Classes

BEGINNING KNITTING

Mon. 5/26, 6/2, 6/9, 6/16, 6:30-8:00 p.m. Marla Dawson
Wed. 6/11, 6/18, 6/25, 7/2,  6:30-8:00 Marla Dawson

Tues. 7/8, 7/15, 7/22, 7/29, 6:00-7:70 Nancy Lightfoot

Now is the time to fulfill your wish to become a knitter.  We guarantee that this intro to knitting class will change your life.  You have always wanted to knit, and here is your chance to learn.  It is easy, fun, and the projects are endless.  Join the movement for of most popular hobby in the US...Knitting!
Fee: $50. (includes Teach Yourself to Knit book...value $9.95)
 
INTERMEDIATE KNITTING

Wed. 5/21, 5/28, 6/4, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Marla Dawson

Wed. 7/9, 7/16, 7/23, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Marla Dawson
This class is designed for the student who has completed a Beginning Knitting class, or who has basic knowledge of knitting and wants to expand their technical skills.  You will learn how to read a knitting pattern, several new stitches, knitting in the round (which is great for knitting hats) and much more.
Fee: $45.

DANCING WITH THE SCARVES 
A CONTINUING KNITTING DESIGN SERIES TO MAKE BEAUTIFUL SCARVES WITH EACH "DANCE" AND TO LEARN THE TECHNIQUES NEEDED TO PERFECT EACH STEP IN THE CONSTRUCTION.

DANCE #3  -  The Highland Schottische
Saturday 7/19, 9-12:30  Judith Smith-Ille
Third in the scarf series is the synchronization of using the twists and turns using of one of the most beautiful knitting movements  -  cables.  This scarf is suitable for men, women and children and is completely reversible which is unusual for an item knitted with cables.  The Highland Schottische scarf can be any length, using yarn and needle size of choice.  This is a good time though to use a DK weight to really work on the rhythm and timing of knitting perfect cables and working with smaller needles.  We’ll learn the German long tail knotless cast on, hiding the cast on tail, cable knitting and how to tweak a cable to avoid holes in the fabric, knotless yarn joins, fringe with substance (if desired), perfect edges and how to correct them, cast off alternatives, blocking your finished scarf and other cable rhythms with this Highland Schottische pattern.  Printed materials will be provided for all techniques.  Please bring a cable needle, yarn and needles for your scarf and some scrap worsted and size 7 or 8 needles for a sample bookmark to get you started knitting cables.  You will use this creative pattern over and over again for gifts for family and friends! 
Fee:  $40.

ON YOUR TOES!
Toe up socks (2 at a time on 1 40 inch needle)
Socks are finished together and identical!
Sat. 6/7, 6/14, 6/21, 12 p.m.-4 p.m.  Judith Smith-Ille
starting at the toe you will learn how to knit the magic loop method of circular knitting to make a pair of socks designed for your feet.  Knitting on one 40" needle is a clever technique that can be used for sleeves, mittens, fingerless gloves, wristies, headbands or any project that requires circular knitting.  No more struggling with 4 to 5 double pointed needles and starting at the toe you won't have to worry about running out of yarn.  You will learn the anatomy of a sock, how to get a perfect fit for any size foot, German long tail cast-on, horizontal closed cast on, double thread and YO increase, Russian rock and roll, seamless yarn joins, gussets, short row marked heel, optional cast offs and blocking.  Supplies needed are sock yarn of your choice (suggest worsted weight for your first pair with this technique) and appropriate 40 inch Addi (straight shaft) needle.  Printed detailed instructions provided.  Basic knitting skills required, but prior sock experience not necessary.  All supplies are available at Yarns Unlimited.  We'll have more time in class if you have your yarn in two balls  -  one ball for each sock.
Fee:  $60.
 
