Classes

Here is a partial list of classes offered at the studio. We are happy to offer customized classes and private lessons; in fact, most lessons Shannon teaches are private or semi-private in order to accommodate her students’ schedules and needs. If you’d like to be in the loop for upcoming class schedules and more, join our mailing list.

• knitting (including, but not limited to: sweater design, basic knitting, design-your-own-X, short rows and other ways to fit your body)
• felting (wet felting, nuno felting, needlefelting, recycled felting)
• spinning (hands-on, help with technique, etc — we have a number of wheels and spindles you can test-drive)
• sewing techniques used for other crafts (using sewing patterns to draft handknits, lining knitted bags, more…)
• embroidery (freestyle, cross-stitch, alternate materials and techniques such as embroidering on knits…)
• [you name it] — feel free to ask and we can customize a class or topic for you!

Can’t get to the Studio? We now offer online classes, too. The classes will be taught using online chat (no particular instant messaging software required), video, PDF handouts, and discussions in an online forum where you can also ask questions at any time. The videos are recorded in advance of each class session, though additional videos may be added to answer specific student questions. Email info [at] knitgrrlstudio [dot] com to sign up, or become a member of the Knitgrrl Ning network where the classes are taught.

Get Published!

Have you always wanted to write a book? Now’s your chance!

Description: Whether you want to submit your work to large publishers or do it yourself, Knitgrrl Studio owner Shannon Okey has the insider knowledge to help you succeed! Author of 12 major-publisher books and owner of Cooperative Press, which has been publishing craft-related titles since 2007 (including forthcoming title The Knitgrrl Guide To Professional Knitwear Design: How to Keep Your Knits About You), Okey reveals the processes behind:

• building a successful book proposal
• brainstorming a book: discovering what you have to offer the market
• publishing it yourself for greater profit and control
• finding a printer or an appropriate print solution

and many other topics of interest to creative people of all kinds, not just crafters. This class will be held online, not at Knitgrrl Studio.

Class begins 29 March. $85.

Marketing & Branding

Started first week of March: late students accepted. $75. If you’re a small business owner, particularly in a creative field, you need to stand out. Make an investment in yourself AND your business!

Sweater Design

Description: Using Shannon’s ‘treasure map’ technique, which she’s used to teach dozens of knitters how to find their own inner designer, you will learn how to design your own dream sweaters, sized to fit YOU, working with the yarn and knitting techniques you like to use. We’ll primarily examine both top-down raglan and bottom up one-piece fitted sleeve construction, though other construction methods will be discussed if there is interest. Students can knit a miniaturized version of an adult sweater OR a full-sized sweater depending on their preference and personal knitting speed.
You will receive: all necessary handouts for the class, a copy of Shannon’s patterns Exploded View and Copine, online support directly from Shannon.
Materials needed: Will be discussed in the first week of class, each student will use their own chosen yarn. If you have no strong preferences, a skein of Cascade 220 is a good starting point.
Class elements include: Making your map. Elements of a sweater. Measuring and fit. Making gauge work for you. Choosing appropriate styling and features. The upper bodice and sleeve cap. Eliminating bulk and creating flattering silhouettes. Bust and midsection. Waist shaping. Using cables and other elements for function as well as beauty. Sleeves and finishing techniques.
Price: $45
Registration limit: 20

Fashion Illustration

Description: Learn how to draw/create powerful illustrations to accompany your pattern proposals for magazines and books, as well as for your own self-published patterns. Get additional tips and tricks for editorial success from Shannon, who waded through thousands of such proposals as the editor of a monthly UK-based print knitting magazine.
You will receive: all materials needed for class instruction as well as illustration samples you can use for your own proposals if you like.
Materials needed: will be discussed during the first week of class as we explore different types of image creation.
Price: $65
Registration limit: 15

Felt Tricks

Description: Whether you’re a beginning or an experienced felter, learn tips and tricks previously only available in Shannon’s in-person classes. Create a one of a kind hat using multiple techniques and make other projects according to your preferences.
You will receive: a copy of Shannon’s Reboux hat pattern and all materials needed for instruction.
Materials needed: feltable yarn and US #8 12” or 16” circular needle, needlefelting needles (singles and/or Clover needlefelting tool), bubble wrap, cotton waste yarn, wool roving, more… we will discuss during background information the first week of class.
Week one: Felt basics and background. How does it all work?
Week two: Knit and shrink felting.
Week three: Wet and nuno felting.
Week four: Recycled felting and incorporating multiple techniques.
Price: $50
Registration limit: 20

Knitgrrl Tricks

Description: Steeking, provisional cast on, hiding shaping with decorative elements, using needlefelting for practical as well as functional purposes,
You will receive: pattern for class project (a felted bag) and all other instructional materials.
Materials needed: feltable (wool) yarn, US #8 12” or 16” circular needle, cotton waste yarn, 5mm or similarly sized crochet hook, sewing machine (optional), needlefelting needles, buttons and zippers…etc. We’ll discuss this prior to class start date.
Price: $45
Registration limit: 20

Use Sewing Patterns As Knit Templates

Description: An all-day workshop (starting at 11:00 a.m. Eastern and continuing until 11:00 p.m.) with specific chat times and assignments scheduled according to the number of students in each time zone.
You will receive: a print copy of Shannon’s book AlterNation, all PDFs and other learning material.
Materials needed: Denim, corduroy or other similarly-styled jacket (check thrift stores if you don’t have one on hand). Alternately, an old sweater or denim shirt will suffice for practice. Lighter colors are better. Ruler. Pencil or Sharpie. 2 skeins of your chosen yarn.
First session: Saturday 6 February, all day
Second session: Sunday 21 February, all day
Price: $25
Registration limit: 25