Knitting and Crochet Classes.....

[abitofyarn]

Our 2009 class schedule is now complete...at least through July :yes:.

Project of the Month Each month we offer a specific project for our customers to do. This will help them branch out and learn to make something new and different and to expand their comfort zone. As a bonus you will learn to read a pattern by taking one of these classes.

Here are the "Project of the Month" projects through July....

February: Felted Purses/Bags (very popular class)
March: Collard Shrug (Basically a 1/2 sweater to keep your back, shoulders
and arms warm)
April: 2 socks on 2 circular needles
May: Summer Totes/Beach (Lake) Bags
June: Summer Swimsuit Cover-ups
July: Heirloom Christmas Stockings

We are also offering the following classes.

New this year - Kids Club!

Basics 101

General Instruction

For more information on any of our classes please visit our website at www.abitofyarn.com and click on the Calendar tab, select the month you'd like to view and then click on any of the events you'd like to know more about.

[dancingqueen]

Thanks so much for posting this info, I am going to check out your class schedule too. How timely, I have 6 girlfriends who are all interested in taking classes at your shop and we are getting together this afternoon and we were going to call you. I will bring this info with me, and we may just call you anyway, just to see if you can manage all of us at one time. We are a crazy group.

[Yosemite Joy]

You have helped me knit twice. Unfortunately I have neither time nor patience to knit. My children pull on my yarn, and the cats attack me.

[dorseygirl]

I am interested in the kid's club and have sent you an email via your web site.

[Yosemite Joy]

I am interested in the kid's club and have sent you an email via your web site.

Same here.

[Mysteefied]

I would love to take some classes, but I would only be available in the evening and all the classes are in the morning :-(

[monkey]

My children pull on my yarn, and the cats attack me.I'll just bet that sometimes the cats pull on your yarn and your children attack you. lol

[abitofyarn]

Here are some ideas I thought of once I read your replies...

Who would be interested in having a specific group/class for the individuals on here? Would you prefer AM or PM? I have a group of Teachers that come on Thursday evenings and they have a blast together.

The Kids Club is new and it's a great idea... The parents can also take a class at that time so that when you go home you can knit or crochet together.

YJ....if you are having trouble with Knitting you can always give Crochet a try. It's easier and since the stitches are independant of each other and not connected to the row below like knitting it's not so stressful when it gets pulled on by Kids or Cats :grin: I can do both but honestly I prefer to crochet. So much so I've designed a few of my own patterns....that really takes patience and a lot of starting overs :confused:

Just an FYI....the Felted Purse/Bag class is a great beginner class. One of the main reasons is that the item is done in the round so you just knit, knit, knit. The second reason is that if you make a mistake it's not going to matter as the felting process hides any mistakes you've made. I have a couple felted items hanging in the Boutique if you'd like to stop by and take a look.

[Iris]

Here are some ideas I thought of once I read your replies...

Who would be interested in having a specific group/class for the individuals on here? Would you prefer AM or PM? I have a group of Teachers that come on Thursday evenings and they have a blast together.

The Kids Club is new and it's a great idea... The parents can also take a class at that time so that when you go home you can knit or crochet together.

YJ....if you are having trouble with Knitting you can always give Crochet a try. It's easier and since the stitches are independant of each other and not connected to the row below like knitting it's not so stressful when it gets pulled on by Kids or Cats :grin: I can do both but honestly I prefer to crochet. So much so I've designed a few of my own patterns....that really takes patience and a lot of starting overs :confused:

Just an FYI....the Felted Purse/Bag class is a great beginner class. One of the main reasons is that the item is done in the round so you just knit, knit, knit. The second reason is that if you make a mistake it's not going to matter as the felting process hides any mistakes you've made. I have a couple felted items hanging in the Boutique if you'd like to stop by and take a look.

Personally, crochet "makes more sense" to my brain. I can read a pattern (if I don't have a photo of the item), and "see" the finished product; I also find that it is a snap to determine where you have "left off". For me, knitting is more difficult and REALLY frustrating when I drop a stitch (I would like to perfect the "continental method" as I have carpal tunnel, & arthritis in my hands [Probably partially from knitting & crocheting :D) and that method is less stressful for me]. But, I would like to become more comfortable with knitting as sometimes you want a certain "look" that just can't be achieved with crochet... Want to learn to make socks too...

One of my friends could knit, but could never "get" crochet. I guess it's because our brains are wired all differently.

