October and November Class Schedule!

**Saturday classes must be reserved ahead of time and paid in advance. Class fees are non refundable or transferrable. Some classes include materials in the cost. A 10% discount will be given on class materials purchased and all yarn purchases the day of your class.**

Tuesday and Thursday night project classes.
5:30pm to 7:30pm
Every Tuesday and Thursday of every month
$10 per person

These classes are designed to be open classes for whatever you would like to learn! Bring in your own project that you are working on or come in and choose something new and challenging! If you run in to a problem or have a technique you would like to learn, then come join us on a Tuesday or Thursday and have 2 hours of teaching and practicing time. It’s a great way to socialize, meet new people and just have a few fun hours to unwind!


Grafting and finishing!
Saturday October 22
11:00 am to 1:00pm
$20 per student
**Homework!!**

In this class we will discover all the tips and tricks to bringing your knitting to the next level! Your finishing and grafting techniques are what make a huge difference in your knitting and make you go from beginner to pro! We will cover kitchener stitch and mattress stitch on different sample squares using notes and my expertise to guide you through the process!

*Homework* - using any sized needles and yarn
Please complete 4 stocking stitch squares about 4 inches by 4 inches.
Please complete 2 stocking stitch squares that have not been cast off about 4 by 4 inches
Please complete 2 garter stitch squares about 4 by 4 inches.

Thrum mitts!
Saturday October 29
11:00am to 1:00pm
$20 per student
** Kit for class $23.20**

In this class we will discover the fun of thrumming! Using wool rovings and yarn we will begin thrum mitts while discussing the best techniques to "thrum" and get that lovely fluffy look on the inside of your mitts while avoiding the clown sized oven mitt look! Its very fun and very easy! These mitts make fantastic gift ideas!

Basic Cables!
Saturday November 5
11:00am to 1:00pm
$20 per student
**kit for class $12.50**

In this class we will discover the basics of turning cables! Cables are incredibly fun to work in to your knitting- it makes it interesting and there are so many quick easy projects you can complete with them! We will be working on a set of fingerless gloves using a simple cable twist. These gloves make quick, easy and affordable christmas gift ideas! If you feel like you can hack this then check out the next class for more advanced cables!

More advanced cables!
Saturday November 12
11:00am to 1:00pm
$20 per student

In this class we will learn more advanced cables and look at different types of cables ie. braided cables, horseshoe cables, vine cables and a few more. We will look at different projects that can be done using these techniques and will work on simple samle squares to get the idea of how to cable using these techniques. Once broken down, cables become very easy and with a little bit of guidance... you can become a master!

Magic loop!
Saturday November 19
11:00am to 1:00pm
$20 per student

In this class we will discover how to work in the round using just one long circular needle and we will discover the benefits of this method as opposed to using double pointed needles! This method can and will replace anything you do with dpn's and once you try it... you'll never go back! It is so easy to learn and to become addicted to! We will work on a few practice pieces using scrap yarns and circular needles that are at least 32 inches long! It will change your life.

Fair Isle!
Saturday November 26
11:00am to 1:00pm
$20 per student
**kit for class $29.00**

In this class we will discover how to knit using 3 different colours in the lovely form of Fair Isle and Intarsia. Get inspired by a simple bag project and see what you can accomplish! We promise to make this class fun and exciting but you must expect a learning curve and little hard work as well! This course will expand your knitting knowledge like you don't even know!

Here is the class schedule for June 2011 and July 2011!

Open knit nights are EVERY tuesday and thursday from 5:30 to 7:30 and are $10 per person. Your first time is FREE! Bring your projects, your ideas or your questions and we will help you fix whatever you need or start something new!
 
Saturday June 18
10:30 to 1:30
$30 per person plus materials
Design your own top down sweater!

Using a basic math equation, a basic pattern and my knitting expertise to figure it all out, we will be learning the basics of designing your own sweater in the flattering and FAST top down style! You can use ANY weight of yarn you like but bring a selection of needle sizes that will work with it so we can figure out the proper gauge and needle size for the body and ribbing if necessary. You can use the basic pattern to do a sample child's sized cardigan or to start a top down sweater for yourself. If you have a sweater lot of a nice yarn that you just don't know what to do with, maybe this is the class for it! This is a fantastic beginner sweater project as it is quick and easy and the patterns are easily adjusted. I have a few samples in store of what you can do from knitting a sweater from the top down. It's so much fun!

Saturday June 25
10:30 to 12:30
$20 per person plus materials
Magic loop circular knitting!

Never use those dreaded double pointed needles again! I recently completed a sweater that was supposed to be the one week sweater project but turned into the two week sweater project for two reasons. 1.) my friend had a baby so I put the sweater aside to knit a mobile and 2.) I did NOT want to knit those sleeves on the double pointed needles! So I took 5 minutes and taught myself how to knit in the round using one really long (32 inches or longer) circular needle! Let me tell you, I was so surprised at how long I had put off teaching myself this technique! It was fast to learn, easy to adapt to, and incredibly exciting that I don't ever have to use double pointed needles again! I'm sure they have their purpose but for circular knitting, as far as I'm concerned, this is the ONLY way to go! We will do some practice swatches and I will show you a few tips and tricks to knitting in this specific way so that YOU can become the master!