BEGINNER'S INTENSIVE SESSION  -  LEARN TO KNIT IN AN AFTERNOON
Sat. 7/12,  9-12 a.m.  Judith Smith-Ille
No previous experience in knitting required for this class or for those who might need a refresher course.  By the end of the class you will have the confidence to start the first knitting project of your choice.  Printed instructions will be provided.  Materials needed are worsted weight yarn and a pair of straight or circular needles size 7 or 8.  It is easier for beginners to learn on the shorter straight needles.  You may purchase the items in the shop prior to the start of class.  Left handers welcome as the teacher is a leftie and knits both ways.  You'll also learn some great knitting tips and techniques time permitting.  If you need to purchase yarn, you might pick a worsted weight yarn in a color you would like to use for making a scarf.  We'll get you started right away.
Fee:  $35.
 
LEARN AND PERFECT YOUR CAST-ON FOR SMOOTH BEGINNINGS  -  Skill Builder Workshop
Sat. 7/12, 1-3 p.m., Judith Smith-Ille
We'll do the German long tail cast-on (either right or left handed) and get off to a smooth cast on beginning with just the right tension.  With just the flick of the finger you will learn the twisted version for a tighter edge.  We'll learn a little trick for yarn measuring and one for that pesky yarn tail.  This cast-on is the most popular cast-on in knitting today because it gives a nice smooth and even foundation to the beginning of the knitted item.  Bring worsted weight yarn and straight needles size 7, 8 or 9.  Printed material provided for every technique.
Fee:  $20.
 
PERFECT EDGES EVERY TIME FOR SCARVES AND EVERYTHING!  -  Skill Builder Workshop
Sat. 7/12, 4-5 p.m., Judith Smith-Ille
Do the edges of your scarves look messy or bumpy?  We'll fix that problem in this class and your scarves, table runners or anything flat will look perfect!  Smooth neat edges are extremely helpful too for sweater sides to avoid lumps in the seams.  Bring worsted weight yarn and straight needles size 7 or 8.  Printed material provided for the techniques.
Fee:  $10.
 
JOINING YARNS THE EASY WAY  -  Skill Builder Workshop
Sat. 7/19, 1 to 2 p.m., Judith Smith-Ille
This workshop will help you take the struggle out of joining yarns.  Never again will you worry about where to change yarn, in the middle of a row or at the edge, and no more weaving in of ends.  These joining methods will also help you with those dreaded knots in the yarn skeins.  These techniques are one of the most important things you can do to improve the quality of your knitting.  Printed material provided for these magical techniques.
Fee:  $10.
 

SOCKS FROM A-Z
Tues. 6/3, 6/10, 6/17,  6:00-8:00, Nancy Lightfoot
All levels of sock knitters are welcome to this class.  Those who have never knit socks before will be inspired to begin this addictive hobby.   Anyone who loves to knit socks and wants a design challenge is welcome as well.  Sock knitting is portable and satisfying, and it great to do year 'round.
Fee: $35.

LACE KNITTING

Thurs. 6/12, 6/19, 6/26, 6:30-8:30, Carol Voelker

Make a lace knit scarf or begin a luxurious shawl with the guidance of a fine lace knitter.  It is not as hard as it looks, and you can create a beautiful heirloom piece.  We have gorgeous alpaca, bamboo, hand dyed rayon, and silk and mohair lace weight yarns to choose from.

Fee: $35.

KNITTED BEADED BAMBOO SCARF
Thurs. 5/22, 5/29, 6/5,  6:30-8:30, Judy Vitaliano
Stop by the shop and see the ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS beaded, knitted scarf created by Judy Vitaliano.  Using pony beads for translucence and for weight, this project is not at all difficult and the results are truly magnificent.

 Fee: $35.
 

CROCHET 101
Tues. 6/24, 7/1,  6-7:30 p.m. Nancy Lightfoot
Crochet is having a contemporary resurgence, and interest in learning how to crochet is high at Yarns Unlimited.  This class is for the absolute beginner, and so that you too can become a "Happy Hooker".  Sign up today, and learn what the hype is all about with Nancy's careful instructions and assistance. 
Fee: $35. (Textbook included in class price)

FELT THAT BAG

Thurs. 5/29, 6/5, 6/12, 6/26, Jennifer Peterson

Knitted and felted bags are all the rage these days.  Large or small, fancy or plain, there is a design and skill level for everyone.  All you need to know is basic knitting skills and we will have a pattern and yarn that will match your "purse-anality"!

