Upcoming Classes:
Please note that classes are currently starting at 6:00 instead of 6:30 as before.

Baby Surprise Jacket
January 9, 16, & 23

Knitting 101 - learn to knit
February 13, 20, & 27

Even More Hats

Knitting 201
Crochet 101
Felted Knitted Bags
Even More Crochet
Even More Socks
Socks on 2 Circular Needles
Cable Knitting Workshop
Felted "Organizer"
Color Knitting Workshops - take one or all:
Slip Stitch, Fair Isle, & Intarsia
Introduction to Lace Knitting
Intermediate Lace Knitting
Tips, Tricks, & Fixes
Christmas Stocking with Color Techniques

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knitting 101 - learn to knit
Instructor: Bonnie Lemons
Three sessions, 2 hours each - $65 (materials not included)
Feb. 13, 20, & 27 (Mon.); 6:00-8:00

In this beginning class, you'll learn an ancient skill and you'll end up with a beautiful hat! You'll also learn the techniques of decreasing, knitting in the round, and knitting with two circular needles.

Materials list:

• 100 yards of bulky yarn
  • Good choices are Malabrigo Chunky (used in blue hat) and Noro Iro (used in striped hat) - photos coming soon
• Size US 10.5 (6.5mm), 16-inch circular needles (bamboo is recommended)
• Size US 10.5 (6.5mm), 24 or 26-inch circular needles
• Stitch markers
• Paper, pencil or pen for taking notes
• Yarn needle for sewing in ends of yarn
• Crochet hook (medium size, this is needed for fixing dropped stitches).

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This class is for newish knitters who've done a basic roll-brim hat and want to try
something a little more challenging.

Choose a beret, watch cap, beanie or whatever else you'd like. Fengari staff will help
you pick appropriate yarn and needles, and you'll end up with a finished project (or two)
Skills you'll learn, depending on the hat you choose and what you already know:

• purl stitch and ribbing
• increasing
• determining gauge

Materials:

• yarn, preferably worsted weight or bulky, in amount called for in the pattern you choose
• 16-inch circular needle in size appropriate to your yarn
• 24-inch circular needle in same size
• stitch markers
• darning needle

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Knit Christmas Stocking with Color Techniques (FULL)
Instructor: Marina Salume

Three sessions, 2 hours each - $65 (materials not included)
TBA; 6:30-8:30pm
Level: Intermediate
Required skills: cast on, knitting & purling (rib stitch & stockinette), decreasing (k2tog & SSK), and working in the round on double-pointed needles.

Make an heirloom stocking and learn intarsia color knitting and how to make socks at the same time. The pattern includes several charts for designs and lettering to customize your stocking. You'll learn the secrets of changing colors and how to duplicate stitch names and other small details. The heel and toe are made just like a real sock, but are much easier because you're using larger needles and yarn.

Materials:

• One skein each of red, green and white Brown Sheep "Lanaloft" Worsted (or other worsted weight yarn - wool or wool blends recommended - Lamb's Pride Worsted or Encore Worsted are good substitutions)
• Size US 6 or 7 straight or circular needles (or needles to obtain a fairly firm fabric)
• Set of double pointed needles in the same size
• 15-18 small round sequins, 2 star shaped sequins, seed beads (for embellishing the tree). Instructor will also provide some sequins to choose from.

• Basic stitches : ch, sc, hdc, dc, tr, slip st
• Flat crochet: working in rows, turning chains, end stitches
• Increasing & decreasing
• Advanced stitches:
  • Double triple (dtr)
  • Triple triple (ttr)
  • Decorative stitches:
    • "V" stitch
    • Shell stitch
• Simple color changes
  
  Materials:
  Required for class:
  • Bulky-weight yarn (recommended: Lamb's Pride Bulky)
    
    • Yarn should be "plain" - no chenille or novelty yarns.
    • Smooth and medium to light solid color (to see stitches more easily).
    • Two colors: 1-2 ounces (20-50 yards) of each color
    • Wool or synthetic or blend (cotton okay, but can sometimes be a little difficult for beginners).
  • Two crochet hooks: sizes J/10 (6mm) and K/10.5 (6.5mm).
    • NOTE: "Plain" hooks only; no rubber/silicone finger grips.
      
