What’s Next: A Christmas Stocking Class (That’s Really a Sock-Knitting Class in Disguise)

After a fantastic (and very full!) weekend of teaching and socializing at Rhinebeck, I’m looking forward to what’s next. And that, if you are wondering, is a series of classes that I’m teaching outside of any festival or event. I’ve decided to try putting on a class on my own, which will allow me to tailor the class to what I’m hearing students want: A little more time to look at and practice their knitting; the ability to review/watch the class video again; support from me all the way through a new project; and an opportunity to form a community with their fellow students.

I’ve designed a three-part sock-knitting workshop that will incorporate all those things. It’ll be a live class, but I’ll record it so you can go back and review it (or catch up if you have to miss a session). We’ll have a group on social media where you can ask questions of me or each other as you work through the project. And we’ll have enough time that you can complete the entire (small) project.

This class, called my Christmas Sock-ing Class, will teach you to knit toe-up socks … disguised as a miniature Christmas stocking. 

Stockings have all the same parts as socks, but you only have to make one, and it doesn’t have to fit anybody. At the end of the workshop series, you’ll know everything you need to make toe-up socks on your own, in any size, without a pattern (but I’ll give you a pattern anyway). Plus, you’ll have a beautiful Christmas ornament just in time for your holiday decorating. 

This series will cover the skills I normally teach in three of my Socks Skills classes, plus a few extras. You’ll learn:

• Casting on invisibly for toe-up socks
• Making decisions about size for any foot
• Short row heels
• Shadow-wrap short rows
• No-jog stripes in the round
• Tricks for better ribbing
• Stretchy bind-offs
• I-Cord

Along the way, you’ll get to make lots of fun choices about your stocking. Do you want it to stripe? Have a contrasting heel or toe? I’ll show you how. Do you prefer a ribbed top, or reverse stockinette? It’s yours to decide! 

These live classes will be conducted via Zoom and you will get the most out of them if you can attend them all, but I will make recordings of the classes available to registered students through Dec 31, 2020 in case you have to miss one of the sessions or just want a review. 

Dates: Tuesdays, November 10, 17, and 24 · 8-9:30pm EST / 5-6:30pm PST

Cost: $75 – includes access to the live class and recordings, between-class support, and pattern. Does not include materials.

Materials: Tina of Tina’s Toasty Toes has made up lovely (but optional) kits for us. Each limited-edition kit will contain two 50g mini skeins of hand-dyed 100% Peruvian Highland wool in your choice of two colors – choose from among red, green, or natural. (That’s enough yarn to make at least two stocking ornaments.) Kits cost $15 plus shipping and will be available through her site; you must order by October 31 to guarantee that you will receive your materials in time for class. If you prefer to use your own yarn, you will need about 50 yards of worsted weight yarn in two colors: 30 yards of the main color and 20 yards of contrast color. You will receive ordering information for the kits shortly after registering.

Needles and Notions: You will need needles suitable for working in the round (dpns, two circulars, magic loop, etc.) one size smaller than you usually use for worsted weight yarn, tapestry needle, scissors, and stitch markers.

What to Expect: You will receive ordering information for the yarn (if you wish to order it) shortly after registration. You will receive the rest of the class instructions (pattern, Zoom logon, and information for our social media-based support group) around November 1. Be sure to register using an email address you check regularly so you’ll see these updates. 

The classes will be conducted via Zoom. You can access Zoom via free download able app or through their website. It is not necessary to have a Zoom account in order to participate.

Cancellation Policy: Classes are refund-eligible, minus a 10% processing fee, if cancelled by Oct 31, 2020. After October 31, no refunds will be issued.