
Your First Sweater in KNIT
The ladies at Mason-Dixon Knitting asked their readers to describe the perfect sweater. This is the
result. If you have taken our "Never Touched a Needle" class or worked on scarves and
are ready for the next class, this is it! Sue will walk you through your first sweater holding your hand
the whole way. You will be guided through from gauge swatch and casting on to sewing your sweater
together.
Harlequin Coat in KNIT
You've seen her working on it at the shop on Sundays at "church"
or you've tried it on now that most of it resides on the mannequin near the black tables. Or you've just
plain fallen in love with it, as it's on the cover of the hot new book Swing, Swagger, and Drape by
Jane Slicer-Smith. Well here's your chance to get the help you need to create your own version of this
mitered knitting beauty, in the form of an amazing and informative class with this accomplished knitter
and patient teacher. Sign up today—interest in this project is HIGH and class space is limited
to provide adequate instruction for all learners!
Two at a Time Toe-Up Socks in KNIT
Got a special skein of sock yarn but you're not sure you'll have enough yardage?' Does knitting on
double points make you feel like you're losing a fight with a hedgehog?' Does picking up gusset stitches
make your eyes cross? Have you been vanquished by the deadly Second Sock Syndrome?' This class
will allow you to deal with these problems and more, by learning how to knit 2 toe-up socks side by side
on one long circular!' Techniques will include learning the Magic Loop method, a really nifty cast-on,
afterthought heels and working both your socks at the same time, using a basic generic sock pattern
that will allow you to use any yarn weight to make socks that are uniquely your own.' Students should
have completed at least one sock (or sock class) prior to taking this, and have basic knitting skills.
Central Park Hoodie in KNIT
This design caused a stir when it was first released two years ago and again when it was upsized
through a 60" finished bust. A cabled cardigan with a useful hood, this may well become your
favorite sweater EVER, and the knitting will be fun using any aran-weight yarn of your choosing (the
original is Tahki Donegal Tweed, but it would be equally fab in Classic Elite Portland Tweed, or any
of the other options, too!).
Never fear, and no, you won't need Underdog. Often feared for their peculiar appearance with multiple
needles poking out at odd angles, these smaller projects are remarkably simple as well as infinitely
portable. Waiting in line, at a football game, even during lectures and movies, these quick-to-knit
and easily stowed projects are often knitters' candy—simple, quick, and on to the next project.
This class focuses on the basics using traditional construction and tools*, but with these simple
guidelines, you can move easily into more detailed patterns with confidence.
Learn how to make mittens using a knit-to-fit pattern (perfect for any hand, any yarn) that is perfect
for everyone in your family. This is a great way to learn how to knit in the round on dpns, too!
Choose from two simple summer cardigan patterns, then pick one of
our luscious cotton or blend yarns to create a sweater perfect for cool summer nights or air conditioning.
Your beautiful cardigan will also be the perfect start to fall. These patterns are sized from x-small to
xx-large to fit everyone. Sue will guide you through the top down construction from casting on to
finishing (no sewing together required!)
Never fear, and no, you won't need Underdog. Often feared for their peculiar appearance with multiple
needles poking out at odd angles, these smaller projects are remarkably simple as well as infinitely
portable. Waiting in line, at a football game, even during lectures and movies, these quick-to-knit
and easily stowed projects are often knitters' candy—simple, quick, and on to the next project.
This class focuses on the basics using traditional construction and tools*, but with these simple
guidelines, you can move easily into more detailed patterns with confidence.
You've done it from the bottom, and maybe from the top. Now it's time to try sideways! Knit this
sweater from the cuff to the center and seam it up the back! Just like the Wallaby (and by the
same designer) this sweater requires minimal finishing. Make it from tiny baby size to adult. Here
is another sweater that you'll be making for the entire family.
Learn how to construct these amazing accessories that are very necessary in the coming days! Sabrina
can hook you up with knitting in the round on double points, increasing for the thumb gusset, decreasing
for the tops, and more, all using a pattern from her grandmother, along with bulky-weight yarn of your
choosing.
CHERYL BRUNETTE—awesome author and teacher—is coming to ThreadBear July 10th & 11th!
While you may not recognize her name immediately (tho Rob is a major fan and has been for at least a decade… more on this shortly), you're gonna LOVE her, her classes, and her AMAZING book. This book is called Sweater 101, and it's the ultimate reference guide for knitters of ALL skill levels, covering fit, structure, and the design process, all intended to guide you in creating perfect projects every time. Rob's owned a copy for over 10 years, having purchased one at Yarn For Ewe way back when, during his first time living in Lansing. And guess what? She's a MICHIGANDER (now living in Washington, but… close enough!).
We're fortunate to have Cheryl here for two days in mid-July, conducting three different workshops:
Knitting a sweater is a commitment. You put a lot of time and money into it and you want to be proud of the results. In this small, hands-on class we will go through all the steps to create individualized patterns for each student. Do something once and you'll vaguely remember parts of the process. Do something 8 to 12 times and you will own the process. It becomes part of your skill set. After this class you'll have the confidence to choose your yarn, worked at your gauge in your style and create sweaters that fit you and your loved one whether you're using a commercial pattern or designing your own.
