Classes & Events at River Knits Fine Yarns Shop

Classes at River Knits

Instructor Amanda Gill teaches knitting in the round.

Class Policies

Payment reserves your space in the class. If you cannot attend the class, a full refund will be given if you notify us any time prior to one week before the start date of the class. No refunds or rain checks will be given after the one week cutoff date.
Materials for classes at River Knits must be purchased at River Knits so that we can remain in business to keep offering you more great classes!
Classes may be cancelled at the instructor’s discretion if minimum enrollment is not reached.
Knitting Survival Kit – In addition to the specific materials required for your class, it is helpful to bring a “basic knitting kit” with you to most classes beyond Knit Basics. This kit should include a small pair of scissors, stitch markers, stitch holders, a crochet hook, a darning needle, pencil and “post-its”, and a tape measure. Having these basic supplies on hand before class starts helps you have more time to learn from the instructor during class.** (Plus your teachers really like the following: Amanda – York Peppermint Patties; Michelle – dark chocolate covered cherries; Heather – Cheetos.)

Course River Knits

Knitting Crash Course at River Knits

*Materials for classes taught at River Knits must be purchased at River Knits*
765-742-KNIT

JANUARY
Reading Patterns and Charts
Thursday, January 7, 6-8 pm
Instructor: Heather Wenig
You’ve heard it—reading is FUNdamental—and it’s as true in knitting as it is in elementary schools and public service announcements. J We’ll have fun learning to read and translate patterns and charts…with games and prizes!!
Materials: notebook, pen/pencil, pattern that tempts you
Cost: $15

Help Session
Saturday, January 9, 10am-12pm
Instructor: Heather Wenig
Want to learn a new skill but there isn’t a class on the schedule for that skill? Do you have a project on the needles that is causing you stress? Need a little help understanding a pattern? A Help Session can help!
Cost: $15

Year-Long Afghan
Second Tuesday of the Month, 7-9 pm
Instructor: Amanda Gill
This is a wonderful series of classes for any knitter who wants to expand his or her repertoire. Each month, we’ll cover something new. From cables to lace, Fair Isle to mitered squares, we’ll cover a wide range of techniques. This class is set up like previous voucher classes. You can sign up for one or all 12 or as many as you’d like. For more extensive information about this class, please see the info sheet, available at River Knits
Materials: See info sheet and pattern.
Cost: $15 per session
$12.50 per session when you sign up for all 12 at once! That’s a $30 savings!

Felted Clogs
Thursdays, January 14, 21, 28; 6-8 pm
Instructor: Heather Wenig
These clogs are fast and easy….once you get one under your belt. J Great for gifts or for warming your own frozen Indiana toes. This pattern will introduce new knitters to techniques like short row shaping and the three needle bind off, as well as offering challenge to experienced knitters.
Materials: Fiber Trends Felt Clog pattern,, 550-850 yds of worsted weight yarn (see pattern sizes for more info), size 13 24” circular needle, spare circular needle in smaller size, row counter, stitch markers
Cost: $45

Christmas 2010 Gift #1: Multidirectional Scarf
Saturday, January 16; 10am-12 pm
Instructor: Heather Wenig
If your house is anything like mine in December, the folks around you get tired of hearing how behind you are on your Christmas knitting! This year, let’s get a head start together. Each month we will work on a project that makes a great gift for the people on our lists.
Materials: Ann Norling Short Row Multidirectional Scarf pattern, 200 yards of worsted weight self striping yarn, size 7 needles
Cost: $15

Dead Fish Hat
Saturdays, January 23, 30 10 am-12 pm
Instructor: Heather Wenig
The Dead Fish Hat has been a big, big hit with my kids and their friends—who will you make yours for? This is a unique pattern and is a great project for using left over yarns.
Materials: size 7 16”circular needle, set of 5 size 7 double pointed needles, stitch markers, white felt, white sewing thread, tapestry needle, black yarn or embroidery floss, sewing needles with large and small eyes, 350-400 yds worsted weight yarn, pattern must be printed off by participants: http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEwinter08/PATTfishy.php
Cost: $30

Ruffled (or not) Wrist Warmers
Tuesdays, January 26, February 2, 7-9pm
Instructor: Amanda Gill
Wrist warmers, cuffs, and fingerless mitts are everywhere. But don’t go out and buy them! Make your own! The pattern we’ll use gives you lots of options, with a variety of styles and yarn weights.
Materials: more information to come soon. Pattern will be provided
Cost: $30

