Space is limited--climb on the bandwagon now! Please sign up at least 2 days ahead of time and please let us know if you can't make it. Don't see the class you're campaigning for? Set up an individual lesson ($25) or let us know your heart's desire by contacting Marina at marina@theswiftstitch.com. (zenmaria, still working on your suggestion.) You will also receive 10% off supplies on the day of the class. Classes and other information can also be found on our website, and on Facebook and Ravelry.
February 11, Saturday
Intro to Knit, 1-2, Free
The first one is free... Learn casting on and the knit stitch. Materials: Yarn and the appropriate needles. Recommended yarns: While you can use whatever you like, we suggest Misti or Plymouth Chunky Alpaca, Lamb's Pride Bulky, Blue Sky Organic Cotton.
February 12, Sunday
Super Versatile Crochet Pattern (Allan), 12-1, Free
Get rid of that left over yarn and come learn a super simple and completely versatile crochet pattern. Use it to make mesh bags, slouchy hats, and yarn cozies to keep your yarn together and clean in your project bag! Bring any yarn and an appropriate hook.
February 16, Thursday
Möebius Cowl (Sharlene), 12-1, $20
Based on Cat Bordhi's Magical Knitting Series, this class will start you on the path to your own Möebius cowl or scarf. Students should be able to knit, purl, and cast-on without supervision.
Materials required: 1 47-inch or 40-inch circular needle in size required by yarn (approx. US #7 or #8) and approx. 100-150 yards worsted weight yarn for cowl (more if you want to knit a longer scarf). Store sample was knit using 2 skeins Rowan Lima and a size US #8 47-inch Addi Turbo circular needle.
February 16, Thursday
Cabled Cowl, Part 1 (Debby), 1:30-2:30, $15
This is a wonderful cowl which takes only one skein of Plymouth or Misti Alpaca Grande, one of our most popular yarns! This is for the advanced knitter who is comfortable (or wants to learn!) cabling, provisional cast-on, reading simple charts, and grafting. This is a two-part class yielding a most delicious and comfy cowl!
February 17, Friday
Friday Knitting Group, 9-12, Free
Come join us for Social Knitting Fridays! Originally planned as a morning event, Friday Knitting Group has become a ritual at The Swift, often extending well into the afternoon. We are a fun, all-ages, all-abilities group, often taking over the couch and sometimes filling the store. Friday Knitting Group is scheduled for the first and third Fridays of each month. Please note: Our staff is on hand to help you select your next project but may not be available for individual lessons on these busy mornings.
February 17, Friday
Beekeeper's Quilt KAL (Sharlene), 1-2, Free
The Beekeeper's Quilt is another of those "viral" patterns on Ravelry that Sharlene can no longer resist. Made with sock yarn, these little hexipuffs are the cutest little carry-along project we've seen in a while. Use up your sock yarn scraps or try some new sock yarns that you've had your eye on. Remember one skein of sock yarn will go a long way with this pattern. We will start the knit-a-long with a review of the hexipuff pattern and then meet throughout the year to knit together and show progress on our quilts. Since the hexipuffs are knit individually, please feel free to join anytime. Pattern available here: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/the-beekeepers-quilt Please note: This is not a free pattern and each participant should purchase their own copy. (We can help you purchase the pattern on Ravelry!)
February 17, Friday
Tubular & Invisible Cast Ons, (Marina), 2:30-3:30, Free
Learn to work these cool cast ons. Bring leftover yarn, scrap yarn, crochet hook, and appropriate needles.
February 18, Saturday
Intro to Crochet, 1-2, Free
Get hooked! Call or contact shop at info@theswiftstitch.com for list of materials.
February 19, Sunday
Second Steps, 1-2, $15
The purl stitch and beyond--increases, decreases, and binding off!
Materials: Yarn and the appropriate needles. Recommended yarns: While you can use whatever you like, we suggest Misti or Plymouth Chunky Alpaca, Lamb's Pride Bulky, Blue Sky Organic Cotton.
February 23, Thursday
Annis Shawl (Sharlene), $20, 12-1
The Annis Shawl uses short rows to create the lovely curve that drapes so well over the shoulders, and a knitted technique called nupps to create the little bumps in the lace pattern. In this class we will cast on for the shawl and go over the short rows and nupp stitch to help you succeed with this beautiful shawl.
February 23, Thursday
Cabled Cowl, Part 2 (Debby), 1:30-2:30
See description February 16
February 29, Wednesday
Edge Stitches (Marina), 1-2, $15
Two, possibly three decorative edge stitches for lace or delicate knits. (It's all a matter of time.) Bring sock yarn, US #4 or #5 needles.
