Classes for 2010
City Knitting’s doors closed on December 19, 2009. Classes will continue to be offered by Lorilee in her home. OR, if you need undivided individual attention, you’re welcome to make an appointment and sit down with a for a private lesson for $25/hour. To sign up, please send an e-mail to Lorilee [at] City-Knitting [dot] com after January 4, or call 616-454-9276.
Lorilee sells help punch cards for $25. $25 per hour in 15-minute increments. Use them 15 minutes at a time, or all at once, by appointment.
Please read these class policies before signing up for class.
Class and Help Policies
Your place in class is not held until you pay. Your payment indicates to me your commitment to participate in that class at that class time period. If you need to change your plans for any reason, a full refund will be given only if you notify me by e-mail or phone one week before class begins. A Saturday class can be cancelled for a full refund through the Saturday before, but the Sunday before is too late. At that “too late” date, a refund will only be given if I am able to fill your spot from a waiting list. Last minute cancellations, if allowed, would make it impossible to successfully offer these classes. So, please, take your commitment seriously, and understand even if you become ill, that is the risk you take in signing up. In addition, you cannot simply be shifted to another session offered at a later date unless you ask one week ahead of your scheduled class. Switching at the last minute is a lost seat, and as I may have turned people away for your seat, I will not be able to accommodate your request.
If I need to cancel a class due to lack of signups, I will notify you two days prior that it has been cancelled. A complete refund will be given.
By the same token, if you sign up for a multi-session class, you are expected to show at all classes. If you just miss one, and we must have a make up session, understand there will be an additional charge for my time at the rate of $25/hour. If you imagine a situation where eight people sign up for a three-session class and two people miss a session or two, I can not donate the additional hours of my time to catch them up.
Help appointment no shows will be charged as if you showed, as my time will be spent waiting for you. If I am a no-show and am not home when you expect me, I will credit you with two appointments.
- Magic Loop Baby Sock
- Become a Better Knitter
- Free Form Felting Class
- Convert to Continental Knitting
- Felted Loafer Slipper
- Great American Afghan Square-of-the-Month
- Felted Clogs Class
- Sock Yarn Blanket
- Sassafras Mittens
- Seismic Socks
- Classic Socks
- Holey Squares Scarf
Please scroll down to view all classes. They are NOT necessarily arranged in order of the date they occur.
Convert to Continental Knitting
Here’s your chance to learn to knit Continental style. This class is designed for throwers who wish to add another knitting style to their repertoire. Once mastered, continental knitting is typically faster and more efficient than throwing.It is also a great choice for crocheters who want to learn to knit because it is much more similar to crocheting than the traditional “throw” method of knitting. We will tackle KNIT and PURL, as well as some other maneuvers. Prerequisites: Some experience knitting by another method, or experience with crochet. Skills you will learn: Learn the mechanics of accomplishing the knit stitch and purl stitches using the continental method. I have several tips and tricks for you.
Materials
About 50 yards of smooth, light colored or multi-colored worsted weight wool from your stash, and a slippery steel circular needle US 6, 7 or 8 (something you’ll use again). HOMEWORK: Come to class with your homework done. Use your yarn and needles to cast on 40 stitches, then knit 2-4 rows, knitting each row (garter stitch).
Details
Lorilee Beltman, teacher. Class limited to 10 participants.
- Choose from one of the following:
- Friday afternoon, February 19, 1-4
Cost:
$45.00 Read class policies above before signing up.
The Great American Afghan (or pillow squares) a la carte
Edited 1/27/10 to add: Four of the regulars from this class met with Lorilee to make a plan for the upcoming months. We came up with a plan together and hope you like the schedule.
This gorgeous afghan is knit from 25 unique squares. You will finish this project not only with an afghan, but with the skills and confidence to tackle just about any pattern you’ve set your heart on. In addition, you’ll meet some new knitting friends.
So, how do we get through all these squares? Well, it takes some time: class will be held every third Monday of the month and will continue for as long as we all have continued interest. Some of the easier squares you may be able to finish on your own. Others we have selected to learn together in class.
You may choose to sign up for any number of sessions that you like; simply refer to the schedule below to see when each square is offered. Sign up for each class individually as desired.
Prerequisites
You need to be able to cast on, knit, purl, and bind off.
