Classes & EventsWant to take on a new craft? Or just add a new skill or technique to your toolbox? How about meeting a pattern designer or getting a book signed? Join us at the shop for our classes, private lessons, and events!
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Regular Gatherings
Stilly String Social Night
Each Tuesday evening, we stay open late until 8 PM and gather around the shop's table to craft, laugh, snack, share stories, and discuss the latest news/books/patterns. No RSVP is necessary, and even if you've never visited the shop before, we'd love to have you visit!
We're also open for social time until 8 PM on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month, alongside our small-loom weaving group, Heddle Up.
Can't make it on Tuesday nights or the 2nd/4th Thursday nights? Come by and grab a seat any time the shop is open!
Project Groups
We've recently completed both our CAL and KAL, so now we're on hiatus until January.
Knitters: Due to popular demand, we're bringing back our Intrepid Sweater Brigade. Details forthcoming!
Stilly River Yarns Literary Society
Every month or so, we meet at the shop during our Tuesday evening social time to discuss a book of the group's choice.
Our next meeting will take place from 7 - 8 PM onTuesday, January 15, and we'll be discussing Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal by Christopher Moore.
Recent reads: July 2018 - The Book Thief; August 2018 - A Walk in the Woods; October 2018 - A Man Called Ove
Each Tuesday evening, we stay open late until 8 PM and gather around the shop's table to craft, laugh, snack, share stories, and discuss the latest news/books/patterns. No RSVP is necessary, and even if you've never visited the shop before, we'd love to have you visit!
We're also open for social time until 8 PM on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month, alongside our small-loom weaving group, Heddle Up.
Can't make it on Tuesday nights or the 2nd/4th Thursday nights? Come by and grab a seat any time the shop is open!
Project Groups
We've recently completed both our CAL and KAL, so now we're on hiatus until January.
Knitters: Due to popular demand, we're bringing back our Intrepid Sweater Brigade. Details forthcoming!
Stilly River Yarns Literary Society
Every month or so, we meet at the shop during our Tuesday evening social time to discuss a book of the group's choice.
Our next meeting will take place from 7 - 8 PM onTuesday, January 15, and we'll be discussing Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal by Christopher Moore.
Recent reads: July 2018 - The Book Thief; August 2018 - A Walk in the Woods; October 2018 - A Man Called Ove
Community Cause Crafting
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Saturday Spin-Ins
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Heddle Up: Weavers' Group
2nd / 4th Thursday evenings, 5 - 8 PM Weaving is becoming a popular option for stash-busting and taking a break from needle-crafting - we spoke to so many of you during the 2018 LYS Tour who were excited to see that we have weaving equipment and books! We're now open until 8 PM on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month to "heddle up." Bring your weaving setup, grab a seat and some workspace, and enjoy an evening out! |
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Classes, special events, and lessons
We offer a full range of classes and private lessons here at the shop. Please read our class policies before registration, and feel free to email or call us with requests and questions!All group classes and special events requiring reservations are available for online registration; click on the class title to go to its registration page in our online store. Private lessons are scheduled in advance on a first-come, first-served basis.
Interested in learning how to knit or crochet? Get signed up for a lesson - Knitroduction (knitting) or Hooked on a Feeling (crochet). These classes are $20 per hour and will get you going on basic stitches, finishing a piece off, starting a piece, and choosing a project and appropriate yarn.
Interested in learning how to spin or weave? Sign up for a lesson - Spin a Yarn (handspinning) or Warped Minds (basic weaving). These classes are $25 per hour; if you have your own equipment, please let us know when you get signed up. (If you can bring along a photo, that'd be even better!)
Sock It to Me! (Flapper Edition): Sunday, January 20, 1-3 PM
If you've always wanted to knit socks but have been overwhelmed by the tiny yarn, multiple miniscule needles, and/or all of the terminology, this class could be the answer to your needs! Work a simple, traditional top-down, heel-flap-and-gusset sock in worsted-weight yarn on the in-the-round method of your choice - we use the Rye pattern by Tin Can Knits (link to their website) We'll meet on Sunday, January 20 from 1-3 PM, which will give us time to make a baby sock that will teach you all the skills for a traditional top-down sock of any size. Please note that there is homework that you must complete prior to arriving for class; also, please read our class/lesson policies prior to enrolling for this class.
Sock It to Me! (Simple Edition): Sunday, January 27, 1-3 PM
Love the beautiful sock yarn but intimidated by all of the terminology and changing directions that happens in a more traditional flap-and-gusset sock? Want a sock with training wheels (or... well, training heels?) Join us for Sock It to Me: The Simple Edition. We'll be knitting a yarn with what most people consider to be "real" sock yarn - fine wool-based yarn with nylon added for strength - but a super-simple heel that's actually just a sock toe in disguise. We'll be knitting Susan B. Anderson's Smooth Operator Sock, which is a fun project for self-striping or self-patterning yarns that uses what's called an afterthought heel. No short rows, no slipped stitches, just picking up stitches and decreasing, plus grafting stitches.
