Are you a bit more colorful than the rest? Or quietly different in a way that only you notice?

In this beginner-friendly rug hooking class, we’ll create an **8" square trivet** featuring a cozy cluster of sheep — with **one unmistakably neon sheep** nestled among the flock. Bright or subtle, bold or barely-there, that sheep gets to be *yours*.

You don’t have to be loud to stand out. And you don’t have to stand out to belong.

We’ll walk through:

* Rug hooking basics (perfect for first-timers)

* Some more intermediate techniques for those who are curious

* Working simple shapes and fluffy textures

* Choosing colors that feel right for *you* — classic neutrals **or** a pop of neon

* Finishing a functional trivet you’ll actually use (or gift)

If being bright isn’t your thing, no worries — keep your palette soft and traditional. If you’re craving a little glow? We’ve got that too.

This class is less about perfection and more about permission: to be different, to be subtle, to be exactly as colorful as you want to be.

Come hook, laugh, and make something warm, useful, and quietly (or wildly) rebellious. ✨

Level: Beginner

Instructor: Kirsten Bonanza (Read Kirsten's bio)

Members: $110

Non Members: $132

Materials fee: $25 for the materials, if you need a rug hook those will be available for $19 cash, check, venmo, or zelle  (to be paid day of the workshop)

Materials provided by instructor:  All materials (backing, wool strips, thread & needle)

Students should bring: Scissors, A Rug Hook (optional)

Interested in applying for a scholarship? Apply here!

Learn about our COVID policy here: Workshop Policies

Sewing patterns can be intimidating to many people, even those who have sewn for years. In this class I hope to demystify cutting layouts, teach you how to find the key information and to generally feel more comfortable with your patterns. You're also welcome to bring a particular pattern that you have a question about and I will do my best to answer them.

Level: Beginner

Instructor: Sam Green (Read Sam's bio)

Members: $55

Non Members: $66

Materials fee: No fee for this workshop

Materials provided by instructor:  Examples of sewing patterns to aid explanations

Students should bring: Specific patterns they have questions about

Interested in applying for a scholarship? Apply here!

Learn about our cancellation & COVID policy here: Workshop Policies

This class is for anyone interested in painting their botanical drawings or learning a new skill…from beginner to experienced Artists. All levels are welcome. I will teach you how to use watercolors, different brushes, paper and painting techniques. I will demonstrate each one, show examples of completed work and give you ‘one on one’ help. In just a few hours you will complete basic painting techniques, botanical samples and a completed painting using branches, leaves, birds and flowers. Explore the Artist in you, create your own piece of Art and learn skills that will enhance whatever field you choose to work in.

This class will be hosted off-site at the home of the instructor. Directions to the home will be provided after registration.

Skill Level: Beginner/All Levels

Age Range: Adults & Teens (13-18)

Instructor: Camille Daunno (Read Camille's bio)

Members: $110

Non-members: $132

Materials Fee: $20 cash or venmo (collected at time of workshop)

Materials Provided by instructor: Watercolor paper, brushes, set of watercolors, practice paper, a small watercolor journal, pencils, eraser, water container and resource.

Student should bring: Lunch as there will be a break. 

Learn about our COVID policy here: Workshop Policies

Interested in applying for a scholarship? Apply here!

This hands-on workshop introduces knitters to working in the round using the magic loop method while reinforcing Continental-style knitting. Students will knit a brim-up hat using a simple, structured pattern designed for skill-building and confidence. The class covers circular needle setup, magic loop mechanics, joining in the round, knitting and purling in the round, and crown shaping using the k2tog decrease, which is taught as part of the workshop. Emphasis is placed on managing tension, avoiding ladders, and reading a basic knitting pattern. Students will practice decreases on a small swatch before applying them to the hat.

This course is an ideal next step for students who have completed the Beginning Continental Knitting workshop, and it is also appropriate for knitters with equivalent experience. By the end of the workshop, students will understand how and when to use magic loop for small-circumference projects and will leave with a nearly completed or finished hat. 

Level: Beginner (students must know how to cast on, knit, and purl using Continental style)

Instructor: Lisa Sandberg (Read Lisa's bio)

Members: $110

Non Members: $132

Materials fee: No Materials fee for this workshop.

Materials provided by instructor: None for this workshop.

