All of my programs are designed to enhance physical, mental, and emotional wellness of all who participate. Each program consists of a series of classes that are equal parts learning experience and social interaction. I offer these programs to a variety of communities including cancer centres, churches, and knitting shops. The frequency and length of classes are customized to meet the specific needs of each community. Detailed descriptions of these programs are below.
Level 1 : Knitting Basics for Beginners
The goal of this class is to give participants the tools and techniques needed to complete a basic project from beginning to end. We’ll start by introducing your hands to the needles and your fingers to the yarn. It can be clunky at first, but you will soon discover a natural rhythm that is uniquely your own.
The techniques you will learn include making a slip knot, casting on, the knit stitch, the purl stitch, binding off, and weaving in ends.
“Homework” for this class is to make a 6” x 6” square of any knit/purl design you’d like. Participants may keep their squares or donate them to make a blanket for a community member in need, or to The Odette Cancer Centre in Toronto for patient use during chemo.
Level 2 : Swatch Sampler : Advanced Beginner
This class is designed as a skill builder for some of the most common knitting techniques. Participants will make three swatches that focus on sizing, striping, slipping, and shaping. Knitters will also learn how to read basic patterns and transform a variety of instructions into a completed project.
These swatches are perfect for using up small amounts of leftover yarn, and only require a few hours to complete, making them ideal for knitting during chemo treatments. There are several swatch designs to choose from ranging in difficulty from easy one colour designs, to more challenging multiple colour patterns.
“Homework” for this class is to make a 6” x 6” square of any swatch design you’d like. Participants may keep their squares or donate them to make a blanket for a community member in need, or to The Odette Cancer Centre in Toronto for patient use during chemo.
Level 2 : Circular Knitting : Advanced Beginner
This class is a natural next step for beginner knitters. Participants will learn basic pattern reading, knitting in the round using double pointed needles, and increasing and decreasing. We will also explore different yarn fibre types and how to choose the correct yarn for your project.
“Homework” for this class is to make a “knitted knocker.” These knockers will be donated to breast cancer survivors who have undergone mastectomies. This simple project can be completed in one or two sittings, making it a perfect choice for group knitting, or for knitting during chemo.
To learn more about this initiative, visit the Knitted Knocker Canada website.
Level 3 : Shawl Basics : Intermediate
In this class knitters will make the Drachenfels Shawl designed by cancer survivor Melanie Berg. Participants will learn slightly more advanced skills and invest in a long term project.
Knitters will learn how to read an advanced pattern, how to map out a pattern, and how to choose the right colour combinations for your project.
The Drachenfels shawl is just challenging enough to keep the mind engaged without being overwhelmed. It will take several sittings to complete, making it a wonderful project to work on over the course of multiple chemo treatments. This pattern includes a complimentary “Row Map”, and was the inspiration for all row maps in the Melanie Berg collection.
Participants are encouraged to donated their completed shawl to a friend, or family member in need. They may also be donated to The Odette Cancer Centre in Toronto.