Sock Club
Instructor: Michelle Ogden
Sock club is a meeting of sock-minded individuals. It is not a class but a club. Michelle will be available for pointers and tips and problems with specific patterns But this is not a beginning sock knitting class. Participants should be reasonably comfortable knitting basic socks as a prerequisite for attending. (If you have never knit a sock before please attend a basic sock knitting class or a help session.) If you love to knit socks and want to share your enthusiasm with others who feel likewise, this is the club for you. Cost: Free
DATES
Jan. 30 (Cornucopia pattern)

FEBRUARY
Beginning Sock Knitting
Thursdays, February 4, 11, 18, 25, 6-8 pm
Instructor: Heather Wenig
Many of you know it is my personal goal to convert the world to sock knitting—here’s your chance to join the movement! Socks are inexpensive, portable, warm and extremely giftable. You know you want to! Join the Sock Knitters! J
Materials: pattern “Heather’s Starter Sock”, 350-400 yds sport weight yarn, size 2 double pointed needles, row counter, tape measure, tapestry needle
Cost: $60

Beginning Knitting
Saturday, February 6 10 am-12 pm
Instructor: Heather Wenig
This is a class for those who want to learn the basics of knitting. We will cover casting on, the knit stitch, the purl stitch and binding off. If you already know how to knit and would just like information about specific techniques, brushing up on your skills or reading patterns, please attend a Help Session.
Materials: one skein of Lamb’s Pride Bulky in a light color, size 10 ½ bamboo needles Cost: $15

Help Session
Saturday, February 13, 10am-12pm
Instructor: Heather Wenig
Want to learn a new skill but there isn’t a class on the schedule for that skill? Do you have a project on the needles that is causing you stress? Need a little help understanding a pattern? A Help Session can help!
Cost: $15

Toe-Up Socks (Not Short Rows!)
Tuesday, February 16, 23, March 2; 7-9 pm
Instructor: Amanda Gill
Socks are the hottest knitting project around! Using Judy’s Magic Cast On and a really cool heel turn that looks like a traditional heel flap, this pattern is a fun new approach to toe-up socks. Plus, you can just knit until you run out of yarn! (This is not the short-row toe and heel that has been taught in previous toe-up socks classes.)
Materials: Worsted weight yarn, Set of 5 US size 4 double-pointed needles (if you tend to knit loosely use size 3 needles), pattern provided.
Cost: $45

Christmas 2010 Gift #2: Mary Jane Slippers
Saturday, February 20; 10 am-12 pm
Instructor: Heather Wenig
If your house is anything like mine in December, the folks around you get tired of hearing how behind you are on your Christmas knitting! This year, let’s get a head start together. Each month we will work on a project that makes a great gift for the people on our lists.
Materials: Ann Norling pattern “Mary Jane Slippers”, 200 yds worsted weight yarn, needle size to get 4.5 st/inch in garter stitch, safety pin type stitch marker, tape measure
Homework: work gauge swatch in garter stitch (knit every row) to determine appropriate needle size
Cost: $15

MARCH

Your Very First Sweater
Thursdays, March 4,11,18,25, 6-8 pm
Instructor: Heather Wenig
Are you ready to try a sweater for yourself? This pattern knits up quickly in bulky yarn and you can try it on as you go, making it easy to check for sleeve length and sweater length. Because it is seamless there is little finishing to do, making it a great first sweater!
Materials: Knitting Pure & Simple Bulky Neckdown Pullover for for Women, yarn and needles as described in pattern, stitch markers, tape measure, post it notes
Homework: work gauge swatch
Cost: $60

Design Your Own Socks
Saturdays, March 6, 13, 20, 1-3 pm
It can be easier than you think to design your own sock pattern by combining the basic sock recipe with patterns and stitch combinations from a stitch dictionary. Join us!
Materials: notebook, stitch dictionary, you can use any yarn/needle combination as long as you have determined your gauge before class, basic sock recipe pattern will be provided by instructor.
Homework: choose 2-3 stitch patterns you’d like to try in a sock pattern, work a swatch in the round to determine your gauge
Cost $45

