Class - Sweater Ready Basics

The initial planning stages can make or break any sweater project. You’ll learn some of the key points of sweater planning from picking the right yarn, picking the right size, understanding a schematic, body measurements, ease, gauge, identifying places where modifications may be helpful, and probably more!

Who should take this class? Any novice sweater maker or anyone who’s make a sweater and wondered why it didn’t come out the way they expected.

Participants should come with interest in making a sweater and have a 2-3 sweater patterns that have caught their eye. These patterns should be printed and brought to the first class (a Pinterest image is insufficient, you must have the instructions).

You DO NOT need to have yarn already chosen! But if you do have some stash yarn you think might work for any of the patterns you are considering, please bring that yarn to class as well.

By the end of class you’ll hopefully have made a final choice on yarn and pattern for the sweater you want to make, or you’ll at least have the skills to make those decisions for a future sweater.

The first class will focus on body measurements and a brief review of sweater construction styles. As time allows we’ll also review pattern sizing, ease, and schematics.  (1st and 2nd sessions may be on the same day for some schedules. Please review dates, times, and class materials carefully.)

What to bring to the first class session:

• an open mind
• note taking materials
• the pattern(s) you are considering 
• A favorite sweater, cardigan, vest, or sweatshirt you like the fit of
• wear something that is not bulky so we can get reliable body measurements. Wear layers if necessary. Make sure to wear any undergarments you would normally wear when wearing your future sweater. Also consider wearing/bringing any shirts or blouses you want to wear under your future sweater. 
• a tape measure if you have one
• a calculator or smart phone
• if you’ve made a sweater that didn’t turn out the way you expected, please bring your sweater and the pattern instructions you used. 

The second class will focus on aspects of yarn selection and gauge. As time allows we’ll continue discussions about pattern sizing, ease, and schematics. (1st and 2nd sessions may be on the same day for some schedules. Please review dates, times, and class materials carefully.)

What to bring to the second class session:  

• the pattern(s) you are considering (maybe you changed your mind since last class. You are allowed to change your mind based on what you learned. That’s what you are here for!)
• Any yarn you have in your stash you think might work for the pattern(s) you are considering. 
• Note taking materials
• a calculator or smart phone

Homework between the 2nd & 3rd class sessions:

• pick one or more yarns to swatch. 
• knit your swatch(es) according to instructions given in class. 
• Soak your swatch(es) and dry flat. 
• try measuring your gauge. 
• make more swatches if you aren’t “on gauge.”
• your goal is to get pattern gauge, but you are also aiming for a fabric you like for your sweater. 

The third class session will focus on putting all that information together. We’ll review swatches, check gauge, compare your gauge to pattern requirements, and decide how to proceed. We’ll also learn how you can make do with a gauge that doesn’t quite match the pattern requirements. You should leave class with a pattern, a size, and a yarn selected so you can cast on whenever you are ready. 

What to bring to the third class session:  

• bring any and all swatches to the next class (good, bad and ugly; complete and incomplete; blocked or unblocked; successful and unsuccessful; bring them all)
• the pattern(s) you are considering (maybe you changed your mind since last class. You are allowed to change your mind based on what you learned. That’s what you are here for!)
• Any yarn you have in your stash you think might work for the pattern(s) you are considering. 
• Note taking materials
• a calculator or smart phone

Shop closures due to inclement weather will shift class meetings.  Classes will generally shift dates to the following week. Please provide a good phone number and email when you register for class so that we may contact you due to weather challenges.