Fee: $45.
 
TWO COLOR WORKSHOP
Sat. 6/21,, 10:30-12:30,  Carolynne Gieryn
In just two hours you can learn the tricks of two color knitting.  It is easy and will push your knitting to a new level. Whether you are interested in hats, sweaters, or mittens this workshop will start you on your way.  Stop by By Hand Gallery and see the beautiful sweaters an d hats that Carolynne creates with her techniques.
Fee: $22. (materials included)
 
LOOM WEAVING
Thurs. 6/5, 6/12, 6/19, 6/26,, 6:00-8:00 p.m., Suzanne Halvorson
Hand loom weaving is an art that is finding a new voice.  This class for both beginners and intermediate weavers will introduce you to the joys of creating scarves, table runners, and much more o n four harness floor looms at Yarns Unlimited.  Intermediate students will learn about working with pattern, while beginners will focus on color, texture an d plain weave.  Sign up early, as space is limited to 6 students.
Fee: $75. per month long session (includes use of loom in the shop, materials extra)

DOUBLEWEAVE SCARF

Thurs. 7/17, 7/24, 7/31, 608 p.m. Suzanne Halvorson

This class is an extended version of Suzanne's popular doubleweave workshop.  It is designed for anyone who has taken Loom Weaving at Yarns Unlimited or who has basic weaving skills. You can use a Yarns Unlimited loom for this class.  All that is required is a willingness to explore color and design, and the interest in creating a unique doublewoven scarf.

Fee: $65. 
 
KIDS KNITTING 
Session 1: Tues. 5/6, 5/13, 5/20, 5/27,  4:30-6, Andrea Golden

Session 2: Tues. 6/3, 6/10, 6/17, 6/24,  4:30-6, Andrea Golden
(ages 8-12)
This class is for young knitters from ages eight to twelve, and welcomes beginners and continuing students alike.   It is designed to be flexible and most of all fun!  During the course of the four week session, students will work on projects of their own choosing, selected with the help of the instructor, and based on the student's individualized interest and skill-level.  Price of the class includes one skein of yarn and one pair of knitting needles.
Fee:  $35. (note:  you child can join any time and the class fee is good for any 4 classes)

NEEDLE TATTING

Wed. 6/4, 6/11, 6/18, 6/25, 6-8 p.m., Stephen Bowman

Needle tatting is a technique that creates a form of lacemaking invented by sailors on the old wooden sailing ships over 200 years ago. Help us to revive an almost lost art form.  You will be making medallions and a tatted edging to be attached to a hankie or any piece of fine cloth.

Fee: $40.

KIDS FIBER CAMP

June 23, 24, 26, 27, 9:00-Noon

Andrea Golden

Yarns Unlimited will be having a Kid's Fiber Camp with Andrea Golden the last week of June for children ages 8-12.  Andrea is our very popular Kid's Knitting teacher.  Every morning the class will begin with knitting, and each day the campers will learn a new fiber art technique.  Needle felting, Friendship Bracelets, 

Weaving, and more.  Families with more than one child will get a discount for the second child.

Fee:  $60. Second child  $45. (Includes all supplies

and a mid morning snack).

NEEDLE FELTED SONG BIRDS
Sat. 6/14, 1-4 p.m. Instructor:  Andrea Golden
Spring is in the air, and the songs of nesting birds give us hope and joy.  Come join Andrea for a workshop creating a delightful needle felting first time project while creating a songbird of your choice.  This is a chance to learn a new technique that will open up a whole variety of creative options for you.  If you've never heard of needle felting before, you are in for a treat.  Needle felting is a dry felting process that allows you to create three dimensional form using a barbed needle and carded wool.  
Fee: $30. (includes materials and the use of our tools)

SPINNING
Sat. 7/12, 7/19, 7/26,  1-4 p.m., Sarah Noggle
This class is designed help you in learning the basics of spinning on a wheel.  Take a wheel home between classes to practice, and enjoy the ancient process of creating wool yarn.  There is nothing more gratifying than mastering a new skill, and once you "get it" you will love it!  Sign up soon as class is limited to 4, unless you have your own wheel.
Fee:  $45. 
 
