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Space is limited, so please register in advance. Payment is due at time of registration.
To register, or for more information:  call, e-mail us - yarns@fengari.net, or come on in!
We offer a 10% discount on materials purchased for classes. Classes for adults only please.
Class size is a minimum of 3 people.
 
       

Check back to see when we schedule these great classes:

 
       
 
If you'd like us to contact you when a particular class is scheduled, please send us an e-mail
telling us which one(s) you're interested in:
yarns@fengari.net
 
       
   
       
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learn to knit
Instructor: TBA
Four sessions, 2 hours each - $80 (materials not included)
TBA; 6:30-8:30

Ready to learn to knit? Used to knit and want to get started again? This is your class!

After four sessions, you'll know everything you need to knit lots of scarves, shawls and blankets. You'll knit and purl, and know several great stitch patterns. You can try both "English" style and "Continental" style knitting and see what works best for you. We'll cover casting on and binding off, learn basic knitting terminology, explore different types of yarn and needles, and know how to find and fix mistakes.

For the first session, just bring yarn and needles:
We recommend a smooth, light colored heavy worsted or bulky weight yarn, such as Lamb's Pride Bulky (which comes in lots of colors).

Choose the needle size indicated on the yarn wrapper. It should be 10, 10 1/2 or 11 in U.S. sizing (6.0 to 8.0 European sizing). Most beginners like straight bamboo needles, from 10" to 14" long.

We'll discuss other knitting supplies in class.

 
       
   
       
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introduction to crochet
Instructor: Ada Lai of Great Knit Designs

Three sessions, 2 hours each - $60 (materials not included)
TBA; 6:30-8:30
Learn the skills needed for most "beginner" crochet patterns. This class will cover:

  • Basic stitches
  • Repetitive stitch patterns
  • Simple color changes
  • How to read a yarn label
  • How to read a crochet pattern
  • Swatching for crochet (how to calculate gauge)
    Materials:
    Required for class:
    • Bulky-weight yarn, various amounts (see in-class projects).
      • Yarn should be "plain" - no chenille or novelty yarns.
      • Smooth and medium to light solid color (to see stitches more easily).
      • 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)
    Optional: Yarn and hooks for optional projects.

    Projects:
    • In-class:
      • Stitch Sampler Hot Mat (repeating rows of various stitches).
      • Stitch Sampler Coasters (squares of various stitches).
    • Optional projects (each student can select either project below. Yarn can be purchased night of, or after, first class):
      Simple "lace" scarf (dc or tr with ch between sts and work in space between sts):
      • Worsted-weight yarn, about 200-300 yards
      • Hook size K/10.5 (6.5mm)
      • Note: this can also be made as a cowl-style scarf (or even a moebius scarf).

      Vertical multicolor striped scarf with fringe (worked lengthwise: chain a ton of sts, then crochet each row in a different color and/or a different st):
      • Worsted-weight yarn, one or more colors, total about 200-300 yards (may need more or less depending on number of colors used and length of fringe).
      • Any type of yarn may be used, but it should all have same type of care requirements.
 
       
   
       
 

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woman's simple shell or vest
Instructor: Julie Montanari, author of Knit It Now
Four sessions, 2 hours each -TBA; 6:30-8:30pm

Class fee: $80 (materials not included) plus $5 for the pattern, payable to instructor if you don't have a copy of the book Knit It Now!
Level: Suitable for any student that can cast on, knit, and purl
Class size: 8 maximum

Ready for a woman's sweater? We'll follow the pattern in Knit It Now! for the Simple Shell (page 42 in the book). Make it your way! You can make a sleeveless shell, a vest or even a short sleeved top. Choose from a wide variety of yarns and stitch patterns. As we knit, we'll focus on learning basic techniques and making it fit!

Materials:
This sweater can be made in any gauge from 15 to 20 stitches over 4"/10cm. Check the yarn wrapper for yarns that will knit to this gauge. Yardage requirements depend on estimated gauge and are found on page 43 of the book Knit It Now!
You'll need a copy of the book, or buy a copy of the individual pattern for $5 from the instructor.
Straight or circular needles in the appropriate size for your yarn.

 
       
   
       
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socks on 2 circular needles
Instructor: Ada Lai of Great Knit Designs

Three sessions, 2 hours each - $60 (materials not included)
TBA; 6:30-8:30pm

No double-pointed needles necessary!
This technique works great for the tops of hats too.


