October and November Knitting Class Schedule for Michael's in Sunset Valley and Westlake

I guess it's better late than never. The good news is that because my October calendar is late, I also have November dates ready as well, although not all of the listings are online yet. (I'll add the links when they are available.) I'm also excited to have classes available for the Monster Tail by Rainbow Loom. I've been having a ball with mine.

Here's what's coming up:

I Love Yarn Day

October 10 is I Love Yarn Day, according to the Craft Yarn Council of America. In honor of the day, I've squeezed in an extra Knit Beginner 1 class and Kids Weaving - Monsters class. Who knows, I might even bring a snack.

Upcoming School Holidays

October 13 and November 11 are student holidays for both the Austin Independent School District and the Eanes Independent School District. Also, Eanes Independent School District has early release days on October 22, 23 and 24. If you're looking for something for the kids to do, how about signing them up for a class? I've scheduled Monster Tail and Weaving classes during those times.

October and November 2014 Class Schedule

Beginning Knitting - No Experience Needed

These two classes, Knit Simple Scarf and Knit Beginner 1, are designed for students with no knitting experience. However, they are also good for those who haven't knit for a while and need a review, or people who are having difficulty learning on their own. Of course, anyone who wants to join us to make one of these projects is welcomed.

Each class offers different projects that teach the same basic skills. Both classes teach casting on (putting stitches on the needle), knit stitch, binding off (taking stitches off the needle), weaving in ends and a basic understanding of yarn and knitting tools. Knit Beginner 1 also covers basic seaming, and the Simple Scarf Class teaches how to make fringe.

Also, if you want to take the Ruffled Scarf class, these classes will teach you the prerequisite skills you need.

Knit Beginner 1: Hat or Mitts - $25
Friday, October 10 from 5:30 pm to 8 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley (October 10 is I Love Yarn Day, the perfect day to learn to knit!)
Saturday, November 1 from 3 pm to 5:30 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley
Sunday, November 2 from 2 pm to 4:30 pm at Michael's in Westlake

Select your favorite colors and start making your own hat or wrist warmers that you'll be proud to wear or give as gifts. You choose one project for the class, but you will get patterns for both. You can look at the sample hat and cuffs I made here.



Knit Simple Scarf - $25
Saturday, October 18 from 3 pm until 5:30 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley
Sunday, October 19 from 2 pm until 4:30 pm at Michael's in Westlake
Saturday, November 8 from 3 pm until 5:30 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley
Sunday, November 9 from 2 pm until 4:30 pm at Michael's in Westlake

Knit on large needles with fringe accents, this scarf drapes beautifully and is the perfect accessory for any outfit.




Arm Knitting - No Experience Needed - $10
Wednesday, October 15 from 7 pm until 8 pm at Michael's in Westlake
Thursday, October 23 from 7 pm until 8 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley
Friday, November 7 from 7 pm until 8 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley
Sunday, November 9 from 5 pm until 6 pm at Michael's in Westlake

According to The Wall Street Journal, "Arm knitting combines several things that are appealing to millennials: crafts projects, chunky knitwear (featured on the fall 2013 runways), social media and instant gratification." Of course, this innovative new craft is for people of all ages who have two arms.

Choose from four different projects using different types of yarn, including three cowls and a shawl. Pick one for the class, but you'll receive patterns for all four projects so you can try them all. (Pictures of more of the patterns are coming soon. However, the left picture is me arm knitting at a demo, and the right picture is the Sashay Arm Knit Cowl sample I made.)

                           

Beginner Classes: Learn the Purl Stitch

These classes are designed for people who have taken Knit Beginner 1 or the Knit Simple Scarf Class or knitters who know the knit stitch but haven't gotten to the purl stitch yet. As always, any knitter with the prerequisite skills can join us, even if they are more advanced. In these classes we will focus on learning the purl stitch, a skill that can be used to add new textures to your knitting.