This two-hour class will give us time to place waste yarn, work the heel, learn the Kitchener stitch/grafting, and discuss working the toe. Please note that there is homework that you must complete prior to arriving for class; also, please read our class/lesson policies prior to enrolling for this class.
The Bousta Beanie (Introduction to Stranded Colorwork): Sunday, February 3, 2-4 PM
Join us for a 2-hour class that will teach you the basics of stranded colorwork! Stranded colorwork is used to put a design - usually repetitive - in two or more colors in a piece that is generally worked in the round.
In this class, we'll be knitting The Bousta Beanie by Gudrun Johnston - it's an ideal introduction to stranded colorwork because of its regular, small patterning and the ability to experiment with colors. We'll discuss best practice in stranded colorwork, managing your yarn, how to avoid unsatisfying projects, and even some color theory. The class will give you a solid start on your hat and the stranded technique, and you'll leave with all of the skills you need to complete it independently.
Barley Hat: Sundays, February 10 & 24; Feb. 10, 10 AM - noon // Feb 24: 10 - 11 AM
Learning to knit in the round is an adventure, and it's the next step after scarves for many beginning knitters. So why not learn to knit in the round and make a quick, fun hat? The Barley Hat class will walk you through all the steps of working in the round: casting on, joining, and making sure your pattern lines up the way it's supposed to; you'll also learn the basics of reading a knitting pattern. PLEASE NOTE: You must be able to attend both sessions of the class in their entirety.
Swatch-buckling Adventures: Sunday, February 24, 1-4 PM
YARRRRRR! So many projects end up in time-out or with sad endings due to problems with gauge… whether you crochet or knit, gauge makes a difference for making things fit and for making sure you have enough yarn to complete the project!
In this class, we’ll explore the wild world of swatching before embarking on a project. How do you create a swatch that will be accurate? To wash or not to wash? When can you skip the swatch? If you’ve ever wanted the answers to these questions - and especially if you have other related questions! - join us for this class.
Fix-It Shop: Sunday, March 17, 1-4 PM
Dumbfounded by dropped stitches? Confounded by miscrossed cables? Frustrated by the random holes that you accidentally put in your own knitting? And - most importantly - do you want to know how to fix these common mistakes? Come visit the Fix-It Shop. In this two-hour workshop, you'll learn how recognize, repair, and avoid these snags (and others that we often see in the shop). Bring your own questions - and mistakes - and we'll see if we can help you reclaim some problematic projects. As a bonus, you'll get access to a video that you can use to refresh yourself on the class content anytime you need it.
Interested in learning how to knit or crochet? Get signed up for a lesson - Knitroduction (knitting) or Hooked on a Feeling (crochet). These classes are $20 per hour and will get you going on basic stitches, finishing a piece off, starting a piece, and choosing a project and appropriate yarn.
Interested in learning how to spin or weave? Sign up for a lesson - Spin a Yarn (handspinning) or Warped Minds (basic weaving). These classes are $25 per hour; if you have your own equipment, please let us know when you get signed up. (If you can bring along a photo, that'd be even better!)
Sock It to Me! (Flapper Edition): Sunday, January 20, 1-3 PM
If you've always wanted to knit socks but have been overwhelmed by the tiny yarn, multiple miniscule needles, and/or all of the terminology, this class could be the answer to your needs! Work a simple, traditional top-down, heel-flap-and-gusset sock in worsted-weight yarn on the in-the-round method of your choice - we use the Rye pattern by Tin Can Knits (link to their website) We'll meet on Sunday, January 20 from 1-3 PM, which will give us time to make a baby sock that will teach you all the skills for a traditional top-down sock of any size. Please note that there is homework that you must complete prior to arriving for class; also, please read our class/lesson policies prior to enrolling for this class.
- Prerequisite skills: Casting on, knitting, purling, working in the round
- Class fee: $40 (includes yarn)
- Materials: US3 & US5 (3.25mm & 3.75mm) needles in your preferred configuration for knitting small-circumference objects in the round, stitch markers, tapestry needle. Class materials are eligible for a 20% discount upon registration.
- Homework: yes - follow directions for the baby size, and stop once you have completed the cuff according to the pattern directions.
Sock It to Me! (Simple Edition): Sunday, January 27, 1-3 PM
Love the beautiful sock yarn but intimidated by all of the terminology and changing directions that happens in a more traditional flap-and-gusset sock? Want a sock with training wheels (or... well, training heels?) Join us for Sock It to Me: The Simple Edition. We'll be knitting a yarn with what most people consider to be "real" sock yarn - fine wool-based yarn with nylon added for strength - but a super-simple heel that's actually just a sock toe in disguise. We'll be knitting Susan B. Anderson's Smooth Operator Sock, which is a fun project for self-striping or self-patterning yarns that uses what's called an afterthought heel. No short rows, no slipped stitches, just picking up stitches and decreasing, plus grafting stitches.
This two-hour class will give us time to place waste yarn, work the heel, learn the Kitchener stitch/grafting, and discuss working the toe. Please note that there is homework that you must complete prior to arriving for class; also, please read our class/lesson policies prior to enrolling for this class.
