Knitting with Company » workshop

Ann Budd Sweater Workshop Reserve Your Space

Neil — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 15:09:33 +0000

Mark your calendar and sign up today for this Ann Budd Sweater Workshop on Wednesday March 14 & Thursday March 15, 9am – noon & 1pm – 4pm.

We have a huge and rare treat in store for all knitters … Ann Budd who wrote The Knitter’s Handy Book of Sweater Patterns is coming to do a 2-day workshop just for us. The workshop is the answer to everything you have ever wanted to know about making a sweater.

Ann has written many books and is a font of all knitting information that she is ready to share with you. So sign up for this wonderful opportunity to take your knitting skills up two or three notches.

Receive 20% discount off selected Ann Budd books when reserving your class space online. Enter the coupon code ANNBUDD when checking out.

Knitting Cruise or Cruisette on the Fox River

Neil — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 19:29:19 +0000

Our annual Knitting Cruise (really a Cruisette) is filling up, so don’t leave it much longer to sign up. We will enjoy desserts, wine and drinks and lots of inspiration from your fellow knitters as you wander around the boat and see what everyone is working on. If you want to just enjoy the ride and watch the world go by this is the event for you, but if you want to join in the fun, we will be playing a round or two of Last Knitter Standing .. so be prepared for antics!

Fall 2011 – Knitting and Crochet Class and Workshop Schedule

Neil — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 19:07:21 +0000

Join a knitting class, crochet class or one of our other workshops scheduled for the fall and winter months.

In the middle of October join Carol Rhoades and learn everything there is to know about the ins and outs of Sock Knitting and then explore Victorian Lace knitting. You can get more information about the workshops and sign up here.

Two Tone Top for the Knitting Class Modeled by Kate

Neil — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 00:17:15 +0000

Gretl brought in the model for the upcoming Two Tone Top knitting class today.

Kate fell in love with it and it just happened co-ordinate with the colors she was wearing today … hey so we had a modeling opportunity.

You can sign up for the knitting class today.

Overachievers Sock Club

Neil — Sat, 14 May 2011 01:00:34 +0000

You know that making socks can be addictive? Well take a look out the output from a recent sock class – and our newly formed Overachievers Sock Club.

Gretl was astounded when her students came back after a couple weeks. Not too much struggling here. Participants had just dived right in with their sock knitting, even modifying our standard “beginner” pattern to include cables and other fancy bits!

If you want to learn to knit socks we’ve got several classes starting over the summer. A pair for every member of your family for the holidays!

And you know that you’ll always be welcome in the overachievers’ sock club.

Oh! By the way … you see the picture (click on it for a bigger view) that has the needles pointing like the hands of a clock … at about 5 o’clock there’s soft pink, cream and lavender sock? Well that’s made with the Lorna’s Laces sock yarn in a colorway that is exclusive to Wool and Company – it’s called “Little England”. We worked with Beth and the nice folks at Lorna’s to design that color.

Class and Workshop Schedule Summer 2011

Neil — Wed, 11 May 2011 18:25:22 +0000

Our classes provide a great setting in which you can start your knitting adventure.

You will learn all the fundamental skills and techniques here.

Learn to Knit

It all starts here, Learning to Knit also known as Knitting 101 – no previous experience is needed.

At Wool and Company, we have been teaching people how to knit for more than 10 years in the intimacy of a small group setting. Not only do you learn knitting but you’ll make new friends with whom you can share your creativity. Our Learn to Knit has been designed to get the absolute beginner up to speed and to refresh the skills of those who are returning to knitting after a layoff.

We go beyond the basics. You will learn everything from starting your knitting (casting on) to finishing it (binding off). In between we’ll teach you the knit stitch, the purl stitch. We’ll teach you how to read a pattern, and how to fix common mistakes. You’ll learn about all the fabulous modern fibers that you can use to make knitted pieces, whether from sheep, goat, alpaca, possum (yes!) or man-made acrylics and nylons. You’ll learn what fiber is best for what type of knitted article – for example, baby clothes usually need to be easily washed and dried!