Knit Beginner 2 - Neck Warmer or Tassel Hat - $25

Prerequisites: Casting On, Knit Stitch, Binding Off

Tuesday, October 14 from 5:30 pm until 8 pm at Michael's in Westlake
Wednesday, October 29 from 5:30 pm until 8 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley
Tuesday, November 4 from 5:30 pm until 8 pm at Michael's in Westlake
Thursday, November 6 from 5:30 pm until 8 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley

Now that you know the basics of knitting, you are ready to learn the purl stitch! Create a hat or neck warmer. You will choose one pattern for the class, but you will receive patterns for both projects.

Advanced Beginner Classes

This is your chance to take your knitting to the next level. These classes cover skills like Cables, decreasing, increasing, cables and working with specialty yarns. Be sure to check the prerequisites before signing up.

        
Knit Ruffled Scarves (Discover Time Knitting) - $25*
Prerequisites: Knit Stitch, Binding Off
Tuesday, October 7 from 5:30 pm until 8 pm at Michael's in Westlake
Tuesday, October 21 from 5:30 pm until 8 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley
Friday, November 14 from 5:30 pm until 8 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley
Tuesday, November 25 from 5:30 pm until 8 pm at Michael's in Westlake

Ruffle yarns and ruffled scarves have become very popular recently. This is a chance to make your own ruffled scarf and get comfortable using these yarns. To get the look in the picture below, use Patons Pirouette, but you can use any ruffle yarn for this class, including (but not limited to) Red Heart Boutique Sashay, Premier Starbella and others. Once you get the hang of it, you'll want to try them all. (I know I did. Or at least I got pretty close.)

*This class is listed as "Discover Knit: Time for Knit" online.


Knit Slouchy Hat - $25
Prerequisites: Cast On, Knit Stitch, Purl Stitch, Bind Off

Saturday, November 22 from 3 pm until 5:30 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley

Sunday, November 23 from 2 pm until 4:30 pm at Michael's in Westlake

Wear this slouchy hat in a number of different ways, and you'll be right in fashion.

Knit Baby Hat and Booties - $25

Prerequisites: Cast On, Knit Stitch, Purl Stitch, Bind Off

Wednesday, October 8 from 5:30 pm until 8 pm at Michael's in Westlake
Thursday, October 9 from 5:30 pm until 8 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley
Tuesday, November 18 from 5:30 pm until 8 pm at Michael's in Westlake
Thursday, November 20 from 5:30 pm until 8 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley

Keep your favorite baby warm with this attractive hat and booties set. Makes a perfect gift, too.

Intermediate Classes

If you have the prerequisite skills, don't let these classes intimidate you. Everything you've learned so far has laid the foundation for skills like knitting with double-pointed needles and stranded colorwork, which are covered in these classes.

Knit Cup Cozies - $25

Prerequisites: Cast On, Knit Stitch, Purl Stitch, Bind Off*

Tuesday, October 28 from 5:30 pm until 8 pm at Michael's in Westlake

Thursday, October 30 from 5:30 pm until 8 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley
Wednesday, November 12 from 5:30 pm until 8 pm at Michael's in Westlake
Thursday, November 13 from 5:30 pm until 8 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley

Dress up your coffee or tea cup with one of these festive chevron cozies. Make several and give them as gifts!

Prerequisite Note: Increases (Make 1 or M1) and Decreases (Knit 2 Together or k2tog) are recommended prerequisites, but not required.

Kids Weaving Classes – Recommended for Age 7 and Up 

I'm offering classes for kids using Clover Weaving Sticks. When you use these weaving sticks, the “warp” yarn is thread through the holes at the bottom of the sticks, while the “weft” yarn is woven in between the sticks. It’s a twist on traditional weaving that is fun and quick.

Kids Weaving - Monsters - $15 

Friday, October 10 from 3:30 pm until 5 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley (October 10 is I Love Yarn Day, the perfect day to do some weaving!)

Monday, October 13 from 1 pm until 2:30 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley (Student Holiday for Austin Independent School District and Eanes Independent School District!)
Wednesday, October 22 from 1 pm until 2:30 pm at Michael's in Westlake (Early Release Day for students in Eanes Independent School District!)
Saturday October 25 from 3 pm until 4:30 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley
Wednesday, November 5 from 4:30 pm until 6 pm at Michael's in Westlake
Tuesday, November 11 from 12 pm until 1:30 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley (Student Holiday for Austin Independent School District!)