Christmas 2010 Gift #3: Felted Bowls (to fill with goodies!)
Saturday, March 20; 10 am-12 pm
Instructor: Heather Wenig
If your house is anything like mine in December, the folks around you get tired of hearing how behind you are on your Christmas knitting! This year, let’s get a head start together. Each month we will work on a project that makes a great gift for the people on our lists.
Materials: Theresa Gaffey Designs #152 “Small Felted Bowls”, 1 skein Lamb’s Pride worsted (2 if you would like a two colored bowl), size 11 16” circular needle, tapestry needle, stitch marker
Cost: $15

Charting in Excel
Tuesday, March 30; 7-9 pm
Instructor: Amanda Gill
Sure, you can use graph paper and colored pencils, but if you want to create your own knitting charts, Excel is the way to go. You can chart color, cables, lace, and more. Make the chart any size you’d like, then resize it to print on one page, or print on multiple pages and tape them together for a larger chart.
Materials: laptop equipped with Microsoft Excel. You may still attend class if you don’t have a laptop, but some familiarity with Excel will help. The class handout will help you set everything up on your own computer when you get home.
Cost: $15

Beginning Knitting
Saturday, April 3 10 am-12 pm
Instructor: Heather Wenig
This is a class for those who want to learn the basics of knitting. We will cover casting on, the knit stitch, the purl stitch and binding off. If you already know how to knit and would just like information about specific techniques, brushing up on your skills or reading patterns, please attend a Help Session.
Materials: one skein of Lamb’s Pride Bulky in a light color, size 10 ½ bamboo needles Cost: $15

Cables…Without a Cable Needle!
Thursday, April 8, 6-8 pm
Instructor: Heather Wenig
Whether you’re an experienced cable knitter or just wanting to learn to make cables, you’ll want to learn how to do it without the cable needle! Cable faster and more easily, with fewer interruptions.
Materials:150 yds worsted weight yarn (lighter colors are better), set of size 8 double pointed needles, size 8 16” circular needle, stitch marker, row counter. Participants will need to print out Sarah’s Cabled Hat pattern, a free Ravelry download.
Cost: $15

Help Session
Saturday, April 10, 10am-12pm
Instructor: Heather Wenig
Want to learn a new skill but there isn’t a class on the schedule for that skill? Do you have a project on the needles that is causing you stress? Need a little help understanding a pattern? A Help Session can help!
Cost: $15

Sock Club
Instructor: Michelle Ogden
Sock club is a meeting of sock-minded individuals. It is not a class but a club. Michelle will be available for pointers and tips and problems with specific patterns But this is not a beginning sock knitting class. Participants should be reasonably comfortable knitting basic socks as a prerequisite for attending. (If you have never knit a sock before please attend a basic sock knitting class or a help session.) If you love to knit socks and want to share your enthusiasm with others who feel likewise, this is the club for you. Cost: Free
DATES
April 17th This one is not the last Saturday as I have to work that day. (Hat Heel)

Introduction to Lace Knitting
Saturday, April 24, 10 am-12 pm
Instructor: Heather Wenig
Remember when you were a new knitter and making holes in the knitting was wrong? Now it’s time to put holes in your knitting…ON PURPOSE! J Lace knitting uses strategic increases, decreases and yarn overs to create beautiful open patterns—great for warmer weather knitting!
Materials:2 balls worsted weight yarn, size 8 16” circular needle, size 8 straight needles (or second circular needle)
Homework: STRAIGHT KNITTING: CO 17, work in garter stitch for one inch
CIRCULAR KNITTING: CO 42, work in garter stitch for one inch
Cost: $15

Christmas 2010 Gift #4: Fingerless Mitts
Saturday, April 17; 10 am-12 pm
Instructor: Heather Wenig
If your house is anything like mine in December, the folks around you get tired of hearing how behind you are on your Christmas knitting! This year, let’s get a head start together. Each month we will work on a project that makes a great gift for the people on our lists.
Materials: Gaea Creations Fingerless Mitt pattern (free on the River Knits web site), 110 yds worsted weight yarn, size 5 double pointed needles, stitch markers, tape measure, length of smooth cotton,
Homework: cast on and work pattern to Thumb Gusset section
Cost: $15

