Wanda Grayson Designs

Upcoming Classes at Lincoln Land Community College

There are 3 classes proposed for the Fall 2009 semester including:

1.  Knitting With Jewelry Wire and Beads - This has been a very popular class using alternate materials such as light jewelry wire and a wide variety of beads to make things such as bracelets, necklaces, pins, napkin holders and suncatchers.              (1 session)
2. Santa Socks - This class will teach all you need to know to knit a sock by making a Christmas stocking.  It will cover all the elements of sock construction but with worsted weight yarn and larger needles to take away the intimidation of sock yarn and little needles.  (3 sessions)
3. Mittens and Gloves - I've had a number of requests for a class to learn how to make mittens and I thought we might as well throw gloves in there, too!  There will be several mitten patterns available to fit the skill level of each student including a basic striped mitten, a fair isle mitten and an intarsia mitten (I'm thinking penguin!). (2 sessions)

The dates haven't been set yet but you can watch the Lincoln Land Community College Community Education web page for the class schedules to be posted.  You can contact them to let them know you're interested in one (or more!) of the classes and they can send you info when it's ready for publication.

Here is a list of classes available from Dianna.  If your group is interested in having Dianna teach a class, please contact her at dks@wandagraysondesigns.  Classes include hands-on instruction as well as detailed handouts for participants to take home.   Most classes include a detailed pattern using the techniques covered in the class

Knitting Classes

• Beginning Knitting – 4 sessions  (beginners – no experience necessary)  In this class beginning knitters will learn the basics of casting on, the knit and purl stitches, increasing, decreasing and binding off.  These techniques are incorporated into a teddy bear sweater easy enough for any beginner to master.

• Intermediate Knitting – 4 sessions (intermediate – must know how to cast on, knit, purl and bind off) Go beyond the basics to learn more advanced skills such as short rows, pattern and cable stitching, using a swatch to make your project a success and more. 
• Introduction to Sock Knitting – 4 sessions (intermediate – must know how to cast on, knit, purl and bind off - other intermediate techniques will be introduced)  Socks are the perfect take-along project and great for gift giving or keeping your own feet warm on a cold winter’s night.  Learn about sock construction, shaping techniques and tools of the trade and then cast on your very own first sock.  The class project will be knit on double pointed needles although other techniques such as magic loop and knitting on 2 circular needles will be introduced.
• Introduction to Color Knitting – 4 sessions (includes Fair Isle, Intarsia and Mosaic knitting) (intermediate - must know how to cast on, knit, purl and bind off - other intermediate techniques will be introduced)  Learn how to bring color into your knitting with an introduction into various methods of color knitting.  We’ll also look at how to use a color wheel, how to choose color combinations and how to keep those pesky Fair Isle puckers at bay.
• Stitch Patterns – 2-4 sessions (early intermediate - must know how to cast on, knit, purl and bind off - other intermediate techniques will be introduced )  Using swatches that can later be made into an afghan, we’ll learn a number of stitch patterns that can be used in a variety of projects from socks to purses to sweaters.  Stitch patterns will range from textured patterns to lace and cable designs.  Stitch resources will also be discussed.
• Introduction to Knit Design – 1-4 sessions (must know how to cast on, knit, purl and bind off) (Depth of subject coverage will depend on length of the class)  Have you ever wanted to make something but didn’t have a pattern or know where to begin?  We’ll look at how to find inspiration for a knit design and then how to bring it to life.  Topics covered will include basic elements of design, finding your creative place and creativity exercises, the process of taking a design from conception to execution, basic shapes and forms of a variety of knitted projects and documenting your pattern for future use.
• Designing a Purse – 1-4 sessions (must know how to cast on, knit, purl and bind off) Each participant will design their own purse using design and inspiration tips shared in the class.  Designs can be based on one of the following: need, yarn texture or characteristics, a special focus object or a special knit stitch or technique.
• Knitting with Beads – Victorian bag  (intermediate/advanced - must know how to cast on, knit, purl and bind off and must be able to work with size 1 knitting needles and smaller and size 8 or smaller perlé cotton)  There's nothing as sensual as beaded material and nothing more striking than a beaded bag based on vintage Victorian patterns.  Learn to make your own bag and a little of the history of where these beautiful bags came from.
• Knitting with Beads and Wire – making a bracelet or sun catcher (intermediate – must be comfortable with casting on and the knit stitch)  Even for the most beginner knitter, knitting with wire and beads gives a huge "bang for the buck."  Learn basic techniques that can be used to make a wide variety of jewelry, including rings, bracelets, brooches and necklaces.
• Introduction to Lace Knitting - Making a Lace Sampler Scarf (intermediate - must know the knit and purl stitches and how to cast on and bind off) – 2-4 sessions  Lace knitting, while it appears so daunting, is no more than a different way to combine stitches.  By making a sampler scarf, you will learn the basics of knitting lace, including knitting lace edging. 
• Entrelac – 1 session (must be able to cast on, knit, purl and bind off – other intermediate techniques will be introduced)  Entrelac creates an interesting woven look, giving texture and interest to any project.  You'll learn how to create the foundation triangles upon which the piece is based and how to "knit backwards" to avoid having to turn your work back and forth with every row.  We'll look at the fabric's characteristics for garment construction and use in knitted accessories such as how to felt and how it compares to a comparable stockinette piece.
• The Basics of Felting Knitted or Crocheted items – 1 session (must be able to knit or crochet with 100% wool yarn).  You'll learn the theory behind the act of felting (or fulling) a piece of fabric as well as tips for designing or adapting designs for felting.

Spinning Classes

•  Drop Spindle Spinning (1-4 sessions) - Learn the basics of spinning and plying yarn from prepared roving using a top or bottom whorl drop spindle
• Preparing a Fleece – (1 session) Take a fleece straight from the sheep and prepare it for spinning
• Beginning with a Spinning Wheel – (2-4 sessions) learn the basics of spinning and plying yarn from prepared roving using a spinning wheel.
• Plying – (1 session) learn various methods of plying yarn to create different effects
• Fiber Basics - (1 session) Learn the characteristics, qualities and uses of a wide variety of fibers, including both animal and vegetable fibers

Crochet Classes

Crochet classes can be provided upon request.  Dianna's preference is for crocheting with thread to make doilies, tableclothes and the like although she is not above teaching crochet techniques with yarn for items such as afghans!