Students should bring: 100 grams worsted-weight yarn 30-40" circular needle, US 7 or US 8 Notions: stitch markers, tapestry needle Glasses, if needed

Learn about our COVID policy here: Workshop Policies

Interested in applying for a scholarship? Apply here!

Join sustainability educator Dan Hettinger and Joyce Tromba, co-leader of the Natural Dye Study Group at Local Cloth, for a day of hands-on learning with one of nature's most captivating dyes. Dan will share his experience cultivating Japanese indigo plants, including it's use a biofilter for rapid removal of nitrates in pond water. Together, they'll guide you through dyeing silk with fresh leaves, extracting pigment, and setting up an indigo vat, all woven together with a rich exploration of indigo's history, chemistry, and cultivation. Leave with new skills, deeper knowledge, and inspiration to continue your natural dye journey.

Level: Beginner

Instructor: Dan Hettinger and Joyce Tromba (Read Dan and Joyce's bio)

Members: $110

Non Members: $132

Materials fee: $25 cash or check (to be paid day of the workshop)

Materials provided by instructor:  indigo, silk scarves, cotton bandana, indigo vat

Students should bring: apron, notebook, gloves

Interested in applying for a scholarship? Apply here!

Learn about our COVID policy here: Workshop Policies

This introductory class provides an overview of Sashiko, the Japanese stitching and mending practice. Through both structured demonstrations and individual stitching guidance, beginners gain basic skills and knowledge to apply this practice to both functional and decorative goods. Participants will explore the historical and geographic origins of Sashiko and also gain hands on experience stitching with Japanese needles, threads, and palm thimbles. This class is a prerequisite to the other classes in the series. After three practices exercises designed to cover basic skills, participants will gain confidence by stitching a preprinted Sashiko textile project that can be finished at home.

Level: Beginner

Members: $110

Non members: $132

Instructor: Gail Clement (Read Gail's bio)

Materials fee: $45 cash or venmo (to be collected day of workshop)

Materials supplied by teacher: Practice materials including 3 samples of various Sashiko fabrics, 3 samples of various Sashiko thread, and a project kit containing Sashiko needles, thread and preprinted fabric. Shared tools and notions for classroom use include Palm thimbles, stencils, metric rulers, marking tools.

Materials students should bring: Embroidery snips

Learn about our cancellation & COVID policies here: Workshop Policies

Interested in a workshop scholarship? Apply here!

Learn the magic of eco-printing on paper with the use of mordants and modifiers. Then explore book binding and make simple stitched books with eco-printed or plain pages, cards and frameable pictures. This is a two day class. On day one we will eco-print all the papers for our projects and on day two we will make several simple book structures: two versions of the Japanese stab binding, the star book and several versions of the pamphlet book.

Level: Beginner

Instructor: Joyce Tromba (Read Joyce's bio)

Members: $220

Non Members: $264

Materials fee: $25 cash (to be paid day of workshop)

Materials provided by instructor:  all paper, cards and envelopes, a double mat, mordants and modifiers, book making tools, linen thread, leaves

Students should bring: Students should bring: Gloves thin medical exam gloves, Dusk mask, Apron, Plastic spray bottle with 50% vinegar and 50% water. Two old small kitchen towel sized rags, scissors. Leaves will be provided; however bring some of your own to experiment and share.

LEAVES THAT PRINT WELL Maple(especially Japanese maple),oak, any hard wood tree leaves ,fruit tree leaves, rose, marigold petals, oak leaf hydrangeas, smoke bush, coreopsis, sassafras, cranesbill geranium, eucalyptus. chrysanthemum, eucalyptus and dyer's chamomile can also be found at Trader Joes all of which print very well.

Learn about our COVID policy here: Workshop Policies

Interested in applying for a scholarship? Apply here!

Have you ever wanted to duplicate a favorite garment? This course demystifies patternmaking from garments, teaching you how to capture the fit and style of existing garments while keeping them intact. Moving sequentially from simple to complex, we first master the fundamentals with a basic T-shirt before diving into shaping and intricate details with a classic woven shirt. We will cover replicating collars, sleeves, and darts, all of which teach essential skills to replicate items like pants, coats, and dresses. You will leave with a finished pattern and the confidence to turn your closet into a library of sewing patterns.

