So Big, So Small, So Fast!

At the end of this post, I'm going to tell you about some upcoming classes. I probably sound like a broken record here, but taking classes totally changed my knitting life. Case in point-- see those itty bitty socks in the picture above? I learned socks by taking a class, can't imagine having learned them any other way, and being able to make socks is one of those things that makes me feel smart, and happy, and accomplished. So think about it-- classes!

The next picture you're about to see is a sweater. I made my very first sweater on my own, struggled through it, and wasn't enchanted by the process. Then, you got it, I took a class, and then another. Now I love making sweaters.

There's something else I want to tell you about the socks (and hat) and the sweater below-- all of these things I knitted up super, super fast. Now, I used to be such a slow knitter that one time, at a dinner party, a woman sitting next to me said, "Before I got here I didn't know how to knit. But watching you all night, I learned." By which she meant I went SOOOO slow she could figure it out just by observing. I'm still not a speed knitter. But from time to time, I like to take on projects that move really, really fast. It gives me a great sense of satisfaction-- instant gratification-- to get something done. Often, I'll keep a couple of projects going: one very simple that I know I can finish up in a reasonable amount of time, and another that I know will make me wait for the payoff. As you can see from the pictures, the projects I've worked on recently ranged from incredibly tiny (aren't those socks adorable) to absurdly huge. The sweater is the one I made in Argentina, in about four days (just two hours a day maybe), using roving. Everyone loves it because it's so nutty. (That's my friend Shannon, modeling it-- and I'd like to thank my friend Bug for shooting the pic.)

So since I'm on a high from making several back-to-back super fast projects, I thought I'd recommend you try the same. In a couple of days I'll show you another little something I've been working on, something VERY funny, that is inspiring me to consider some ongoing theme projects. Okay, now for class info:

CONTINENTAL KNITTING
April 10
1-4
all levels welcome: Beginner to Seasoned!
Fee: 40.00

Continental knitting AKA German style or pic knitting is a popular, fast, fun and very efficient way to knit!
Deb will teach you the continental way to knit, purl, and yarn over while creating a colorful market bag or these fun and fast washcloth/dishcloths.

Learn how to knit and purl by carrying the yarn in your left hand. Continental knitting is often used in color (fair isle knitting) and can help alleviate strain by using both hands to knit.
Patterns ranging in difficulty have been selected and revised to allow the new continental knitter to practice and hone their new skill. Students will receive copies of all patterns.

WASHCLOTH MATERIALS: Student will need 90-125 yards (per cloth) of any cotton or cotton blend yarn with a gauge from 4.5 - 5.5 stitches per inch. Needle size per yarn label.

MARKET BAG MATERIALS:
1 skein Araucania Pomaire or comparable gauge cotton
2 skeins in 2 different colors of Cotton Classic that compliment/contrast variegated Pomaire,
US # 9 needles, 16" length (some like to switch to 24" as the bag gets larger)
4 Split ring stitch markers

Bring some wool or acrylic scrap yarn for practice and your knitting gear.

INSTRUCTOR: Deb Marvin

LACE 101
April 17
1-4
45.00

This class is designed with the new knitter in mind, who would like to experience lace knitting. Learn the basic lace stitches as well as simple chart reading and symbols. This class includes 5 lace patterns that can be incorporated into a lace edged bag or a beautiful scarf.

Prerequites: Basic knitting skills (knitting, purling, casting on and off with ease), as well as some experience with simple pattern reading.

Materials: 1sk Katia "Linen" (137 yds at 51/2 sts per 1") for lace bag, 3 sks for scarf.
#5 needle for bag, #8 needle for scarf, stitch markers and gauge check or tape measure.

INSTRUCTOR: FRAN GOOCH

WET FELT FRIDAY GROUP
second friday of every month
April 9th
50.00
10-2

We will explore the methods of wet and nuno felting and create lovely one of a kind masterpieces,
from bags to hats, scarves to booties and much more.
This class meets the second Friday of each month from 10 am to 2 pm (that includes a short lunch
break)

You will need wool fleece, which you can purchase at HCW. Bring a few old towels and dress in
comfortable clothes. Wet felting can be quite a workout.