Toronto Knitter's Frolic 2017

I'm super excited to be teaching at the Toronto Knitter's Frolic again this year!
The workshop registrations open on March 1st! Come register for Weaving on a Cardboard Loom!

Classes for kids at the Children's Art Factory!

Beginner Knitting Workshop for Kids at The Children's Art Factory

This beginner knitting workshop is for kids 5 and up!

Over three sessions, the kids will be working on learning the basics of knitting. The workshop cost includes instruction and supplies as well as a visit to the Art Factory!

Dates: Wednesday February 25, March 4 and 11

Time: 4:30 - 5:30 pm

Where: The Children's Art Factory 279 Woolwich St. Guelph

Cost: $55.00 includes instruction, supplies and a visit to The Children's Art Factory

To sign up please contact The Children's Art Factory 

by calling: (226) 500-1544 or emailing: melissa@thechildrensartfactory.com

Taught by Alisa McRonald who has been teaching textile arts to many different age groups for many years.

Beginner Embroidery and Appliqué Workshop for Kids at The Children's Art Factory

This beginner embroider and appliqué workshop is for kids 5 and up!

Over three sessions, the kids will be working on learning basic embroidery and hand-stitching techniques as well as some basic appliqué techniques. The workshop cost includes instruction and supplies as well as a visit to the Art Factory!

Dates: Wednesday February 25, March 4 and 11

Time: 3:30 - 4:30 pm

Where: The Children's Art Factory 279 Woolwich St. Guelph

Cost: $55.00 includes instruction, supplies and a visit to The Children's Art Factory

To sign up please contact The Children's Art Factory 

by calling: (226) 500-1544 or emailing: melissa@thechildrensartfactory.com

Taught by Alisa McRonald who has been teaching textile arts to many different age groups for many years.

Kid's Sewing Class at Necessary Arts Company!

I'm going to be teaching a sewing class for kids at Necessary Arts Company. I'm very excited about it! Please see below for info and visit their website to sign up...

Sewing a Stuffie with Kids at Necessary Arts!

Ages 6+

A 3 session class for beginners geared towards creativity, safety and success. Children are asked to bring in a drawing of a stuffed friend they would like to make and will be walked through the whole process. Learn to make the pattern and sew their design.

$50.00 (instruction and materials are included in the price of the class)

Dates: Thursday February 12, 19 and 26  OR Thursday March 5, 12 and 26

Time: 4:30 - 5:30pm

Limited to 5 participants

Knitting for Kids Class!

Rag Doll Class

I'm so excited to be teaching this fun doll making class in October! See the poster for details!

Hallowe'en Mask Workshop!

Classes Coming up at Make Your Mark Studio!

I'm so excited to be gearing up for teaching at Make Your Mark Studio - my new home!  
Here is a list of the classes that are coming up please email me if you need further info or would like to sign up for a class. I'm also working on a website up-date that will make things smoother and getting pictures all ready, but for now:

Thursday, May 9th 6:30-9pm.
Weaving on a Cardboard Loom - This is a beginner class that will use very simple techniques to get you weaving creatively! No weaving experience necessary - all you need is a piece of cardboard and some yarn... away you go!  
$30 click here for more info or to register.


Friday, May 10th Noon-1pm.
Knit Stitch of the Month - Making Holes, Intro to Lace. This is the beginning of a monthly noon time series. This month we'll be learning the basics of lace - making holes. All you need is some yarn and knitting needles!
$15 click here for more info or to register.


Friday, May 24th Noon-1pm.
Crochet Stitch of the Month - Single and Double Crochet. This is the beginning of a monthly noon time series. This month we'll be learning the foundations of crochet - the single and double crochet stitches. All you need is some yarn and a crochet hook!
$15 click here for more info or to register.


Monday, June 3rd and Monday, June 10th 6:00-9pm.
Make your own leggings -Leggings are a necessary item of clothing these days! In this class we will be using a bleach based formula to "draw" on your fabric, making your leggings truly your own! In addition, we'll be drafting a pattern that fits YOU and making the actual leggings! What a wonderful class.... I'll be co-teaching with Alison Ellett.
$60 for both classes click here for more info or to register.



Thursday, June 6th 6:30-9pm.
Kitchen Sink Stamps - What a fun class! We'll be learning how to print on your own fabric using very easy methods and materials that you can easily find around the home to make very interesting and modern prints on fabric! Then you can really personalize anything you sew - garments, accessories, handbags - anything!
$30 click here for more info or to register.


Friday, June 7th Noon-1pm.
Knit Stitch of the Month - The Twisted Rib Stitch. An interesting "twist" on a basic rib stitch. All you need is some yarn and knitting needles!
$15 click here for more info or to register.