Oh! and along the way we’ll have a little fun in our classroom while you complete several projects including a sampler scarf. Register here.

Learn to Crochet

Our Learn to Crochet class runs for three weeks.

We will get you started on a crochet adventure, learn the basics and beyond (slip stitch, chain stitch, foundation chain, single crochet, double crochet, shell stitch and much more). You’ll learn enough to start your first project and pick up the skills needed to complement your knitting. You’ll make squares, washcloths and learn how to do edging. Register here.

Learn to Knit Lace

Do the letters ssk s1 k1 psso k2togtbl send shivers up your spine?

If you would like to get to grips with the basics of lace making, join us for this two week session. We will take the terror out of some of the symbols, charts and letters that can confuse you before you even begin and learn some of the hints and tips that will make your lace life so much more enjoyable.

We will use the techniques you learn to knit the Bessie Cowl.

Learn to Knit Socks – The Joy of Sox

Learn to knit beautiful socks the traditional way using double point needles. The techniques that you learn in this class will be invaluable for almost any other knitting project that you will undertake. Register here.

Crochet Shawl

This exclusive Wool and Company design uses a selection of fine variegated yarn. Crocheted into a shawl that is stunning with its kaleidoscopic color changes. Register here.

Power Hour

Want to learn a few new knitting skills so you can spend more time on the creative side?

We”ll cover a variety of topics: Common Mistakes and Fixes, Cast Ons, Bind Offs, Increase Decrease, Blocking, I-CORD, Seaming, Charts, Duplicate Stitch, Edges and Hems. Call for details.

Kids Camp 2011

July 11th – July 14th 2011. 9am – 10:30 am.

Suitable for children of 8 years or older (no exceptions). Weather permitting we will use the 1st Street Plaza area for fun fiber activities. Wet felting, loom knitting, kool-aid dying. Register here.

Projects! Projects! Projects!

The Sally Melville Series

We were so inspired by Sally Melville when she recently visited Saint Charles and taught some workshops for us that we have put together a series of classes and workshops that focus on her superb designs.

Sally has written several books including The Knit Stitch, The Purl Stitch and Warm Knits, Cool Gifts. Not only do these books provide you with all knowledge you need to harness your skills and indulge in the coolest hobby in town, but Sally also shares meditations and insights from the knitting she has done and the students she has taught — learn how “Knitting Can Change Your Life”, or how to “Develop an Aesthetic”.

Read on to view the classes and workshops that we will be offering in the coming months, some of which are based on Sally’s designs.

Shape It! Scarf

This scarf combines a little shallow triangle and a regular scarf, to give you a perfect garment that will cover your neck and flatter you whenever you wear it.

This is a quick and fun knit (no purling) that can serve as a beginner’s first project.

Your Basic Bag

There is some pretty spectacular knitting that you can do just by taking advantage of the relationship of stitches to rows.

This Basic Bag introduces you to the techniques of knitting in all directions, it is easy to make (no purling) and requires some simple finishing techniques.

Use the skills that you learn here to tackle larger projects – The Einstein Coat for example.

Favorite Summer Sweater

A great standby sweater that is light and cool to wear.

This hip-clearing sweater is meant to be fun and oversized and it’s made for warm weather. Garments that hang free from the body are much cooler to wear.

This sweater is very easy to make (no purling), but teaches some simple shaping and finishing.

Best Friend Jacket

Just like a best friend this jacket will always make you feel and look good, and it will come through for you whenever you’re not quite sure what to wear.

The jacket is knit from side-to-side with front and back of differing lengths to give a slight asymmetry. The pattern can also be adapted if you prefer a shorter style.

The jacket is easy to make (no purling) with minimal shaping and finishing using a bulky weight yarn.

Lots of Choices Top

How about a vest that is reversible? Here’s what Sally says about the Lots of Choices top.

“I clearly had decisions that I had to make about this garment. Is it a top or a vest? Is it a V-neck or a round neck?”

She refused to make those decision and designed it so that it could be worn either way with both a neck styles and buttons both front and back.