This basic sock is knit top-down using 2 circular needles. You will use a worsted-weight yarn and size 4 needles to facilitate easy completion of the pattern so that the focus of the pattern remains on teaching the concepts of sock-making. You may also use size 3 needles to create a tighter gauge that is very nice for slippers, but will be smaller in size.
Materials (must be purchased before the first class):
  • YARN
    • 100 grams of worsted or DK weight - NO sock weight yarn.
    • Solid and Light color
    • Recommended: Machine washable yarn such as Cascade 220 Superwash or Encore Worsted.
  • NEEDLES
    • Two 24" and/or 29" circular needles - size US 3 (3.25mm) for DK weight or US 4 (3.75mm) for worsted weight. If you knit loosely, you can go down one needle size.
    • Steel needles only with good joins (no bamboo or wood, please).
    • Suggested needles: Addi Turbo or Addi Lace (these are the best needles of all - very easy to use for socks and everything else. Get one of each to have two different-colored needles - aids the learning process). Inox or Susan Bates also acceptable.
  • REQUIRED SKILLS
    Every student should have the following minimal knitting knowledge:
    • The knit stitch
    • The purl stitch
    • Long-tail cast on
    • K2tog
    • SSK
  • OTHER MATERIALS:
    • stitch markers - regular and "open"
    • yarn needle
    • (optional) crochet hook or spare double-pointed needle for picking up stitches
Homework: There is no homework before the first class.
Class fee: $80 (materials not included) plus $5 for the pattern, payable to instructor if you don't have a copy of the book
Knit It Now!
Level: Suitable for any student that can cast on, knit, and purl
Class size: 8 maximum


Ready for a woman's sweater? We'll follow the pattern in Knit It Now! for the Simple Shell (page 42 in the book). Make it your way! You can make a sleeveless shell, a vest or even a short sleeved top. Choose from a wide variety of yarns and stitch patterns. As we knit, we'll focus on learning basic techniques and making it fit!

Materials:
  • This sweater can be made in any gauge from 15 to 20 stitches over 4"/10cm. Check the yarn wrapper for yarns that will knit to this gauge. Yardage requirements depend on estimated gauge and are found on page 43 of the book Knit It Now!
  • You'll need a copy of the book, or buy a copy of the individual pattern for $5 from the instructor.
  • Straight or circular needles in the appropriate size for your yarn.
 
       
   
       
 

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kate gilbert's "Clapotis"
Instructor: Ada Lai of Great Knit Designs

Three sessions, 2 hours each - $65 (materials not included)
June 30, July 7 & 21; 6:30-8:30pm

Skill level: advanced beginner - must know how to cast on, knit and purl (to work stockinette stitch) and be familiar with basic knitting terminology. Desirable to know how to increase, decrease, slip stitch (we will also cover the various techniques in class).

In Fall 2004, the famous online magazine, Knitty.com, published a design by Kate Gilbert, an American knitter studying in Paris. Kate called her design "Clapotis" (pronounced cla-poh-tee), and it quickly became an international phenomenon in the knitting world. It also put Kate's name "on the map" as an
accomplished and exciting knitwear designer who is a major force today in the knitting world.

This is one of those glorious projects that look complicated, but are easy - and fun - to knit. Join us to make this beautiful wrap for yourself or someone special!

Requirements:

  • Pattern Instructions: Need to be obtained from internet. Links will be provided when you sign up for the class.
  • Yarn: any weight you desire from fingering weight up to worsted weight:
    • lighter-weight yarns and fibers (e.g., rayon, silk, DK, sport, or fingering-weight) will produce a lighter shawl with good drape.
    • DK and worsted-weight yarns will be more "cuddly".
    • Yarns that are multi-color, hand-painted, self-striping, etc., are especially well-suited to this pattern. However, solid colors are also gorgeous.
    • Yardage: whatever you want, with a minimum of 550-600 yards recommended. The most you should need is about 1200 yards. The amount of yarn determines the size of the shawl.
      • Don't wind all of your yarn - start with 1 or 2 skeins for the first class.
      • For the first class, make sure that at least 20-25% of your yarn is wound and ready to knit.
  • Needles: any size recommended for your yarn.
    • Gauge is not an issue with this pattern!
    • Choose needles that work well with your yarn and give you a pleasant stockinette fabric with a good drape.
      • For more "slippery" fibers, consider bamboo or wood needles for better control of your stitches.
      • For heavier fibers such as wool or alpaca, steel ("turbo"-type needles) may be easier to work with, especially in main body of shawl.
    • Needles can be straight or circular - or - you may want both (straight for the beginning and end sections, and circular for the main body of the shawl.)
      • If making a smaller, narrower clapotis, and/or if you are using a "slippery" yarn, straight needles may be easier.
  • Markers: Lots of them!!
    • Ring markers only. Open markers will not work.
    • At least 20-30 markers to start - you may need more if making a larger shawl.
  • Calculator (if you don't have one there will be a couple at the shop to share)
  • Optional:
    • Row counter
    • Kitchen scale that can weigh in grams


