The 2019-2020 Workshops with Jill Wolcott Knits can be tailored to your group. I love teaching, and the topics set out below for 2019-2020 Workshops reflect what I’m always thinking about.
I can create pattern-based workshops geared to learning what techniques and tips will get you through that Jill Wolcott Knits patterns. I’ve made some Suggested Pattern Workshops here, but you can let me know what interests you, how long the workshop can be, and the number of people you plan to accommodate. I’m always interested in trying new things, so if virtual workshops seem better, let’s talk!
The main reason to take classes is for what you don’t expect! My classes are always filled with information and techniques, but participating in 2019-2020 Workshops can yield unexpected benefits. I could list those, as I expect them to be, but we never really know what will resonate and send us on the path to becoming the knitter or designer we want to be.
2019-2020 Workshops Rate Schedule
The 2019-2020 Workshop rates can be tailored to fit us both. The schedule provided is a guideline upon which we can build 2019-2020 workshops that work for everyone.
The 2019-2020 Workshops
Art Button Craft Create buttons, embellishments, and finishes, that are unique and use a variety of materials.
Art Button Craft buttons are completely unique to your project (of any kind!) and can be made using a variety of materials. This can be fun and creative, and is a great way to turn an every-day object into a personal work of art. Buttons, embellishment, and finishes explored will be of a variety of sizes.
This class is for anyone. Students may bring their own buttons, yarn, thread/floss, beads, tiny objects.
Casings, Closed Trims, & Welts, Plus Inserted Pockets Smooth additions of casings (for inserted elastic, ribbons, etc.), trims that enclose an edge, and tailored pocket welts can be easily executed when the underlying dressmaking/tailoring techniques are understood and translated into knitting. Add a flat pocket in a garment below a welt or on its own.
Add casings (for inserted elastic, ribbon, cords), learn to make trims that enclose an edge for a sleek look, plus how to add a tailored welt trim (with or without a pocket). Then, add a flat, inserted pocket.
These techniques are not difficult, but are moderately engaging. Students should be willing to be challenged. Students should bring worsted weight wool (or wool blend) in two light colors and of the exact same weight. Two sets of appropriately sized needles for your knitting style [size 5(3.5mm) to size 7(4.5mm)], and one set of needles one or two sizes smaller. Longer dpns can be used throughout. Also bring stitch markers, tapestry or bent-tip needle, waste yarn or stitch holders.
Homework: Two knitted swatches from instructions provided.
Chinchero Hat & Variations This is a pattern-based class to tackle this traditional scalloped Peruvian trim, then begin slip-stitch patterning, work short rows for extra back length. Follow up with easy crown shaping leading to a topknot or pigtail finished with fringe.
This hat was designed following instructions from Chinchero (Peru) indigenous people. They work their hats in the round, primarily purling. I translated the techniques to make them fit our North American knitting habits. I have created an shape that uses short rows for a longer back to fit over the neck. Instructions for ear flaps are also available as part of the workshop. I use slip stitches in lieu of stranded color work so only one color is used in any round. The beginning scallop trim will provide a bit of a challenge, but once mastered, it is all clear sailing!
These techniques are not difficult, but are moderately engaging. Students should be willing to be challenged. Students should bring worsted weight yarn in two or more colors, appropriately sized needles [size 5(3.5mm) to size 7(4.5mm)], as well as needles one or two sizes smaller.
Knitting Techniques that Simply Amaze Part 1 Reasonable mastery of four techniques: flexible long-tail cast on, backwards knitting, flat 3-needle bind off, Norwegian purl.
Learn four techniques you will love knowing that will amaze other knitters. We’ll learn the techniques and explore applications of each. These are the techniques you have been wanting to have in your toolbox and now is the time!
This is for knitters willing to be amazed. Students should bring worsted weight wool (or wool blend) in two light colors and of the exact same weight. Two sets of appropriately sized needles for your knitting style [size 5(3.5mm) to size 7(4.5mm)], and one set of needles one or two sizes smaller. Longer dpns can be used throughout.