Level: Intermediate (Students must be familiar with sewing garments. A knowledge of grainlines and construction techniques is a must.)

Instructor: Mary Earle-Sigler & Sam Green (Read Mary and Sam's bio)

Members: $220

Non Members: $264

Materials fee: No Materials fee for this workshop.

Materials provided by instructor: Detailed handouts provided. If you cannot bring an item on the supply list, contact instructor ahead of time, to see if extra can be provided. If so, materials fee will be cost of items requested.

Students should bring: Student's own T-shirt & classic woven shirt, 18” to 48” wide roll or sheets of paper, Fabric chalk or chalk pencils, Pencils (different colors helpful) and pens, eraser, paper scissors, tape, ball-head sewing pins matching the weight of your garment (fine pins for fine fabrics), magnetic pin holder, Rulers; straight, curved, quilting etc, Dressmaker’s tape measure, Cardboard or foam core board min. size 18" x 24"

Learn about our COVID policy here: Workshop Policies

Interested in applying for a scholarship?Apply here!

Socks are fun, and fast, to knit and make great gifts. This class is for knitters who want to knit socks, especially in time for holiday gift-giving to self or others. The instructor is the creator, author and designer of two collections of the original sock-of-the-month pattern collections and journals [The Sock Calendar: Socks for all Seasons and The Sock Journal: Knit the Year in Socks] and has been demystifying and teaching sock knitting and design for many years. The class especially welcomes first-time sock knitters who have been intimidated by sock patterns in the past. The only requirement is the ability to knit and purl. We will work with double-point needles but students who prefer knitting via the "magic loop" method and are comfortable with it are welcome. The instructor has written a user-friendly pattern for a simple crew sock, using sport-weight yarn, and matching miniature ornament version, so students can see results sooner than if knitting in thinner, sock-weight yarn. There are multiple ways to knit this pattern so students can select the process they prefer. The goal is to make any knitter comfortable with the process and understand any sock patterns, and have fun in the process. This is a traditional crew sock, knitted top down, with ribbing for the leg section and using a traditional turned heel. These features make it particularly knit-friendly for new sock-knitters.

Level: Intermediate

Knitters using any "method" of knitting, from so-called English to continental, or any hybrid thereof, are welcome. 

Suggested skill level is beginner/intermediate with the note that students should be able to "work in-the-round" on double-pointed or circular needles. 

Instructor: Catherine Wingate (Read Catherine's bio)

Members: $110

Non members: $132

Materials fee:  No materials fee for this workshop

Materials Provided: Written pattern for Everybody Wants Socks! crew sock and matching small ornament-sized version.

Materials students should bring: Students should bring sport-weight yarn and size 5 double-point knitting needles. The pattern, and all the socks in the photo, were knitted with Knit Picks' Wool of the Andes sport weight yarn (137 yards per 50 gram skein). Three skeins were used to make a pair of adult women's M/L or men's S/M crew socks.

Registered and prospective students are welcome to contact the instructor for further information at clkngo@aol.com.

Learn about our cancellation & COVID policy here: Workshop Policies

Interested in applying for a scholarship? Apply here!

This beginner's patternmaking class will provide an opportunity for students to learn about using front and back bodice blocks, along with patternmaking techniques to manipulate the blocks to draft a sleeveless top of your design. We will cover button and buttonholes, facings, seams, pleats, shirring and dart manipulation. Intermediate sewing skills are required for this class as you will cut and sew the finished pattern in muslin.

Level: Intermediate

Instructor: Giovanni Daina-Palermo (Read Giovanni's bio)

Members: $440

Non Members: $528

Materials fee: None for this workshop

Materials provided by instructor:  Drafting paper

Students should bring: A detailed list will be emailed to registered students closer to the event. Student will need: pencil, eraser, L square, 2x18 clear ruler, French curve, scissors, awl, pins, pattern weights.

Interested in applying for a scholarship? Apply here!

Learn about our COVID policy here: Workshop Policies

Learn several ways to mordant cellulose fibers, with intensive explorations of tannins. We will scour and mordant on the first day, allow the alum treated fabric to cure for a week, then treat in tannin before soaking again in alum. In addition to alum, we will mordant with aluminum acetate, aluminum triformate, and symplocos. We will not dye in class; students will take home fabric ready to dye.