I will headed to your website soon! Thanks for being here!!! :yes:

[abitofyarn]

Personally, crochet "makes more sense" to my brain. I can read a pattern (if I don't have a photo of the item), and "see" the finished product; I also find that it is a snap to determine where you have "left off". For me, knitting is more difficult and REALLY frustrating when I drop a stitch (I would like to perfect the "continental method" as I have carpal tunnel, & arthritis in my hands [Probably partially from knitting & crocheting :D) and that method is less stressful for me]. But, I would like to become more comfortable with knitting as sometimes you want a certain "look" that just can't be achieved with crochet... Want to learn to make socks too...
One of my friends could knit, but could never "get" crochet. I guess it's because our brains are wired all differently.
I will headed to your website soon! Thanks for being here!!! :yes:

I've tried the Continental method and although you'd think it would be easier since I like crocheting more it's more of a pain for me then regular knitting. My key for knitting is it has to be something I'm not in a hurry for cause I'm so slow. I like Crocheting with Beads too...actually can't wait to wear my Beaded Summer Top again (it's hanging in my store window if you ever want to see it). Socks are fun but again time consuming. I myself can't wait for the class to learn to make both socks at the same time on circular needles. I still do them on 4 double points and one at a time :cry:

[dancingqueen]

Well, I have been practicing single crochet but had pretty much decided I was going to try knitting today. when I got to class this morning, Babbett got out some knitting needles for me. I undid all of my crochet and then decided, this is just rediculous, I am not a quitter, never have been, Babbett teaches CHILDREN to do this, just stick with it. So I started all over and actually did 3 rows. I am so excited. It wll be about a week and a half before I will have time for another lesson so I am going to just keep on doing what I am doing, not worrying about making mistakes, just seeing them making adjustments and keep on going. I will keep it for times when I need a good chuckle.

[abitofyarn]

Well, I have been practicing single crochet but had pretty much decided I was going to try knitting today. when I got to class this morning, Babbett got out some knitting needles for me. I undid all of my crochet and then decided, this is just rediculous, I am not a quitter, never have been, Babbett teaches CHILDREN to do this, just stick with it. So I started all over and actually did 3 rows. I am so excited. It wll be about a week and a half before I will have time for another lesson so I am going to just keep on doing what I am doing, not worrying about making mistakes, just seeing them making adjustments and keep on going. I will keep it for times when I need a good chuckle.

Good for you DQ!! It's always fun to save your "first project" to remind yourself. Pretty soon you'll be thinking....I can't believe I thought this was hard to do. I think as adults we put to much pressure on ourselve.

Are you doing a dish cloth like I suggested??

[Dodgergirl]

I remember when the girls in the group home I worked at taught me to crochet.... I think I need a refresher course... maybe I should sign up.....

[abitofyarn]

I remember when the girls in the group home I worked at taught me to crochet.... I think I need a refresher course... maybe I should sign up.....

Stop by anytime...we'll give you a refresher!!

[Iris]

Well, I have been practicing single crochet but had pretty much decided I was going to try knitting today. when I got to class this morning, Babbett got out some knitting needles for me. I undid all of my crochet and then decided, this is just rediculous, I am not a quitter, never have been, Babbett teaches CHILDREN to do this, just stick with it. So I started all over and actually did 3 rows. I am so excited. It wll be about a week and a half before I will have time for another lesson so I am going to just keep on doing what I am doing, not worrying about making mistakes, just seeing them making adjustments and keep on going. I will keep it for times when I need a good chuckle.

I had to chuckle (not at you, at me :D), when I read the part of your post that mentioned that you undid all of your crochet, and began again. If I were to wrap all of the yarn that I had ever "pulled out" around the Earth to start over, I am pretty sure that none of us would ever see the light of day again. :grin:
Unfortunately (or fortunately), I am a perfectionist and when I decide that I am not completely happy with my work I have to just put myself in the mind set that I am beginning for the first time... Practice Makes Perfect!

[abitofyarn]

I had to chuckle (not at you, at me :D), when I read the part of your post that mentioned that you undid all of your crochet, and began again. If I were to wrap all of the yarn that I had ever "pulled out" around the Earth to start over, I am pretty sure that none of us would ever see the light of day again. :grin:
Unfortunately (or fortunately), I am a perfectionist and when I decide that I am not completely happy with my work I have to just put myself in the mind set that I am beginning for the first time... Practice Makes Perfect!

I'm right there with you! There's not a single person out there that hasn't had to rip something out and start again. At least with crocheting it's a lot easier to only rip out what needs to be and start from that point forward.