Friday, June 21st Noon-1pm.
Crochet Stitch of the Month - Intro to Broomstick Lace. This is a very fun and zippy way to make beautiful lace. It uses a very large knitting needle, a crochet hook and yarn. A new and fun technique
$15 click here for more info or to register.

Tuesday, June 25th 6:30-9pm
Creative Mending - Do you have a pile of knitwear or nice clothing with small catches or holes? Garments you really love?? Don't throw it away - mend it! Come learn some creative mending techniques for your garments.
$30 click here for more info or to register.


Tuesday, July 11th 6:30-9pm
Granny Squares, Circles, Triangles... - Grannies are in - in all shapes and sizes... join the craze and get hooking!
$30 click here for more info or to register.



Friday, July 12th Noon-1pm.
Knit Stitch of the Month - Reversible Cable Stitch.  You can add this technique to a scarf, shawl or any double sided piece you're working on. All you need is some yarn, a cable needle and knitting needles!
$15 click here for more info or to register.


Friday, July 26th Noon-1pm.
Crochet Stitch of the Month - Tunisian Crochet Basics. This is a fun technique that is coming back in a big way! Also called the Afghan Stitch... All you need is some yarn and a crochet hook with a long shank!
$15 click here for more info or to register.


Saturday, July 27th 11-2pm
Freeform Crochet and Knitting. This is going to be a fun class full of creativity. You will be guided on how to use your knitting and/or crochet in a new and exciting way! Come with yarns and different sized crochet hooks and knitting needles and get ready to dive in to creativity!
$35 click here for more info or to register.

Registration info:
All classes will be taught at Boarding House Arts, 6 Dublin Street South in Guelph at Make Your Mark Studio Suite 301.

I keep classes small in order to be able to spend one-on-one time with each student. 

Please register in advance by contacting me using the links next to the class you are interested in or emailing me here.

Payment in full for the class is due upon registration, please check your schedule and class description carefully, registration fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. I also do not offer make up classes.

If you must cancel a class you have registered for, please notify me at least 48 hours in advance and I will issue you a credit toward another class.  

The prices listed are for the class only, materials are additional. I will provide a full materials list upon registration as well as suggestions on where to purchase your supplies.

If a class does not run due to low registration or extenuating circumstances, you will be refunded in full.

Doors will open 15 minutes before class and class will start promptly. Please be on time.

I welcome ideas for classes and also accept private students in: knitting, crochet and hand-spinning.

Cool Things Coming Up!

I just wanted to point out some cool things that are coming up!  

Firstly, I'll be teaching "Making and Weaving on a Cardboard Loom" through Spark of Brilliance! It's going to be a blast! Check out the poster for details...

Secondly, I'm really gearing up for the launch of Make Your Mark Studio! Here's a lovely poster for that event too! Don't forget to visit Make Your Mark Studio and sign up for our mailing list to be on top of all the events coming up!

Let's Get Random...

There's been lots going on...  one thing is a very big project that I'll be able to talk about very soon!

Brrr - Moebius!

I'll be teaching a few classes this weekend at All Strung Out Yarns! The Moebius is a fun an versatile accessory for every wardrobe and can be worn many ways! I'll also be wrapping up a three session hand-spinning class, which I hope to continue - it's been a very fun one to teach and I really feel in my element when I'm talking about fibre and spinning.

Inside Moebius

I've been working on a sweater out of Jill Draper's Empire yarn. She has a contest going on in honour of Fred Rogers and it's really cool! You can find out all about it on her Ravelry Forum.

Long Cardi with "Bell Sleeves"

I've also (still) been working on my Borealis by Cal Patch. It's a lot of fun, but I'm at the stage that happens in shawl making where I'm asking myself, "Is this actually getting any bigger?" There's a big milestone coming up -decreasing!

It's growing s-l-o-w-l-y

This Saturday (after class), I'll headed over to Long and McQuade to participate in their monthly Ukulele group and I'm just so excited!

"Buffalo Gals Go 'round the Outside"

Cal Patch Crochet Genius!

In my opinion, Cal Patch of Hodgepodge Farm is a DIY genius! Her crochet patterns are really what it's all about as far as the direction that crochet is going. Beautiful, contemporary and showcasing gorgeous yarns (like Jill Draper's).
I'm currently working on her new pattern for a shawl called "Borealis" and it's so much fun and so addictive. Although hers is made from the Aurora by Jill, I'm making mine out of some of my own hand-dyed. Fittingly, it's a gorgeous silk/alpaca blend I dyed during my visit to Hodgepodge Farm!
In other news... I'll be teaching a three session spinning class starting this Sunday (February 3) at All Strung Out Yarns. It's going to be a fun one and student's choice on whether to use a wheel or a drop spindle.

Here we go now!

False Start...

A few classes!