Level: Beginner

Instructor: Eileen Hallman (Read Eileen's bio)

Members: $220

Non Members: $264

Materials fee: $25 cash, check, or card (to be paid day of workshop)

Materials provided by instructor:  cotton fabric, mordants, tannins

Students should bring: apron, gloves

Learn about our COVID policy here: Workshop Policies

Interested in applying for a scholarship? Apply here!

This introductory class provides an overview of Sashiko, the Japanese stitching and mending practice. Through both structured demonstrations and individual stitching guidance, beginners gain basic skills and knowledge to apply this practice to both functional and decorative goods. Participants will explore the historical and geographic origins of Sashiko and also gain hands on experience stitching with Japanese needles, threads, and palm thimbles. This class is a prerequisite to the other classes in the series. After three practices exercises designed to cover basic skills, participants will gain confidence by stitching a preprinted Sashiko textile project that can be finished at home.

Level: Beginner

Members: $110

Non members: $132

Instructor: Gail Clement (Read Gail's bio)

Materials fee: $45 cash or venmo (to be collected day of workshop)

Materials supplied by teacher: Practice materials including 3 samples of various Sashiko fabrics, 3 samples of various Sashiko thread, and a project kit containing Sashiko needles, thread and preprinted fabric. Shared tools and notions for classroom use include Palm thimbles, stencils, metric rulers, marking tools.

Materials students should bring: Embroidery snips

Learn about our cancellation & COVID policies here: Workshop Policies

Interested in a workshop scholarship? Apply here!

Come try your hand at spinning wool on a spinning wheel, or learn to use a wheel you already have.  You will likely have the opportunity to try a number of wheels in the Saxony or Castle style.  Most of our time will be spent learning and practicing on the wheel and using other wool tools and learning to problem solve some of the nuances of a wheel.  Other topics include how to use a niddy-noddy, drafting, plying, hand carding and finishing.

Level: Beginner

Instructor: Jamie Sparks (Read Jamie's bio)

Members: $110

Non-members: $132

Materials Fee : $10 cash (to be collected day of class)

Instructor will provide: You'll receive roving and a variety of animal fibers in both natural and dyed colors. We can loan you a wheel for the  class if you don't have one.

Students should bring: Bring your own spinning wheel if you have one. If you have clean fleece, or a braid you want to try spinning, you can bring that, too.

Learn about our COVID & cancellation policy here: Workshop Policies

Interested in applying for a scholarship? Apply here!

Drawing in pencil is the perfect way to begin a nature journal because it helps you slow down and carefully observe the details of the natural world. We will draw from life as well as your own objects from your garden . We Start by lightly sketching the basic shapes of your subject, such as a leaf, flower, bird, or rock, then gradually add finer details, textures, and shading to create depth and realism. Focus on what you see rather than what you think it should look like, and don’t worry about making your drawing perfect.I will teach you how to create value, texture and drawing techniques to enhance you work. . The outcome is a meaningful journal page that captures both the beauty of nature and your personal observations while helping you develop stronger drawing skills with every sketch.

This class will be hosted off-site at the home of the instructor. Directions to the home will be provided after registration.

Skill Level: Beginner/All Levels

Instructor: Camille Daunno (Read Camille's bio)

Members: $110

Non-members: $132

Materials Fee: $10 cash or venmo (collected at time of workshop)

Materials Provided by instructor: Drawing journal, practice pad, 3 pencils, kneaded eraser, white eraser, blending tortillion, objects to draw from life, resource

Student should bring: Lunch as there will be a break. 

Learn about our COVID policy here: Workshop Policies

Interested in applying for a scholarship? Apply here!

Color Outside the Box!

In this all day workshop you will enter into the world of color in a fun and different way to create the color that’s all around you. You will learn a combination of color theory and basic color mixing by using fabric. This is not a painting class. It’s a fiber and fabric interpretation. You’ll create the color wheel, analogous colors, a grey scale, a monochromatic scale, warm and cool neutrals and arrange them in color collages and unique ideas. You will also design and make a fabric folder to take all your samples home in…your very own color record. Definitely come and color outside the box!

This class will be hosted off-site at the home of the instructor. Directions to the home will be provided after registration.

