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!
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!
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.
We have had so many wonderful folkx contribute door prizes this year!
Plus more prizes from our amazing market vendors!
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.
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
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
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
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
Event Dates: July 19-23, 2023
Event Address: 1009 18th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37212
Contact us at ssk@theknitgirllls.com
If you are a vendor looking to apply for the market ( +/- attending the full event), you can click here https://forms.gle/X12X1MTYxnbDuGu6A .
Link to sign up to attend SSK
We will open the lottery 12/5/22 at 4pm central and close the lottery at 12/12/22 at 4pm 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 on Saturday December 17th.
Attendee Spots $525 each
Deposit – $125 non-refundable & non-transferable deposit due 01/17/22.
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 a twin (pre-tax price) $94.70 with tax included. You have your own bedroom with it’s own entrance, but will share a bathroom with one other person. You will be required to pay 1st night’s deposit at the time of booking. The remainder is paid at check-in.
Cancellation of room (Not event): 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 2023 are:
Shana Cohen
Jillian Moreno (we just can’t get enough!)
Payment schedule will be as follows:
Deposit – $125 non-refundable & non-transferable deposit due 01/17/22. 1st payment – $200 due 2/15/232nd payment – $200 due 4/15/23
So much gratitude to all these generous makers for their donations!
Plus more prizes from Shanalines Designs, UnBesito Fiber, Suburban Stitcher, Knitterly Things, and all our vendors!
Class sign up link (This will go live on May 27th and will close June 3rd 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 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 add a google form link to this page 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 are linked here via a google document. If you have any questions, email or pm Laura 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 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 5 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!
Kira Dulaney
Hybrid Crochet (aka Tunisian Crochet): Delve into a hybrid crochet technique which is easy for beginners and interesting even for experienced crocheters! Hybrid crochet, also called Tunisian crochet, uses two passes to create a single row, building up stitches on your crochet hook, then working them off on the return pass. It creates a soft, squishy fabric in a process that feels like a mix between knitting and crochet, with endless possibilities for texture and lace.
Materials: 40 yards smooth worsted or aran weight yarn, G or H crochet hook -this can be a long-handled Tunisian hook, a hook with attached cable, or a smooth-handled hook (no rubber grips or thumb grooves) with a rubber band on the end.
Prerequisites: none
Short Rows: Working short rows creates curves or wedges in your knitting, which can be used for asymmetric hems, easy sock heels & toes, bust darts to accommodate curves, slanted stripes, or smoothly bound-off shoulders. We’ll talk about when to use short rows, how to alter patterns to include them, and practice different techniques so you can choose your favorite.
Materials: 30 yards of smooth worsted or aran weight yarn, knitting needles in a size appropriate for your yarn, removable stitch markers.
Prerequisites: comfortable casting on, knitting, and purling
Seaming & Finishing: Neat seaming and finishing make such a difference in a handmade project, but so many knitters and crocheters don’t feel confident in their finishing skills. We will cover weaving in ends, seaming in various directions, picking up stitches, and buttonholes.
Materials: Three stocking stitch or single crochet swatches made with similar weight yarns, additional yarn in a similar size, knitting needles or crochet hooks in an appropriate size for your yarn, darning needle. Optional: a project ready to seam and finish, swatches in other stitch patterns.
Prerequisites: able to make swatches for the class. Swatches need to be around 3 inch square or larger. Swatches made for previous projects are fine.
Francoise Danoy
Asymmetrical: Have you always wanted to learn how to knit gorgeous shawls but don’t know where to start? We have the beginner’s knitting series designed just for you! Learn your Shawl ABC’s by knitting asymmetrical shawls, basic (triangular) shawls, and crescent-shaped shawls! This class will cover the asymmetrical shawl shape.
By the end of this 3-hour class, you will be able to:
– understand the basics of shawl knitting
– substitute increases
– lean knitting in different directions
– make modifications
Supplies for Class:
Bring a skein of DK-weight yarn, US 7 needles, and stitch markers.
Crescent: Have you always wanted to learn how to knit gorgeous shawls but don’t know where to start? We have the beginner’s knitting series designed just for you! Learn your Shawl ABC’s by knitting asymmetrical shawls, basic (triangular) shawls, and crescent-shaped shawls! This class will cover the Crescent Shawl shape.
