October Class Schedule 2014

                                                                               

Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
			1	2 Drop in class 5:30pm-7:30pm $10/person	3 Social knit night 6:00pm -9:00pm	4 Magic Loop Circular Knitting 2:00pm-3:30pm $20/person
5	6	7 Drop in class 1:30pm-3:30pm & 5:00pm-7:00pm $10/person	8	9 Drop in class 5:30pm-7:30pm $10/person	10 Social knit night 6:00pm -9:00pm	11 “I can’t wear that colour!” 2:00pm-5:00pm $40/person
12	13	14 Drop in class 1:30pm-3:30pm & 5:00pm-7:00pm $10/person	15	16 Drop in class 5:30pm-7:30pm $10/person	17 Social knit night 6:00pm -9:00pm	18 Fibre is your friend 2:00pm-5:00pm $40/person
19	20	21 Drop in class 1:30pm-3:30pm & 5:00pm-7:00pm $10/person	22	23 No drop in class this night!	24 Social knit night 6:00pm -9:00pm	25
26	27	28 Drop in class 1:30pm-3:30pm & 5:00pm-7:00pm $10/person	29	30 Drop in class 5:30pm-7:30pm $10/person	31 Downtown Zombie Crawl! Social knit night 6:00pm -9:00pm

Drop in classes are for all ages and skill levels and for anyone interested in learning to knit, learning new techniques or getting help on your projects

Saturday classes are specialty technique classes and require that you have basic knitting skills. Saturday classes MUST be pre-registered in order to attend.

Please call Stix and Stones for more information or to register for a specialty class. 705-223-8245

Class Descriptions

Drop in classes

These classes are available three times a week during the fall and winter seasons and are open to knitters of all ages and skill levels! This is the time to come in and learn to knit, get help on your project or even learn a new technique. We will teach you anything you would like to know! Each student works on their own projects individually and the teachers come around and help with whatever problems arise or with whatever questions you might help. There is always a great amount of one on one time spent with each student as needed.

We do not take reservations for drop in classes- come when you can and don’t worry about being right on time! We accommodate everyone and their own unique schedules.

Magic loop circular knitting- Oct 4

Never use double pointed needles again! Magic loop is a fantastic technique that uses one long circular needle to knit in the round eliminating the use for double points! You can use this technique to replace any project that calls for double pointed needles such as socks, mitts, fingerless gloves, sweater sleeves and even for the tops of hats!

Bring with you: Worsted weight yarn and circular needles to match in 32” or 40” length
Skill level: Enthusiastic beginner! Must know how to knit and purl

“I can’t wear that colour!” (Not just for knitter’s!)- Oct 11

Let colour do the talking as we share all about… colour families, hard to wear colours, universally flattering colours and variegated colours in yarns and fabrics. Learn how to envision colours in a project and recognize colours you love that don’t love you back and how to work with them. Working with fabric samples and colour wheels you’ll make a personalized go to colour list. We’ll swatch with different colours including hand-dyed colours, talk about washing and blocking different colours and discuss the dying process that goes into creating all them. See if the colour you love will work for garments you can actually wear. Maybe the next time you think, “I can’t wear that colour!” you just might be wrong!

Bring with you: Notebook & pen/pencil and an open mind

Skill level: All skill levels welcome

Fibre is Your Friend (Not just for knitter’s!)- Oct 18

There’s so many exciting knitting fibres available today, let’s get familiar with all their properties and figure out what to use and where!  We’ll talk animal versus plant fibres and get familiar with where you can and can’t substitute fibres called for in a pattern and how to do this properly. Learn about super wash wools versus feltable wools and the universal myth of wool allergies. Create fibre swatches using everything from acrylic to bamboo and merino to alpaca, and then discuss their unique properties and how to care for each one. This session will completely change the way you shop, and look at yarns.

Bring with you: An assortment of knitting needles and any yarns from your stash that you would like to test or fibres that you are unsure of their content

Skill level: All skill levels welcome

 

Summer Kids Camp Schedule

Tuesdays (+Some Wednesdays) - Open knitting classes

During this 2 hour session, kids can learn to knit, start a new project if they already know how to knit or learn new knitting techniques such as purling, cables and simple lace patterns. We will teach the kids based on their skill level and specific technique and their projects will be designed to suit their specific learning abilities. Common projects made during these classes are: headbands, bracelets, coin purses, fingerless mitts and scarves. Classes are for ages 6 and up. All kids must be pre registered and paid so we can ensure your space. Maximum of 8 students per class, if enrollment is low, classes may be cancelled but we will always call in advance to let you know. Parents should pack a snack for the kids. We ask that the parents do not stay for the classes as the kids have a better learning experience on their own.

