Teaching and Speaking Events
Upcoming Events
-
Sun Nov 24 - Design Your Own Colorwork Chart
Inspired by all the gorgeous colorwork patterns out there and feel like giving it a try? Learn how to translate your vision into a colorwork chart in this highly interactive workshop. We'll discuss tips on what makes charts work (or not work), elements of a successful colorwork motif, and common traps to avoid.
You'll create your own original colorwork chart and we'll cast on a small project (coffee cozy or coaster) using our own charts. Perfect for the upcoming gift giving season!
At Hook and Needle in Vancouver, WA.
-
Sun Dec 8 - Ladderback Jacquard
Ladderback Jacquard (LBJ) is a game-changing technique for managing colorwork floats. Once you learn, you may never go back to the classic float-trapping method!
In this advanced class, you’ll learn why this method is so amazing and the benefits of using it over trapping floats. We’ll go over setting up the “ladders,” strategizing where to place them, troubleshooting, and effective yarn management. Super adventurous students may even try it with 3 colors!
At Hook and Needle in Vancouver, WA.
-
Sun Dec 29 - Beginning Colorwork
Stranded colorwork is a fundamental technique that will really open up your knitting world. In this beginner’s class, you’ll learn how to hold 2 different colors of yarn at the same time, how to read a colorwork chart, how to choose colorwork patterns to fit (or challenge!) your skill level, and tips on how to manage your yarn and trap those pesky floats.
At Hook and Needle in Vancouver, WA.
Class & Workshop Offerings
-
![]()
Beginning Colorwork
Always wanted to learn stranded colorwork but feel intimidated? We’ll cover how to read colorwork charts, knitting with both hands (trust me, it’s a real game changer), catching floats, and how to manage tension so you don’t end up with a bunchy ol’ mess.
Recommended for knitters who are comfortable and self-directed in basic knitting skills.
-
![]()
Ladderback Jacquard
Ladderback Jacquard (LBJ) is a game-changing technique for managing colorwork floats. Once you learn, you may never go back! We’ll make sense of this crazy-looking method of catching floats that will honestly make your stranded colorwork projects feel at least 75% less intimidating, tangly, and frustrating. You’ll walk away feeling confident in choosing any colorwork pattern that catches your eye.
Recommended for knitters who are comfortable with stranded colorwork.
-
![]()
Stranded Colorwork with 3 Colors
Level up your stranded colorwork game by — gasp — adding a 3rd color! Learn the best way to arrange colors and manage yarn, how to incorporate color dominance, and various methods for keeping a nice, easy tension. Once you master this, you'll be unstoppable. You might even want to add a 4th!
Recommended for knitters who are confident with stranded colorwork.
-
![]()
Designing Colorwork Charts
Inspired by all the gorgeous colorwork patterns out there and feel like giving it a try? Learn how to translate your vision into a colorwork chart in this highly interactive workshop. We'll discuss tips on what makes charts work (or not work), elements of a successful colorwork motif, and common traps to avoid.
Recommended for knitters who are comfortable with stranded colorwork.
-
![]()
Knit, Breathe, Purl: Knitting as Mindfulness Meditation
Blend your knitting craft with mindfulness and meditative concepts. This interactive lecture-style workshop includes a discussion on the mental health benefits of meditation, how to meditate while knitting, and ways to incorporate mindfulness into our participation in fiber arts and the community as a whole.
Recommended for knitters who are comfortable and self-directed with basic knitting skills.
Speaking & Lecture Offerings
-
Mindful Making: Observing and Expanding the Mind through Crafting
What is mindfulness, and how can we practice it through our craft? Why does it matter?
An introduction to mindfulness for beginners, and a reminder for returners. We'll dispel common myths and misconceptions about mindfulness and see that it truly is accessible to everyone. Learn about the true nature and power of the mind, and what's possible when we deepen our relationship with it.
-
Mindful Making in the Age of Fast-Slow Fashion, Peak Consumerism, and Social Media Saturation
What is our relationship between making and consuming? When does making go from relaxing and heartful to addictive and harmful — and how can we prevent that?
This interactive talk discusses the role of mindfulness in all aspects of making, from the process itself to the creative and crafting industry. We'll explore how consumerism affects the mind and how to take control of our subconscious habits to promote better mental peace and well-being, so we can return to our unbridled love of making.