- Prerequisite skills: Casting on, knitting, purling, working in the round
- Class fee: $30; materials purchased separately.
- Materials: Approximately 400 yards of a fingering-weight sock yarn; you are welcome to choose any sock yarn we carry in the shop, but we do recommend that you choose a lighter color to help you see your stitches and decreases! (Class photo is worked in Rainbow in the Dark, one of our colorways of Sprout Sock.) US1/2.25mm needles in your preferred configuration for knitting small-circumference objects in the round, stitch markers, tapestry needle. If you're using 9"/23cm circular needles, please plan to also bring either a set of DPNs or long circular for Magic Loop. You also need to purchase your own copy of the Smooth Operator pattern - it is available both as an in-store Ravelry purchase and for you to purchase on your own through Ravelry. Class yarn and needles are eligible for a 20% discount upon registration.
- Homework: yes. Cast on for your desired size and work until the leg is long enough to suit you/the recipient.
The Bousta Beanie (Introduction to Stranded Colorwork): Sunday, February 3, 2-4 PM
Join us for a 2-hour class that will teach you the basics of stranded colorwork! Stranded colorwork is used to put a design - usually repetitive - in two or more colors in a piece that is generally worked in the round.
In this class, we'll be knitting The Bousta Beanie by Gudrun Johnston - it's an ideal introduction to stranded colorwork because of its regular, small patterning and the ability to experiment with colors. We'll discuss best practice in stranded colorwork, managing your yarn, how to avoid unsatisfying projects, and even some color theory. The class will give you a solid start on your hat and the stranded technique, and you'll leave with all of the skills you need to complete it independently.
- Prerequisite skills: cast on, knit stitch, purl stitch, ability to work in the round
- Class fee: $30; materials purchased separately
- Materials: Pattern (linked above - available in the shop as a Ravelry purchase), 4 hanks Elemental Affects Shetland Fingering (2 of your main color, 1 each of 2 contrast colors), US 2.5/3.0mm and US 4/3.5mm needles in your preferred configuration for working in the round, stitch marker, tapestry needle. Materials purchased for class are eligible for a 20% discount upon registration.
- Homework: yes - complete the ribbing at the bottom of the hat as indicated in the pattern before coming to class. Please allow approximately 3-5 hours for this work.
Barley Hat: Sundays, February 10 & 24; Feb. 10, 10 AM - noon // Feb 24: 10 - 11 AM
Learning to knit in the round is an adventure, and it's the next step after scarves for many beginning knitters. So why not learn to knit in the round and make a quick, fun hat? The Barley Hat class will walk you through all the steps of working in the round: casting on, joining, and making sure your pattern lines up the way it's supposed to; you'll also learn the basics of reading a knitting pattern. PLEASE NOTE: You must be able to attend both sessions of the class in their entirety.
- Prerequisite skills: casting on, knitting, purling.
- Class fee: $55; yarn included
- Materials needed: US6/4.0mm AND US8/5.0mm 16" circular needles for ribbing and main body of hat; EITHER US8/5.0mm double-pointed needles OR US8/5.0mm in long circular needle to work Magic Loop for decreases at top of hat. Also required: tapestry needle, stitch markers. Materials purchased for class will be discounted by 20% after you pay for class registration.
- Homework: download/print Barley pattern from tincanknits.com (free; please bring to class)
Swatch-buckling Adventures: Sunday, February 24, 1-4 PM
YARRRRRR! So many projects end up in time-out or with sad endings due to problems with gauge… whether you crochet or knit, gauge makes a difference for making things fit and for making sure you have enough yarn to complete the project!
In this class, we’ll explore the wild world of swatching before embarking on a project. How do you create a swatch that will be accurate? To wash or not to wash? When can you skip the swatch? If you’ve ever wanted the answers to these questions - and especially if you have other related questions! - join us for this class.
- Prerequisite skills: cast on, bind off, knit, purl
- Class fee: $40; yarn is included in class fee
- Materials: A variety of needles/hooks (we’ll be working with a few different weights of yarn, so we’d love for you to have a range available), pen/pencil, measuring tool (tape measure, dressmaker’s tape, or ruler)
- Homework: none; if you have a project that’s failed due to gauge problems, or if you have a swatch that you’d like to have us look at, please bring it!
Fix-It Shop: Sunday, March 17, 1-4 PM
Dumbfounded by dropped stitches? Confounded by miscrossed cables? Frustrated by the random holes that you accidentally put in your own knitting? And - most importantly - do you want to know how to fix these common mistakes? Come visit the Fix-It Shop. In this two-hour workshop, you'll learn how recognize, repair, and avoid these snags (and others that we often see in the shop). Bring your own questions - and mistakes - and we'll see if we can help you reclaim some problematic projects. As a bonus, you'll get access to a video that you can use to refresh yourself on the class content anytime you need it.
- Prerequisites: Casting on, knitting, purling, binding off.
- Class fee: $40
- Materials: US7/4.5mm needles (either straights or circulars), darning needle, small crochet hook or fix-it tool, pen/pencil. Yarn and swatches are included with your class fee.
- Homework: None.