July Dates:

Tuesday July 8- 11:00am to 1:00pm

Tuesday July 15- 11:00am to 1:00pm

Tuesday July 22- 11:00am to 1:00pm

Tuesday July 29- 11:00am to 1:00pm

August Dates:

Tuesday Aug 5- 11:00am to 1:00pm

Wednesday Aug 20- 11:00am to 1:00pm

Tuesday Aug 26- 11:00am to 1:00pm

Wednesday Aug 27- 11:00am to 1:00pm

Cost:

Monthly fee including materials (1 pair of needles and 2 balls of yarn): $60/student

Weekly fee (come when you can): $12/class (Materials not included)

Material starter kit- includes 1 pair of knitting needles and one ball of yarn: $13

Additional yarn fee- if/when needed (2 balls): $15

Kid’s Camp Specialty Technique Classes

Wednesdays

During these two hour sessions, the kids will learn new techniques pertaining to knitting and the fiber arts. These classes are very fun and interactive and some of them are even done outside! The kids get hands on with different techniques and fibers. All classes include materials. Classes are for ages 6 and up. All kids must be pre registered and paid so we can ensure your space. Maximum of 8 students per class, if enrollment is low, classes may be cancelled but we will always call in advance to let you know. Parents should pack a snack for the kids. We ask that the parents do not stay for the classes as the kids have a better learning experience on their own.

July Dates:

Wednesday July 9- Kool-aid yarn dying class- 11:00am to 1:00pm

Wednesday July 16- Knit jewellery class- 11:00am to 1:00pm

Wednesday July 23- Wet felting class- 11:00am to 1:00pm

Wednesday July 30- Needle felting class- 11:00am to 1:00pm

Monthly fee for specialty classes- $100/student

Weekly fee (includes all materials) - $27/student

August Dates:

Wednesday August 6- Kool-aid yarn dying class- 11:00am to 1:00pm- $27/student

Wednesday August 20- Knit jewellery class- 11:00am to 1:00pm- $27/student

Wednesday August 27- Drop in to finish any Kids summer projects! - 11:00am to 1:00pm- $12/student. Materials not included in this class, students should bring projects they have worked on this summer that need to be finished up.

Please call the shop to register your child at 705-223-8245

February class schedule

Knitting and Technique Classes

We have had many requests for some more specialty technique classes in addition to our daily drop in classes so we asked people what they wanted to learn and put together a new schedule! We have classes planned from now until the end of April and we plan to continue them throughout the summer as well! We are also working on putting together a kids camp for March Break which is quickly approaching so be sure and stay tuned for that information which will be coming out shortly.

Our drop in knitting classes are available 3 times a week every week and the times are as follows:

Tuesday Afternoon: 1:30pm to 3:30pm
Tuesday Evening: 5:00pm to 7:00pm
Thursday evening: 5:30pm to 7:30pm

During these times you can come in to learn to knit, get help on your project, learn to recognize and fix your mistakes and learn new techniques! You do not have to register in advance for these classes, just come when you can! Classes are always open to all ages and skill levels. Drop in classes are $10 per class, materials are not included. We give you a 10% discount on your yarn purchases when you enrolled in ANY class at Stix and Stones.


Testing your gauge!

Saturday February 8, 2013
2:00pm to 4:00pm
$25 per person
8 spaces available- you must pre-register for this class in order to ensure your spot!

Description:

“To save time, always check your gauge!” This is a sentence commonly written at the top of every knitting pattern and we are going to tell you why! Testing your gauge is the most important part of any knitting project because it ensures that your project will turn out to the same dimensions as the patterns call for. We are always telling people to check their gauge and so many people skip over this important step saying things like “I always get gauge” or “I have perfect tension” and the reality is different yarns will knit differently (tighter or looser) and different knitting needles will give you different results (bamboo versus metal.)
In this class we will teach you how to knit a proper gauge swatch and how to adjust your needles if your gauge does not accurately measure to what the pattern is calling for. We will swatch with different weights of yarn and see how different your tension can be from one yarn to the next! We will also be able to determine if you are a tight or lose knitter or, if you are like me, tight o fine weights and lose on heavy weights. Every knitter is unique and we are going to teach you how to embrace that!

Materials: Please bring with you a selection of knitting needle sizes in plastic, metal, bamboo or whatever you might have laying around! Also please bring with you a selection of yarns to work with- anything from sock yarn to bulky weight will do! Please also bring with you a tape measure.

*Stix and Stones will provide you with materials for this class if you do not have any of these items*
To register for this class, please call or email us at the store at 705-223-8245 or at stixandstonesnb@gmail.com
 

Cast ons and Cast offs

Saturday February 15, 2014
2:00pm to 4:00pm
$25 per person
8 spaces available- you must pre-register for this class in order to ensure your spot!

