It isn’t exactly warm today in Chicago, but we keep getting little tastes of it! With the warmer weather comes new knitting opportunities. The beginner crafter might automatically think about hats and scarves when she thinks about knitting, but we know better. The Sweatshop is getting the season started off right with a variety of project classes that will have you styled now, not waiting until October to show off your handmade goods. The Knitting With Fabric Workshop mixes up materials and shows you how to make a cute market bag, perfect for the upcoming farmers markets! The Bead Bracelet is casual and pretty year around. And nope! I haven’t given up on Entrelac! Another Entrelac Workshop AND Entrelac Sock Class is scheduled.
May is a great month to be a beginner, too! I’ve got beginner crochet and beginner knitting classes scheduled, as well as a pattern reading class.
I hope to see everyone at The Sweatshop of Love’s Anniversary Party and Book Swap on Saturday, May 2nd from 2-5pm at (or hopefully outside of) New Wave! The Sweatshop is turning three and to celebrate I’m hosting a free crafting extravaganza. It is the least I can do to thank each and every one of you for taking an interest in The Sweatshop and being so supportive of this one woman operation. Please email me to sign up!
Have you found us on Twitter yet? http://twitter.com/sweatshopoflove
See the full Sweatshop Class Schedule here.
Knitting with Fabric Workshop
Knitting with yarn getting old? Find a new way to use your huge stash of fabric at the Knitting with Fabric Workshop! You will need size 15 16 inch circular needles but I will supply the fabric. Chose to knit a potholder in class or get a great start on a fabric knit purse. Saturday May 9th, 1-4pm. $40
Bead Bracelet/Entrelac Socks
We are multi tasking! One night, two classes!
Bead Bracelet: With knitting needles the size of sewing needles, tiny beads and embroidery floss we will make little cute bracelets! It sounds insane and will look even crazier, but you will love this beaded cuff and your new size 00 needles. Check out a picture here.
Entrelac Socks: Not only is this sock entrelac but it is toe up, so if you have never knit a toe up sock this is a great place to try. If you don’t know how to entrelac sign up for my Entrelac Workshop Sunday May 3rd from 1-4pm.
Sign up for one and get a sneak peak with the other! Both classes are two parts: Tuesdays May 12th and 19th from 7-9pm. $40
Pattern Reading How-To
Have you been looking at patterns and feeling like they must be written in a different language? This class will help you sort it all out, from the yarn type to the gauge. Learn to read and knit a chart pattern, too! Thursday May 21st, 7-9pm. $20
Beginner Crochet
Want to learn to crochet? This is a great opportunity to learn the basics of crocheting! In this class we will learn to make a chain, single, half double, double, and treble crochet stitches, and how to crochet in the round. Tuesday May 5th, 7-9pm. $25
Beginner Knitting
Did you get on this mailing list in the hopes that eventually you will have the time to learn? Sign up for this beginner knitting class and learn how to cast on, bind off, and knit and purl. Thursday May 7th, 7-9pm. $25
Entrelac Workshop
It looks ridiculously complicated! And when you read the instructions your head explodes. This three hour workshop will take you through entrelac step by step, from the beginning row of triangles through each row of rectangles. Entrelac makes great scarves, shawls, sweaters, and socks! It is one of my favorite knitting techniques and I can’t wait to teach it! Bring mid-sized needles (6-10) and scrap yarn. Sunday, May 3rd from 1-4pm. $30
Sweater Club
Don’t think you can’t knit and wear a sweater this summer! There are plenty of pretty knitted top patterns out there just waiting to be discovered. Sweater Club is winding down, but I’m already anxious to get this class up and running again! Sweater Club restarts Thursday, May 28th and/or Sunday May 31st and goes until July 16th and/or July 19th. One class per week for 8 weeks is $75, two classes per week for 8 weeks is $120. Email me for more information and to sign up.
Group Class
Come get help starting a project, finishing a project, picking a project or learning something new! $15
Thursday May 14th, 7-9pm
Wednesday May 20th, 7-9pm
Knitting Book Club
Our third book is The History of Love by Nicole Krauss, and I can’t wait to meet on Monday, May 4th to talk about it! If you are interested in joining us send me an email. Please don’t come with knitting questions as I won’t be teaching anything (so the book club can be free of course), just come to knit and chat about our book!
Classes are held at New Wave Café at 3103 W Logan Blvd/2557 N Milwaukee Ave. It is bright and warm and has lots of tables for us to spread out on. It is right off the Logan Square blue line stop and there is plenty of street parking on the square.
Email me with questions, to sign up for classes or to set up a one on one class!
