Mad About Ewes offers two different ways to knit socks: one at a time from the cuff down, and for the more experienced knitter, two at a time from the toe up - both using the Magic Loop technique. So check out the class listings below and have some fiber fun this Winter!!!

~ 2010 Winter Classes ~ 

Registration Policy

Because we plan our classes in advance here at Mad About Ewes, and must have enough supplies in stock for you, we ask that you register for classes early. Payment for the class is required at time of registration. You can register over the phone with a credit card, or stop by the shop and pay. You will receive a full refund if we cancel the class due to low enrollment OR if you cancel no less than seven days prior to the class. Otherwise, class fees are non-refundable. If a class is cancelled due to inclement weather, it will be rescheduled. You will receive confirmation by phone or e-mail one week prior to the class. Please remember to attend a class if you have signed up for it - we work very hard to prepare!

*New Class Scheduling Information*

As an experiment, Mad About Ewes will try something new this fall regarding the scheduling of classes. Instead of scheduling classes on a specific date, ALL classes will be scheduled on an individual basis. No class will be cancelled due to low enrollment - even if you are the ONLY person scheduled for a class, it will not be cancelled. If anyone is interested in a class on a weeknight, at least two participants would be needed to hold the class. So check out the list below - if there's something listed that you are interested in, either call, stop in, or send me an e-mail and after consulting our calendars, the class will be scheduled at your convenience.

Double Swing Handled Market Basket
Instructor: Deb Knelly

Talented basket weaver and Spins and Needles/SVSW Guild member, Deb Knelly, has graciously offered to teach a basketry class here at Mad About Ewes! Class participants will weave a double handled market basket that is approximately 14" by 11" across, and 8" tall, with a closed woven bottom. This basket can be personalized with some of your own yarn or roving which can be incorporated into the design, so please feel free to bring some of your own handspun or fiber. Beginner skill level, but participants with some experience are welcome.

All materials are provided.
Class limit: 12
Cost: $45
Class date: Saturday, Feb. 27th from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. (There will be a break for lunch).
Please call or e-mail to sign up for this class. Payment is required when you register.

Project Stash-Way!

Look out, Project Runway - you've met your match! This is a NEW class for 2010. Not a class in the traditional sense, this is more of an opportunity, particularly where a knitter's HUGE stash of yarn is concerned. Most knitters have a fairly sizeable stash of yarn, but it's made up of odd amounts….not really enough of anything to knit even a small project. So with that in mind….dive into your stash and BRING whatever you want to the class, and as much as you want - we'll keep the yarn weight confined to DK or worsted weight, just for consistency's sake. You'll also need at least a 40" long circular needle in a size 8 or 9 - you can go up in needle length, but no shorter than 40". Be prepared to swap yarn with other class participants - you'll be doing a "mix and match" sort of thing for your project, which will be a lengthwise scarf. Skill level is basic - you only need to know how to cast on and knit. The fun part of this project is the stashbusting and yarn swapping.

This class is being offered on two different dates:
Saturday, Jan. 30 from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. and
Wednesday, Feb. 10 from 7 - 9 p.m.

Cost: $5 (covers cost of pattern)
Class limit - 10 people
Please call or e-mail me to pre-register!!!!!  (contact info is here)

Lace Knitting from a Chart

The first time I tried knitting from a chart rather than text, I was overwhelmed, challenged, and generally just plain confused. Take the mystery out of knitting from a chart, and come join us here at Mad About Ewes for a first time chart knitting project - a simple triangular lace scarf - done with fingering, sport, or DK weight yarn , on a size 7 - 9 needle, depending on how you'd like your scarf to look. Only 350 - 400 yds of yarn needed. Participants need to bring: needles (can start with straight needles and then switch to a 24-36" circular); size F or G crochet hook; yarn (your own is fine or there is plenty here!). Pattern is provided.

This class will meet one evening a week for three weeks from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Feb. 9, 16, and 23, 2010.

