Yes, I Teach, Too!

Recently I've had several inquiries for the classes I teach.  Here's the current roster (updated 9/23/16):

Cast On Conundrum

Rumor has it that there are over 50 different cast-on methods! We'll learn a few of the most practical and versatile – including long-tail, cable, crochet & provisional - and the merits and drawbacks of each. This is an invaluable class that will change the way you start every new project.

Time:  3 hours

Class Limit: 10 students

Homework:  No homework.

NEW! Color Made Easy: Working with Long Color-Changing and Gradient Yarns

Description:  How are long color-changing and gradient yarns easy?  The hard work of choosing colors has been done for you.  The challenge is in selecting stitch patterns and project shapes that show them at their best.   We will play with stripes, slip stitches, stranded color work and modular knitting.  With over a dozen published designs using these yarns, Theresa has plenty of tips and tricks to share to lead you to color success. 

Time:  3 hours.

Class Limit: 25 students.

Skills Required: Intermediate. 

Homework:  No homework.

Class materials:  A long color-changing yarn, such as Noro, and/or gradient yarn (ball or set), a coordinating solid of the same weight, 24" circular needle appropriately sized for your yarn. 

Class Materials Fee:  None.

A Means to an End 

Description:  A class in joining yarns.  To knot or not to knot, that is the question.  Usually the answer is ‘not to knot’, so we’ll cover methods of hidden joins such as spit-splicing and the Russian join, and which method works best in each fiber type.  If you must knot, we’ll discuss how to secure knots and invisibly weave in ends. 

Time:  3 hours

Homework:  No homework.

Intro to Entrelac

Description:  Learn how simple it is to create the complex knitted effect of woven basketry.  Entrelac is a fun technique that breaks out of the box of long, horizontal knitted rows.  This class will get you started on an entrelac scarf or washcloth.  The skill of knitting back backwards will also be covered. 

Time:  3 hours

Homework:  No homework.

 Mad for Plaid

Description:  Plaids are a traditional woven fabric pattern which can be replicated in knitting via several techniques: slip stitches, two-stranded intarsia, applied crochet chain and surface weaving. We’ll learn a few, including some where the pattern is worked as you knit, and some where the color work is added after the knitting is completed.  A highlight is applied crochet chains, a neat trick to create plaids or embellish any knitted garment. 

Time: 3 hours

Craft Your Own Spaghetti Yarn

Description:  Learn how to create cotton 'spaghetti' yarn from your old t-shirts, plastic bags and felted sweaters. This technique also creates yarn from old jeans fine gauge commercial sweaters.  We'll cover the tricks for continuous spiral cutting, and use the yarn we create for a quick knit or crochet project.  We'll also have fun combining our spaghetti yarns to make colorful and fun necklaces.

Time:  3 hours

Homework:  None.

The Thrifty Knitter

Discover how recycling can be the frugal knitter or crocheter's best kept secret.  Learn where and how to spot good sweaters for re-use.  Discover the tricks as we unraveling yarn from existing garments, plus how to use that yarn in new projects.  The cheapest (and greenest!) way to fill your stash with cashmere!

Time: 3 hours.

Homework:  None.

Using Ravelry to Find Your Perfect Pattern

With the growth of Ravelry, knitters and crocheters now have tens of thousands of sweater patterns from which to choose.  Where do you begin?  Not with ‘Hot Right Now’!  Start with an overview of the design details which will help you appear taller and slimmer, as well as the guides to flatter your specific figure.  Then go snoop shopping to test those rules on your body.  Finally, learn how to use the Ravelry search features to narrow down those pattern options for a sweater that will look great on you.  

Time:  3 hours

Homework:  None.

60- to 90- Minute Classes

In addition to being standalone classes, these can be combined into a 3-hour class format. 

End to End

Description:  A class in joining yarns.  To knot or not to knot, that is the question.  Usually the answer is ‘not to knot’, so we’ll cover methods of hidden joins such as spit-splicing and the Russian join, and which method works best in each fiber type.  If you must knot, we’ll discuss how to secure knots.

Time:  90 minutes.

Class Limit: 25 students.

Skills Required: None.

Homework:  No homework.

Class materials:  Scrap yarn in various fibers, tapestry needle, scissors. 

Class Materials Fee:  None.

NEW! Finishing School: Binding Off

Most knitters only ever use one bind off, but there are many more from which to use.  They may be more elastic, sturdier, or prettier than the traditional bind off.  Come and give yourself some better options for your next project.

Time:  60 minutes.

Class Limit:  12 students.

Skills Required: Beginner.

Homework:  Using worsted or dk weight yarn, cast on 24 stitches and work in garter stitch (knit every row) for 48 rows/24 ridges.  Do not bind off. 

Class materials:  Your homework on the needles, plus two more colors of yarn in the same weight. 

Class Materials Fee:  None.

Finishing School: Blocking

Knit projects don't come off the needles in perfect shape.  The stitches need to be put in their place.  Learn the tips and tricks to expert blocking and bring out the beauty in your next project. 

Time:  60 minutes.

Class Limit: 25 students.

Skills Required: Beginner.

Homework:  No homework.

Class materials: None.  Optional: Bring along a project for which you'd like blocking advice.

Class Materials Fee:  None.

Finishing School: Weaving in Ends

Every knit or crochet project begins and ends with a tail of yarn - and often we have many more loose ends in between.  Learn how to best secure and hide those ends either by working them in as you go, or weaving them in when done. 

Time:  60 minutes.

Class Limit: 25 students.

Skills Required: Beginner.

Homework:  No homework.

Class materials:  Scrap yarn, tapestry needle, scissors.  A project on the needles to practice weaving as you go.  A piece of hand knitting to practice weaving in ends. 

Class Materials Fee:  None.

If you would like more information or to book any of these classes, contact me via Ravelry or at ttschabes@sbcglobal.net.  I also offer a group talk based on my 'Using Ravelry to Find Your Perfect Pattern' class which has more focus on the guidelines for appearing taller and slimmer.