Materials
Yarn: Commit to one type of yarn, choosing from worsted weight varieties: Cascade 220, Cascade 220 Superwash, Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece, Nashua Creative Focus Superwash, and Plymouth Encore are all good choices. The Great American Afghan book has some guidelines and suggestions for colors, including a suggestion to hold kid seta mohair along with wool, which you may wish to consider. [Note: we are working from an edition newly published a couple years ago. If you have an older copy, bring it to class, but contact Lorilee, as there were some changes. I want to be certain we are all planning on the same square.] Each square requires an average of about 150 yards, but yardage varies a lot from square to square. 3,600 yards total. About 18 skeins of Cascade 220, or 20 skeins of Cascade Sierra, or 18 skeins of Cotton Fleece. If working with many colors, you may certainly purchase yarn as you go along.
Needles: Needle size that meets specific gauge for each square, straight or circular, size between US 5 and 8. Note that circulars are more versatile, and if you select circular needles 40″ long, you will be able to work some of the in-the-round bits using magic loop knitting. (Don’t worry- I’ll teach you.) Each square will be about 12″. You may need a couple of different size needles to meet varying gauges.
Pattern: The Great American Afghan Book, $12.95.
Details
Lorilee Beltman, teacher. Every third Monday evening of each month, 7 - 9 pm, summer months excluded.Schedule is listed below. Each session is limited to 8 participants.
Cost
$20 for each 2-hour workshop. Please see class policies above. Previously we offered a discount for signing up for four classes at a time. It is a little tricky to track, so instead, it is one flat fee. To get a little more bang for your buck, know that Lorilee will available before class to give some extra help if needed. Simply arrive fifteen minutes early with your question. Be certain to send me an e-mail if you wish to join the group. I communicate homework and send reminders to the group. Lorilee AT City-knitting DOT com.
Schedule: All Monday Evenings, 7 - 9 pm
- February 15 - #3 (Cables & Bobbles)
- March 15 - #18 (Spiraling Squares)
- April 19 - #10 (Ribbing & Tucking)
- May 17 - #16 Oak Leaf & Acorn (Oak Leaf & Acorns)
- June - off
- July - off
- August - off
- August, September, October, November and December- Squares #7, 12, 19, 21, 22 & seaming options. Order to be determined.
- For 2012- Squares #2, 4, 5, 8, 9, 15 & 25. Order to be determined.
Homework: complete first several garter rows; be ready to start the chart.
Homework: none for this class. However, if you decide to let me teach you magic loop knitting for this one, instead of working on double pointed needles, bring appropriate needle in a 40″ length. Needle must have a smooth join between needle and cord.
Felted Loafer Slipper
It’s a knitted, seamless, magic-looped, knit-in-the-round slipper!
We are going to learn the newest cast on perfect for this project. It’s called Judy’s Magic Cast On. Then we’ll magic loop our way all the way to the finish! No seams, just two tails to darn in at the end. Once you’ve learned some tricks, this is a very quick slipper project.
You can learn this only from Lorilee because this is her creation. We will complete one full sized slipper in class.
Prerequisites
This is NOT for beginners: you MUST be comfortable with knit and purl, and have at least some experience with short-row shaping.
Skills you will learn
Magic cast on, magic loop knitting, counting tricks, loose bind-off, three needle bind off without the third needle
Materials
Yarn: 2 strands of bulky wool held together: 4-5 skeins of Ironstone Harmony 100% wool (100 g, 109 yards), OR Nashua Creative Focus Chunky wool/alpaca (100g, 109 yards). Refer to sizes on pattern for yarn selection.
Pattern: Felted Loafer Slipper Pattern from City Knitting ($6). Download your pattern from the pattern page of this website. Print and bring your purchased copy to class. Needle: Addi Turbo (steel) 60″ long circular, or Addi Natura (bamboo) 47″ long circular, size US 17, or Daisy plastic needle from Crystal Palace, size US 17, 50″ long. If you are a very loose knitter, you may be able to get away with using a size US15 needle.
Details
Lorilee Beltman, teacher. This class is completed in one long session. Most will completed one double soled adult size clog in class. Class is limited to 10 participants.
- Monday, February 22. 9 am- 4 pm. Bring a sack lunch.
Cost
$50.Read class policies above before signing up.
