The Creative Connection

Registration Closed. Are you ready to take your knit design work to the next level? Designer and ex-knitmag editor Shannon Okey, whose online Designer Bootcamp classes have attracted students from all over the world, will show you how it's done--from presenting yourself professionally, to establishing an online presence, to submitting to magazines.

Registration Closed. Ever wanted to learn how to knit?  Thought you had two left thumbs?  Well here is your opportunity to finally learn how.  In a few hours, you can kick start yourself into knitting!  In the class, you will learn basic knitting skills, including:  cast on and off, knit, purl and combinations of knit and purl.

Registration Closed. Christened “Combination Knitting" by Priscilla Gibson-Roberts, this combination of Western- and Eastern-style knitting is faster, creates a nicer tension with less "rowing out," and less wrist strain.  Established knitters may enjoy this different method; new knitters can mistress this right away!  This class isn’t just for beginners, but for anyone who wants to learn to knit in a different way.

Registration Closed. Start from scratch and learn to design for yourself and others.  You'll learn to write a basic sweater pattern, and we'll discuss how to pick the right fiber for design, ease, fit, sizing, customizing for different body shapes, stitch choices, color, and inspiration.  You'll also learn tricks to help your designs and garments have a more professional look and wear.

Registration Closed. Want to turn that idea floating around in your head into a functional pattern with stitches on your needle by the end of the day? Or maybe you just wish you could change the neckline or sizing or… You CAN do it! Learn the practical, perhaps unconventional, ways to demystify gauge, sizing, style, measurements, swatch, and yarn choice. The result is a personalized pattern for you and a new sense of empowerment. Whether you are adventurous or never ventured from a pattern before, learn to take control of your knitting. Homework: Work a swatch in the yarn you would like to work with.

Registration Closed. Want to turn that idea floating around in your head into a functional pattern with stitches on your needle by the end of the day? Or maybe you just wish you could change the neckline or sizing or… You CAN do it! Learn the practical, perhaps unconventional, ways to demystify gauge, sizing, style, measurements, swatch and yarn choice. The result is a personalized pattern for you and a new sense of empowerment. Whether you are adventurous or never ventured from a pattern before, learn to take control of your knitting. Homework: Work a swatch in the yarn you would like to work with.

Registration Closed. Decorative embroidery on your knits is easy to do, once you master a few stitches. Kristin Nicholas, Master Knitter, Embroiderer and Author, will show you her secrets to beautiful, colorful, successful embroidery stitches to decorate your handknits. You'll learn duplicate stitch, chain stitch, spider web, cross stitch, french knots and many more. By the time you leave, you will be accomplished enough to decorate your ho-hum knits with fanciful designs. Basics: Not Required

Registration Closed. Thinking outside the fiber box: Steven encourages you to express yourself like never before. There are no rules, no mistakes, only variations. We will explore a variety of fiber techniques in this class-knit, crochet, felting, weaving and more. Exciting combinations of these techniques allow us to discover the fusion where crafting converges with art. Students are encouraged to experiment and express themselves through a variety of freeform techniques. Projects range from wearables to wall art, sculpture to runway and beyond.  Your personal treasure chest of trinkets, baubles, fibers, and beads can be used. The usual constricting pattern lines will be blurred and the outcome is a one-of–a-kind masterpiece. Techniques employed are knitting, crocheting, embroidery, and weaving, along with both wet and needle felting. Skill Level: Basic to advanced knit, crochet, and felting skills needed, or any combination of these with a deep desire to create. Beginning knitting and crocheting will not be taught.

Registration Closed. Entrelac is easier than you think! Learn how to work entrelac using stockinette stitch, then go on to work a sampler--incorporating pattern stitches into the technique and taking entrelac to a new dimension. Students should know how to knit, purl, pick up stitches, increase, and decrease.

Registration Closed. Be inspired as Nadine Curtis shares her techniques on how to start a business doing what you LOVE.  Learn how Nadine, founder of Be Sweet, started her business, and how small job-creation production teams in a developing country (South Africa) have made a product line that has become one of the most fashion-forward hand knitting yarns and knit wearable accessories on the market.