Class size limit: 8
Skill level: Advanced beginner - Cast on, knit, purl, yarnover. Also helpful to know how to make a single crocheted chain.
Cost: $15

Beginning Spinning (or "Spinning 101")

There's no greater satisfaction than spinning your own yarn for that special knitting, weaving, or crocheting project. The introductory spinning class consists of approximately 8 hours of instruction, covering the different types of wool, its characteristics, and uses. Instruction will be given on how to wash and process a raw fleece, and prepare worsted and woolen yarns using various types of carding techniques. Students receive instruction in drop spinning and spinning on a wheel, including how to create a two-ply yarn. Each student takes home the yarn spun in class as well as about four ounces of fiber and a drop spindle.

Cost is $75. This class is scheduled on an individual basis, so call or stop in for details.

Spinning 201 - Plying Techniques

OK, so you've been spinning for awhile now, feeling comfortable "behind the wheel", and you're ready to add some texture and interest to your finished yarn. A variety of plying techniques can do the trick. Come spend a morning or afternoon (4 hour workshop) learning to Navajo ply, make a "beaded" yarn, and even create a boucle yarn. Participants can bring their own wheel or use one of the Ashford Travellers here at the shop. Roving is provided. Skill level - intermediate - participant MUST be comfortable with spinning a two ply yarn.

Cost is $45. Call or stop in to schedule your class!

Beginning Knitting

If you've been thinking about learning how to knit, but haven't found a class that suits your busy schedule, then search no further! This class has recently been modified AGAIN and consists of two 2-hour workshops, scheduled on an individual basis at YOUR convenience. Come learn the basic knitting skills and then, upon completion of the class, start your first project.

All materials are provided, including yarn, needles, and pattern for a beautiful scarf.
Cost is $60. Call or stop in to schedule your class!

Knitting Refresher Class

You knitted years ago and you're ready to pick it up again - you don't need a beginner's class, just a refresher to "remind" your hands that they still know how! Come take this two hour condensed mini knitting workshop to get you on your way once again. Bring a skein of practice worsted weight yarn and size 7 or 8 needles, and we'll get you going!

Cost is $25.

Magic Loop Technique

You've been knitting socks or mittens on double pointed needles for years, but you keep hearing about the Magic Loop technique…. are you wondering what it's all about? Say good-bye to those pesky DP needles and say hello to Magic Loop. This is a one hour mini workshop, scheduled at your convenience: weekdays, evenings, or Saturdays.

All materials are provided.
Cost is $35. Call or stop in to schedule your class!

Weird Stuff You Gotta Know

This two hour workshop is designed for the advanced beginner knitter who is ready to move beyond scarves, but needs some more knowledge to do so. All those pattern abbreviations like SSK, PSSO, M1, and K2togtbl can be confusing and intimidating until you see how they're done. Bring a pair of straight needles in size 7 or 8, some practice worsted weight yarn, and learn some simple stitch techniques that will raise your knitting skills to the next level.

Cost is $30. Call or stop in to schedule your class!

Cuff Down Magic Loop Socks

You'd like to start knitting socks, but those double pointed needles look intimidating….not quite ready for two socks at the same time? Then this is the class for you. Learn to knit one sock at a time from the cuff down using the Magic Loop technique. This is a one day class - participants knit a "mini" size version of the sock in class, and go home with the pattern for adult size socks. Class requirements: experience in knitting in the round is helpful, MUST know the long tail cast on.

Skill level - advanced beginner/intermediate.
Cost is $50. All materials provided. Call or stop in to schedule your class!

Two-at-a-Time, Toe-Up Socks

I know, it sounds scary, but fear not! Never suffer from "SSS" (Second Sock Syndrome) again! Learn how to knit BOTH socks at the same time from the toe up on one circular needle. Skill level: intermediate/advanced. Participants MUST know the long tail cast on method, and have experience knitting in the round.

You will need to bring your own materials to this class: one 40" long circular needle in size 1 or 2, and about 50 yds of sock yarn, appropriate for your needle size.

Cost of this class is $50. Call or stop in to schedule your class!

Cables, Baubles, and Buttonholes

This two hour mini workshop will take the mystery out of making cables and buttonholes, and introduce you to the bauble, which can be an attractive and interesting embellishment to scarves, hats, or even sweaters. Participants should bring a set of straight needles in size 7 or 8 and some practice worsted weight yarn.

Cost is $35. Call or stop in to schedule your class!