By the end of this 3-hour class, you will be able to:
– understand the basics of shawl knitting
– make guarded tab cast-on stitches -> Garter Tab Cast-On
– make KYOY increases
– even out yarn-overs
– make modifications
Supplies for Class:
Bring a skein of DK-weight yarn, US 7 needles, and stitch markers.
Painting with Yarn: Have you ever looked at your mountain-high stash of yarn and pondered all of the possibilities of creation that you could draw from it? Do you find yourself wanting to dive more deeply into expressing your colorful, eccentric and unique self through the magic of yarn?
We are going to dive deep into the psyche of the Dreamer Fibre Muse and manifest her magic of self-expression through exploring the interplay of color, fiber, and texture, to inspire and delight her sensibilities and open our yarn world up to new methods and ways of self-expression. We will knit up a simple stockinette swatch: think of it as your canvas, and you are the painter. On this canvas, we will experiment and play with different types of “paint brushes” to produce beautiful paintings and inspire your inner Dreamer Fibre Muse and give her new creative wings.
Skill Level: Advanced beginner; the student needs to be comfortable with knit and purl stitches.
Supplies: An assortment of fingering weight or DK yarns. Appropriate size needles for knitting a swatch – circulars recommended. Size US 4 – US 6 depending on yarn weight. Pen or pencil for taking notes.
Jillian Moreno
Default Yarn: The Key to Your Spinning
Your everyday spin is the yarn you make without thinking about it, your preferred prep and draft, resulting in your favorite yarn.
It’s the yarn equivalent of your favorite jammies. Some people call this spin a rut, but it’s actually the key to spinning any yarn you want to spin.
In this class we’re going to examine your go-to yarn in detail from fiber, wheel set-up, prep, draft, ply, size, to finish. Once you know all of the details that go into building your favorite yarn, you’ll be ready to tackle almost any yarn for any project.
Through detailed examination we’ll see how each aspect of spinning affects yarn, and in the end your project. We’ll learn how to make choices and shift techniques to consistently create the yarns that pair perfectly with the projects you have in mind.
Any yarn is within your reach, once you know all about your default yarn.
Homework: Have some of your latest default yarn to measure.
Materials Fee: $20 payable ahead of time
Draft O Rama: Woolen and Worsted Prep and Draft
Do you know how to make yarn, but not sure about the difference between woolen and worsted drafting, or even what it means?
In this class we’ll explore the mysterious and sometimes daunting world of woolen and worsted. You will learn woolen and worsted drafting techniques, how they are different, how they can be similar and what is the key factor for each one. Hint: It’s not the direction you draft.
You’ll learn how to set up your wheel and the right rhythm between hands and feet to make spinning woolen or worsted easy.
As you practice your drafting, we’ll talk about how woolen and worsted drafts change a yarn’s characteristics and what that means to your knitting and other fiber crafts.
Working with both combed top and carded roving you’ll learn how to make each a draft work in sync with different fiber preparations, wools and blends and what type of yarn you can expect.
Is a short forward draft always worsted? Is long draw the only woolen draft? What about spinning from the fold? Can I spin top woolen? Which draft is good for sweaters? For socks?
You will leave this class knowing the answers to those questions and with the satisfaction and confidence of knowing several ways to draft woolen and draft worsted.
Materials Fee: $20 payable ahead of time
Mix It Up: The Basics of Combining Color with Braids
This class focuses on the fun of mixing and blending painted braids with other colors and other braids.
We’ll explore how to choose colors that go together, what affects color in spinning, and how to avoid mud in your yarn. You’ll learn how to mix and blend colors in the ply and draft, and how to choose the easiest fibers that work well together.
While you practice your mixing and blending, I’ll show you how to choose colors to turn up or turn down the brightness of a braid, the best way to stretch braids for projects.
Finally, I’ll show you how to sample to learn the most about spinning braids for color, and how to use those samples as shortcuts for your future braid spinning.
