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Astrid's Classes

Fixing Knitting Mistakes 101
Advanced Fixing Knitting Mistakes
Steeking for Beginners
Intro to Two-Color Brioche

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Fixing Knitting Mistakes 101
Date & Time
1 class
Sunday, February 8, 12-2pm

Class Size
6 adults

Skill level
Intermediate beginner – you must already know how to knit and purl.

Pre-work
USING A LIGHT COLORED, TIGHTLY SPUN, WORSTED WEIGHT YARN (not too fuzzy!):
Cast on 20 sts and knit 6 rows in garter stitch (knit every row) and then knit in stockinette stitch (Row 1: knit, Row 2: purl) for 4 inches, ending with a knit row, and leave it on the needle (do not bind off) and with yarn still attached to the needle.

Bring with you or purchase at the shop
  • Smaller gauge needle than the one used to knit the swatch
  • Darning needle
  • 2 yards of sport or dk yarn weight yarn in a darker color
  • Unlocking (safety-pin type) stitch markers

Techniques Covered
  • Reading your knitting: counting rows in garter and stockinette
  • Stitch Mount: how stitches are mounted on the needle makes a difference. Slipping stitches to correct twisted stitches.
  • Tinking: undoing stitches one at a time across a row
  • Fixing Split Stitch: Tink to the split stitch and fix it, remounting it correctly
  • Ripping: using smaller needle, pick up stitches five rows down and rip back
  • Lifelines: Insert a lifeline in that row (crochet cotton)
  • Dropped Stitch: drop the fifth stitch down three rows and retrieve it
  • Changing K to P: knit to column that contains a purl, drop down, change purl stitch to knit ladder back up
  • Fixing Accidental Yarn Over: tink to YO, fix it
  • Duplicate Stitch: to cover mistakes, add color, etc.

Note
This class is intended for adults. If you are interested in lessons for children, please reach out to us at [email protected].

Cost
We use a sliding scale system to ensure our classes are accessible to all. You can learn more about our sliding scale system here.
  • $30 - Supporting
  • $20 - Sustaining
  • $15 - Supported

Use the register button below to select which cost is best for you at checkout.

If you need further support, we have some scholarships available. Please email us at [email protected] for more information about scholarships. Thank you to the Springfield Ceramics & Crafts Club for providing support for our scholarships.
Register

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Steeking for Beginners
Date & Time
1 class
Sunday, March 22, 12-2pm

Class Size
6 students

Skill level
Advanced Beginner to Intermediate – you must already be comfortable with the following skills:
  • Picking up and knitting stitches
  • Sewing and finishing off knitted items

Pre-work
Bring a finished project that is ready for steeking or make a Steeked Mug Hug by Astrid Robitaille (free Ravelry download)

Bring with you or purchase at the shop
  • Size C/2.75mm – D/3.125mm crochet hook and coordinating sock yarn for steek (you might be able to find a coordinating color yarn in our Recycle Center)
  • Tapestry needle
  • Sharp pair of scissors

Techniques Covered
  • Cut and finish a steeked project

Note
This class is intended for adults. If you are interested in lessons for children, please reach out to us at [email protected].

Cost
We use a sliding scale system to ensure our classes are accessible to all. You can learn more about our sliding scale system here.
  • $30 - Supporting
  • $20 - Sustaining
  • $15 - Supported

Use the register button below to select which cost is best for you at checkout.

If you need further support, we have some scholarships available. Please email us at [email protected] for more information about scholarships. Thank you to the Springfield Ceramics & Crafts Club for providing support for our scholarships.
Register

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Advanced Fixing Knitting Mistakes
Date & Time

1 class
Sunday, April 12, 12-2pm

Class Size
6 students

Skill level
Intermediate – you must already know how to do lacework, cabling, and stranded colorwork.

Pre-work
Follow the instructions linked below to complete three completed swatches for the class:
  • Homework Instructions for Advanced Fixing Knitting Mistakes 

Bring with you or purchase at the shop
  • Extra lockable (safety pin-type) stitch markers
  • Crochet hook
  • Set of US 7 dpns
  • Darning needle for weaving in ends
  • Pencil and paper for notes

Techniques Covered
  • Fixing mistakes in lace
  • Fixing mistakes in stranded colorwork
  • Fixing mistakes in cabling

Note
This class is intended for adults. If you are interested in lessons for children, please reach out to us at [email protected].

Cost
We use a sliding scale system to ensure our classes are accessible to all. You can learn more about our sliding scale system here.
  • $30 - Supporting
  • $20 - Sustaining
  • $15 - Supported

Use the register button below to select which cost is best for you at checkout.

If you need further support, we have some scholarships available. Please email us at [email protected] for more information about scholarships. Thank you to the Springfield Ceramics & Crafts Club for providing support for our scholarships.
Register

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Intro to Two-Color Brioche
Date & Time

1 class
Sunday, April 19, 12-2pm

Class Size
6 students

Skill level
Intermediate beginner – you must already know how to knit and purl.

Pre-work
None! You’ll start your project in the class.

Pattern
Brioche at Breakfast cowl by Emma Sadler - @allneedles. Purchase pattern from Ravelry or Etsy 

Bring with you or purchase at the shop
  • 6.5mm/US10.5 circular or dpn needles for working in the round
  • Color 1: approximately 100 yards chunky yarn
  • Color 2: approximately 100 yards chunky yarn
  • 1 stitch marker
  • Darning needle

Techniques Covered
  • Brioche stitch pattern
  • Starting a two color brioche project in the round

Note
This class is intended for adults. If you are interested in lessons for children, please reach out to us at [email protected].

Cost
We use a sliding scale system to ensure our classes are accessible to all. You can learn more about our sliding scale system here.
  • $30 - Supporting
  • $20 - Sustaining
  • $15 - Supported

Use the register button below to select which cost is best for you at checkout.

If you need further support, we have some scholarships available. Please email us at [email protected] for more information about scholarships. Thank you to the Springfield Ceramics & Crafts Club for providing support for our scholarships.
Register

About Astrid
@frontporchknitter
Astrid is passionate about sharing the rich traditions and benefits of knitting, and enjoys guiding budding and seasoned knitters to explore new techniques and build on existing skills. A TKGA Certified Master Hand Knitter, Astrid particularly enjoys stranded colorwork knitting as well as intricate cables and lace, but also believes wholeheartedly in the soothing properties of relaxing, simple stockinette. In her non-knitting time, she works in the field of adult education, and spends time with her husband and their three Portuguese Water Dogs.
Cancellation Policy
To cancel a lesson, please email us. To receive a full refund, the lesson must be cancelled 5 days before the lesson start time. We cannot offer any refunds after that time. 

Reschedule Policy
To reschedule a lesson, please email us. Lessons need to be rescheduled at least 48 hours before lesson start time, otherwise they will be considered cancelled. A lesson can only be rescheduled twice before it is cancelled.

No Show Policy
We will not offer any refunds for missed lessons. 

Hours

Monday–Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday–Friday: 5–8p
Saturday: 10a–6p
Sunday: 12p–4p

Visit Us

1133B W Governor St
Springfield, IL 62704

Contact Us

(217) 282-2210
[email protected]

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