 
       
   
       
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sweater finishing
Instructor: Julie Montanari, author of Knit It Now

Two sessions, 2 hours each- $45 (materials not included)
TBA; 6:30-8:30pm

The finishing makes the sweater! Learn the techniques to turn all those pieces into a beautiful finished sweater. We'll learn to pick up stitches to make great neckbands and button bands, make buttonholes and sew invisible seams.
Materials:
  • Bring 4 matching swatches in a light colored, smooth yarn of any weight. Cast on enough stitches for a swatch about 4-5 inches wide. Work the first four rows in k1-p1 rib. Continue in stockinette stitch (knit one row, purl one row) until swatch is 4-5 inches long. Bind off.
  • Bring extra matching yarn
  • appropriate size knitting needles for yarn
  • tapestry needle
 
       
   
       
 

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the world of cables
Instructor: Julie Montanari, author of Knit It Now

Two sessions, 2 hours each - $50 (materials not included)
TBA; 6:30-8:30pm
Level: Advanced beginner
Class size: 8 maximum

Cable patterns can look intimidating, but they're easier than you think! We will learn about the different types of cable stitches, learn to follow cable instructions and read cable charts. We'll practice basic cable techniques, including cabled ropes with front and back twists, braided cables, three way twists, traveling cables, slipped cables, etc.

Materials:

  • a skein of smooth, light colored worsted weight yarn
  • needles one or two sizes larger than suggested by manufacturer.
  • cable needles will be provided for use during the class.
 
       
   
       
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fun and funky crochet
Instructor: Julie Montanari, author of Knit It Now


One session, 3 hours each- $40 (materials not included)
TBA; 6:30-9:30pm
Level: Beginner - no crochet experience necessary
Teens Welcome!

Ready to have some fun with crochet? In this class, we'll learn a few basic crochet stitches and how to turn them into fabulous accessories and embellishments. No crochet experience necessary! We'll have you making corkscrews and crazy loops in no time!


Materials:
  • size J (6.0mm) crochet hook
  • one or two chunky weight yarns - pick some fun yarns if you like, but avoid dark colors or yarns that split easily.
 
       
   
       
 

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your first sweater - a cardigan for baby
Instructor: Julie Montanari, author of Knit It Now

Five sessions, 2 hours each - $95 (materials not included)
TBA; 6:30-8:30pm
Level: Suitable for any student that can cast on, knit, and purl
Class size: 6 maximum

Are you ready to make your first sweater? Over the course of 4 weekly classes, we will start and finish a baby size cardigan. We'll cover all the techniques you need to know, including:

  • the why and how of the gauge swatch
  • getting started
  • shaping with increases and decreases
  • pick-up-and-knit
  • buttonholes
  • seams
  • finishing techniques
Materials:
  • the instructor will provide a basic infant/toddler pattern
  • about 500 yards of a bulky weight yarn (3-4 stitches per inch)
  • straight or circular needles in the appropriate size for the yarn (usually found on the yarn wrapper)

    Make sure the yarn is appropriate for your knitting level. Remember that very light, smooth yarns show every stitch. Variegated yarns are more forgiving, as are yarns with a little texture. Very dark colors are hard to see. For a baby, choose a soft, easy care fiber such as cotton, acrylic, or a machine washable wool
 
       
   
       
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introduction to color
Instructor: Julie Montanari, author of Knit It Now Four sessions, 2 hours each- $80 (materials not included)
TBA; 6:30-8:30pm

Level: Advanced Beginner/Intermediate
In this class, we'll learn about four techniques for working with multiple colors. We'll spend one session each on a brief introduction to…
  • Stripes, and the basics of working with 2 or more yarns.
  • Slip stitch patterns, where stitches from different rows are intermingled for dramatic geometric effects and fabulous tweeds.
  • Intarsia, with individual blocks of color. If you can draw it, you can knit it!
  • Fair Isle, where 2 colors are worked in a single row to create dense elaborate motifs.
Materials: bring at least 2 colors in the same worsted weight yarn with the appropriate needle size. Sally Melville's book on Color is strongly recommended.
 
       
   
       
 

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baby surprise sweater
Instructor: Ada Lai of Great Knit Designs

Three sessions, 2 hours each - $65 (materials not included)
TBA; 6:30-8:30pm

This class will show you how to turn the funny looking object on the left into the great-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 numberous 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!)