Description:

During this class we will learn 5 different techniques for casting on and casting off and we will learn where to use them and why. There are over 150 different methods for casting on and off and with the 5 that we show you, you will be able to conquer most of your knitting projects with these methods! Learn which method to use for hats, socks, sweaters and even scarves! They may not even be the ones you think they are!

Materials: Please bring with you worsted weight or heavier yarn in a light colour and needles to match. Please also bring with you a contrasting colour, a crochet hook, a spare knitting needle and a darning needle.

*Stix and Stones will provide you with materials for this class if you do not have any of these items*
To register for this class, please call or email us at the store at 705-223-8245 or at stixandstonesnb@gmail.com

July 2013 kids camps!

Kids learn to knit! (Or continue to knit if they know how!)
Tues/Wed July 9-10, 2013
11:00am to 1:00pm both days
$40 per student- all materials included
2nd sibling discount of 10%

In this class the kids will learn the basics of knitting including casting on, knitting and casting off and they will make a small project over the course of the two days and they can decide what! Some kids have done wallets, ipod holders, fingerless gloves, headbands... whatever they can come up with they can make! This class includes the needles and yarn and any other materials they might need. Please have the kids bring their own snacks if they need to.

Kids learn to purl!
Tues/Wed July 16-17, 2013
11:00am to 1:00pm both days
$27 per student- please bring materials from the previous week
2nd sibling discount of 10%

In this class we will take knitting to the next level by combining the knit and purl stitches to create new patterns! Knit and Purl are the two basic stitches of knitting and once we conquer that, we can make almost anything! We will do another project in this class so another ball of yarn will be provided! Please have the kids bring their own snacks if they need to.

Kids knit jewellery class!
Tues/Wed July 23-24, 2013

11:00am to 1:00pm both days
$40 per student- all materials included
2nd sibling discount of 10%

In this class we will take the knitting basics- knit and purl- and put them together to create some knit jewellery pieces! We will use eyecord makers to make necklaces, knitting needles and yarn to make bracelets and even whip up some headbands! We will include embellishments like beads and sequins to make each piece truly unique! If the kids have leftover scraps from other classes bring them to incorporate in to their pieces! Please have the kids bring their own snacks if they need to.

Kids wet felting and needle felting
Tues/Wed July 30-31, 2013

11:00am to 1:00pm both days
$40 per student- all materials included
2nd sibling discount of 10%

This class is so much fun! We will be working with wool rovings to create felted pieces such as scarves, placemats, wallets, purses and whatever else we can dream up! This is a very interactive class and we do spend quite a bit of it outside so be sure that the kids have sunblock! Please have the kids bring their own snacks if they need to.

To pre register your child for any of these classes please give me a call at Stix and Stones at 705-223-8245. If you are registering for all four classes the cost will be $135 instead of $147!

June 2013 class schedule!

Knitting and Technique Classes

**NEW** Tuesday afternoon drop in knitting class!- Also offered Tuesday evenings from 5:00pm to 7:00pm for $10 per class year round.

Starting Tuesday June 4, 2013 from 1:30pm to 3:30pm for the duration of the summer we will be holding a drop in knitting class for $10 per class. This will run every Tuesday afternoon (unless otherwise noted) from June to August and possibly will continue on through the fall and winter should the demand be there.

During this class you will be able to learn how to knit, get help with your projects, learn new techniques and ask all the questions you like! No need to pre-register at all, just drop by! We can get you set up with a project and needles and start you off wherever you are comfortable.

Project Prep Class.
Wednesday June 26, 2013
6:00pm to 9:00pm
$25 per person- some materials included

This class is ESSENTIAL!! This is going to give you all the information about preparing for a project that you could possibly need! We are going to start off by talking about how to use Ravelry.com to find patterns, and then we will talk about how to choose a size and a design that flatters you and your figure. We will then proceed to talk about how to choose a yarn for any given project AND how to substitute a yarn for any project. We will then talk and work on measuring gauge and I will teach you how to get your gauge for a project and how to choose the best needles for you. Because no matter what you say- YOUR GAUGE IS NOT ALWAYS RIGHT ON! We will talk about the why and the how about that and why it is so important. We will finish up with talking a bit about seaming and about blocking your project and we will be open to any and all questions you might have about prepping for a project, substituting yarns and needles and getting gauge. Anything you might think about, we will cover!

Please bring with you a selection of needles and yarn to match as well as stitch markers and a tape measure if you have it. We will have materials to use here as well. Also, if you have an ipad or tablet of some sort please bring that as well so we can show you ravelry on your own device and how to find patterns will be more comfortable for you.