March 1, Thursday
Skill-builder: Picking up stitches (Sharlene), 1-2, $15
Do you avoid knitting edges that require picked-up stitches? We will practice picking up stitches along a knit edge, similar to what you would do for a sweater edge or collar. Homework is required for this class!
March 1, Thursday
Lotus Hat (Debby), 2-3, Free
An easy and quick simple lace hat knit in worsted weight yarn. You should be comfortable using circular needles, and double-points for the decrease section. You will learn to distinguish between left- and right-leaning decreases. Use any worsted weight yarn that gives you 5 stitches to the inch in stockinette stitch. Suggested yarns: Malabrigo Worsted, Cascade 220, Mountain Colors Twizzle.
March 2, Friday
Friday Knit Group, 9-12, Free
See description February 17
March 2, Friday
Twisted Stitches (Marina), 1-2, Free
A great intro to the Larch cardigan. This simple, impressive technique will get you started on your very own Larch. Bring sport weight yarn and appropriate needles--or, if you like, bring the yarn you plan to use for your Larch! Must know how to cast on, knit, purl and decrease. Pattern available here: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/larch-cardigan Please note: This is not a free pattern and each participant should purchase their own copy. (We can help you purchase the pattern on Ravelry!)
March 3, Saturday
Intro to Knit, 1-2, Free
See description February 11
March 4, Sunday
Magic Loop (Sofia), 1-2, $15
Flummoxed by double points but still want to work in the round? Come and learn how to use one long circular needle to get the deed done. Contact the store for material list or email info@theswiftstitch.com.
March 8, Thursday
Honey Cowl (Sharlene), 1-2, Free
The cowl is this season's hot accessory, and the Honey Cowl is a fun way to learn a new stitch and try a skein or two of that special yarn you've seen at The Swift. The pattern calls for 1 or 2 skeins of MadelineTosh dk yarn, 1 skein for the small size, 2 skeins for the larger double-wrap version. See the pattern here and remember we have lots of substitute yarn possibilities.
March 9, Friday
Igniting Your Fuse (Marina), 1:30-3, $15
All aflame to start this awesome cardigan but not sure how to work those short rows or how to pick up stitches? We will work on just those skills in this class. Bring worsted weight scrap yarn and appropriate needles. Must know how to cast on, knit, purl and decrease. Pattern available here: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/fuse Please note: This is not a free pattern and each participant should purchase their own copy. (We can help you purchase the pattern on Ravelry!)
March 10, Saturday
Second Steps, 1-2, $15
See description February 19
March 11, Sunday
Super Versatile Crochet Pattern (Allan), 1-2, Free
See description February 12.
March 16, Friday
Friday Knit Group, 9-12, Free
See description February 17
March 16, Friday
Irish Cables (Marina), 1-2:30, $15
Sure, but tomorrow is St. Pat's and wouldn't it be grand to learn one of those lovely Aran patterns? Must know how to cast on, knit, and purl. Bring worsted weight yarn, appropriate needles and your favorite cable needle.
March 17, Saturday
Intro to Knitting
See description February 11
March 18, Sunday
Intro to Crochet
See description February 18
March 21, Wednesday
Various Bind Offs (Marina), 1-2, Free
As many bind offs as we can cover in an hour. Must know how to cast on, knit, and purl. Please bring leftover yarn and appropriate needles.
March 23, Friday
Honey Cowl (Sharlene), 12:30-1:30, Free
See description March 8
March 23, Friday
Beaded Lace Hat (Marina), 2:30-3:30, $15
Want to knit up a little glitz for yourself or that special someone? Learn how to add beads to your knitting while working a simple lace hat pattern. Must know how to cast on, knit, purl, k2tog and ssk/skpo.
Materials: 1 sock weight yarn (sample done in Malabrigo sock), US # 4 16-inch circular needle (and eventually US #4 double points), around 260 beads in either size 6 or 8 (more if you want to make a slouchier hat), a tiny crochet hook with a head small enough to pass through your beads. Contact Marina at marina@theswiftstitch.com with any questions.
March 24, Saturday
Intro to Knit
See description February 11
March 25, Sunday
Magic Loop (Sofia), 1-2, $15
See description March 4
March 28, Wednesday
Various Bind Offs (Marina), 1-2, Free
As many bind offs as we can cover in an hour. Please bring leftover yarn and appropriate needles.
March 30, Friday
Mystery Class (Marina), 1-2:30, $20
What is that woman up to now? Those brave (crazy?) enough, please email Marina at marina@theswiftstitch.com.
March 31, Saturday
Second Steps, 1-2, $15
See description February 19