Tag Archives: beginner knit classes

A project for a sunny day

Blue Sky Alpaca’s Organic Cotton came in this week.

blue sky organic cotton

Every time we get in a batch of this beautiful yarn I can’t resist taking all the colours off the shelf and imagining I am about to embark on a baby blanket project. So soft and lofty – this yarn makes a very huggable blankie.
I plain, striped, garter stitch blanket would be such a joy in this yarn and easy to knit even for a new knitter. It is also the yarn featured in the Knit Cafe’s “Your First Baby Blanket pattern. This is a wonderfully simple project with a seed stitch border and a basket weave middle, all knit and purl with no fancy tricks.

baby blanket class

Sometimes I like to imagine I am making a Chevron Stitch Blanket like the one we make in our upcoming workshop.

zigzag blanket

Other times I want to crochet it up into a forever growing Granny Square project.

crochet blanket

If you like any of these ideas you can make your own. They are all beginner friendly projects and if you need a little help we have classes! Oh yes we do!

Baby Blanket Workshop
Sunday March 12, 12:30-3pm
Register HERE

ZigZag Blanket Workshop
Wednesday March 29, 7-9pm
Register HERE

Crochet Blanket Class For Absolute Beginners
Sunday March 19, 26, 3-5pm
Register HERE

Craftily yours
Kristin

Making It Stripe and Making It Fit

Iwona just finished up a full length example of the Noro Striped Scarf we are making in the Magical Striped Scarf Workshop and it is so awesome I think I might  steal it. I was wearing it around the shop yesterday and I can attest that it is supremo-cozy!noro 010 006_02

Two different colour-ways in Noro in a two row striped pattern makes this magic happen .

014

Judy is also wearing a very fine sweater made by Iwona with the CustomFit Sweater Program. It is a bit of a stretch on Judy but it fits Iwona perfectly as it was made with her measurements. It is a pattern generated in the bespoke manner and then you knit it up and you have tailor made knitwear.

We have just announced a new service. We will be helping whoever is desiring to make their own custom sweater pattern with the CustomFit pattern generating program. We’re pretty excited about it.

Here are all the details:

Book yourself a one-on-one CustomFit Sweater Tutorial at the Knit Café and…

  • meet us for a one-hour appointment at The Knit Café to discuss all your sweater particulars, decide on a yarn and discuss the style considerations for your new sweater.
  • get help to take and record accurate and detailed body measurements to ensure a good fit
  • learn how to make an accurate swatch and how to use it
  • then take your time with your swatching and book a follow up appointment when we will use the information gathered from your finished swatch to create your sweater pattern.
  • receive your own one of a kind knit pattern based on your measurements and your style, and get any questions answered about how to follow it.

Pick from two options when creating your CustomFit Sweater with The Knit Café

1.Sweater-makers who purchase all their yarn for their sweater at The Knit Café will get the CustomFit Sweater Tutorial described above for a fee of only $10. This goes to cover the cost of the pattern but the tutorial and follow-up appointment are gratis. In addition they will receive a discount of 10% off their yarn purchase for their sweater. Wow!

2.If you already have the yarn for the sweater of your dreams you may still join us for a CustomFit appointment. For a fee of $40 you will receive the CustomFit Sweater Pattern, the hour long consultation and tutorial, and the follow up appointment to generate the pattern.

More Info about our Perfect Sweater Program can be found HERE
Call or email The Knit Café to make your Sweater Making Appointment
416 533 5648(KNIT)
theknitcafe@hotmail.com

Can’t wait to see what sort of sweater you will make.
Craftily yours
Kristin

Check out The Knit Cafe’s Fall Classes 2015

We are so happy to announce that our class schedule for Fall 2015, Winter 2016 is ready to go! We have many new offerings for you. I have highlighted a few with pictures in this blog post but you may see and read all about every single class at www. theknitcafetoronto.com.
You can register for classes there too. 

ABSOLUTE BEGINNER KNITTING

Knitting 101
4 sessions, $110
Fri Sept 11, 18, 25, Oct 2, 7-9pm/ Thurs Sept 24, Oct 1, 8, 15, 7-9/ Sun Sept 27, Oct 4, break, 18, 25, 3-5pm/ Thurs Oct 1, 8, 15, 22, 1-3pm/ Fri Oct 16, 23, 30, Nov 6, 7-9pm/ Mon Oct 19, 26, Nov 2, 9, 7-9pm/ Thurs Oct 29, Nov 5, 12, 19, 1-3pm/ Thurs Nov 5, 12, 19, 26, 7-9pm/ Sun Nov 8, 15, 22, 29, 3-5pm/ Wed Nov 25, Dec 2, 9, 16, 7-9pm/ Sun Dec 6, 13, 20, break, Jan 3, 3-5pm/ Thurs Jan 7, 14, 21, 28, 7-9pm/

Knitter’s Crash Course (Scarf Workshop)
1 session, $35
Mon Sept 28, 6:30-9pm/ Mon Nov 23, 6:30-9pm