Felted Clogs Class
Learn to make soft, cozy slippers with the popular Fiber Trends pattern. During this one-session class you will complete one smallest size child-sized felted clog. Needles and patterns for class are provided. You will be able to reuse your yarn should you decide to make another size. After class, you will be equipped to purchase the pattern of your choosing, child or adult, and appropriate needles.
Prerequisites
Ability to cast on, knit, purl, and bind off.
Skills you will learn
Following a written pattern, make one, SSK (slip, slip, knit), wrap & turn, picking up stitches, and three-needle bind-off. You will also learn the valuable skill of reading your knitting!
Materials
For class time only, pattern and needles are provided. You will need to purchase wool that will felt- 100 grams of either bulky or worsted. Bulky is easy to work with as there is no need to double it. Worsted weight will be held double. Either choice is fine. (For your reference, adult womens 2-color clogs require 200 grams of the sole color, and 100 grams of the instep color.)
Homework
None
Details
Lorilee will teach this class. One session. We will take a quick break for lunch. Bring a sack lunch.
- Friday, February 26, 9-3
Cost
$45. Class size limited to 8 participants. Read class policies above before signing up.
Magic Loop Baby Sock
Learn basic sock construction in one day. We will learn the magic loop technique to complete a worsted weight baby sock, which will give you the confidence to knit all sorts of other socks later. You will learn to knit in the round, construct the heel flap, pick up stitches, turn a heel using short rows, and form the gusset and toe shaping using simple decreases, all using one long circular needle. Once you’ve finished this class, you;ll be ready to tackle your next circular knitting project with confidence using the magic loop.
Prerequisites:
Cast on, knit, purl.
Materials:
Purchase before class:
Yarn: One 50 gram skein of worsted weight yarn (this will be enough to complete one pair of baby socks)
Needle: Because the magic loop technique requires you to slide the needle backward through your stitches, I am requiring the use of a Skacel Addi Turbo needle for this class. 32″ or 40″ US4 or US5 (complete a swatch to achieve a gauge of 5.5 st/1″
Pattern: provided
Other: place markers, darning needle
Details:
Lorilee Beltman, teacher
- Monday, March 1, 9-3
We will take a short break for lunch. Bring a sack lunch. Class limited to 8 participants.
Cost:
$45.00 Read class policies above before signing up.
Sock Yarn Blanket
Knit a mitered squares blanket using scraps of fingering weight yarns! This project is addictive to create, and so colorful to look at. It’s also a sock yarn stash buster.
During class, City Knitting friends Mary Jane and Mary Beth will teach you and cheer you on to success learning this technique. After class, you may continue making sock yarn blanket squares, or apply the technique to larger gauge projects.
Those of you on ravelry.com will want to check out the group called “Blankiemania” to see samples in progress. Join in the fun!
Prerequisites:
You should be able to cast on, knit and purl and bind off.
Skills you will learn:
The domino knitting technique.Two types of double decrease. Picking up stitches.
Materials:
Yarn:No yarn purchase required we will provide a selection of yarn for you to use in this class. Class will involve practice only.
Needle: US size 6 or 8. Your teachers find this easier on circular needles, but straights are fine, too.
Instructors:
Mary Beth and Mary Jane, our fun knitting friends from the West Coast (of Michigan!).
- not scheduled at this time
Class size is limited to 12 students so you get plenty of attention.
Cost:
$45.00
Become a Better Knitter
This class is a teacher’s wish list of things I wish knitters would learn sooner. If you are at the stage in your knitting where you can knit and purl, but abandon projects because of a mistake, or just loosing track of where you are, the this class is for you. Read ahead to see what you’ll learn.
Prerequisites:
Cast on, knit, purl.
Techniques learned:
cast on tension/tension in general/reading your work/counting tricks/stitch orientation/fixes/mistake prevention/trouble shooting/becoming a knitting detective when reading a pattern/needle choices/and more
Materials:
Yarn:Bring a few colors of worsted weight yarn from your stash.
Needle:US 6-8, whichever size you normally use for worsted weight. Bring a circular if you have it, a pair of straights, and a set of DPNs, all around that US 6-8 size. Also bring a small crochet hook (if you have one), and a DPN or circular of smaller size, say around US2-4 (a must bring).
