* Friday, November 7: Social event for workshop attendees at Dances with Wool (1358 Sycamore Square Drive, Midlothian, VA) with designer Kate Atherley.

 

*Saturday and Sunday, November 8 & 9:   Two 3-hour Classes each day, 4 different classes in all.

 

*Classes held at the John Rolfe Commons Publix (2250 John Rolfe Pkwy., Henrico, VA)

 

* Saturday classes (AM): Yarn Substitutions and Chart Reading

Yarn Substitutions Description: Mystified by all these terms - double knitting, worsted, aran? Unsure whetherfingering is a potato or a yarn? Wondering why you should care about whether a yarn is super-wash or not?How do you go about finding a substitute yarn for a pattern? Why shouldn’t you use cotton for cables? Suitable for newer to intermediate knitters, this class will explain yarn terminology and build your knowledge of types of yarns and fibers. We will dive deep into the topic of yarn weights and gauge, giving you foolproof and easyways to check and get gauge for a pattern – along the way explaining why it matters, when it doesn’t, and whatto do if you can’t get it. We will also talk about yarn and fiber types, and how they are best used, to help you bea more confident yarn shopper and knitter.skill level: all levels. length: 2 hours

Chart Reading Description: Charts are a very useful way to communicate complex pattern stitches, but they can beintimidating to many. This class provides knitters of all levels the tools to read, understand and comfortablywork from charts for any type of knitting pattern: colorwork, cables and lace. We’ll talk about how to read them,share tips for working with them, keeping track of your progress, and making them as easy to read as possible.skill level: suitable for knitters of all levels who haven’t worked from charts before, or have struggled with them. length: 1 hour

 

* Saturday (PM) and Sunday (AM): Smart Strategies for Garment Knitting

Note: This is an expanded class covering the content of both Size & Fit and Introduction toGarment Alterations classes, plus additional content.Description: This class takes a deep dive into garment knitting, beginning with how to choose astyle that suits your body type and how to choose the most flattering size. You’ll also learn how to chooseappropriate yarn and how to get gauge, and you’ll leave prepared to tweak the fit with your own alterations andadjustments.skill level: intermediate, suitable for knitters who have worked a couple of garments from a patternlength: 6 hours, (2 3-hr sessions)

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* Sunday (PM): Fearless Finishing

Description: Many knitters avoid a lot of garment patterns because of the finishing work required,and even the most experienced knitters often have holes in their finishing knowledge – or simply lack confidence about them. The reason is simple: information in books and patterns is often veryweak in this area, leaving knitters to try to figure it out themselves. This hands-on workshopteaches practical, useful, and sensible finishing skills. Along the way we will dispel a lot of commonmyths, break down some common sources of confusion, and show you short-cuts that make thefinishing task easier and improve the finished project. We will cover the three key seaming methods –reviewing how to do them and where to use them, including how to set in a sleeve. We will practicetwo key skills that cause problems for knitters of all experience levels: grafting (Kitchener stitch)and picking up stitches - how and where to pick them up, how to handle large numbers of pickedup stitches, and what to do if you cannot match the number the pattern calls for. We will discussblocking, weaving in ends and how the proper cast ons and bind offs can make your finishing workeasier - and improve the finished result.skill level: all levels. length: 3 hours

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* Registration opens for MEMBERS on Monday, September 1.                   

* Registration opens for NON-MEMBERS on Friday, September 15.

* Registration CLOSES on Friday, October 10.

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* Class fees for members partially subsidized by the Guild.

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Visit Kate Atherley's website to see her beautiful work!

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