[cattledoggiemoon]

I would like a morning weekday knitting class .
Saturday afternoon like 3:30
Projects that focus on progressing into practical projects. Hats, scarves to sweaters.

[abitofyarn]

I would like a morning weekday knitting class .
Saturday afternoon like 3:30
Projects that focus on progressing into practical projects. Hats, scarves to sweaters.

Hi cattledoggiemoon...We will definately start you off with projects you can use. I like to start people with either a scarf or with a dish cloth. Both are easy and will give you a quick project to learn your first stitch.

If I'm understanding your post correctly you can make it any weekday in the morning or on Saturday around 3:30.

The weekday morning classes start at 11am and they are help Monday - Thursday.

As for the Saturday class. We would have to schedule this earlier that day. We close at 3pm on Saturdays. If you have a date in mind please let me know as I'll have to schedule it with Babette. Saturday classes are done via appointments. So let me know if you have a date you'd like to come.

[dancingqueen]

ABOY, you will be so pleased to see how much I am getting done. I think I get better every day and I can tell that by looking back at my first rows, so glad I didn't rip it out. I learn a lot from mistakes, in crochet and in life in general.

[abitofyarn]

ABOY, you will be so pleased to see how much I am getting done. I think I get better every day and I can tell that by looking back at my first rows, so glad I didn't rip it out. I learn a lot from mistakes, in crochet and in life in general.

AWESOME DQ!!! Aren't you glad you didn't give up??? See it's not as hard as you thought it would be and it will get even easier! Wait until you can do it without looking then you will be besides yourself with joy ; ) I take mine to Hockey with me and people are amazed that I can sit there and watch the game while working on my project at the same time. The kids especially get mezmerized by it LOL!!

Yes not ripping everything out is a good way to see how you are progressing with your stitches. They will get more consistant and more uniform. Pretty soon you are going to be an old pro!!!

[abitofyarn]

DQ....looking forward to seeing your project tomorrow!!!

Hope you're coming to class :yes:

Teddy came in yesterday for a bit of help. She's doing fabulous as well!!

[dancingqueen]

Teddy's project is BEAUTIFUL. Do not expect mine to look like that. Mine is just too funny for words and I can't wait to tell you the story about what my son said about it at Tuesday nights family dinner. BUT, I do think I have had a break through and that I am ready to get off of this UGLY practice piece and on to a real project. I think Rosie is coming this afternoon too. Do either of you need for me to pick up lunch?

[dancingqueen]

I am really looking forward to class tomorrow. The "shawl" that I started last week is turning into a beautiful "scarf". I REALLY need to learn how to RELAX. Something I have never been able to master in any part of my life. It is way beyond me how something that started out as 16 inches across can shrink to 12 inches but I have managed to do that. I am not upset, it will be a beautiful scarf for someone for Christmas. I want to keep working on it. But, what I want to do tomorrow is get started on a shawl. Because I crochet so tightly maybe I should start out 6 to 12 inches more than the directions call for and use a MUCH bigger crochet hook than I am using now. I would like to get it started and work on it for a couple of hours so that I can take it with me to Italy incase I finsh the scarf while I am there. I may need to order more of that yarn, unless you have one or two more tucked away somewhere. See you tomorrow and I told Judy and Teddy about lunch. I am bringing a treat too.

[abitofyarn]

I am really looking forward to class tomorrow. The "shawl" that I started last week is turning into a beautiful "scarf". I REALLY need to learn how to RELAX. Something I have never been able to master in any part of my life. It is way beyond me how something that started out as 16 inches across can shrink to 12 inches but I have managed to do that. I am not upset, it will be a beautiful scarf for someone for Christmas. I want to keep working on it. But, what I want to do tomorrow is get started on a shawl. Because I crochet so tightly maybe I should start out 6 to 12 inches more than the directions call for and use a MUCH bigger crochet hook than I am using now. I would like to get it started and work on it for a couple of hours so that I can take it with me to Italy incase I finsh the scarf while I am there. I may need to order more of that yarn, unless you have one or two more tucked away somewhere. See you tomorrow and I told Judy and Teddy about lunch. I am bringing a treat too.

HI DQ....

