June

The Knitting Doctor is IN on Saturdays,  June 6 and June 20 from 12-1 pm. free!

A LACE SAMPLER SHAWL (or a very special baby blanket): Saturdays June 6, June 27, July 11, 1-4 pm. On 3 Saturdays we'll knit together exploring how to add lace patterns to the basic shawl we'll plan at the first meeting. 365 Knitting Stitches A Year is required (Available for purchase: $19.95). Prepayment required: $25 a session or $60 for all three.

SOCK HEELS: Navigating the unknown, Saturday, NEW DAY June 20, 1-4 pm. Everyone starts knitting socks and then gets flummoxed by the heel. Bring in your already started sock for a heel finishing class. We'll cover short rows, heel flaps, peasant heels, etc. Need to get started on a sock? Stop in to see the KNITTING DOCTOR (see schedule above) and get going. Prepayment required: $25.

July

KNITTING WITH WOOL:   Saturday, July 18, 1-4 pm. For those of you new to the craft, this class will teach the basics of knitting. Topics to be covered are: casting on, knit stitch, purl stitch, garter stitch, ribbing stitch, joining yarn, casting off. Continental, English or American knitting will be taught with full support for any method. A materials packet with wool yarn, instruction booklet with many patterns, bamboo knitting needles, darning needle, gauge ruler, markers, crochet hook, and cable stitch holder will be available for purchase at class for $42. Prepayment required.  The fee is $39.00.

SPINNING YARN:  Saturday, July 25, 1-4 pm. Learn to use a spinning wheel or drop spindle to draft and twist clean wool into a fine yarn. The ASHFORD BOOK OF SPINNING (not required) by Anne Field ($28) will be followed. A spinning wheel or drop spindle is required. (The book will be available for purchase, but is not required.) Additional materials needed:  prepared wool top ($8), may be purchased at the class. Prepayment required.  The fee is $39.00.

August

RAISING YOUR OWN SPINNING FIBER: Angora rabbits in the back yard,  Saturday, August 15, 12-5 pm. Learn all about choosing, feeding, grooming, and loving angora rabbits. Watch a clipping demonstration. Learn how to store your harvested fiber and feed your rabbits to produce the best coat he or she can. Bring a drop spindle or spinning wheel, hand cards and learn a few tips on blending and spinning angora. Preregistration required.  The fee is $95.00.

September

May

SPINNING YARN:  Saturday, September 12, 1-4 pm. Learn to use a spinning wheel or drop spindle to draft and twist clean wool into a fine yarn. The ASHFORD BOOK OF SPINNING (not required) by Anne Field ($28) will be followed. A spinning wheel or drop spindle is required. (The book will be available for purchase, but is not required.) Additional materials needed:  prepared wool top ($8), may be purchased at the class. Prepayment required.  The fee is 39.00.

KNITTING WITH WOOL:   Saturday, September 19, 1-4 pm. For those of you new to the craft, this class will teach the basics of knitting. Topics to be covered are: casting on, knit stitch, purl stitch, garter stitch, ribbing stitch, joining yarn, casting off. Continental, English or American knitting will be taught with full support for any method. A materials packet with wool yarn, instruction booklet with many patterns, bamboo knitting needles, darning needle, gauge ruler, markers, crochet hook, and cable stitch holder will be available for purchase at class for $42. Prepayment required.  The fee is 39.00.

Rip Van Winkle Spinning Retreat: Friday, Saturday and Sunday, September 25, 26 & 27, 2009.  Spin bulky or fine, beautiful, soft and colorful 3 ply yarns this weekend in the mountains made famous by Washington Irving's Rip Van Winkle. New and beginning spinners are cheerfully welcome, and experienced spinners will enjoy 48 hours of technique fine tuning. Learn how various fibers react to becoming 3 ply yarns. Work with locally raised wool, alpaca, mohair and angora. Beginners will enjoy the relaxed pace of learning to understand the spinning process. Prepayment required. $170.  See a complete list of materials needed, techniques learned, and registration information at above link.

October

Cape Ann FULLING AROUND WITH YOUR KNITTING Retreat: Friday, Saturday and Sunday, October 9, 10 & 11, 2009.    Shrinking knitted wool in the washing machine has never been as eagerly anticipated! Learn what happens, how to control it and what to make. A fun 3 days at the ocean will open up your creativity as you make slippers, pouches, pocketbooks, hats and many other items. Simple hand embellishment with beads and shiny floss puts a personal crowning touch on your creations. Prepayment required. $250.

November

Rip Van Winkle SEAMLESS CARDIGAN SWEATERS Knitting Retreat: Friday, Saturday and Sunday, November 6, 7 & 8, 2009.  Pick your favorite style: top down saddle shoulder cabled cardigan; circular yoke seed stitch cardigan; bottom up modified drop shoulder gansey patterned cardigan: all 3 adult sweaters will be included and on display. Enjoy seamless, modular construction and learn the tricks to flawless cardigan finishes. Prepayment required. $170.  See a complete list of materials needed, techniques learned, and registration information at above link.

December