Partial class schedule for July, 2011
July 9th, 16th and 23rd- it's a 3 parter!
10:30 to 12:30 each day
Kayla shrug knit a long!
$120 per person- Materials included! (5 skeins of yarn, the pattern and 3 class sessions)

Available colours

The beloved kayla shrug from those genius's at Americo- A sweater that flatters ALL body types and incredibly easy to adjust for sizes. Come in to the store and try on the sample if you don't believe me! Having already knit this sweater myself and assisted multiple knitters in where to adjust for the sizes, I am very knowledgeable on this particular pattern and can help everyone if and when they get stuck on certain sections. We will discuss what to do to make the sweater larger or smaller to adjust for your specific size requirements and also how to make the sweater longer or shorter. I am choosing to do this class in 3 parts because, with homework of course, that is how long this sweater should take to make! There will be goals for each week to accomplish that will be completely do-able! There will be limited seating for this class, I already have quite a few customers interested so please let me know as soon as possible if you will be attending so I can reserve a space for you!

For more information and to keep updated, check out my blog at

www.stixandstonesnb.blogspot.com

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May 2011 class schedule

Saturday May 7
10:30am to 12:30pm
10$ per person
Basic top down sock

A great beginner scok class! We will go over all the basics of sock knitting beginning with a baby sized sock and work it from the cuff down on double pointed needles. We will be able to finish one sock in class and you will have the skills to complete the other on your own by the time we are finished with the class! Please bring with you a double knitting to aran weight yarn and appropriate double pointed needles to match the yarn. All materials needed are available for purchase at Stix and Stones and the pattern for the class will be included.


Friday May 13
6pm to 9pm
$5 per person- with a rebate of $5 should you choose to purchase a DVD.
Lucy Neatby DVD tutorial evening!

This is an evening event open to everyone and knitters of all skill levels! We will be setting up a projection screen and DVD player at Stix and Stones for an evening of popcorn, treats, knitting and FUN! We will choose a Lucy Neatby DVD to play for the evening and follow along with her techniques, tips and tricks for whichever project we decide! Lucy's DVD tutorials are incredible and saught after as she is incredibly knowledgeable and a wonderful teacher! This will be a fun way to get to know her style a bit better and a great chance for you to see why she is so wonderful! Bring your projects to knit on or some scrap yarn and needles to practice the techniques from the video!

Saturday May 14
10am to 4pm- all day!
$75 per person- ALL materials are included with enough to bring home to create many more buttons
Make your own button class taught by Carolyn Barnett!

In this class we will go over the basics of making your very own polymer clay buttons! Make them to match an already made garment, or use them to inspire the colours and pattern of your next project! Carolyn is incredibly creative and a wonderful teacher and I cannot wait to learn all her inspirational tips and tricks for this unique class! For some inspiration on what we will be making, check out my mom's blog at http://finesewing.blogspot.com/ and see the awesome buttons she was able to make in a class taught by Carolyn! There are only 3 spaces left for this class, be sure to sign up soon!

Sunday May 15
10am to 4pm- all day
$55 per person- materials extra
Knitting machine workshop

In this class we will learn how to work on knitting machines! This is NOT cheating, it is mearly another technique to take your knitting skills to that next level- think of it like how we use sewing machines for sewing, it's not all done by hand! We will have a few machines available to use for the day but if you have your own, please bring it along so that you can set yours up and get used to the one you will continue to use after the workshop. In the class time we will make an entire child's sized hoodie out of sock yarn- self patterning sock yarn works very well for this project. If you have your own sock yarn please feel free to bring it with you for the class. We have a wide selection of sock yarns available in store for purchase at a special discount for the class.

Saturday May 21
Part #1
Saturday May 28
Part #2
10:30 to 1:30 bothh days
$25 plus materials
Your perfect summer tank!

This is a two parter class which we will be doing more of to ensure that you have the dedicated time to be able to finish a certain larger project! In this class we will be using a great summer tank top pattern as a guideline for making a fabulous summer tank top! Using a lightweight worsted weight summer yarn, we will go through all the areas of the pattern that may be changed for more design features and it will give you a feel for how you can design your own pattern through an already written pattern and see how patterns really are just "guidelines" to work from. Should you choose to keep it plain and simple or a little more intricate, this class is designed for knitters of all skill levels and even those beginners that want to take it beyond the basics and make a great fitting summer tank! Within the two classes plus some homework we WILL get this project finished by the end of class on the 28th and be able to show them off! Materials are not included- this pattern uses a worsted weight yarn- ribbon yarns work well for this project- I will be able to show you a great selection of appropriate yarns in store.

For more information on any of these classes or to sign up please call me at 705-223-8245.

***You MUST pre register for Saturday classes to ensure your space. We cannot guaruntee a space for you in a saturday class if you have not pre registered. You MUST be on time or early for classes so that we can start on time and get the most out of our class time together. It is disruptive to the teacher as well as the other students to arrive late. If you must arrive late, please ensure that you have informed me well in advance. Class costs are NON REFUNDABLE when paid in advance UNLESS I am able to fill your spot with another student. ***