1. To RELAX it might help if you count your stithes as you go. The repetitiveness of that function shuts the mind down believe it or not. I count all the time (ask Babette) and it also will help to make sure that you are not 'shrinking' as you've described.
2. The shrinking is due to missing the last stitch of the row...very easy to do when you are beginning and not aware of what you really need to be looking for.
3. Instead of adding stitches to the project (never a good idea as it will throw the pattern off when you begin doing shells and such). We will move you up a hook size or two. I crochet very tight as well and ALWAYS need to go up at least 2 hook sizes from what they say...sometimes 3. That is a very common problem. Others crochet loose and need to drop a size or two...completely normal.

We'll get you started on your Shawl tomorrow and remind me and I'll give you some more tips to guarantee you're not losing stitches.

[dancingqueen]

I can't wait.

[abitofyarn]

Project of the Month Each month we offer a specific project for our customers to do. This will help them branch out and learn to make something new and different and to expand their comfort zone. As a bonus you will learn to read a pattern by taking one of these classes.

March: Collard Shrug (Basically a 1/2 sweater to keep your back, shoulders
and arms warm)

We are also offering the following classes.

New this year - Kids Club!

Basics 101

General Instruction

For more information on any of our classes please visit our website at www.abitofyarn.com and click on the Calendar tab, select the month you'd like to view and then click on any of the events you'd like to know more about.

[abitofyarn]

Looking for something to do with your kids during Spring Break? Let them come to the Kid's Club Tues &/or Thur only $2.50 per child + materials. They can learn to knit or crochet. Call for more information 683 4760

[dancingqueen]

I just have to tell you that A Bit Of Yarn is just the most fun, relaxing spot in town. I started taking crochet classes with a couple of my friends on Friday afternoons. This week I am going to be out of town on Friday, one of my friends is sick so I called another and said, do you want to join me for a couple of hours this afternoon and it worked into her schedule, so we met at ABOY at 11:30. There was a darling girl who goes to YHS and her mom taking lessons so they had more time to spend with each other. Then a lady came in to take a class and relax before going to work at her evening job. Last but not least a lady from Verona Italy came in with 6 projects she is working on at the same time. She was so funny I laughed until I cried. We talked about everything from the different programs they have in town for seniors to when this storm is going to hit. We all shared funny stories about our kids and grandkids. What a wonderful way to spend a few hours.

[abitofyarn]

Thanks DQ for the very nice & warm Kudo's!! I'm glad to know that you and the ladies enjoy your time there. I know for me it's refreshing to be able to have fun all day long with lots of laughter...sometimes too much ;)

My favorite is when when one of the ladies tells her husband she's going to Aerobics and comes to Knitting class instead....too funny!! Probably wondering why she enjoys it so much :D

We strive to make it a very "homey" place and everyone feels like family so if you have some free time stop on by and you'll see what we mean!!

[dancingqueen]

Hi, I will see you guys tomorrow! So much to tell you! I did get a picture of me in my shawl for confirmation but that is as far as it goes. My 8 year old niece just fell in love with it and wanted to wear it to confirmation so I let her. I eneded up going to WalMart and finding that same coloration of yarn (you have it too) but fatter yean. I made a shawl for her and will send it to her the end of August for her birthday. The night before we left for the East Coast, my son Eddie and his girlfriend Amanda were over, Eddie has bought Amanda some really nice yarn in your shop but she is so busy teaching nursing that she just has not had time for crochet. She did tell me though that she wanted a long scarf with a pocket, so I figured out how to make it all on my own. I also made a matching one for Eddie without the pocket. I will bring all of my projects to class with me tomorrow. Blake's mom is so sick that I really had a lot of relaxed time to crochet while I sat with her. Also I spent many hours in an airport and on a plane, I can't believe all that I got done. I missed you, has everything been good while I have been gone? Cathy

[abitofyarn]

Hi, I will see you guys tomorrow! So much to tell you! I did get a picture of me in my shawl for confirmation but that is as far as it goes. My 8 year old niece just fell in love with it and wanted to wear it to confirmation so I let her. I eneded up going to WalMart and finding that same coloration of yarn (you have it too) but fatter yean. I made a shawl for her and will send it to her the end of August for her birthday. The night before we left for the East Coast, my son Eddie and his girlfriend Amanda were over, Eddie has bought Amanda some really nice yarn in your shop but she is so busy teaching nursing that she just has not had time for crochet. She did tell me though that she wanted a long scarf with a pocket, so I figured out how to make it all on my own. I also made a matching one for Eddie without the pocket. I will bring all of my projects to class with me tomorrow. Blake's mom is so sick that I really had a lot of relaxed time to crochet while I sat with her. Also I spent many hours in an airport and on a plane, I can't believe all that I got done. I missed you, has everything been good while I have been gone?