I'm so excited to be a new teacher at Bee Modern Fabrics in Niagra-on-the-Lake!  I have a Granny Square making workshop coming up and will be running some classes alongside the very talented Alison Ellet!  Here are the details on the Granny Square Class:

CROCHET GRANNY SQUARES (and Granny Circles and Triangles)! We will teach you the basics and you will then be able to make many more, join them into a blanket, make coasters, placemats, bags, more blankets, pillows, rugs...if you love vintage, making granny square accent pieces is a must! Thursday, September 20th, 5:30 to 8:30pm, with a follow-up review/troubleshoot or show & share session on Sept 27th, 5:30 to 6:30 - $40 plus supplies. Call to sign up! (905) 468 8190

I will also be teaching a two day workshop with Spark of Brilliance coming up on Tues the 25th and Wed the 26 from 1-3pm.  It's a textile technique workshop where participants will be working on sculptural wall hangings.  Please check out the poster!

 I'm so excited to be attending a Pluckyfluff class in St. Catherine's this coming weekend with my good friend Andie L.!  I will be reporting on that AND more about my Hodgepodge Farm Residency coming up next time...

Goodness Gracious!

It's hard to see, but the topper to my tree is a knit sheep!

Well, it's nearing the end of the year... I haven't done much yarn-y stuff lately because of ongoing wrist and arm troubles... I didn't despair this season though! I used the opportunity to support local merchants and small artisans instead of crocheting and knitting like a kookoo for everyone on my Holiday list! It was a different approach for me (as I usually knit and crochet like a kookoo for everyone) and I liked it! So less stressful and so nice to see all the great hand made and local stuff that is out there!

Some nice textures....

At the beginning of the month I ran a Beginner Knitting workshop through a wonderful organization called, "Spark of Brilliance"! It was amazing and we had such a fantastic time. I'm going to be working with them as much as I can in the future! The lovely space where the workshop was held is called, "10 Carden". It's a wonderful co-op space for socially innovative community based organizations and businesses. WOW!
I'm going to be doing some co-facilitating with Birdeye Family Programs coming up soon! Check out these great posters! We will be working together lots in the New Year and I will post much more as the events happen. The posters are for a Kid's Community Quilt Project and an ongoing event we're calling, "Crafternoon Tea"! 

I'm working on a broomstick lace shawl!

One of the fun things about December is that, in addition to many holiday parties, Christmas and New Year's Eve, three of my immediate family member's all have Birthdays! I did get to make a little something for my 2 year old niece that LOVES bracelets. The problem is that the always fall off her little person wrists so, I crocheted fun colours around a hair elastic and made her a stack-o-bracelets! The kids at her party all dug them and she very nicely shared them with her little buddies.

This fall we have had a really great "in theory" bird feeder. It sticks to the window so the birds come right up and it's all very exciting.... we had finches, cardinals, blue jays, sparrows, juncos, chickadees and SQUIRRELS! In fact, the squirrels were so BAD they kept on pulling down the bird feeder and gobbling up all the seeds for themselves. The birds were left chirruping at the window like, "Hey man! Where's ours?!".... Now everyone is punished and no one gets the feeder until we figure out how to discourage the squirrels. Especially Mocha - he didn't even care if I banged on the window and told him to get lost! They are very sneaky and bold!

Get outta here!:

All the birds now hide in the tree and screech at us...:

The Empire

I'm so excited to be running a beginner Knitting program through Spark of Brilliance! It's coming up in a few weeks and FULL!


So, since my lovely trip to upstate NY there has been a wondrous skein of yarn made by Jill Draper sitting in a place of honour on my shelf. I'm going to be crocheting an EPS sweater in tandem with my friend Jenne in San Francisco. The lovely Cal Patch has already made a sweater from Empire using the EPS in crochet and I will be emailing her and calling her for advice. I really want to make a longer sweater that is sort of "belled" from the waist with a boat neck and 3/4 bell sleeves. A cozy one! I will be using one of my lovely new magic wands (hand-turned wooden crochet hooks by Willette)!


In other news - there are lots of things brewing that I will share shortly - just not now... secrets... shhhhh.....

Also, I had a great time with a group of amazing kids at The Children's Art Factory doing a Monster Making Workshop! Here are some pictures:


Birdeye Family Programs and myself as Fibreperson will be running a few other fun programs through the Children's Art Factory in December and January! Just read these and email me if you need more info!!:

The Community Quilt Project
Hey kids, would you like to help us make a quilt? This is a creative group project that brings happiness to our community. We are calling on kids aged 7 - 12 to join us in making quilt squares. You can embroider, do appliqué, needle felt, paint - anything you want to make your square unique. Then, we will sew them together to make a quilt that will be displayed at the Children's Art Factory and other public places around Guelph! The quilt will ultimately be donated to a not-for-profit that helps children and families in our city. Participants will make two squares, one finished as a banner and ready for hanging at their home, the other will be for the Community Quilt. All materials will be provided. Ages 7 - 12. Thursday, December 29th OR Wednesday January 4th from 1-3pm. $25 per child all materials included!
Sign up by emailing: alisamcr@gmail.com
This program is co-hosted by Birdeye Family Programs and Fibreperson!