Skill Level: Beginner

Instructor: Camille Daunno (Read Camille's bio)

Members: $110

Non-members: $132

Materials Fee: $15 cash or venmo (collected at time of workshop)

Materials Provided by instructor: Fabric swatches, glue, scissors, ribbon, wool and fibers, card board, cloths, water containers, pads to work on.

Student should bring: Fabric swatches of your choice (solids, prints, florals, colors) these will be used to create the color combinations.

Learn about our COVID policy here: Workshop Policies

Interested in applying for a scholarship? Apply here!

In this 2 day class you will learn how to warp a loom. Basic tapestry techniques will be taught which include weaving geometric and curved shapes and how to blend colors on the loom. We will talk about tapestry terminology and the tools, equipment and yarns used in tapestry weaving. You will be weaving from the back of the loom in traditional Aubusson technique. We will also talk about designing a tapestry, making a cartoon and how to mount and present the finished piece. You should leave the class with the basic tools you need to further explore the wonderful medium of tapestry.

Level: Beginner 

Instructor: Betty Hilton-Nash  (Read Betty's bio) 

Members: $220

Non members: $264

Materials fee: $20 cash, check, or venmo (to be collected day of class)

Materials provided by instructor: Warp, weft, printed instructional handout, looms are available at Local Cloth. If you have your own loom that you want to use, please get in touch with Betty first.

Materials students should bring: Scissors, a tapestry beater (heavy kitchen fork will work), ruler, a small hand or stand mirror if possible, the instructor has some also.

Learn about our cancellation & COVID policy here: Workshop Policies

Interested in applying for a scholarship? Apply here!

This class will take your knowledge of color theory, mixing color and working with color in your chosen field to the next level. Some experience working with color is preferred but not necessary. You should be familiar with the color wheel and basic color combinations. This class will explore how to use and mix color combinations like split compliments , triadic colors, tertiary colors and more. You will make a color journal of all the experiments and color trials worked on in class. Most will be painted in gouache but you will have fun completing them making fabric and fiber collages. Challenge your creativity, explore what you can do and have a great experience while you’re learning much more about the world of color. Color is a foundation principle of Art and design no matter what your related field of expertise is. I’m Looking forward to sharing what you already know with what you are about to learn.

This class will be hosted off-site at the home of the instructor. Directions to the home will be provided after registration.

Skill Level: Intermediate

Instructor: Camille Daunno (Read Camille's bio)

Members: $110

Non-members: $132

Materials Fee: $20 cash or venmo (collected at time of workshop)

Materials Provided by instructor: Paper, a set of gouache, a set of brushes, materials to create a collage, glue, scissors, boards to work on, some fabric swatches, ribbon, pre made journals to complete color wheels, mixing palettes.

Student should bring: Lunch as there will be a break. Fabric swatches, colored paper or tissue paper to create a collage.

Learn about our COVID policy here: Workshop Policies

Interested in applying for a scholarship? Apply here!

Start where it actually begins — with freshly shorn (dirty) wool.

In **Fleece to Fiber**, we begin with raw, unwashed fleece and walk step-by-step through the transformation into usable yarn. This is a hands-on, practical class designed to build real confidence working with wool in its natural state.

You won’t just hear about the process — you’ll do it.

We Begin With Cleaning

Each participant will receive**raw, unwashed wool** to practice

* Cleaning

* Washing/scouring techniques that clean without felting

* Proper temperature control and handling

* Drying methods

Spinning in the Grease

Before everything is perfectly washed and fluffy, we’ll briefly explore **spinning in the grease**: This gives you a real understanding of fiber behavior at different stages.

Carding Clean Wool

You will also receive **cleaned wool** to practice:

* Opening and fluffing fiber aka picking & flicking

* Combing & Hand carding

You’ll feel the difference between raw, washed, and fully prepared fiber — which is the key to discovering what kind of yarn you want to create.

From Fiber to Usable Product

We’ll finish by drafting and spinning prepared fiber into yarn using:

* Drop spindle (great for beginners)

* Spinning wheel (bring your own)

What You’ll Leave With

* Hands-on experience cleaning raw fleece

* Practice spinning both in the grease and from fiber you prepare

* Carded wool ready for spinning

* Confidence to process those fleeces you've been eyeing on your own

No prior experience required. All materials provided.

There is something deeply satisfying about working from fleece to finished fiber. Once you understand the whole process, you’ll never look at yarn the same way again.