Materials:

Choose yarn based on desired size:

    • for an infant, either DK or sport-weight yarn to give approximately 6 sts per inch - approx. 3 to 6 oz (90-180 grams)
    • for a toddler (approx. 16 months or older): worsted-weight yarn to give approx. 5 sts per inch. -
      approx. 6 to 8 oz (180-240 grams (You probably won't use it all.)

      You may mix multiple yarns - just make sure they are all the same weight (e.g., worsted, DK, or sport) and share the same washing instructions.


    • any size needles to achieve the desired gauge. Gauge is not critical for this project, but you should not knit too tight or too loose. You can use long, straight needles, or circular needles (24-29" length). At the widest part of the sweater, you will need to be able to manage about 200 stitches on the needle.
    • darning/tapestry needle to weave in any yarn ends
    • stitch markers - at least 4 round markers, but preferably more. Also recommend a few "open" markers or coil-less safety pins.
    • optional: crochet hook to finish the neckline, if you wish
    • optional: a row counter, if you like to use them. Otherwise, be sure to bring a pencil and paper!
    • optional: 5 buttons - it is recommended that you buy the buttons after the sweater is finished.
    • for week 2: scrap yarn and needles to work practice swatch (can also use sweater yarn).
 
       
   
       
 

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Stitch Patterns
Instructor: Julie Montanari, author of Knit It Now

Two sessions, 2 hours each - $50 (materials not included)
TBA
Suitable for any student that can knit and purl

There's a great big world beyond stockinette! In this class, students will learn and practice up to ten new stitch patterns. All are reversible patterns that are suitable for scarves and shawls, including varieties of seed, rib, lace and drop stitches. In addition to the knitting techniques, we will learn how to read stitch pattern instructions and knitting charts. We'll also talk about finding the right match between yarn and stitch.

Materials: Bring a smooth, light colored worsted weight yarn with needles two or three sizes larger than suggested on the yarn wrapper. If desired, also bring some more experimental yarns.

 
       
   
       
 

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knitting with beads
Instructor: Julie Montanari, author of Knit It Now

Two sessions, 2hours - $50 (bead materials not included*)
TBA; 6:30-8:30pm
Level: Suitable for advanced beginner level or above.

In this class, we'll explore several different techniques for incorporating beads into your knitted fabrics. We'll learn to string beads onto yarn and work the beads into your design. We'll also practice stringing beads directly onto live stitches. Materials: Bring a skein of smooth dk weight yarn and the appropriate size needles. I'll provide beads for practicing these techniques.

*Julie will provide beads for the practice swatches in the first class. If you want to make the scarf shown above, you'll need about 1800 6mm glass seed beads. If you can't find the quantity or color you like at your local bead store, try kandrasbeads.com. Click on "seed beads" and then "6/0". Choose either Japanese or Czech. You'll need 6, 20gram packages.

 
       
   
       
 

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felted knit bags
Instructor: Merry Schiff

Three sessions, 2 hours each - $60 (pattern & materials not included)
TBA; 6:30-8:30pm
Level: For the adventurous beginner
Class size: 6 maximum

Felted knit bags make a stunning purse that can be made for you or give as a gift. You need to know how to knit, purl, cast on and bind off. You will learn several new knitting techniques in the class as well as how to felt your bag in the washing machine.

Choose your pattern - either the Fling Bag or Essex Tote. Your yarn must be 100% wool (not superwash). Choose from a large selection of yarns that will be
great for this fun project, such as Kureyon - a self-striping yarn shown on the
right. Chances are that after this class you will become a felting addict!

Materials:

The Essex Tote (shown in blue on far left): Knit from the base up with one strand of bulky or two strands of worsted weight wool

  • Bulky: 210 yds MC & 85 yds CC for base and pocket
  • Worsted: 420 yds MC & 160 yds CC for base and pocket
  • Striped Tote (not shown) 400 yds MC, worsted yarn and 60 yds each CC1 & CC2 & 30 CC3
  • US 15 (10mm) circular needles - 24" length

The Fling Tote (2 photos on right)

  • Small Fling - solid color - 440 yds
  • Self-striping yarn Fling - 440 yds MC & 100 yds CC
  • Solid color large Fling - 560 yds
  • Large striped Fling - 440 yds & 120 yds CC
  • US 11 (8mm) curcular needle and one US 11 straight needle
  • 5 stitch markers - one being a unique color
  • 1 large and 3 small safety pins
  • Tapestry needle
  • Decorative button and a Velcro or magnetic closure

 

 
       
   
       
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