Class Notes for the week...

I teach knitting and spinning at a LYS (local yarn shop) in Anoka, Minnesota.  Now it is time to talk about my upcoming classes at Shepherd's Choice. Minimum students per class--3, maximum--6.  The Spin-Ins are for as many as we can fit!

This is the painting that used to be on  Kathy's barn.
It is now in the shop and is one of my
favorite things in Kathy's shop!

EXPLORE COLOR & TEXTURE
Date/Time:  Tuesdays, 6 pm-8 pm, February 7, 14, 21, 28, 2012
This class will focus on color work and cables/textures (Fair Isle, intarsia, cables, lace, etc).  this is a good opportunity to kick your knitting skills up a notch to a whole new world of knitting.  Currently, I'm working on Eala Bhan by Alice Starmore, and XO Cardigan, and Kasuri Chanchanko by Cheryl Oberle.  Students can pick their own projects.  Recommended books are:  Kristin Knits, Color by Kristin, Aran Knitting, A Fine Fleece, or Folk Vests. 
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Cost:  $48.00 plus supplies

Below are some color and texture samples that would make great choices...

The hat's bi-color cable is worked as Fair Isle.
(Kathy's shop sample)

For intarsia knitting, the different colors
are knitted separately making a single layer of fabric. 
(Pillow knitted by me)

Fun hat designs with lots of color
and texture can chase away the winter cold.
(Kathy's shop samples)

Slippers from Color by Kristin are
a good way to try out Fair Isle knitting.
(Slippers knitted by me)

Extra-Long Scarf from Color by Kristin
is knit in the round and a fun way to
learn about combining colors.
(Scarf knitted by me)

One of my students, Dawn, made these slippers.
I love the bells on the toes!

IT'S YOUR CHOICE--EVENING
Date/Time:  Wednesdays, 4 pm-6 pm, January 4, 18, February 1, 22, 2012
We started last week and have a full class of six students and a good variety of projects. Fun group with lots of chatting, laughing, and knitting!  Students pick their own project/s to work on during class.  This is a good time to try a new technique.
Skill Level:  Advanced Beginner and up
Supplies:  Pattern, yarn, and needles of choice
Cost:  $48.00 + supplies


IT'S YOUR CHOICE--DAYTIME 
(Wednesdays, 11 am-1 pm, January 11, 25, February 8, 22, 2012)
This is a daytime version.


FINISHING TOUCHES WORKSHOP

Date/Time:  Thursday, February 23, 2012, 6 pm-8 pm

Just the workshop to learn those finishing techniques such as seaming, Kitchener stitch, blocking, picking up stitches, etc.
Skill Level:  Beginner and up
Supplies:  A project or projects ready for finishing, finishing tools--yarn, scissors, buttons, and tapestry needles.
Cost:  $15.00 + supplies


WHEEL SPINNING 
Date/Time:  Thursdays, January 12, 19, 26, 2012, 6 pm-8 pm
A beginning course for learning how to spin your own yarn on a spinning wheel.  (For this class you will need a functional spinning wheel.)
Skill Level:  Beginner
Supplies:  A functioning spinning wheel, and about 8 ounces of wool roving
Class Price:  $36.00 + supplies

Go small with a spindle,
or go big with a wheel!

Lovely hand-dyed roving on the railing upstairs.

Locally raised Alpaca is a dream to spin.
I spun and plied the sample skein with a drop spindle.

The small bags contain more of the alpaca
and the larger bag is raw fleece. 

Dawn made mitts with her first handspun yarn.

DROP SPINDLE SPINNING--Learn how to spin your own yarn!
Date/Time:  Thursday, February 9, 2012, 6 pm-8 pm
Skill Level:  Beginner
Supplies:  Drop spindle (top or bottom whorl), 4 to 8 ounces of wool roving (the shop has a good supply), and PATIENCE!

Class Price:  $15.00 + supplies.

SATURDAY SPIN-IN

(This is not a class, it's free, and a fun way to meet other spinners in the area!  Bring your wheel or spindle, some fiber, or add to the stash from Kathy's selection of spinning fibers, and a show-and-tell if you wish.)

Our first Spin-In of the year was on Saturday.  It was fun!  Thanks to all attendees.  The next two dates are:

February 11, 2012 from 10 am-1 pm

March 10, 2012 from 10 am-1 pm

Spinning around

I was making a yummy sound while showing off my roving at Shepherd's Choice

This was a great week for me...I had a drop-spindle class on Tuesday and then my first wheel-spinning class on Sunday.  It was a nice break from knitting and it is always exciting to teach others a new skill.  I finished spinning the yellow and brown roving and it's plied and ready to block.  I do not know what it will grow up to be, but the yardage will have a lot to do with the decision.

I finished one of the mittens.  I liked the French knots and daisy stitches on the originals in the book, but I wear my mittens pretty hard, so I opted for Swiss darning and straight stitches for embellishment.  I also picked up three stitches rather than just one for the thumb and it fits much better.  The mittens fit me perfectly.  I started the decreases for the top of the hand right after I finished the chart.  They would have been too long otherwise.  On to the next project--Kathy wanted something out of  Country Classic Yarn for Sox, and I chose a warm cocoa color.  I'm surprised this is considered sock yarn.  Naturally, I had something else in mind and perused the patterns.  I came across a pattern I had in my collection and it would only take three hanks.  At $8.25 a hank that is a good deal!

We are enjoying the last of the unusually warm temperature and by week's end a mix of snow and rain are expected.  I'll have to bring in some wood so I can be ready for a cozy fire this weekend.  I have a good supply of Digestive biscuits thanks to Jim, and it may be time to check the pantry for cocoa.  

The squirrels are scrambling to hide acorns.  They had a bumper crop this year.  When we would pull into the driveway it sounded like bubble wrap popping.  

Today I'm meeting some friends for knitting and I am excited.  We had a good time last month.  I have time today to work on that last Wood Badge ticket--I'm very motivated to finish by year's end.