Get empowered

Last summer I got the bug to start sewing. I'd made drapes and tablecloths many years ago, but I wanted to sew a simple skirt for myself. I bought a nice, easy, straightforward pattern, but was frustrated to find that the directions weren't all that helpful. The pattern did an excellent job of telling me what to do, but not so much with the how to do it. Under-stitch? Angle-cut? Straightening the grain? I engaged the services of my friend and expert seamstress, Linda Parker for a few lessons. Patiently and carefully, she walked me through every aspect of the process. She showed me not only what to do at each step, but why it was important. It was very empowering.

Knitting is the same in many ways. There's a pretty wide gap between knowing how to knit and creating a garment from a pattern. Designers assume a substantial amount of knitting know-how in their audience. They figure you know all the techniques as well as when and why to use one technique rather than another. Stockinette, garter, or slipped selvage? Hidden or decorative decreases? M1 or kfb increases? How do you know? When does it matter? The patterns seem to be written in a mysterious kind of short-hand you need to learn before it all makes sense.

If you’ve ever shied away from knitting a garment because it’s all just so overwhelming, then our “My First Garment” class is exactly what you need. It’s also a great class if you’ve never been happy with the garments you knit. In these four sessions we’ll take you through the process, explaining every step and ensuring you understand not only what to do, but why you do it. At the end you’ll have a wonderful vest that you’ll be proud to wear. Most importantly, though, you’ll approach future knitting patterns with a greater understanding and much more confidence.

I knit up the front and back for the sample in about two weeks, but you'll have lots more time to knit yours. My version went really fast because I used Noro Taiyo, and it was so much fun to see the colors as they emerged. Check it out on the blog. Choose a gorgeous Noro for a fun colorful version, or Spud & Chloe for a subtle solid. The class is limited to 6 students, so come choose your fiber and get registered! You'll be so glad you did!

La Plata Saturdays 11:00 a.m. -- 1:00 p.m.
August 6th, August 27th September 10th, and September 24th

Leonardtown - Sundays 1:00 -- 3:00 p.m.
August 7th, August 28th, September 11th, and September 25th