Beginners Knit Headbands!
2 sessions, $56
Thurs Dec 10, 17, 7-9pm

Knit 101 Baby!
4 sessions, $110
Sept 16, 23, 30, Oct 7, 1-3 /Fri Jan 8, 15, 22, 29, 7-9

knit criitters

Knit Critter Class for Absolute Beginners
Learn to knit and make a cute toy in this 3-week class. This class is designed to instill basic knit knowledge. Students will learn how to knit and purl, how to follow a knit pattern, how to create basic shapes, and change colours. Stuffing and seaming up your toy, as well as adding on facial features and paws will be covered in class too. You can customize your knit critter to be any sort of creature
3 sessions, $84
Fri Dec 4, 11, 18, 7-9pm

arm knit

Arm Knitting
When you arm knit you replace traditional knitting needles with your own two arms and use very, very chunky yarn to create huge loopy stitches that have a great modern look. It’s very entertaining to do and a scarf or cowl can be created in a matter of minutes to a few hours. Those who have never knit before will see the charm in something that can be produced so fast and experienced knitters may be curious how it’s all done. Arm knitting is definitely more fun in a group so come and join in on the fun!
1 session, $35
Wed Sept 9, 6:30-9pm/ Mon Dec 7, 6:30-9pm

twinkle toque

New Knitter’s Slouchy Toque
A toque is less of a commitment in yarn and time so it is a great project for a new knitter to start with. We designed this sweet and slouchy knit hat so that it would be an accessible pattern for a new knitter. In this class you will learn basic techniques including casting on and off stitches, the knitting stitch, pattern reading, a shaping technique called “short row shaping”, and seaming. Pompom making will be covered too!
2 sessions, $56
Thurs Jan 14, 21, 1-3pm

BEGINNER KNITTING

Baby Blanket Workshop
1 session, $35
Wed Oct 28, 1-3:30pm/ Mon Nov 16, 6:30-9pm/ Mon Jan 18, 6:30-9pm

noro scarf

The Magical Striped Scarf Workshop (learn to purl)
In this class you will get to try out magical Noro yarn. You will also learn how to purl. When you add purl to your knit repertoire you can suddenly infuse your knitting pieces with a whole world of texture.  Changing colours in a striping pattern, finishing and weaving in stray ends, and reading knitting patterns will also be covered in this workshop.
1 session: $32
Thurs Sept 17, 7-9pm

Hat Class
1 session, $35
Mon Sept 21, 6:30-9pm/ Thurs Dec 3,7-9:30pm

Holiday Bear
1 session, $35
Mon Dec 14, 6:30-9pm

ZigZag Blanket Workshop
This wonderful project is the chance to create a one of a kind piece with a multitude of colours and all the charms of a blanket made by hand. The chevron pattern design in this blanket is a classic one. This workshop will focus on pattern reading skills, knit and purl textures, and the shaping techniques that create the zigzag pattern. We will also practice colour changing and weaving in ends.
1 session, $32
Materials: at least 2 colours worsted weight, 5mm circulars, 60-80cm, available at The Knit Café.
Wed Oct 28, 7-9pm

Knit Slipper Class
2 sessions, $56
Wed Oct 14, 21, 1-3pm/ Wed Jan 6, 13, 1-3pm

Cable Cowl Workshop
1 session, $35
Mon Nov 30, 6:30-9pm

Project Class
3 sessions, $84
Wed Nov 25, Dec 2, 9, 1-3pm

INTERMEDIATE KNITTING

Mitten Class
2 sessions, $56
Thurs Nov 26, Dec 3, 1-3pm

thrum mittens

Thrum Mitten Class
This pattern comes from icy Newfoundland where they know a thing or two about keeping the cold out. These mittens are extra warm due to a layer of wool roving knitted right into them creating a fluffy fleece lining. In this class we will get you acquainted with all the tricks of the trade for regular mitten making. You will learn 3D shaping, thumb tricks and how to add the warm thrum into your extra cushy mits.
2 sessions:$56
Thurs Oct 22, 29, 7-9pm

Sweater Class
4 sessions, $110
Wed Oct 14, 21, break, Nov 4, 11, 7-9pm/ Wed Jan 6, 13, break, 27, Feb 3, 7-9pm

tee front crop

Baby Tee Class
The knit pattern by The Knit Café called Tee is a real cutie! It’s a small sized knitted t-shirt with a delightful polka dot embellishment. It is sized to fit 12 months, 18-24 months, or 2-3 years old. In this class you will learn all the skills necessary to make a basic knit garment. This sweater pattern is made in pieces and then seamed, so this is the class for knitters who long to know more about seaming and finishing techniques. This class also covers shaping techniques, picking up stitches, and duplicate stitch for the polka dots.
3 sessions, $84
Wed Nov 4, 11, 18, 1-3pm