- learn make a proper gauge swatch and measure it with an accuracy worthy of NASA
- know the three sources of measurements for sizing a sweater
- create a simple-to-follow "Picture Pattern" for each sweater you make
- easily chart a set-in sleeve cap without a single hypotenuse squared
- have the tools you need to organize your knitting life
- use two simple math skills to save time on every sweater you knit
- adapt a pattern to your yarn, gauge and body size
- change necklines and collars on any sweater
- fall in love with any yarn and buy it, confident that you can make your own pattern for it
Cost for this awesome workshop is just $115 and includes a copy of Sweater 101 ($32.95 retail), making the class really just $82! (and includes a FREE seat in the second class on Saturday… below!)
Does it get any better than this? NO!!! You get to talk about all of your favorite things (plus math!) in this great session with Cheryl. In this class you'll learn two very handy knitting math skills:
- how to use your calculator memory, and
- the "More-Or-Less-Right-Formula" which Meg Swansen (Elizabeth Zimmermann's daughter) says "is worth the price of the book [Sweater 101] unto itself." You really want to know this skill.
Recently, Ann Budd taught at a weekend knitting camp and wrote in her blog, "From the feedback I got, the best trick I showed the campers was the shaping formula from Cheryl Brunette's book Sweater 101…" The chocolate is just for fun, and will be a variety of things, from Hershey's Kisses to home-made yummies from Rob's kitchen and more!
Oh, and the SEX part… that's *Stash Enhancement Expedition
Cost for this class is just $20 and includes CHOCOLATE!
Knitting a sweater is a commitment. You put a lot of time and money into it and you want to be proud of the results. In this small, hands-on class we will go through all the steps to create individualized patterns for each student. Do something once and you'll vaguely remember parts of the process. Do something 8 to 12 times and you will own the process. It becomes part of your skill set. After this class you'll have the confidence to choose your yarn, worked at your gauge in your style and create sweaters that fit you and your loved one whether you're using a commercial pattern or designing your own.
- learn make a proper gauge swatch and measure it with an accuracy worthy of NASA
- know the three sources of measurements for sizing a sweater
- create a simple-to-follow "Picture Pattern" for each sweater you make
- easily chart a set-in sleeve cap without a single hypotenuse squared
- have the tools you need to organize your knitting life
- use two simple math skills to save time on every sweater you knit
- adapt a pattern to your yarn, gauge and body size
- change necklines and collars on any sweater
- fall in love with any yarn and buy it, confident that you can make your own pattern for it
Cost for this awesome workshop is just $115 and includes a copy of Sweater 101 ($32.95 retail), making the class really just $82! (and includes a FREE seat in the second class on Saturday… above!)
For all sessions, seating is limited to provide excellent instruction and time with each participant.
There's a small amount of homework for some, so be sure to sign up as soon as possible so you're not disappointed!
This fun hooded sweatshirt with a pouch is knit in the round with very little finishing. The pattern
is provided for children's size 2 through an adult size 48 chest so get ready to make them for the
entire family. In session one, you will learn how to knit the pouch right onto the sweater and fuse
it at the top. The sleeves are knit separately and joined at the yoke. In session two, we will join
under the arms and close the hood. There is a little homework for this class so be sure to register
early.
This one-day workshop is perfect for learning to knit with your yarn in the left hand. Marcia will
teach right-hand knitters how to knit with their left hand while making a cute hat, learning both
two-color knitting and purling with your yarn in the left hand.
Betsy is a gorgeous waist length jacket with faux princess
seaming (very slimming!). This jacket will be a favorite trans-seasonal piece, taking
you on into fall. Use Sierra, a four-season wool cotton blend, or one of our other worsted
weight yarns. Sue will guide you through the tricky bits and the finishing just in time
to complete your sweater for the start of school in the fall.
Turn your world upside-down with Rob and this three-session class that will revolutionize your
sock knitting forever (well, at least for these five weeks!). We'll learn two different ways of
casting on at the toes, how to insert an afterthought heel, and a method of binding off that's
extra stretchy for a good fit. Best of all, you can use either double points or two circulars (if
you don't know how to knit with two circulars, you will by the time class is over!)—the
choice is yours!
Learn both bead and beaded knitting techniques in the process of making a lacey shawl or
shawlette. Marcia will walk you through the process of transferring beads to yarn both before
you knit and as you go. You will also learn to read charts and the special techniques used to
keep beads where they are placed.
Learn to layer colors in a precise way to get fabulous millefiore patterns
for buttons, beads, jar lids, crochet hook handles, whatever strikes your fancy. You'll be making wood
grains, faux ivory, and a variety of other layering techniques. Lynn will bring essential tools but if you
have a pasta machine or other goodies already dedicated to polymer, bring them along. There is no
prerequisite for this class, and you need not be a knitter/crocheter to participate. Perhaps bring a
friend or family member to share the day!