Other:Scissors, darning needle
Details:
Lorilee Beltman, teacher
- Saturday, January 23, 9-2 (FULL), OR Sunday, February 28, 12-5, so we can learn a lot. Bring a sack lunch to Saturday class. Eat lunch first before coming to Sunday class.
Class is limited to 8 participants.
Cost:
$45.00 Read class policies above before signing up.
Sassafras Mittens
Learn to knit these mittens of unusual construction. In class we will work the most wacky component of the mitten - the square with a thumb. Learn to pick up stitches for interconnected pieces. There is no need for seaming in this pattern. We will also learn the fulling process to interlock and fluff the fibers without shrinking them. You will be able to finish the mitten at home with your newly acquired skills.
Prerequisites:
Cast on, knit, purl. Must be comfortable knitting in the round. Techniques learned: Modular knitting, picking up stitches.
Materials:
Pattern:Sassafras Mittens, $5.00
Yarn: 180 yards of bulky weight yarn must be purchased from City Knitting (10% discount for class.). We can help you choose.
Needle: US 8-10, bring what you have to swatch in class, then buy if needed. Magic loop or two circulars is preferred, but DPN’s are equally welcome if that is what keeps you comfortable.
Other: Scissors, darning needle.
Homework:
You must have your yarn and needles ready for class. This means you must make a gauge swatch, reaching a gauge of 4 sts/inch. Bring a finished 5″ wide x 2″ long gauge swatch to class. (Cast on about 20 sts.)
Details:
Lorilee Beltman, teacher
- To be offered at a later date.
Class is limited to 10 participants.
Cost:
$45.00. Read class policies above before signing up.
Classic Socks
In this three part classic sock class, you will learn top down sock construction, working with the yarn weight of your choice and working on the needles of your choice. This class has three choices: Make your socks fingering, sport or worsted weight; make them child or adult sized; and choose your weapon - DPN’s, two circulars, or one long circular. Lorilee will work with your choices to make your socks happen.
Prerequisites:
Cast on, knit and purl. Techniques learned: knitting in the round, short row shaping, grafting; plus many sock-knitting tricks.
Materials:
Pattern:Select a Knitting Pure and & Simple, Ann Norling, Knitting at Knoon, or other basic sock pattern.
Yarn:Many choices. Select a yarn appropriate to your pattern.
Needle:Select needles that make the appropriate yarn work up with your knitting style to meet the gauge in the pattern. THIS IS YOUR HOMEWORK- to come to class with this already worked out.
Other:Scissors, darning needle
Homework:
see note above, under “Needles:”
Details:
Lorilee Beltman, teacher
- Friday afternoons, 2:00-5:00, January 8, 15, and 22
Class is limited to 10 participants
Cost:
$60.00 for nine hours of instruction. Read class policies above before signing up.
Holey Squares Scarf
Learn how to knit a flat garter stitch square constructed by knitting in the round. Lorilee will teach from her pattern. Choose fingering, worsted or chunky weight yarn. Self striping yarns result in a bold design, but you may choose variegated or solids as well. During class we will learn how to knit the squares, how to darn in the tail at the center and how to seam them so you can complete the scarf on your own.
Prerequisites, and Skills You’ll Learn:
You must know long tail cast on. Learn before class by watching this video. You must know knit and purl and have experience working in the round. You will learn knitting in the round with decreases to make a flat square, seaming by grafting. As a bonus, you will also learn magic loop method of knitting in the round, if you choose.
Materials:
Pattern:Holey Squares pattern, which can be downloaded from the pattern page of this website. Bring your copy to class.
Yarn:Many choices in fingering, worsted or chunky weight yarn. Selecting a striping yarn is recommended. Refer to pattern for help in making your selection.
Needle:Whichever way you like to work in the round: DPN’s, two circs or one long circ, size determined by yarn weight. Select a needle size that makes your chosen yarn knit up quite snug in garter stitch. If you choose to learn magic loop knitting in class, be certain your needle is 40″ long. 32″ is too short.
Other:Blunt tip tapestry needle for darning and seaming.
Details:
Lorilee Beltman, teacher
- One three and a half hour class, Friday, January 29, 8:30- noon
Class size is limited to 10
Cost:
$30.00. Read class policies above before signing up.