Sock Knitting Classes

Where a Knitting Kit is mentioned, you should bring the following items:

Must have: various sizes crochet hooks (based on yarn you are working with), ruler, scissors, pencil, large and small tapestry (blunt or darning) needles (we prefer bent-tip needles).

Nice to have: point protectors (if you use them), sticky notes, cable needle, row counter, stitch markers (including locking stitch markers), calculator, stitch holders, needle gauge, tape measure.

3710 Magical Socks II

Dates, 2009: Fridays, January 23, 30, and February 13

Take your sock knitting to the next level and try designing your own footwear following the formula in Cat Bordhi's New Pathways for Sock Knitters. We'll measure and swatch, probably rip a bit, and ultimately have you off and knitting a sock of your very own design. There's not much quite as satisfying as being able to say, "Not only did I knit these, but I designed them, too!"

Required supplies and equipment: appropriate yarn and needles, stitch markers - optional lettered stitch markers which are available in the shop, tapestry needle, scissors.

Required book: New Pathways for Sock Knitters by Cat Bordhi

Skill level: Taken Magical Socks I or be advanced knitter

Joan Sheridan Hoover, $45 class fee, no materials fee

1703 Learn to Knit Toe-Up Socks

Date, 2009: Fridays, February 20 (6 pm to 9 pm), 27, and March 13, 20, 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm, four sessions

Learn to knit socks with a simple toe-up approach. Ideal for spinners, too, as you will learn to fit with any guage yarn for any size foot! This technique and pattern will allow you to tailor a sock to your yarn and foot - not to have a pattern dictate what yarn to use. Bring your firmly-spun handspun or any yarn your heart desires for swatching (optional) but we strongly recommend worsted weight sock yarn for your class project. Learn lots of great hints for perfecting the sock. Knit with double-pointed needles or two circular needles, your choice.

Skill level: Confident beginner, able to cast on, knit, and bind off.

Required supplies and equipment: Worsted weight yarn in a smooth texture and light color for your class project, and some handspun (optional - bring your needle collection) for swatching. Size 4 or 5 double-pointed needles or two size 4 or 5, 24 inch circular needles (magic loop OK), stitch markers, knitting tool kit.

Pre class prep: Knit a gauge swatch by casting on (in worsted weight yarn) a minimum of 30 stitches and knitting stockinette stitch in the round for four inches. Bind off but do not cut yarn. Hint! You can knit your gauge flat (on two double-pointed needles) instead of in the round if you carry your yarn loosely across the back (do not work a purl row) and knit the next row from the right edge, just like knitting i-cord but without pulling it tight.

Deb Harowitz, $60 class fee, $5 fee for pattern and handouts

2703 Chippy Socks for Kids (You can't knit just one pair!)

Dates: Saturday, March 7, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, one session

Kids totally love these socks, and so do Mommies and Grandmas. Choose 3 colors of yarn and knit up this set of sort-of-match, sort-of-don't socks. They knit up fast because they are a joy to create. Any kid would love to wear these!

Required supplies and equipment: Three 50gm balls of DK-weight washable yarn, in contrasting colors. Contrast can be dark/light, warm/cool, or a combination. Consider Heirloom Easy-Care 8 or Comfort DK as possible options. Instructor will help those wishing assistance with color choices, at beginning of class. Size 3 DPNs, set of 4. May use other needle setups for sock knitting (magic loop, etc.) if you are able to work with them without instructor input. If you know you habitually knit more firmly or more relaxed than a typical gauge, adjust needle size accordingly. Pattern provided.

Required Books: None

Prerequisite: None

Lynn Hershberger, $60 class fee, no materials fee

3708 Toe up, Two at a Time Socks

Fridays, April 10 (6 pm to 9 pm), 17, 24, and May 8, 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm, four sessions

Take your sock knitting to the next level! You will learn to knit socks from the toe up so you always have just the right amount of yarn. Plus, knit them on one long, circular needle and work both socks at the same time. When you are done with one, you are done! Knit from Deb's "any gauge, any size" sock pattern with lots of great sock knitting hints thrown in. Your friends will be amazed and you'll escape the single-sock-syndrome! Not for the faint-hearted. Must have knit socks before.

Required supplies and equipment: 100 grams of yarn in sock, double knitting, or worsted weight. One 40" or 47" circular needle in a size appropriate for your weight yarn and determined by your gauge swatch. One set of double point needles in the same size.

Optional: Heel and toe reinforcing yarn. One small ball of light-colored yarn in a worsted weight. One set of double point needles in a size 7 or 8. NOTE: Worsted or double knitting weight yarn for your first pair is highly recommended! We STRONGLY recommend the use of Raggi sock yarn for your first pair (worsted weight, size 5 needles). Yes, they will be thick, but it will be much easier for you to finish your homework before the next class (remember - you are knitting two socks at a time!).

Deb Harowitz, $60 class fee, $6 fee for handout and pattern

2711 Toe Options All Day

Saturday, May 16, 9 am to 4 pm

Learn at least five alternative toes for knitting a toe-up sock. There's more than one way to build a sock - these options give you choices in your knitting and even make socks fit better and stay hole-free longer. After taking this class you will be able to create "toe envy" with your sock knitting friends!

Required supplies and equipment: At least two contrasting colors of double knitting or worsted weight yarn (all yarns the same weight, at least one solid color which will become the main color of the sock). US Size 4 double-pointed needles (set of 5) for double knitting yarn; US size 5 for worsted. Circular needles (two sets) in these same sizes are okay. Tapestry needle.

Deb Harowitz, $75 class fee, $2 handout fee