Class Descriptions

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I love to lead workshops, and have taught at various national events, including: including TNNA, TKGA, Vogue Knitting LIVE, as well as internationally in Canada and Scotland. All classes are "hands on", and are designed in such a way to provide ample time for students to practice each technique. 

Interested in having me join your group or shop for an event? Contact me HERE.

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Introduction to Colorwork in the Round

This class will lead you through the creation of a stranded, hand knit hat using double point needles. We will explore the techniques of working in the round, two-color ribbing, reading charts, and simple stranded color work. I'll share some of my favorite tricks, including tips for swatching color work in the round, and joining in the round without twisting the work. At the end of the class you should have great information about how to begin your hat, and as you complete the project you will reinforce the skills you've just mastered.
 
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Banded Hats with Navajo Churro Wool

Knit a hat inspired by the work of the Navajo (Diné) people using wool from the Black Mesa Weavers Navajo Churro; one of the oldest domesticated sheep breeds in North America, now considered threatened by the Livestock Conservancy. In this class, you will have the opportunity to learn the Fair Isle technique, as well as how to create "jogless" stripes in the round on double-point needles. Learn about this rare breed sheep, and what is being done to help preserve its legacy. Navajo Churro yarn and reference materials will be provided. At the end of the journey, you will leave well on your way to completing a hand knit hat that connects your passion for knitting with the spirit of the Navajo shepherds. 
 
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Stranded Knitting: Unlocking the Secret of Locked Floats
Ever looked at the “wrong side” of a stranded, hand-knit garment and see no floats? Do you wonder what was done to hide those floats and make it so beautifully finished? The answer may very well be what some refer to as “Armenian Knitting,” or what I call “Locked Floats.” The technique is simple, and creates a wonderfully even fabric. In this class, we will first review how to carry floats across the back of the work (traditional), and then be introduced to this simple technique that results in a beautifully woven “wrong side.” You'll learn some valuable tricks and leave inspired by the possibilities created.

​Technique Requirements: Students should have basic knitting skills, including the ability to cast on, knit/purl, increase/decrease, and have a general understanding of stranded (Fair Isle) knitting. This workshop encourages holding one yarn in each hand (also known as two-handed knitting).

Homework: With darker yarn, CO 40 sts. Row 1: purl, Row 2: knit, row 3: purl. 

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Creating Fair Isle Cowls

In this class we will explore the process of designing a color work cowl. From edge trims to motif layout and the importance of scale, the process will be broken down into a series of manageable steps. I will explain how I go about developing a pattern, while sharing tips and tricks I have learned along the way. At the end of the class students will have swatched, completed all the necessary calculations, and even cast on for their very own design!
 
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Introduction to Intarsia

Intarsia is a knitting technique that uses separate lengths of yarn for each color in a row or round. In this class, we will create a series of swatches using intarsia, and discuss the many ways this knowledge can benefit your work (even when you’re not working in multiple colors)! You’ll leave the class with a better understanding of the technique, along with swatches demonstrating each technique.

Stranded Intarsia

This class combines intarsia and Fair Isle to produce patterns that change color both vertically and horizontally. We will learn what makes a motif successful using this hybrid technique, and then knit a small sampler using either a motif that’s provided or one of your very own. At the end of the adventure, you’ll leave the class with a souvenir swatch that will serve as inspiration for future projects.
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Knitting with Beads

Adding beads to your knitting is fun, and the results are magical! In this class we will talk about different ways that beads can be added, and discuss the pros and cons of each. Putting our new knowledge to use, we will make a cute beaded coaster. You’ll leave with the confidence, skills, and resources needed to incorporate beads into your projects.
 

"You want me to do WHAT to my knitting?!"
​- an Introduction to Steeks

Cutting our knitting may seem like the stuff of nightmares, but in a controlled environment following a few simple steps; it’s a tool that makes stranded knitting a dream. In this workshop we will face our fears while learning to master the skills required to steek knitted fabric, and explore the steps necessary to create a beautifully finished edge.


Creating and Navigating Complex Stranded Knitting Charts         

Have you ever thought of creating original color work designs? Kyle has perfected his own technique to create original to-scale charts for complex color work that is especially suited to spectacular non-repeating patterns. Using visual displays and samples, Kyle discusses scale, composition and what kinds of designs work best for this technique.
 
He’ll walk you through each step from design inspiration to navigating knitting from these large charts. You will put your newly learned skills to work by beginning to knit a color work cowl that requires navigating a complex chart and leave class with all the knowledge to complete your amazing color work cowl.
 

The Magic of I-Cord

What’s this magical thing called i-cord? It’s more than just a trim. In this class we are going to take a look at how i-cord is made, and explore some of the ways it can be incorporated into our work. After the exploration is done, we will start a small coaster project using this ingenious method.
 
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Why Bother Knitting a Gauge Swatch?

​Working a proper swatch to determine gauge is one way to improve the chances of a successful finished project. In this class we will witness the power of gauge and learn more about what we can do to ensure knitterly success in our work. We will discuss swatching flat and in the round, and how to get a proper measurement. At the end of our time together, you’ll leave armed with informed answers to the question “why bother knitting a gauge swatch”.