      
  Optional: yarn and hook(s) for projects, if desired (see below)
  
  Projects: Optional projects to be suggested in first class

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Even More Crochet
Instructor: Margie Dougherty

Three sessions, 2 hours each - $65 (materials not included)
TBA (Wed.); 6:00-8:00

Scope of Class - expand on "beginner" skills (as taught in Crochet 101):

• Repetitive stitch patterns
• Reading a crochet pattern (review and look at more complex patterns)
• Japanese crochet "charts" - how to read them
• Flat crochet - advanced technique:
  • Alternativ row-turning method
  • Crocheted borders
• Crocheting in the round:
  • Sprial crochet
  • "True round crochet
    • Conventional and alternative methods

Pre-requisites:

• Completion of "Intro to Crochet" or "Crochet 101" or equivalent knowledge
• Knowledge of the following crochet stitches:
  • Chain
  • Single crochet
  • Half double crochet
  • Double crochet
  • Triple crochet
  • Slip stitch
  • Principles of flat crochet (turning chain, starting st, and end st)

Materials:

• Required for class:
  • Scrap Worsted weight yarn (recommended: Lamb's Pride or Encore)
    • Yarn should be smooth - no chenille or novelty yarns
    • Medium to light solid color (to see stitches more easily)
  • Three crochet hooks - sizes I/9 (5.5mm), J/10 (6mm) and K/10.5 (6.5mm)
    
    
• Project requirements will be discussed.
  • Possible Projects: Shawl, scarf, purse, pillow.

     

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Tips, Tricks, & Fixes
Instructor: Ada Lai of Great Knit Designs

Two sessions, 2 hours each - $40 (materials not included)
; 6:30-8:30

Learn how to recognize, fix, and even prevent knitting problems. This fun class will give you more control over your knitting, and greater confidence in trying new skills or projects.

Topics will include:

• "Reading" your knitting:
  • how to tell a knit from a purl
  • seeing when a stitch is "backwards"
• Picking up dropped stitches
• "Tinking" (unknitting)
• "Frogging" (ripping out rows)
• How to use a lifeline
• Fixing "extra" stitches (inadvertent yarnovers and extra edge stitches)
• How to do a long-tail cast-on without worrying about the length of the "tail"
• Weaving in ends
• Attaching a new yarn
• (Optional - if time):
  • How to fix too-tight or too-loose bind-offs.
  • Different decrease and increase methods - when to use what
  • Different cast-on and bind-off methods - when to use what
  • Matching your yarn and needles to get best results
  • "Taming" your circular needles

Required Skills:

• Basic knitting skills are required, namely: Casting on, knit and purl stitches, and binding off.
• You should have completed at least one simple knitting project (e.g., scarf or hat)

Yarn

• Various amounts of worsted-weight or bulky yarn - wound and ready to knit from (at least 3 or 4 balls of yarn):
  • Yarn should be be somewhat light-colored (i.e., not black or dark blues or greens) and smooth.
  • Solid colors will be easier to work with, but not required
  • Cotton not recommended
• Optional: A small amount of thinner-weight yarn in a contrasting color

Supplies:

• At least 2 pairs of needles in sizes appropriate for the working yarn - straight, circular, or double points (dpns) are okay - whatever you are comfortable working with.
• One needle (preferably straight or dpn) that is at least 2 or 3 sizes smaller than your working needles.
• Crochet hook - 2 or 3 sizes smaller than your working needles
• Dental floss - 1 dispenser (plain and cheap is good)
• Scissors
• Yarn needle
• Ruler - (6-inch recommended)
• Stitch markers:
  • Locking markers (look like plastic safety pins) - small size
  • Split-ring markers
• Optional: Stitch holders - the straight kind with "rubber band" end protectors - not the old "safety-pin" style.
• Optional: Reading glasses for close-up work.

Homework:

Before first class, create the following:

• Swatch #1: Use any yarn with appropriate needles. Cast on 16 sts. Work 10-12 rows of stockinette stitch. Leave on needles or place on stitch holder, spare needle, or waste yarn. (Do not bind off).
• Swatch #2: Use any yarn with appropriate needles, but this is best done with solid-colored in light- to medium-color. Cast on 16 sts. Work 5 rows of 1x1 ribbing (Every row: *k1, p1; rep from the *to end of row). Leave on needles or place on stitch holder, spare needle, or waste yarn. (Do not bind off).

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baby surprise sweater
Instructor: Kathy Watts

Three sessions, 2, 2.5 & 2.5 hours each - $70 (pattern included, yarn not included)
January 9, 16, & 23 (Mon.); 6:00 - 8:00

This class will show you how to turn the funny looking object on the left into the cool-looking baby sweater you see on the right.

Join us to learn how to knit the amazing Baby Surprise Jacket designed by the brilliant Elizabeth Zimmerman (EZ). Knit in one, mysterious piece, it folds into a beautiful jacket with only a single seam at each shoulder - no side or underarm seams. All you need to know for this class is how to cast on, bind off, and how to do the knit stitch.

Starting with the original "pattern" written by EZ (included in the class fee), we'll help you "decode" it into straightforward instructions with lots of tips and techniques gathered from numerous sources and our own expertise.

