Yesterday, I lead two workshops at the San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles in San Jose.  In the small group, we were able to review all the steps necessary to knit the hat as well as get a clear understanding of why I find the techniques I suggest work better than others while making the project.  In addition to those who took that course, we had one eager student who wanted to learn how to knit.  She was amazing...she had watched some of my videos and said that she spent some time doing "homework" before the class.  Within 5 minutes, she was knitting and was a really methodical in her learning.  Knitting is not difficult; the key to improving skills is continually being exposed to different ideas and techniques, and each workshop I lead (or attend) reminds me that all the different steps I do without thinking are things that I have learned from someone else!  Sharing the knowledge; that's the real gift!

It was an honor to teach at the museum, and I look forward to the next time I am able to gather with a group and help them learn more about knitting.  This event was even more special because we had the opportunity to talk about the Navajo Churro sheep and use the wonderful yarn that is sold by Black Mesa Weavers - and it was great to get to introduce others to this unique, hardy wool! 

The museum's quiet classroom is hidden in the back of the building and is HUGE with tall ceilings, skylights and plenty of tables and chairs for even a large group to be comfortable.  Check their calendar for upcoming events if you live in or are planning to visit the San Jose area make the museum one of your stops, and take advantage of their spectacular programming!  Not only do they offer great workshops and lectures, they often have multicultural arts programs for kids!

It's understandable that not everyone could come to San Jose for the workshop.  For those who live in the area and wanted to attend but couldn't make it, I'm happy to announce that the Four Directions pattern is for sale in the gift shop at the museum!  A portion of the money from patterns sold there is donated to the museum!  If you're in the area, visit the museum and make your purchase there.

If you're not in the area, I have also released the pattern online through Ravelry.  Click the "Buy Now" button below or visit my SHOP page to review the pattern and make a purchase.  Be sure to link the pattern on Ravelry so I can see your progress and, as always, if there are any questions, be sure to contact me; I'm more than happy to offer any assistance I can with your project.

Yesterday was a great day - beautiful weather, spectacular drive, and a great workshop with wonderful students!  As a result of being asked to do that workshop this new pattern was designed and now you can make it!  It feels really nice when things work out this way!

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Working with Kate, I never know what she's going to come up with next!  The most recent surprise was this presentation folder that holds the Kyle William pin-back buttons!  I love to give out these little buttons to my friends and students to remind them of the Kyle William website.  Fiber enthusiasts love to put them on their knitting bags to show support of the shops, websites, and podcasts they love.  Kate went above and beyond and designed this folder which I'll be using when giving out the buttons where I lead workshops.  This is my new favorite way to present my button and contact information!

A big "THANK YOU!" to Kate for her tireless creativity. I am excited about presenting the first of these folders to my students today at the San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles!

I know it's not possible to meet everyone who visits my blog to give them one of these buttons... so, to make sure you get a little something too, here's an online button you can use to put on your blog or website!  Copy and insert the HTML code below onto your site and share the love:

<a href="http://kylewilliam.com/"
><img border="0" src="http://www.kylewilliam.com/uploads/7/0/0/7/700708/4094967.jpg?127"
/></a>

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We have been hard at work here at the Kyle William studio!  The latest items added to the website are two new tutorial videos; one on the KFB (knit front and back) increase technique and the other on how to make a seamless join when knitting in the round.  First, here's the video that shows a great example of when KFB is the increase to choose:

The second video recently added explains an easy way to join knitting in the round:

There will be additional tutorial videos made available as they are produced.  Have an idea for a video that should be made soon?  Send an EMAIL and we will see about moving that topic up in the list. 

If you subscribe to my YOUTUBE channel, you'll be able to stay up to date with all the tutorials as they are released!

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I'm honored to be a guest on the latest issue of Fiber Beat!  Having the opportunity to share my love of knitting with the listeners on Michael's podcast means a lot to me; I hope that the interviews he did with me and Deborah Corsini; the curator at the San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles will pique your interest to learn more about knitting as art and, if you're in the San Jose area, visit the exhibits and, if interested, take one of the workshops I'm offering. 

To hear the podcast, click on the image:

Be sure to subscribe to Fiber Beat; you never know who will be interviewed next!  The podcast is professionally produced, concise, entertaining, informative and inspiring! Fiber Beat has interviewed such fiber celebrities as Kaffe Fassett, Anna Zilboorg, and Franklin Habit, among others!  If you have yet to discover this great program, my suggestion would be to listen to each and every episode!

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