Knitting 911 bootcamp!
Saturday June 15, 2013
11:00am to 1:00pm
$20 per person

Learn to fix your own mistakes!! In this class we will teach you how to recognize your mistakes and how to fix them on your own! This is the class that the baby birds learn to fly on their own. We will teach you how to unknit, pick up dropped stitches, fix twisted stitches and how to rip back, how to fix holes AFTER the project is complete and any other questions you might have! We will work until we have mastered it! Please bring with you worsted weight or heavier yarn in a light colour with needles to match. You may also bring projects that need some TLC to be fixed and we can work on those in the class as well.

Finishing and grafting
Saturday June 29, 2013
11:00am to 1:00pm
$20 per person

This is possibly one of the most important skills you will ever learn in your knitting career. Knowing how to finish and sew your projects up correctly can make your knitting go from looking homemade to looking handmade. We will work through how to sew together side seams, shoulder seams, garter stitch, stocking stitch, three needle bind offs, Kitchener stitch, mattress stitch and grafting.

Homework: Please complete 4 stocking stitch squares- 2 that are not bound off and 2 garter stitch squares approximately 3 inches by 3 inches each completed in a worsted weight or heavier yarn in a light colour with needles to match. Please bring with you darning needles and a few pairs of knitting needles all around the same size.

Classes!

Join us each week on Tuesday and Thursday for our open knitting classes starting at 5:30pm to 7:30pm for just $10 a class! During this time we can teach you the very basics of knitting from casting on to casting off and all the fun stuff in between. We can also help you if you are stuck on your project and need some assistance or if you would like to learn any new techniques or learn how to fix your mistakes- we can do it all! Classes are drop in- no registration required and you can start any time and come as often or as few times as you need to get on track!

Blocking Class
Saturday November 10, 2012
11:00am to 1:00pm
$20 per person- materials extra
All skill levels welcome
If you own blocking pins or wires, please bring them with you.

In this class we will be talking about all the different ways to block and care for your knitted garments and accessories. I absolutely LOVE blocking and after this class, you will too. We are going to talk about what "hand washing" really means and why it is so important to properly take care of your knits. Different fibers need different care and we will talk about that as well. As Lily and I like to say "Blocking fixes all problems" and after this class you will see why and how! We will talk about the different methods of blocking and what they are best used for.

Homework: Please bring with you a knit square of 100% cotton, 100% wool, a superwash wool, an alpaca blend and (dare I say it) an acrylic blend or 100% acrylic. That's 5 squares- knit them about 4 inches by 4 inches making sure it is not a loose knit. If you have any garments you are unsure how to take care of or how to block/wash them please bring them with you for us to discuss during the class time.

Finishing and Grafting Class
Saturday November 17, 2012
11:00am to 1:00pm
$20 per person- materials extra
All skill levels welcome
Please Bring darning needles and scrap yarn with you.

In this class we will be practicing a few techniques to make you a master finisher- and to make you stop hating it! We will be learning how to sew seams together so they are invisible on stocking stitch, garter stitch AND joining a horizontal piece to a vertical piece. We will also learn how to do proper grafting- kitchener stitch- which can be used on shoulder seams and the toes of socks amongst other things. We will also discuss how to properly weave your ends in. This is the class that will make your knit pieces go from looking homemade to handmade.

Homework: Please complete and bring with you 2 stocking stitch squares cast off, 2 stocking stitch squares that have NOT been cast off and 2 garter stitch squares. Make them about 4 inches by 4 inches in a yarn of your choosing with appropriate needles. Don't forget to bring your darning needles with you!

Magic Loop circular knitting class- never use double pointed needles again!
Saturday November 24, 2012
11:00am to 1:00pm
$20 per person
Beginner to advanced skill level- must know how to knit and purl.

In this class we will practice and discuss the technique of Magic Loop circular knitting which uses one long circular needle to knit in the round- 32" cord or longer. This technique can be used for everything and anything that you would normally use double pointed needles on. Socks, sleeves, hats, mitts, gloves... anything! The benefit of learning magic loop and putting it in to use in your knit projects is:
1.) You only ever have to buy ONE needle for any project- pick a 32" or 40" circular needle for any project and you're golden- no need to buy the straight, the circular AND the double points for the same project.
2.) The magic loop technique helps you to knit faster while knitting in the round
3.) The magic loop technique does NOT leave "ladders" between your needles where the stitches tend to be baggy.
There is a bit of a learning curve to this technique but once you've got it, you will ask yourself why you haven't ALWAYS been using this technique! It is amazing.
No homework but please bring with you a pair of circular needles that are 32 inches in length or longer and appropriate yarn to go with them.

You MUST pre-register for these classes as there is limited seating and they fill up quickly. To reserve your spot, give me a call at the store at 705-223-8245 or send me a quick email at stixandstonesnb@gmail.com