Welcome Home DQ!! We missed you too and we were glad that you made it to class today...it was a pretty wild afternoon with all you crazy ladies :yes:

[dancingqueen]

It was wild and crazy, I was exhausted when I got home, from trying to keep up with all of the conversations, such nice ladies!!!!!!!!

[dancingqueen]

I just LOVE the new stitch that you taught me yesterday, it is so beautiful. I worked on the aftgan a lot last night while watching TV with hubbie. I just finished my first skain of yarn and I am ready to start on my second, took it over to show my mom the new stich and she thought it was beautiful. Thanks so much for encouraging me to try something new and a little more difficult than the stiches I was doing. I am not having any problems and I can't wait until next weeks class for you to see all that I have done.

[Iris]

Hi, DQ I was curious what the new stitch was that you learned.
Isn't crochet cool!! I am attaching a pic of the swag that I made last winter for over my kitchen sink. I did it in white with a cobalt blue accent as I collect "Blue Willow" pottery; kinda "winged" it, but really like it... :-)

[dancingqueen]

Iris that is just beautiful. I love the way it looks on your window. Your color choices are fantastic. I don't remember the name of the new stich but it looks like a little sea shell. You double crochet in one hole all the way across the first row and then you do the same thing for the second row but starting with the second stich. So it is sort of odd even odd even. I don't think I am explaing it very well but it looks very much like your picture, very open. I also collect Blue Willow Wear. I don't have any of it here in CA it is all in CT. Right now I am collecting serving pieces and I have gotten some beautiful and very unusual pieces on the East Coast where it is so available. I also collect Polish Wear which is very expensive here but not nearly as pricey on the East Coast. I am a sucker for dishes. Right now I have 4 different sets that I use here at the house in CA. BUT Blue Willow is my favorite. When I go back East and walk into the kitchen I fall in love with it all over again. My husband loves Blue Willow also, it is what he grew up with and treasures all of those old family pieces. Iris, are working on a project now?

[abitofyarn]

Hi, DQ I was curious what the new stitch was that you learned.
Isn't crochet cool!! I am attaching a pic of the swag that I made last winter for over my kitchen sink. I did it in white with a cobalt blue accent as I collect "Blue Willow" pottery; kinda "winged" it, but really like it... :-)

That looks very nice Iris!! I too have made curtains for my kitchen window although mine is a varigated southwestern coloring made entirely of shells...I can look out through the holes LOL!! I've also made a matching kitchen set (2 pot holders, a Dish Towel and a Dish Cloth out of the new balls of cotten we have now...12 full oz in one skein. Everyone loves them! You should stop by and say HI.

[abitofyarn]

I just LOVE the new stitch that you taught me yesterday, it is so beautiful. I worked on the aftgan a lot last night while watching TV with hubbie. I just finished my first skain of yarn and I am ready to start on my second, took it over to show my mom the new stich and she thought it was beautiful. Thanks so much for encouraging me to try something new and a little more difficult than the stiches I was doing. I am not having any problems and I can't wait until next weeks class for you to see all that I have done.

I'm proud of you DQ!! I was a little worried when you left. Wasn't sure if you were understanding the concept but from the sound of it you've got a handle on it.

I will always encourage you to try something new and get out of your comfort zone. That's how we learn more and more. I just finished the purse I was working on and I like it as well. Of course, as you know me, I couldn't follow the pattern exactly as was written (I detest sewing things together) and so I had to adjusted it to my style of crocheting. You too will get to know that when you are working on something and you think that there's an easier way to do something you'll be able to figure it out.

Very, very proud of you!! Keep up the good work!!

[Iris]

DQ, so you and Blake also enjoy the Blue Willow pattern! Cool, something else that we have in common; there is just something about it (colors, pattern and legends) that are soothing to me. We use it for everything (simplified when I retired and kept only the basics). The oldest piece in my collection is a covered casserole dish from the 1860's (it has been repaired or I would never have been able to afford it)!

Thank you DQ and ABOY for the kind comments on my kitchen swag. It was done primarily with a "wraparound stitch" on every other row; its complicated to explain but easy to do :D

I love to make things for our home and for others. Right now I am working on a laprobe for the Vets (ABOY's project) in a "V" stitch using a lambswool blend of "Thick & Quick" by Lionbrand... It is in a red, white and blue arrangement to honor the Vets. Keep playing with that string, ladies and gents!