended: worsted weight wool
• Hook/needle size recommended: US size 8/H/5.0mm or 9/I/5.5mm
– Removable stitch markers
– Tape measure
– Scissors
– Tapestry needle
– Paper, pencil, calculator
Homework: – Make a swatch (at least 6” x 6” square) in desired stitch pattern