Course Offerings - September to October 2010

Course Offerings - September-October 2010

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FUNDAMENTAL COURSES
For the novice to advanced beginner

Classes at this level will contain a mix of new knitters or crocheters, early learners, and more accomplished students who will benefit from review. It’s a good idea to begin with this course, even if you have knit or crocheted before, to be sure you have a thorough understanding of the fundamentals before continuing to another level. Those who are more experienced will be given additional homework and/or a project.

Since we can never have enough of the fundamentals, many students take these courses several times,* advancing as they go, with beginners learning from the more advanced students and the more advanced students benefitting from reviewing the instruction given to the beginners. No two classes are exactly the same because they are driven by the needs and progress of the group and the particular questions that are raised. *There is a 20% reduction for students who repeat a fundamentals course ($42).


Knitting Fundamentals - $60 for six sessions
Sundays from 3:30 to 5:00 pm
     September 12, 19 and 26, October 3, 10 and 17

If you are a beginner, you will learn to hold the yarn and how to knit, purl, cast on, and bind off, plus a myriad of other things as they come up, such as yarn characteristics, importance of gauge swatches, etc.

The more advanced students will learn several methods of increasing and decreasing, will become comfortable with knitting and purling in the same row and knowing when to do which, and will learn how to "read" the fabric so increases and decreases don't disturb the stitch pattern. Through a project that uses the skills you have mastered, you will learn some methods for repairing mistakes and begin to read patterns, even making simple adjustments.

Crochet Fundamentals - $60 for six sessions
Sunday from 5:30 to 7:00 pm
      September 12, 19 and 26, October 3, 10 and 17

You will learn how to hold the yarn and make standard crochet stitches and shapes. You will begin to read patterns and understand when crochet might be preferred over knitting, and see some of the unique things that can be made with crochet. Depending on the progress of the group, you may tackle a simple project.

The more advanced students will work with colors and texture and learn how to make squares, work in the round, and make more exotic shapes.


ADVANCED COURSES For the student who is comfortable with the fundamentals

Your Project - $60 for six sessions
Tuesdays from 5:00 to 6:30 pm
     September 14, 21 and 28, October 5, 12 and 19

Prerequisite: For knitters, mastery of the concepts taught in Knitting Fundamentals. For crocheters, mastery of the concepts taught in Crochet Fundamentals.

Each student will begin (or continue) a personal project, so start (or finish) that scarf, hat, sweater, bag or socks. We will address yarn and needle choices, gauge swatching, pattern modification, trouble shooting, finishing, blocking, you name it. This is a support class, with no specific teaching curriculum. Students receive individual help and benefit from the issues raised by others.

This course may be repeated as often as desired, to get continuing ideas and help with projects. If a course is not full, drop-ins will be available for $15 per class period.  Contact Judy to arrange this.

Socks  - $45 for four sessions over a six-week period
Tuesdays from 7:00 to 8:30 pm
     September 14 and 28, October 5 and 19

Prerequisite: Mastery of the concepts taught in Knitting Fundamentals.

We will spread this class out to give the student an opportunity to make progress on each state of your socks, as we pick out the pattern and yarn, work with double-pointed or circular needles, make the leg, turn the heel, pick up gusset stitches, and finish the toe.



Private assistance
If you would like additional, help with a project, you can arrange for a private session with Judy ($25/hour).


Some possible additions for the next session
Working with Color and Texture
Learn how to change colors, work with stripes, multiples colors and bobbins. Make beautiful fabric through the use of slipped stitches and companion yarns. You will start (and possibly finish) a project using one, or both, of these textures.

Knitting Lace and Cables
We will explore several methods of creating lace and several styles of cables, while learning the lace lingo and how to read charts. We'll explore the special challenges for gauge, as well as now to finish and block your work.

Hats, Hats, Hats (knit or crochet)
Work in the round or on straight needles. Make basic beanie or watch cap. Create a colorful masterpiece. Up to you.

Fulling and Felting
No prerequisite.
Learn the fascinating process of knitting (or crocheting) large, floppy pieces and turning them into a dense fabric. Work with wool fleece (sometimes called wool tops or roving) to create traditional and artistic felted projects.