Listed below are my current and upcoming classes through summer 2008. My teaching schedule for other conferences will be posted as available. I hope to see many of you soon!
All the best
Karen
My Classes At:
Knit and Crochet Show Summer Conference
ANATOMY OF A SHAWL -- Thursday, July 24, 9:00 am - Noon
Shawls are showing up everywhere, and you would love to make one, but you're afraid it might make you look dumpy or old, and you don't want to spend all evening yanking at your shawl to keep it in place. Shawls can be many shapes – triangle, rectangle, circle, square, semi-circle - and different sizes from tiny to enormous. Find out which ones fit your shape; which types sit comfortably on your shoulders; how to drape and wear them; and what size works well for you. There will be over 60 different shawls to try on to determine the style and maaterials you would like to use for your future shawl project. Gather ideas for materials to use for shawls. Note: This is not a workshop; students do not make a project in class.
SHELL GAME -- Thursday, July 24, 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
In this class, we will explore the wonderful world of crocheted shells. Although there are hundreds of different shell stitch patterns in crochet, a few of the easiest and most classic ones are also the most beautiful and versatile. Learn how to design with them in rows, in the round, and with mitered corners to form numerous shapes: squares, triangles, hexagons, circles, half-circles. Find out how to decrease and increase effectively in shell patterns, and see examples of how they work in sweaters, shawls, ponchos, and other garments.
HALF DOUBLE HAPPINESS -- Friday, July 25, 9:00 am - Noon
Learn some terrific ways to use this versatile little stitch, including ridges that add interest to your work or that you can embellish with virtually no effort. Find out how and when the “wrong” side of your work looks more attractive than the “right”. Try an easier way to decrease and to keep the edges of your work straight. Return home with some stitch patterns that you can use in your own designs or to jazz up those you have in your library.
YARN SUBSTITUTION -- Friday, July 25, 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
All too often, yarn store personnel are not sufficiently familiar with crochet to assist you in substituting yarn. In most cases, craft stores have no staff on hand who can assist either knitters or crocheters with yarn selection. This class will teach how to be your own detective, translating what is written in your pattern so you can convert requirements into today's yarn availability. Find out what to do if your pattern only tells you how many ounces you need of a yarn that was discontinued 20 years ago. Bring along patterns with yarn specifications that have stumped you or your local yarn store. Learn how to help yourself with these problems.
For prices, sign-up, and more information about all the exciting classes, events, and shopping at Manchester, go to: http://www.knitandcrochetshow.com/summershow.asp
Workshops at Aylin's Woolgatherer
7245 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church VA 22042.
Call 703-573-1900 or 800-775-9665 to sign up (credit card info required).
Registration closes 1 week before the start date.
CROCHET IN LIVING COLOR -- Friday, June 20, 2008
10:00 am - 12:30 pm and 1:30 – 4:00 pm Five-hour workshop, $60
Learn how to liven up your crochet through the use of fabulous color combinations. We will cover some fascinating color patterns, including stripes, blocks, spikes, mosaic, and intarsia. Find out how to make wonderful stripe patterns that allow you to work one row each of two colors without cutting your yarn. Also included are how and when to change to another color, carrying unused colors up the side of your work, what colors do/don’t work well together, and how to handle different types of multi-colored yarns. Return home with swatches that you can incorporate into future projects.
Note: this is not a “learn to crochet” class; you need to know the basic crochet stitches.
Materials List: Several colors of yarn (should be the same weight), in fingering, sport, DK or worsted; sizes F – K crochet hooks; paper and pen for notes; and locking stitch markers.
ARAN CROCHET -- Saturday, June 21, 2008
10:00 am – 12:30 pm and 1:30 – 4:00 pm Five-hour workshop, $65
For those of you who have learned all of the basics of crochet, why not make an Aran project? In this workshop, we will cover all of the stitches you need: various types of cables, effective background stitches, bumpy accents, and raised stitches that travel anywhere you want them to go. Learn how to put the stitches together to design your own Aran project, or how to follow an Aran-style pattern that you would love to make. Bonus free patterns will be available for a man’s pullover, a woman’s cardigan, and Karen’s gorgeous Aran tote bag.
Not for beginners. You need to be comfortable with all the basic crochet stitches and know how to work front and back post stitches.
Materials list: 3 or 4 balls of yarn in fingering or sport weight to practice making the different types of stitches; crochet hooks in sizes F - K; paper and pen or pencil; a calculator; ruler or stitch gauge; and locking stitch markers.
I offer other one- and two-day workshops from time to time. If you have a specific interest, e-mail me, or let your favorite yarn shop know; perhaps we can schedule a workshop near you.
Regular Crochet Classes in the Washington DC Area
I teach regular beginning and intermediate crochet classes, and offer occasional special workshops and private lessons. All the currently scheduled classes take place at Aylin's Woolgatherer, 7245 Arlington Blvd., in Falls Church -- that's the Loehmann's Plaza Shopping Center at the intersection of U.S. Route 50 (Arlington Blvd.) and Graham Rd. Space in each class is limited, so please sign up early by calling the shop at 703-573-1900 or 1-800-775-9665 and guarantee your place with a credit card. Registration closes one week before each class; classes may be conceled if minimum enrollment is not met. You will receive information about any pre-class "homework" and a list of supplies to bring.
Beginning/Intermediate Crochet
TUESDAY AFTERNOONS, 2:30 - 4:30 PM, $90 for each six sessions
-- March 11 - May 13, 2008 (Six sessions - No meetings March 18 , April 1, April 15, and April 22)
-- May 27 - July 1, 2008 (Six sessions)
-- August 5 - September 9, 2008 (Six sessions)
TUESDAY EVENINGS, 6:00 - 8:00 PM,
$ 90 for each six sessions-- Same Dates As Above
Private Lessons
Available at $35/hour -- may be convenient if you don't have a lot of time or have a specific problem you need help with.
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