Laura Nelkin
Laura Nelkin lives in upstate New York, where the sunny season is short, leaving plenty of time to be indoors knitting. Though she has a degree in apparel design from Cornell University, she took to knitting years ago and hasn’t looked back. Laura is currently enamored with unexpected sweater construction, lace, and with incorporating beads into lace, so most of her designs lean in this direction. She travels often to teach these techniques and more at workshops around the country. Laura runs two successful knitting clubs, has a line of knitting kits, and self-publishes patterns. Website: http://www.nelkindesigns.com
CLASSES:
Friday September 22nd 9am-12pm: Knitting a Novus Sweater
In this 3 hour class Laura introduces you to the “Novus” construction, her seamless yet structured modern approach to the side-to-side sweater. She’ll cover how the construction works, how to modify the construction to fit your body, any necessary skills needed for the construction (i.e. provisional cast on, lifted increases, German short rows), and provide you with a mini version of the concept to play with. In class you will discuss choosing yarn to knit your sweater so you have success! By the end of class you’ll be ready to independently knit your own sweater from the collection.
MATERIALS LIST
- 25 yards DK or worsted weight yarn (this is just for swatching/learning techniques, not for your sweater)
- Size 6 needles, 4mm crochet hook.
- We will be spending a fair amount of time talking about yarn choices, and then choosing yarn to audition for your sweater. Please don’t purchase yarn ahead of time unless you are sure you know what you want to use!
SKILLS NEEDED
- Knit/purl; comfort reading a pattern; best for knitters who have knit a sweater before OR are adventurous first time sweater knitters.
- No Homework
Friday September 22nd 1pm-4pm: Shetland Lace Basics!
What is Shetland Lace? How does it differ from other lace styles? What are the tips and tricks you need to know to work it successfully? Laura will cover some history of Shetland Lace and then delve into techniques to help you knit it successfully. The class will cover basic increases and decreases, walk you through chart reading, and get you on your way to becoming a more advanced lace knitter! Skills gained in this class will translate over to many patterns that use lace stitches.
MATERIALS LIST
- Shetland Lace Basics handout- supplied by instructor in class
- Approx. 30 yards fingering or sport-weight yarn
- US size 5 or 6 (3.75 or 4mm) needles
- Stitch markers
SKILLS NEEDED
- Basic lace skills
- No Homework
SKILLS LEARNED
- A basic understanding about the structure of lace stitches from the Shetland Isles
Saturday September 23rd 9am-12pm: Beading 101
This class teaches multiple ways of working with beads. It is the PERFECT introductory class! You will learn how to place beads with a crochet hook or superfloss, how to work with pre-strung beads in a variety of ways, and how to work with beads on bind-offs and i-cord. We’ll discuss choosing beads and yarn, along with how to look at an existing pattern in your library and how to add beads to it. This is a class for those with basic knitting skills who are ready to add a little bling to their knitting!
MATERIALS LIST
- Beading 101 handout- supplied by instructor in class
- Approx. 40 yards fingering weight yarn
- US Size 3 (3.25 mm) needles
- Approx 10 grams size 6/0 beads to match your yarn
- I will supply dental floss threaders and super floss in class, and will also have some beads for those that can’t find them!
SKILLS NEEDED
- How to knit and purl, the desire to learn!
- No Homework
SKILLS LEARNED
- How to shop for beads, working with prestrung and placed beads in a variety of innovative ways, beaded bind off, and beaded i-cord.
Jennifer Davies
Jennifer Davies has been knitting on and off since age 8. She began making jewelry to supplement her public school educator salary 15 years ago, starting Bur Oak Studio. Inspired by her love of fiber arts and recycling she began using the old aluminum needles & hooks for her materials in all their awesome colors! Retired from teaching in 2022 Jennifer is expanding her class offerings and fiber-focused adventures- come join in to use basic techniques and unusual parts to make unique, whimsical creations!
CLASSES:
Friday September 22nd 9am-10:20am: Knitting Needles into Earrings
Take cut parts from old, aluminum knitting needles and turn them into light & colorful earrings! Jennifer provides all materials and tools, but if you have some favorite pliers, bring them along! We’ll make 3 pairs of earrings on steel ear wires (if you have other needs please let Jennifer know well in advance for accommodations!) No previous experience necessary- bring glasses for close up work if needed.
MATERIALS FEE COVERED IN CLASS COST
Friday September 22nd 10:30am-11:50am: Knitting Needles into Earrings
Take cut parts from old, aluminum knitting needles and turn them into light & colorful earrings! Jennifer provides all materials and tools, but if you have some favorite pliers, bring them along! We’ll make 3 pairs of earrings on steel ear wires (if you have other needs please let Jennifer know well in advance for accommodations!) No previous experience necessary- bring glasses for close up work if needed.
MATERIALS FEE COVERED IN CLASS COST
Friday September 22nd 1pm-2:20pm: Knitting Needle & Crochet hook Ornaments and Sun Catchers
Using drilled, cut and sanded sections of old, aluminum needles and hooks, create colorful ornaments and/or sun catchers. Jennifer supplies all prepped materials, including rescued chandelier crystals!, and tools to make 2 (two) whimsical pieces to keep or gift! If you have a favorite pair of pliers, especially conical ones- bring them along! No previous experience necessary- bring glasses for close up work if needed.
MATERIALS FEE COVERED IN CLASS COST
Friday September 22nd 2:30pm-3:50pm: Knitting Needle & Crochet hook Ornaments and Sun Catchers
Using drilled, cut and sanded sections of old, aluminum needles and hooks, create colorful ornaments and/or sun catchers. Jennifer supplies all prepped materials, including rescued chandelier crystals!, and tools to make 2 (two) whimsical pieces to keep or gift! If you have a favorite pair of pliers, especially conical ones- bring them along! No previous experience necessary- bring glasses for close up work if needed.
MATERIALS FEE COVERED IN CLASS COST
Saturday September 23red 9am-12:00pm: Knitting Needle Jewelry Set (Earrings, Necklace & Bracelet)
Give old, aluminum knitting needles new life by turning cut sections into a colorful jewelry set! Jennifer provides cut and ready to create parts of the old tools plus findings and tools to create a one-of-a kind set. Basic jewelry making techniques will be covered to create a pair of earrings; steel and base metal options (if you have other needs please let Jennifer know well in advance for accommodations!), a bracelet and necklace. No previous experience necessary- bring glasses for close up work if needed.
ADDITIONAL MATERIALS FEE = $15
Knitting at the Estate 