These wiggle-eyed monsters will be a child’s best friend and perfect for decorating a backpack.

Kids Weaving - Monster Scarves - $25* 

Friday, October 17 from 3:30 pm until 6 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley

Friday, October 24 from 1 pm until 3:30 pm at Michael's in Westlake (Early Release Day for students in Eanes Independent School District!)
Sunday, November 16 from 2 pm until 4:30 pm at Michael's in Westlake
Friday, November 21 from 4 pm until 6:30 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley

Kids will love this scarf with its fun monster mitts! (*Monster Scarf classes are more expensive than the other weaving classes, because the project is bigger and the class itself is an hour longer.)

Kids Weaving - Headband with Bow - $15 

Thursday, October 23 from 1 pm until 2:30 pm at Michael's in Westlake (Early Release Day for students in Eanes Independent School District!)

Saturday, November 15 from 2:30 pm until 4 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley
Wednesday, November 19 from 4:30 pm until 6 pm at Michael's in Westlake

Choose your favorite yarn colors and wrap it around four weaving sticks to create this eye-catching headband and bow.

Rainbow Loom Monster Tail Classes* – Recommended for Age 7 and Up

From the makers of Rainbow Loom, the Monster Tail is here! Bring your Monster Tail loom, hook and rubber bands in the colors of your choice. Taking classes in order is suggested, especially if you are not familiar with either the Rainbow Loom or the Monster Tail, but it is not required.

* I only teach Rainbow Loom at the Sunset Valley location. Contact the Westlake store to find out more about classes at that location. They have an excellent Rainbow Loom teacher in Westlake.

Monster Tail 1 - Squared Fishtail Bracelet - $5

Saturday, October 25 from 5 pm until 6 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley

Friday, November 7 from 5 pm until 6 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley

Friday, November 14 from 4 pm until 5 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley

Once you learn how to make this basic bracelet, you can create different looks just by changing the placement of colors. Beginners should start with this class, but anyone is welcome.

Monster Tail 2 - Triple Fishtail Bracelet - $5

Monday, October 13 from 3 pm until 4 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley (Student Holiday for Austin Independent School District and Eanes Independent School District!)

Thursday, October 30 from 4 pm until 5 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley

Tuesday, November 11 from 2 pm until 3 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley (Student Holiday for Austin Independent School District!)

If you are comfortable with the regular fishtail on either the Rainbow Loom or the Monster Tail, you are probably ready to make this bracelet.

Monster Tail 3 - Zipper Pull - $5

Friday, October 24 from 5 pm until 6 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley

Saturday, November 15 from 4:30 pm until 5:30 pm at Michael's in Sunset Valley

You should be somewhat comfortable with either the Monster Tail or the original Rainbow Loom before taking this class. In addition to bringing the Monster Tail loom, hook and rubber bands, you will need to bring a keyring or hook and the beads of your choice. (The beads don’t have to be alphabet beads, but make sure they have a hole that is big enough to put the rubber bands through.)

Things to Remember About Signing Up for Classes

• You need to sign up for classes and pay ahead of time. You can sign up for classes both in store and online. The links above should take you to the proper page for signing up for that class.
• Ideally, you should try to sign up at least 24 hours before the class starts. When there is less than 24 hours left before the class, you won't be able to sign up online anymore. However, I usually accept in-store sign ups until the morning of the class, or sometimes as late as a couple of hours before the class. However, signing up at least 24 hours before the class is the only way to truly guarantee you a spot.
• You can always get 10% off your class materials by showing your receipt and syllabus for the class to the cashier when you check out. (Rainbow Loom/Monster Tail materials are not included.)
• I take requests! If you want to take a class, but it isn't at a convenient time,  you want to take a different class from the Discover Knit program or if you want to learn a skill that isn't covered in the courses, let me know. I can probably accommodate you.
• Always feel free to contact me about anything related to the classes, including materials for the class, the curriculum or any basic questions about knitting in general. My e-mail is sallyvillarreal AT gmail DOT com . You can also e-mail me to get on my mailing list. Every month I e-mail next month's schedule to everyone on the list.

Thanks for checking out my classes. See you in the classroom!