In the last class, we'll discuss considerations for the "adult" version of this brilliant sweater.
(If you're thinking of making an Adult Surprise Jacket, take this class first!)

Required skills:

• casting on (long-tail, cable, or knitted cast-on preferred. Here is a link that shows how these are done: http://www.knittinghelp.com/videos/cast-on)
• knit stitch
• binding off

Homework: Stitches should be cast on before first class. Please contact store for instructions.

Yarn:

Choose yarn based on desired size:

Note: Consider using variegated or self-striping yarn (long color runs are best for self-striping). Also, consider a machine-washable yarn.

• for about a 6-month size: 400 yards of either DK or sport-weight yarn. Needle size 5-6 (to give a gauge of 6-7 sts per inch), able to hold 200 sts.
  
  
• for about a 1-year size, 400 yards of worsted-weight yarn. Needle size 7-9 (to give a gauge of 4-5 sts per inch), able to hold 200 sts.
  
  
• bring additional yarn and appropriate needles for practice swatching.
  
• Scrap yarn and needles for swatching and practicing techniques
  
• Stitch markers (4 or more) - locking stitch markers (or coiless safety pins).
• Yarn needle to weave in any yarns ends
• Stitch holders or scrap yarn (enough to hold 34 sts).
• Optional:
  • a row counter, otherwise, be sure to bring a pencil and paper!
  • a crochet hook to finish the neckline and shoulders, if you wish. Use same, or smaller, metric size as needles used to knit sweater.
  • Five buttons - it is recommended that you buy the buttons after the sweater is finished.

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Even More Socks (knit toe up)
Instructor: Margie Dougherty
3 sessions, 2 hours each - $65 (materials not included)
TBA (Wed.)6:00-8:00pm

Prerequisite: should have knitted at least one pair of socks

Don't be a slave to existing patterns. If you have at least one pair of
socks under your belt and are ready for more, why not try toe up? Pick a
stitch pattern or two, a heel type, ribbing or another ending and a pretty
sock yarn and create your own design with guidance from the instructor.
Knit a 4" gauge swatch in stockinette stitch before the first class, using
your chosen yarn and needles.

Note: If you just want to learn to knit toe up socks but don't want to
design your own, the instructor will provide a pattern for that, too.

Materials:

Yarn:

• Fingering weight is recommended because it fits in your shoes, but
  you may choose sport or DK (light worsted).
  
  
• Solid colors or a semi solid is best to show off the stitch pattern.
  
  
• 100 grams of fingering wt. (approx. 400 yds.), or 150 grams of sport or DK
  weight is needed.

Needles:

• Two 16 or 24" long circular needles. ADDI turbos or Chia Goo
  brands are recommended, since they have smooth joins between the needle
  tip and the cord (extremely important!!).
  
  
• Sizes: Choose the needle size to give you a tight gauge (tighter than you
  would use for a sweater with the same yarn) with the weight of yarn you
  are using. If you tend to knit tightly, choose the larger size option. If
  you knit loosely, choose the smaller option.
  
  
• Fingering wt yarn: US Size 1 (2.25 or 2.5mm)
  Sport Wt. yarn: US size 2 (2.75 or 3mm)
  DK/Lt. Worsted Wt. yarn: US size 4 or 5 (3.5-3.75 mm)

Other Supplies:

• Notebook and pen
• Small calculator
  
• Stitch markers (optional)
  
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
  
• Small scissors
  
• Measuring tape or 6" ruler
  
• Stitch pattern dictionary or a stitch pattern you want to use. One that is
  already written out in the round is preferable.

Recommended References (available at Fengari):

• More Sensational Socks by Charlene Schurch (ISBN-10: 9781564777171)
  
• Vogue Knitting: The Ultimate Sock Book (ISBN-10: 1933027193)

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Introduction to Lace Knitting
Instructor: Marina Salume
Two sessions, 2 hours each - $45 (materials not included)
TBA(Wed.); 6:30-8:30

Skill level: advanced beginner - must know how to cast on, knit and purl, and bind off.

Class Description:

Ease into lace knitting with a simple one-row scarf in worsted weight yarn on large needles. After you get the hang of it, try the same pattern with thinner yarn and smaller needles. The sample is shown in textured yarn, which also looks great in lace. You will learn how to read other lace patterns, as well as basic lace stitches (yarnover and two different decreases).

Materials list:

• One skein of smooth, light-colored worsted weight yarn for initial project and swatching. (Optional: Textured and/or thinner yarn)
• Size US 9 needles, straight or circular.
• Stitch markers
• Scissor

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Intermediate Lace Knitting
Instructor: Marina Salume
Three sessions, 2 hours each - $65 (materials not included)
TBA (Wed.); 6:30-8:30


photo of scarf as shown on knitty.com

Skill level: advanced beginner/Intermediate - must know how to cast on, knit and purl, bind off, and have previous experience with yarnovers.