RIGID HEDDLE WEAVING WORKSHOP (all levels)
Sat. 6/14, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., John Salamone
In yarn shops across the country Rigid Heddle weaving has taken off like a rocket!  You can use any knitting yarn to create a beautiful and fast hand-woven scarf.   Use our looms or bring your own...you will be sure to enjoy the scarf you make and hopefully be hooked and want to make many more.  This class is for both beginning and intermediate Rigid Heddle Loom weavers.
Fee: $50. (10% discount on loom purchased while taking class)
 

MONDAY NIGHT DROP IN KNITTING

Every Monday Night, 6-8 p.m., Nancy Lightfoot

This is a great opportunity for you to get personalized help from a master knitter.  In addition to getting expert instruction on a current project, or inspired assistance in beginning a new one, the social aspect is delightful as well.  This is a great way to meet other Bloomington Knitters and to treat yourself to a night out just for knitting.   No need to pre-register, but we do ask that you arrive no later than 6:30. 

Fee: $5.

 
SPECIAL THANKS TO THOSE OF YOU WHO JOINED US FOR THE HABU TRUNK SHOW.   IT WAS AN OVERWHELMING SUCCESS!!!!  YOUR KITS WILL BE IN ANY DAY NOW.

REGULAR FIBER ARTS EVENTS
 
Stitch and Chat at Barnes and Noble, The last Tues. of each month at 7:30 p.m. Free   This is for anyone wanting knitting help and conversation ....see you there! 
 
Bloomington Spinners and Weaver's Guild meets on the 3rd Monday 7 p.m. St. Thomas Lutheran Church at Smith Road and East Third Street.  Note:  May is the last meeting until September.  It is the annual Guild Auction, so bring in left over yarn and equipment to sell.  10% goes to the Guild. 
 
First Sunday Spinners at the Ellettsville Library starting at 1 p.m.
 
COMMUNITY SERVICE  

Knitting for the Shalom Center.  Our friend Enid has created a marvelous opportunity to help those in need of warm hand knitted items in our own community.  Please use this summer as a time to knit for a good cause.  We have flyers at the shop with more details, and you may use Yarns Unlimited as drop off place for you hats, scarves, mittens, etc. for the Shalom Center.
 
Women's Prison yarn drop-off site.  Please clean out your closets and support "The best therapy the women prisoners get".  They are knitting for Alzheimer’s patients and have knit over 200 afghans.  Everybody wins.
 
The "Brown County Loop Group"  at the Brown County Public Library is looking for wool yarn to use in a charity project they are working on.  If you have any scrap balls that you don't know what to do with,  they'd love to have them. (must be at least 80% wool).   There will be a basket provided at Yarns Unlimited for yarn and needle collection.
 

BY HAND GALLERY
Local fine crafts as well as nationally known artists are represented in the unique gallery.  Yarns Unlimited and By Hand gallery are Celebrating 29  years (along with Yarns Unlimited) for the finest in yarn buying and gift giving in Bloomington.  Remember By Hand for Birthday, Anniversary, Father’s Day and Wedding Gifts.  By Hand Gallery is located just down the hall from Yarns Unlimited inside Fountain Square Mall. 
 
Suzanne Halvorson will be teaching the following workshop:  "Sacred and Secular Strip Weaving"  at the Grunewald Guild in the gorgeous setting of the Cascade Mountains at: www.artfaith.com,  July 7-13.  Please join her for this special weaving experience.  
 
Don't leave home without a knitting project...make sure that Yarns Unlimited is your last stop before your trip.  Take along a sock knitting project for the car and yes, for the beach!  New sock yarns are coming in weekly.