Level: Beginner

Instructor: Kirsten Bonanza (Read Kirsten's bio)

Members: $110

Non Members: $132

Materials fee: $40 cash or venmo (to be paid day of the workshop)

Materials provided by instructor:  Unwashed fleece, Washed fleece, soap, a mesh bag, a variety of carders and combs (to borrow)

Students should bring: Please bring drop spindles, and/or cards/ combs if you have them

Interested in applying for a scholarship? Apply here!

Learn about our COVID policy here: Workshop Policies

Discover the beauty and versatility of gouache as you create 3 finished works of art from concept to completion. In this hands-on class, you'll learn how to work with gouache in 3 different ways. Use it for design projects, use it like watercolor or use it straight from the tube to create an acrylic like painting. You will learn how to design a balanced composition, mix vibrant colors, and apply gouache using both transparent washes and rich, opaque layers. Through step-by-step instruction, you'll explore techniques for creating texture, depth, highlights, and fine details while developing your own artistic style. Whether you're new to gouache or looking to refine your skills, you'll gain the confidence to express your creativity and complete works you'll be proud to display or create your own portfolio. It’s easy to work with as well as very versatile. No experience necessary. Have some fun and challenge your creativity.

This class will be hosted off-site at the home of the instructor. Directions to the home will be provided after registration.

Skill Level: Beginner

Instructor: Camille Daunno (Read Camille's bio)

Members: $110

Non-members: $132

Materials Fee: $20 cash or venmo (collected at time of workshop)

Materials Provided by instructor: Set of Gouache paints, brushes, practice paper, watercolor pad, mixing palette, water container, pencil, eraser resource to work from

Student should bring: Lunch. Instructor will provide coffee, tea, water, cookies, snacks

Learn about our cancellation & COVID policies here: Workshop Policies

Interest in a scholarship? Apply here!

Learn this fun technique and your imagination will do the rest. The possibilities , design and application will create gorgeous patterns, from just a few colors and single design to overlays and multiple patterns. Print note carts, make an Art print ready to hang, or print your own quilt squares or pieces of fabric to sew. You can print journal covers or just have fun experimenting. 

This class will be hosted off-site at the home of the instructor. Directions to the home will be provided after registration.

Skill Level: Beginner

Instructor: Camille Daunno (Read Camille's bio)

Members: $55

Non-members: $66

Materials Fee: $10 cash or venmo (collected at time of workshop)

Materials Provided by instructor: Acrylic paint, silcone mats to work on, paper for test prints, Brayers, stencils, fabric squares 3 Gelli plates to share

Student should bring: Gelli plate, extra fabric squares, stencil of choice, apron, lunch for a break

Learn about our cancellation & COVID policies here: Workshop Policies

This class is designed for students who know how to warp a loom and understand some basic techniques of weaving tapestry, meet and separate, hatching, as well as weaving geometric and curved shapes. If you have taken Betty's Beginning Tapestry weaving class you should have these skills. In this 3 day class we will review the above techniques as well as adding some new ones as you weave a small cartoon of your own design. Day 1 will be spent refining your image into a weaveable cartoon. Please bring any photos, sketches, or paintings you have and want to weave. This is not a design class, please have your design ideas worked out prior to class. You will warp your loom and start weaving once the cartoon is finalized. Day 2 and 3 you will weave your image. We will discuss finishing and ways to present your piece after cutting your piece off the loom on day 3.

Level: Intermediate

Instructor: Betty Hilton-Nash  (Read Betty's bio) 

Members: $330

Non members: $396

Materials fee: $20 cash, card, or venmo (to be collected day of class)

Materials provided by instructor: Warp, weft, printed instructional handout, looms are available at Local Cloth. If you have your own loom please get in touch with Betty first.

Materials students should bring: Scissors, a tapestry beater (heavy kitchen fork will do), ruler, a small hand mirror. Instructor has a few.

Learn about our cancellation & COVID policies here: Workshop Policies

Interested in applying for a scholarship? Apply here!

The goal of the class is to foster liberation from total reliance on written knitting patterns and a step toward designing for oneself. Knitting patterns are (admittedly, roughly) analogous to recipes and easy to decode once one learns the basic elements and underlying logic. And, as with cooking, growing confidence encourages creativity. There are thousands of lovely knitting stitches to play and design around and we will explore at least hundreds in the course of this class.