Class Description:

Day 1: We will use a pattern for a narrow lace scarf that includes written directions as well as a chart. You will learn the basics of lace knitting: yarnovers, increases and decrases, using markers to keep track of the pattern, and how to read a lace chart.

Day 2: Continue working on your scarf. You will also learn how to put in a lifeline to avoid ripping out stitches when you make a mistake, and how to pick up dropped stitches.

Day 3: Continue working on your scarf. Blocking your finished scarf will be discussed. The teacher will bring samples of other lace projects and explain the techniques used in them.

Materials list:
Required for FIRST class:

• Print pattern from this link (for copyright reasons you must print your own copy). If you don't have access to a computer, please see one of us at the shop.
  
  http://knitty.com/ISSUEspring05/PATTbranchingout.html
  
  
• Approx. 200 yards of DK or sportweight yarn. Do not choose fuzzy or textured yarn for this first lace project-smooth yarn is best.
• Straight knitting needles or circular needle, size 5 or 6. Make sure the cord of your circular needle is very relaxed (dip it in hot water to straighten it)
• Small scissors
• Row counter or pencil/paper for keeping track of your rows
• Paper, pencil or pen for taking notes
• Yarn needle for sewing seams, finishing ends of yarn, and making a lifeline
• Crochet hook (small size, this is needed for fixing dropped stitches)
• Stitch markers-the kind that can be put on in the middle of the needle (split-ring) are best. You can also use short pieces of contrasting color yarn for this purpose.
• Waste yarn in a contrasting color for making lifelines

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Color Knitting Workshops - take one or all!
Instructor: Marina Salume
1 session each - 2 hours (materials not included)
TBA - Slip Stitch Knitting (Wed.); 6:30-8:30 - $20
TBA - Fair Isle (Wed.); 6:30-8:30 - $20
TBA - Intarasia (Wed.); 6:30-8:30 - $20

Skill level: intermediate


Techniques shown above (from left to right): Slip Stitch, Fair Isle, Intarsia

Class Descriptions

Learn about 1 or all 3 of these major color knitting techniques: Slip Stitch (hard to describe, but you'll see - it's fun!), Fair Isle (stranded color-knitting, such as you'd see in a Scandinavian sweater), and Intarsia ("picture" knitting). In each class, you'll learn a technique and be given a pattern to put it into practice.

Please do the following before class: Cast on 20 sts onto size 8 needles and knit (garter stitch) for a few rows.

Materials list for all 3 workshops:

• 2 colors of smooth, worsted weight yarn in a light or medium-color
• Knitting needles appropriate for your yarn
• scissors
• sewing needle
• crochet hook
• tape measure

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felted knit organizer
Instructor: Merry Schiff

Two sessions, 2 hours each - $45 (materials not included)
TBA (Thurs.); 6:30-8:30pm
Level: For the adventurous beginner (must already know how to cast-on, knit, purl, & bind off)
Class size: 6 maximum

Felting bags and household items make great gifts for yourself and friends. The inspiration for this class was Carol Bristol's fantastic "Windham Tote" - a large, elegant bag (shown below). She created a "Mini-Wini" that makes a great organizer to use inside the larger bag to hold your keys, cell phone, sunglasses, etc., or use it as a knitting caddy to use by your chair. This cute little organizer teaches you all the same techniques you'd need to know to knit the Windham Tote in just 2 sessions. Techniques used include:

• Knitting in the round and using markers
• Slipping stitches
• Picking up stitches
• Picking up stitches for a pocket
• I-cord bind-off
• Crocheted chain "piping"
• Sewing pocket to organizer
• Discuss felting, finishing, and shaping your bag

PRE-CLASS HOMEWORK: The base of your organizer should already be knitted before the first class. Instructions for the base will be provided upon registration.

Materials:

• Use a wool yarn that will felt (make sure it's not "machine washable"). Our sample is done in Lamb's Pride:
  • Bulky (use single-strand): 160 yds main color (MC) & 110 yds contrast color (CC)...OR
  • Worsted (use double-strand): 290 yds MC & 190 yds CC
• Needles:
  • #13 (9mm) curcular needle - 16" length
  • #13 double pointed needle for working I-cord bind-off. (Optional, but will be easier than using the circular)
  • Crochet hook - size K
• Notions:
  • 8 locking stitch markers,
  • 4 ring markers (other type of marker is okay) - 1 being a unique color
  • 2 food bag clips,
  • embroidery floss or quilter's thread,
  • (optional) 1 magnetic closure or sew-in VELCRO® tab (if you want to be able to close the organizer)
  • 1" wide grosgrain ribbon - 1/2 yard (if using the magnetic closure)