Introduction to Lace Knitting
Saturday, April 24, 10 am-12 pm
Instructor: Heather Wenig
Remember when you were a new knitter and making holes in the knitting was wrong? Now it’s time to put holes in your knitting…ON PURPOSE! J Lace knitting uses strategic increases, decreases and yarn overs to create beautiful open patterns—great for warmer weather knitting!
Materials:2 balls worsted weight yarn, size 8 16” circular needle, size 8 straight needles (or second circular needle)
Homework: STRAIGHT KNITTING: CO 17, work in garter stitch for one inch
CIRCULAR KNITTING: CO 42, work in garter stitch for one inch
Cost: $15

MAY

Sock Club
Instructor: Michelle Ogden
Sock club is a meeting of sock-minded individuals. It is not a class but a club. Michelle will be available for pointers and tips and problems with specific patterns But this is not a beginning sock knitting class. Participants should be reasonably comfortable knitting basic socks as a prerequisite for attending. (If you have never knit a sock before please attend a basic sock knitting class or a help session.) If you love to knit socks and want to share your enthusiasm with others who feel likewise, this is the club for you. Cost: Free
DATE
May 22nd Also not the last Saturday because of Memorial Day. (Pattern TBD)

JUNE
Sock Club
Instructor: Michelle Ogden
Sock club is a meeting of sock-minded individuals. It is not a class but a club. Michelle will be available for pointers and tips and problems with specific patterns But this is not a beginning sock knitting class. Participants should be reasonably comfortable knitting basic socks as a prerequisite for attending. (If you have never knit a sock before please attend a basic sock knitting class or a help session.) If you love to knit socks and want to share your enthusiasm with others who feel likewise, this is the club for you. Cost: Free
DATE
June 26 (Pattern TBD)

Ongoing Events

Sock Club
Instructor: Michelle Ogden
Sock club is a meeting of sock-minded individuals. It is not a class but a club. Michelle will be available for pointers and tips and problems with specific patterns But this is not a beginning sock knitting class. Participants should be reasonably comfortable knitting basic socks as a prerequisite for attending. (If you have never knit a sock before please attend a basic sock knitting class or a help session.) If you love to knit socks and want to share your enthusiasm with others who feel likewise, this is the club for you. Cost: Free
DATES
Jan. 30 (Cornucopia pattern)
Feb. 27 (Cornucopia pattern)
Mar 27 (Hat Heel)
April 17th This one is not the last Saturday as I have to work that day. (Hat Heel)
May 22nd Also not the last Saturday because of Memorial Day. (Pattern TBD)
June 26 (Pattern TBD)

Knit Night every second Monday of each month; 7-9pm.
Knit Night is a social gathering hosted by River Knits on the second Monday of each month from 7:00-9:00pm. Knit Night is a free event that is not instructional based but for the purpose of gathering together with other knitters for social enjoyment and fellowship. Knitters are encouraged to bring their current project and enjoy visiting and meeting new friends through knitting. All skill levels welcome! Crocheters welcome too!

Charity Knitting
Do you need a knitting break mid-week? Knit for others with the charity knitters, every Wednesday afternoon from 12:00-2:00pm. You may knit for the charity of your choice. Regular participants will be glad to tell you about the groups they support, such as Trinity Nursing Center, Community Cancer Network, Mittens for Akkol (socks for orphans in Kazakhstan), Cary Home and much more! Have fun with this warm & caring group while you help others!

Nordic Knitting Club
This club is for anyone who likes to knit projects using Nordic techniques. Included are stranding or “fair isle” with 2 or more colors, knitting in the round, and construction using steeks for sweaters. Projects include sweaters, mittens, handwarmers, hats, baby items, socks and really anything you want. One of the best ways to learn these techniques for a sweater is to make a sweater for a toddler, baby or teddy bear. Participants should already be familiar with using 2 or more colors and knitting in the round. You can bring a project you are already working on, or we can help you pick a new one. There are lots of great patterns at RK. Assistance will be available for those who would like to learn steeking, Norwegian seaming and facing construction and other techniques. There is no charge for the club, however, yarn must be purchased at River Knits. Come and knit “Nordically” with this fun group, just in time for cold weather! We meet from 7-9 on Wednesday evenings, 2010 Dates TBA. if you are interested in being on the email list for reminders, email Sheryl at skrohne@purdue.edu and put "Nordic Knitting Club" in the subject line.

See class info updates on the website: http://www.riverknitsyarns.com/Classes/index.htm
River Knits – 926 Main Street, Lafayette, IN 47901 – 765.742.5648 (KNIT)

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*Materials for classes taught at River Knits must be purchased at River Knits*
765-742-KNIT

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