Never fear, and no, you won't need Underdog. Often feared for their peculiar appearance with multiple
needles poking out at odd angles, these smaller projects are remarkably simple as well as infinitely
portable. Waiting in line, at a football game, even during lectures and movies, these quick-to-knit
and easily stowed projects are often knitters' candy—simple, quick, and on to the next project.
This class focuses on the basics using traditional construction and tools*, but with these simple
guidelines, you can move easily into more detailed patterns with confidence.
This bag is a great "next project" for people who have taken
the Never Touched A Needle class or for anyone who wants to take a foray into the land of felting!.
A fabulous knitting bag with many possibilities to make it your own. Choose two or more colors of a
wool that will felt and create something you will be proud to carry everywhere.
Using light-worsted/dk-weight yarn and the new pattern from Cottage Creations, you'll learn two-color
knitting techniques (stranded knitting, a.k.a. fair isle knitting) to create beautiful hats for the entire
family (sizes range from toddlers through large adults). This small-sized, small-investment project
is just the ticket for those looking to explore the world of color knitting without the pressure (and
expense) of an entire sweater! This is a great way to learn two-handed fair isle techniques on a small
project that's quick to finish and a great way to learn continental knitting, too (carrying yarn in your
left hand).
This felted bag is knitted using the entrelac method, a fun technique
that resembles a basketweave pattern. The bag's deep, round shape is great for shopping at open-air
summer markets as well as serving very well as a knitting/project bag (deep body with double straps).
Not only will you learn how to knit entrelac, you'll learn how to knit backwards (trust me, it's fun and
very useful). Best of all, it's a great way to try entrelac, as any minor boo-boos will be felted away in
the washing machine.
Learn to use the two-handed Fair Isle technique to knit this beautiful multicolored stocking. With this
technique, the yarns never tangle and there are no floats to catch those little fingers eager to find the
goodies on Christmas morning. You will knit the cuff before class so we can jump right in with the two
handed technique. With four skeins of yarn, you will have enough yarn to knit two Christmas Stockings.
Join Marcia for an excursion to the western Chicago suburbs to participate in one of the largest knitting
and crochet expos in North America, and you don't even have to drive in I-294 traffic around the city
(that alone is worth the price of the trip!). On Saturday, August 21st, the bus leaves the ThreadBear
parking lot at 7:30am and heads for Chicagoland, where you'll arrive in time for taking an afternoon
class or just peruse the market for several hours, taking in the textures and colors and celebrities
wandering the aisles. There's tons of unique vendors, plenty of demos to observe, lots of fun (on the
bus each way and while you're there), and more—all for the low, low price of $75 (which includes
your admission to the market, motor coach ride complete with clean bathroom, door prizes, and other
surprises). You'll be back in the Lansing area by 11pm according to your tour guide, Marcia, so be sure
to sign up right away for the best seating—and if there's enough of you going, we might even
get a second bus! There are tentative stops planned in Charlotte and Kalamazoo (or the nearby area)
if you're interested in getting together a group and board the bus a little closer to home.To register, be in touch with Marcia at 517-896-0621 or via marciacarp@aol.com since ThreadBear is NOT INVOLVED in the cash side of this trip—staff will refer you back to Marcia as well, since she has all of the details. If you're interested in joining in the party bus to Chicago, be in touch with Marcia as soon as you can, as the bus is about 30% full at this writing (yes, it was just announced)
Make one of the most popular knitted garments EVER by one of the most talented designs
around—Sally Melville. Featured in her book The Knit Stitch, this jacket
may be made with worsted- or bulky-weight yarn (knitter's choice) and there's not a purl
stitch in sight! We'll learn about selvedge edges, picking up stitches, knitting sleeves from
the top down, and basic seaming (just the sleeves are seamed… hooray!). This is a perfect
project for those looking to migrate from smaller accessories to making wearables, and
the yarn choices are many!
This adorable pullover is knitted in one piece from the top
down (no finishing!) using worsted-weight yarn to make the perfect sweater for a little one
in your life. Best of all, you'll learn all of the skills necessary to go on to make adult-sized
garments, too!
Learn how to construct these amazing accessories that are very necessary in the coming days! Sabrina
can hook you up with knitting in the round on double points, increasing for the thumb gusset, decreasing
for the tops, and more, all using a pattern from her grandmother, along with bulky-weight yarn of your
choosing.
Turn your world upside-down with Rob and this three-session class that will revolutionize your
sock knitting forever (well, at least for these five weeks!). We'll learn two different ways of
casting on at the toes, how to insert an afterthought heel, and a method of binding off that's
extra stretchy for a good fit. Best of all, you can use either double points or two circulars (if
you don't know how to knit with two circulars, you will by the time class is over!)—the
choice is yours!Stitcher's Night Out
Block of the Month Group