And, in the process, students will learn how to deconstruct and design a unique bespoke sock and write a pattern for it. For simplicity, we will work with a top-down sock structure but will also discuss how to apply the same design considerations to "toe-up" socks.

While the initial objective yields a pair of socks based on a student's decision choices during the class, the design thought process relies on considerations that apply universally to designing any knitted item. Since creativity knows no limits, it might begin with selecting a favorite yarn and exploring its best use. Or start with a concept for a finished knitted item and working backwards to select yarn, colors and knitted stitches to achieve it.

Day 1 of the 2-day session will cover the basic architecture of a sock (leg aka "top," heel construction and toe) and overall road map for a successful pattern. We will discuss the few choices for creating the sock that need to be decided before beginning and students will spend the rest of the session perusing books of knitted stitch patterns and selecting which one(s) or elements to swatch, use or modify further in their sock(s).

The instructor will provide multiple books of stitch collections for students to consider and swatch. They include classics by Barbara G. Walker, Vogue Knitting, Mon Tricot, Harmony, Crown and a few reference books dedicated to traditional Fair Isle and gansey stitch motifs. That is, students will have at least several hundred practical, and easy-to-knit, examples for brainstorming to select from while pondering design objectives.
The instructor will also provide knitted samples of her favorite ribbing stitches, used in her designs and books, and handouts of instructions for them.

Students' homework, after Day 1, will be to finish knitting the top of the sock/leg pattern(s) selected in preparation for working the sock foot on Day 2. 

Day 2 will introduce students to heel and toe design decisions so they  complete the finished sock(s). Detailed instructions, demonstrations and topics covered include a standard so-called wedge heel, and varieties thereof, including the Dutch heel. And how to "turn" a heel.

We will also cover the classic peasant heel, which knit maven Elizabeth Zimmermann refers to as an "afterthought heel."  [The peasant heel has a great advantage in being easily reknitted so is a valuable heel technique in any sock knitter's skillset. We will also learn an alternative to grafting it for knitters who aren't comfortable with grafting.]  Note: Short-row heels are not covered in the class though experienced sock-knitters who prefer them can easily incorporate them in their patterns. Students will receive detailed printed instructions for heel and toe choices.

Students will write out pattern notes for the socks they created so they can duplicate the pattern going forward. This step also encourages students to assess design features for potential tweaks going forward, e.g., whether a ribbing needs extra compressive strength or should be less constrictive and, concurrently, also more decorative. Thus, while the end result is a reliable knitting pattern, the process itself is another phase of the continuing creative experience.

Level: Intermediate

Students who knit any method are welcome, whether continental, English (or some combination like a Peruvian friend who works stockinette sweaters, in-the-round, inside out, by purling all rounds!).

Students do need to be able to comfortably knit, purl and read basic knit-pattern language (e.g., "k2, y/o and p1" means "knit 1, yarn over, purl 1") though will also have a handout of basic terminology. 

Students also need to be able to knit in-the-round, either on double pointed  or circular needles.

Instructor: Catherine Wingate (Read Catherine's bio)

Members: $220

Non members: $264

Materials fee:  No materials fee for this workshop

Materials Provided: The instructor will provide handouts of illustrated instructions for different ribbing stitches, heel and toe constructions and the reference books mentioned above. Students also receive a pattern template, knitter's glossary and a general chart for finished garment sizes.

Materials students should bring:  Students need to bring an amount of yarn to knit a pair of socks in the chosen yarn and double-pointed, or circular, needles,  in the size(s) appropriate for the yarn chosen. Students without another preference might bring sport yarn (about 450 yards) and U.S. sizes 3 and 4 double-pointed or circular needles.

The ribbing examples and finished socks shown in class were all knitted with Knit Picks' Wool of the Andes Peruvian sport weight yarn. The yarn is a favorite of the instructor for teaching purposes as it shows stitch definition well. And is a sturdy "workhorse" yarn for sock gifts.

Students with favorite stitches or motifs they want to incorporate in their designs can bring swatches, in the preferred yarn if applicable, and stitch directions to class to see if feasible.

Registered and prospective students are welcome to contact the instructor for further information at clkngo@aol.com.

Learn about our cancellation & COVID policy here: Workshop Policies

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