Knitting Techniques that Simply Amaze Part 2 Reasonable mastery of four techniques: Buttonhole and multiple stitch increases, picking up stitches and using yarn overs for picking up stitches, Judy’s magic cast on and JSSBO.
Learn more techniques that amaze but are incredibly useful. Every time you add techniques to your own database, you make your knitting world wider. Learn when to use them in addition to how. These are the techniques you may not have known you wanted to know!
This is for knitters willing to be amazed. Students should bring worsted weight wool (or wool blend) in two light colors and of the exact same weight. Two sets of appropriately sized needles for your knitting style [size 5(3.5mm) to size 7(4.5mm)], and one set of needles one or two sizes smaller. Longer dpns can be used throughout. 1 yard waste yarn or stitch holders.
Oh, You Wanted It to Fit? Take measurements to know the facts. Then learn how to use schematics to find the project size that will fit. How to make basic changes to customize the fit of a garment.
We want to make things that fit, but often fail to do the sleuthing to make sure that will happen. Get the right measurements, learn to compare them to your pattern, and then how to make some changes that can improve the fit without major remodeling. We will take and record measurements and learn to take our own!
This class is for anyone. Students should bring tape measure. Wear a camisole or fitted tee so someone can take accurate measurements for you.
Real Knitting Applications of Short Rows Learn three methods of doing short rows, then find out how to use (and plan short rows) in a variety of knitting scenarios: 1) darts, shoulders, hem; 2) create vertical and horizontal shape; and 3) use short rows to create a Celtic knot.
Add extra fabric to tailor fit (darts, shoulder) and create horizontal and vertical shape. Create a multi-directional shape by using short rows in the form of a Celtic knot.
These techniques are not difficult, but are moderately engaging. Students should be willing to be challenged. Students should bring worsted weight wool (or wool blend) in two light colors and of the exact same weight. Two sets of appropriately sized needles for your knitting style [size 5(3.5mm) to size 7(4.5mm)], and one set of needles one or two sizes smaller. Longer dpns can be used throughout. Also bring stitch markers, tapestry or bent-tip needle, waste yarn or stitch holders.
Homework: Three knitted swatches on needles or stitch holders or waste yarn from directions provided.
Stacking Stitch Repeats for Easy Knitting Take generic stitch patterns and make the repeat stack, row to row, and handle extra stitches in a repeatable manner. The class will make working stacked charts and then rewrite the written pattern to match.
This is for any level knitter. Rework stitch patterns easily to accurately reflect repeats of the same stitches from row-to-row in both written or graphed instructions. We will chart from written instructions, then find the best repeat and re-write the written to match the charted repeat and extra stitches. This short work at the beginning will make your knitting go more smoothly!
Homework: Students may bring a stitch pattern that they need help with and/or I will have stitch patterns.
Unique Beginnings and Endings Learn five interesting ways to begin your knitting. End your knitting in a variety of ways using picking up stitches, decorative bind offs, closed trims, bobble/i-cord. Practiced and carefully applied, these can be the only detail you need!
Thoughtful details are the key to beautiful hand knits. Learn a variety of paired beginnings and endings as well as some decorative applications for beginning or ending. Like picking the proper framing and matting for artwork, beginnings and endings make a difference in the final work.
These techniques are not difficult, but are moderately engaging. Students should be willing to be challenged. Students should bring worsted weight wool (or wool blend) in two light colors and of the exact same weight. Two sets of appropriately sized needles for your knitting style [size 5(3.75mm) to size 7(4.5mm)], and one set of needles one or two sizes smaller. One circular needle (any size larger than a size 5(3.75mm) 40+” long. Also bring stitch markers, tapestry or bent-tip needle, waste yarn or stitch holders. Optional: beads or buttons to add to moebius cast on.
Homework: Knitted swatches from instructions provided.
2019-2020 is just a sampler of classes I can teach.