ADVANCED KNITTING

Sock Class
3 sessions, $84
Fri Nov 13, 20, 27, 7-9pm

Custom Fit Socks (Knit Toe Up)
3 sessions, $84
Sun Feb 21, 28, Mar 6, 12:30-2:30

polish flowers

Knit Amigurumi Class (Polish Festival Flowers)
It is not just crocheters who get to do Amigurumi. Knitters can do it too! “Amigurumi” is the Japanese term for hand crafted toys. Employ the 3D shaping principles of Amigurumi and you can make any cute stuffy you like. In September for the Polish Festival on Roncesvalles Avenue the Knit Café presents a special exhibition of hand knit flowers inspired by Polish Folk Art. We would like to share our flower pattern with you and the know-how to make knitted toys in general. In this 2-week class we will concentrate on developing skills in shaping with increases and decreases, picking up stitches to add on knit appendages like flower petals, changing colours, and knitted toy finishing techniques. We will also discus how to make slight alterations to a toy pattern to make it unique.  All these techniques should give you the confidence to tackle any toy project in the future. Knit Flowers make wonderful wall decorations especially in a nursery, or hung in a window or on a door like a welcoming wreath.
2 sessions, $56
Wed Sept 30, Oct 7, 7-9pm

Knit in Colour (Fair Isle Class)
2 sessions, $56
Wed Feb 10, 17, 7-9pm

CROCHET

ABSOLUTE BEGINNER

Crochet 101
4 sessions, $110
Wed Oct 14, 21, 28, Nov 4, 6:30-8:30
Sun Nov 22, 29, Dec 6, 13, 12:30-2:30pm

Crochet for Kids!
4 sessions, $84
Sun Sept 27, Oct 4, break, 18, 25, 12:30-2pm

Crochet Crash Course
1 session, $35
Thurs Sept 17, 6:30-9pm/ Thurs Dec 3, 6:30-9pm

Crochet Blanket Class for Absolute Beginners
2 sessions, $56
Sun Nov 8, 15, 12:30-2:30pm/ Sun Jan 17, 24, 3-5pm

beginner crochet slipper

Crochet Slipper Class for Absolute Beginners
Your Granny may have made these slippers, and her Granny before her too. Now you can! Even if you have never-ever crocheted before you may join this slipper class and before you know it your tootsies will be a lot cozier. The slippers can be adapted with ease for any size feet. This is a great way to learn basic crochet stitches and constructions and a terrific confidence builder for the next project.
2 session,$56, materials not included
Mar 13, 20, 12:30-2:30pm

BEGINNER CROCHET

Crochet Blanket Class
2 sessions(5 hrs)$70, materials not included
Wed Jan 20, 27, 6:30-9pm

crochet snowflake

Crochet Snowflakes
Learn to crochet and make easy crochet snowflakes just in time for the holidays. In this 2.5 hour workshop designed for beginners you will learn basic crochet stitches and make one or two snowflake ornaments. Class includes a pattern to take home. Come join us and start work on your own winter wonderland. 1 session, $35
Thurs Dec 10, 6:30-9pm

Simply Beautiful Beginner Crochet Shawl Workshop
Lacy stitching is often a goal for new crocheters. If you have tried your hand stitching a washcloth, a scarf or a phone case in our Crochet Crash Course then expand your crafty skills with a pretty shawl with a lacy texture. Start now, it will be ready for Spring!
1 session, $35
Wed Feb 17, 1-3:30pm

INTERMEDIATE CROCHET

Amigurumi (crocheted toy robot)
2 sessions, $66, includes robot pattern safety eyes, polyfil.
Thurs Oct 22, 29, 6:30-8:30pm

Crochet Slipper Class
2 sessions, $60, includes leather soles
Wed April 6, 13, 6:30-8:30

ADVANCED CROCHET

crochet shawl

Crochet Lace – The Spring Shawl Class
In summertime thoughts turn to pretty lacy things. Crochet is a wonderful medium for creating lace stitches, and lace stitching is a wonderful way to improve your crochet skills; taking them from competent to expert. This class will explore the different techniques that go into creating elaborate open stitch patterns and motifs. Students will practice their skills while making this gorgeous shawl.
2 sessions, $50
Wed Jan 20, Feb 3, 7:00-8:30pm

OTHER CRAFTY CLASSES

Introduction to Rug Hooking
1 session, $32
Mon Jan 11, 7-9pm

Needlepoint Workshop
1 session, $35, includes needlepoint canvas.
Mon Mar 7, 7-9pm

janana

Drop Spindle Class (Introduction to Spinning)
3 sessions, $84
Sun Jan 10, 17, 24, 12:30-2:30pm

Needle Felting Workshop
1 session, $32
Wed Nov 18, 7-9pm/ Wed Dec 16, 1-3pm

Register for classes online HERE, or by phone 416 533 5648, or come by The Knit Café in person – 55 Roncesvalles Ave.  Contact us with any qustions you have about classes, we are happy to chat about them

Craftily yours
Kristin