Crafternoon Tea
Are you a crafty momma? Knit-star? Is crochet your thing? Perhaps even an embroidery lover? Maybe you'd love to learn but just don't have the time?
Join us for Crafternoon Tea! A time where you can work on what ever your crafting desires may be while your tots are only steps away working on their own little projects.
Starting in January 2012, we will be offering this crafty group for tots 2 1/2 - 6 years old and their parents! The cost will be $25 which includes hands on supervision and all the crafting supplies for your little one, tea for you, and, if you need a project to work on, we will have kits available too! There will be help and instruction in knitting, crochet and embroidery available. Please keep an eye out for further information on this group, which will run bi-weekly from 1 - 3pm starting in January.
This program is co-hosted by Birdeye Family Programs and Fibreperson!

November (already!?) Classes....

Here are some classes I'll be teaching in November and some to look forward to....
Oh, and please use the "follow by email" feature to get all my updates!

First of all, I'm so excited to be working with The Children's Art Factory! I will be teaching classes exclusively for children! Check it out:

Monsters! Aliens! Creatures!
Can you think of a funny monster? A scary alien? Maybe a silly creature!? Come and have fun with pompoms, felt, googley eyes and other fun materials and make that monster come to life! Ages 6 and up! Sunday November 6, 12:30–2:30pm.
Just drop-in for Monster Mayhem! If you need more info please email: alisa@thechildrensartfactory.com.


Beginner Knitting for Kids
You can make all sorts of things if you know how to knit – want to try?
This class is for those of you who have never knit before and want to get started. We will learn the knit stitch, the purl stitch and how to cast-on and bind-off. Ages 7-9. This is a three-week class, the dates are Tuesday November 15, 22 and 29, 6–7:30 pm. The cost is $60, which includes all materials. Please register by emailing: alisa@thechildrensartfactory.com.


Making Yarn with a Drop Spindle!
Hey Kids! Do you want to make your own yarn! Want to learn about sheep?
Using a drop spindle, you can learn to spin your own yarns! Inexpensive to start, this is a great hobby! Ages 7-9. This is a three-week class, the dates are Wednesday November 16, 23 and 30, 6-7:30pm. The cost is $60, which includes all materials. Please register by emailing alisa@thechildrensartfactory.com.


Also, keep an eye out for these fun workshops and crafting days coming up at The Children's Art Factory:

The Community Quilt Project
Hey kids, would you like to help us make a quilt? This is a creative group project that brings happiness to our community. We are calling on kids aged 7 - 12 to join us in making quilt squares. You can embroider, do applique, needle felt, paint - anything you want to make your square unique. Then, we will sew them together to make a quilt that will be displayed at the Children's Art Factory and other public places around Guelph! The quilt will ultimately be donated to a not-for-profit that helps children and families in our city. Participants will make two squares, one finished as a banner and ready for hanging at their home, the other will be for the Community Quilt. All materials will be provided. Ages 7 - 12. Thursday, December 29th OR Wednesday January 4th from 1-3pm. $25 per child all materials included! Sign up by emailing: alisa@thechildrensartfactory.com

Crafternoon Tea
Are you a crafty momma? Knit-star? Is crochet your thing? Perhaps even an embroidery lover? Maybe you'd love to learn but just don't have the time?
Join us for Crafternoon Tea! A time where you can work on what ever your crafting desires may be while your tots are only steps away working on their own little projects.
Starting in January 2012, we will be offering this crafty group for tots 2 1/2 - 6 years old and their parents! The cost will be $25 which includes hands on supervision and all the crafting supplies for your little one, tea for you, and, if you need a project to work on, we will have kits available too! There will be help and instruction in knitting, crochet and embroidery available. Please keep an eye out for further information on this group which will run bi-weekly from 1 - 3pm starting in January.

I'm also excited to be teaching some classes at the lovely Greenwood Quiltery this month too! (click on the link to contact them for more info and to sign up):

Sock Knitting!
This is a two-part class where students will learn the basics of sock knitting. We will be working on four needles from the cuff down. Please know how to work on 4 needles, read a pattern, cast on/off and be available for both classes. Thursday November 3 AND Thursday November 17, 6 – 8 pm. $35 For both classes; materials additional.
Contact Greenwood Quiltery to register.


Drop Spindle Spinning
Entranced by handspun yarns?! Give it a “whorl”! Using the drop spindle, learn to spin your own yarns. Inexpensive to start, this is a great portable hobby!
Saturday November 5 AND Saturday November 12, 6 – 8 pm. $35 for both classes; materials additional. Contact Greenwood Quiltery to register.