An easy-intermediate project (no purling), the top requires mid level shaping with minimal finishing using a repetitive stitch pattern.

With-a-Twist Turtleneck

Sleeveless with a turtle-neck, as popularized by Sharon Stone, this top uses bulky weight yarn for a quick and versatile top.

Choose a from regular turtle neck (pictured) to finish or use a möbius strip (a piece that is twisted and attached to itself) which gives a nice alternative to a standard turtleneck.

An intermediate knit using a bulky weight yarn and a repetitive stitch pattern with mid-level shaping and simple finishing.

Simple and Sleeveless

A versatile sleeveless top that can worn casual or dressy. Dress up and wear it with a taffeta skirt, or maybe more casual and with blue jeans.

A very easy knit with simple shaping and minimal finishing.

Two-Tone Top

The back and front of this garment are the same – meaning that there is no neck shaping involved.

It is easy to knit a a medium weight yarn and requires some simple shaping and finishing.

Collared Wrap

It’s a wrap and a shawl. When it wraps around the neck it produces a shawl collar.

This is an easy knit with a repetitive pattern and some finishing.

Baby Overalls

The baby overall has been re-invented! These stylish overalls provide a stylish alternative to the onsie. nit these cute baby overalls in one of three sizes: 3-6 months; 6-9 months; 9-12 months.

Blended Baby Blanket

The baby deserves the best – an heirloom, but that would typically mean months of knitting using an intricate pattern!

Sally Melville simplifies this without compromising any of the heirloom qualities and has created this design to make a baby blanket that is soft, easy, and lovely – and something to be treasured across generations.

Classic Ribbed Pullover

This is one of those classics that you go to whenever you want something that is easy and comfortable to wear.

Make it with either a crossover V-neck or a basic turtleneck. It’s a great boyfriend sweater.

Sally Melville Meet and Greet in St. Charles

Neil — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 01:34:57 +0000

We’re so excited that Sally is here, she is just brimming with ideas and information, not just about knitting, but about everything. If you would love to meet her and find out more about who she is, we have added a Meet and Greet on Thursday evening at the store between 6:30 and 8pm. Come along, meet Sally, buy her books and get them signed, look at some of her wonderful models, and get inspired for your next knitting journey. Don’t miss out! Buy her books now and we’ll have them ready for you when you arrive.

If you have things you have knitted from designs in her books bring them too, the more the merrier.

We also have a couple of spaces left on Friday morning for the Creativity Workshop, so sign up now if you would like to come.

Sally Melville Classes – Attendee Information

Neil — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 03:18:47 +0000

For those who have registered for one of our Sally Melville workshops that start next week, we wanted to give you a little information to help you get the most out of your time in Saint Charles, including how to prepare, the location and where to park. Make sure to check out the attendee information – read more.

Oh! We still have a few spaces left in “Creativity“. Spend the morning with Sally Melville, step away from the mundane and pay attention to your creative side.

Sally will help us discover the creativity that lies within us all in this workshop – it starts Friday April 15th 9am-12pm. Fee $75. Sign up now!

Creativity with Sally Melville

Neil — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 17:42:39 +0000

We have just added an additional Creativity workshop with Sally Melville – Creativity and it starts on Friday 4/15 at 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

Here is what Sally has to say about creativity …

We all use the word ‘creativity,’ but most of us do not know what it means. It seems some ephemeral quality which only others—much loftier folk than us—have an ability to access. But the truth is that it lies within each of us to be creative and that it is a source of joy to access our own powers and abilities.

Once we understand the nature of creativity and feel encouraged to develop our own, we need to appreciate the stages we will encounter. What are they? What happens in each stage? How do we get a running start? Where might we get stuck? How do we move forward once stuck? And finally, where might we end up?

This workshop answers all of these questions, is well illustrated with examples and anecdotes, has participants work through creative exercises of their own, and ends with a discussion of best and worst case scenarios, of what we might have learned, of where we might go from here, and of what a creative act might mean in terms of defining ourselves and our life’s purpose.