Materials fee $30
Jill Duarte
Beyond Merino: An Exploration of Breed Specific Yarns
There’s such a broad range of possibilities when it comes to yarn these days, but how is one supposed to choose the “best” yarn for their projects. In this workshop, we will discuss a variety of commercially milled wool yarns that go beyond the Merino and Superwash Merino wool yarns people are typically familiar with. We will talk about specifically about Targhee, Superwash Targhee, Superwash Blue Faced Leicester, Polwarth, and finish with talking about what happens when you blend multiple breed-specific wools together.
Materials, equipment and supplies the student must bring to class: Paper and writing utensil.
Materials Fee: $25 to cover the cost of the mini skeins.
Knitting with Handspun Yarn
Turning hands-on yarn into a finished knitted object can be intimidating. How do pick a pattern when your yarn is one of a kind? In this workshop, I’ll go over how to classify your handspun yarn in terms of yarn weight, yarn structure and grist and then how to pick a pattern that will make your handspun yarn shine. We will go over how to measure wraps per inch, angle of twist, yarn structure and grist.
Materials, equipment and supplies the student must bring to class: A handspun yarn they want to turn into a knitted object.
Materials, equipment and supplies you will provide: Wraps per inch tool, Angle of Twist Gauge, Digital Scale
An Exploration of Fiber Blends
Explore a dozen different fiber blends while discussing approaches to spinning different fibers – which drafting methods pair well with particular fiber preps or blends? We will discuss worsted and woolen drafting methods and how they relate to the fiber you spin.
Proficiency: Open to all levels of spinners. This is a spinning based class.
Materials, equipment and supplies the student must bring to class: A spinning wheel (with 3 bobbins) or 4 spindles in good working order,
Materials fee: $30 to cover the cost of the fiber sampler.
We have a few additional vending spots currently open in both booths and tables. If you are interested in vending at SSK 2022 (Market date is July 23rd) please fill out this form by April 15th, 2022. We will email all those who apply by April 25th, 2022.
We’re back!!!!!!!
The SSK lottery for 2022 is officially open! Here is the updated information for this years event/
On-Site Spots $825 each, Day Pass Spots $525 each
Lottery will be open until 3/5/22 and we will use a random number generator to choose participants. Any entry not chosen immediately will be put on a waiting list, which we pull from throughout the year. We will notify all who enter the lottery of their status (participant or wait list) no later than 3/11/22.
ACCOMMODATIONS
The sleeping room setup has also changed at the event center, Scarritt Bennett. The rooms are now managed by an outside company and as such the way that they are sold and accessed is different. All guests (except teachers) will still have roommates, and you will have the ability to choose your roommate – as always. However, in previous years, each room in a set (where ‘a set’=2 rooms with a shared bathroom) had its own entrance. These rooms are now set up as suites with the management company, and as such there is only one entrance for each set of rooms. See diagram below.
COVID Protocols
While both Laura and I hate the idea of dictating the choices of others, we have decided that we will be instituting a vaccination requirement for all attendees of the 2022 Super Summer Knitogether. There is simply no physical way to spread everyone out 6 feet at our event center during all activities. There are also activities like market, tasting room, etc where it is unavoidable to be in close contact with others. You will have to show proof of vaccination to attend the event or the market. You should also plan on wearing a mask during the event unless you are eating or drinking. We will have disposable masks available for your use at several spots in the main buildings. It’s possible that the mask requirement may change due to state or regional requirements – we will let you know if that happens.
TEACHERS
We all know that life happens. As such, the teachers we signed up for 2020 are not all available for 2022. We are still thrilled to host Francoise Danoy (Aroha Knits) and Jillian Moreno (spinner extraordinaire). We’re happy to announce that longtime vendor Jill Duarte of HipStrings will be teaching many fiber-related classes (for spinners AND knitters)! Jill is brilliant with bases and blends and we are excited to see her share that knowledge with our attendees in a professional setting. We are still searching for our fourth teacher, and we’ll let you know when we have that info finalized.
Payment schedule will be as follows:
Deposit – $125 non-refundable deposit due by 3/31/22
Payment #1 – $200 for daypassers, $350for on-site attendees, due by 5/1/22
Payment #2 – $200 for daypassers, $350 for on-site attendees, due by 6/1/22
Like always, if you have any questions please email us or contact Laura on social media and we will be happy to help!
Got this far? Here’s a link to the signup form