August Classes I'm Teaching!

I'm excited to be teaching the super duper LYS All Strung Out in Guelph this month! I'm also teaching some fun classes at Passionknit.... Take a look:


Start a Log Cabin Blanket
This easy blanket pattern is based on the popular quilt design. It’s done in garter stitch and is fun to make in Noro Kureyon or Silk Garden. Please know how to knit and pick-up stitches and read a pattern. Discounts will be offered for people who take the class and want to purchase a kit. (Pinchy) Thurs. Aug. 18 OR Wed. Aug. 31, 7-9pm. $30 plus materials.*

Easy Lace Triangular Shawl

Jill Draper is a Kingston, NY based designer who has graciously allowed us to use her pattern “A Little Something”. This wonderful and easy pattern is worked from the tip/bottom of the shawl up. It is an easy beginner lace pattern. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn lace stitches and try out a beautiful yarn and pattern. More of Jill’s work can be seen at www.jilldraper.com. Please know how to cast-on/off, knit, purl and follow a pattern. (Peachy) Wed. Aug. 10 OR Wed. Aug. 17, 7 – 9pm. $30 plus materials.*

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 5 needles, read a pattern, cast on/off and be available for both classes. (Pinchy) Sat. Aug. 6 AND Sat. Aug. 20, 10am-12pm. Please contact All Strung Out for more details.*

Absolute Beginner Knitting

If you are interested in learning the basics of knitting this is the class for you! 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. We will talk about different ways of knitting as well as knitting terminology. (Peachy) Wed. Aug. 3 OR Thurs. Aug. 11, 7 – 9pm. $30 plus materials.*

*Please bring your knitting tool kit to class:
Needles, stitch markers, scissors, note pad, etc. Also, please roll any skeins into balls before class!

June Classes!

June's going to be a busy month for me! Tamaralda and I are giving a talk on Wednesday June 15 at 7:30pm for the Downtown Knit Collective. We are speaking about our experiences with our knitted and crocheted skirt addiction!

I'm also the new Membership and Promotions person for the Ontario Handweavers and Spinners. If anyone is interested in learning more about the OHS please get in touch! I'll be posting lots about what the OHS is up to over the next several months.

Here are the classes I'm teaching at Passionknit in June. Please call 426-322-0688 for more information or to register.

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 5 needles, read a pattern, cast on/off and be available for both classes. (Pinchy) Wed. June 8 AND Wed. June 22, 7 – 9 pm. $50 For both classes; materials additional.*


Knit a Toy – Monster Madness!
This class is going to be a fun one! We will be working on making one of Rebecca Danger’s Monster Chunks (check out her patterns on Ravelry)!
This cute toy is a great way to use up leftover yarn and learn many techniques. We will learn to decrease, pick-up stitches and grafting. Please know how to knit with 4 needles and follow a pattern. Please bring Aran weight or heavier leftover yarn (approx. 100yds) and DPNs a few sizes smaller than recommended for your yarn. (Pinchy) Thurs. June 9, 7 – 9pm
OR Thurs. June 23, 7 – 9pm. $35 includes: stuffing, eyes, felt and glue. *


Colour Class!
Does colour intimidate you? Does colour theory bore you? If you want to let loose and learn how to build a colour palette that works for YOU – this is the class you’ve been waiting for. Participants will be asked to bring in an image that inspires them through colour – it could be a photo of a sunset, an image from a magazine, a favorite piece of art… During the class we will discuss why the image works and build a usable palate that the participant can take with them. Colour will be demystified through creativity and fun! (Peachy) Thurs. June 16, 7 – 9pm OR Thurs. June 30, 7 – 9pm. $30*


Absolute Beginner Knitting
If you are interested in learning the basics of knitting this is the class for you! 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. We will talk about different ways of knitting as well as knitting terminology. (Peachy) Wed. June 29, 7 – 9pm. $30 plus materials.*


*Please bring your knitting tool kit to class:
Needles, stitch markers, scissors, note pad, etc. Also, please roll any skeins into balls before class!

May Classes

May is going to be a busy month for me! I am officially on the Ontario Handweavers and Spinners board of directors. I’ll be working as the Membership and Promotions coordinator. I’m very excited to take on this roll!

I’m also starting a six-year hand-spinning course through the OHS this month. I’m so excited to spend 10 days immersed in fibre with a bunch of “fibre people”.

I’m teaching the following classes in May at Passionknit in Toronto. Please register in advance either by coming into the shop or calling Passionknit at (416) 322-0688:

Beginner Crochet – Little Fishy
Learn the basics of crochet in this fun class. Learn basic crochet stitches, how to read a pattern, increasing and decreasing. Participants will be working on a cute fish-shaped potholder! (Peachy) Tues. May 17, 7 – 9pm. $30 plus materials.*


The Entrelac Technique - Noro Silk Garden Lite Scarf!
If you’re interested in Entrelac, this is the class for you! We will be going over the technique, and participants will be inspired by the beautiful Noro colours! Please know how to knit, purl, pick up stitches and read a pattern. (Pinchy) Thurs. May 19 or Tues. May 31, 7 – 9pm. $30 plus materials.*


Finishing Techniques – Seams and Picking Up Stitches
This class is for those who are interested in augmenting their finishing skills. We will go over the most used seaming techniques (the mattress stitch and the back stitch) and learn how to pick-up stitches. We will also talk about the importance of blocking and go over other useful terms and definitions. Students will be required to make three 3” by 3” stockinette stitch squares out of a medium weight yarn and block them in time for the class. Please bring the following to class: your knitted squares, contrasting yarn, darning needle, scissors and knitting needles of same size used to make squares. Please note that the homework is to be done independently and no instruction will be given prior to class. (Pinchy) Thurs. May 26, 7 – 9pm. $30*

Class Rating:
Peachy = All Levels
Pinchy = Medium
Persnickety = Difficult

*Please bring your knitting tool bag to class: Needles, stitch markers, scissors, note pad, etc. Also, please roll any skeins into balls before class!

April Classes

It’s finally April! I never thought this winter would end – all my favorite flowers bloom in the spring!

This month is a busy one for me so I’m not teaching as much as usual! I’ll be off participating in the Ontario Handweavers and Spinners (OHS) annual conference where I’ll take on the position of Membership and Promotions Coordinator as well as participate as a juror for their annual juried show. I’m very excited to be involved with the OHS and look forward to getting to work with them.

I’m also excited for my good friend Cal from Hodgepodge farm! She’s coming to visit us here in Toronto/Guelph and is teaching several classes at the end of April. She’ll be teaching at Lettuce Knit, The Workroom and Greenwood Quiltery – check out her blog to find out more!

I’m teaching the following classes at Greenwood Quiltery In Guelph.
Please call them at (519) 822-2790 for information and to register:

Beginner Crochet – The Fishy Washy Learn the basics of crochet in this fun class. Participants will be working on a cute fish-shaped washcloth! (Peachy) Tues. April 5, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. $20.00 plus supplies.*

I’m teaching the following classes in April at Passionknit in Toronto. Please register in advance either by coming into the shop or calling Passionknit at (416) 322-0688:

Continental Knitting
Continental knitting (picking) along with English knitting (throwing) are the two predominant ways of knitting. The picking technique is gaining in popularity for those who are interested in augmenting their techniques repertoire. Knitting in this way is very efficient and facilitates colourwork. This class will go over the basics and get you practicing knitting the continental way! You must have a basic knowledge of knitting to take this class. (Peachy) Thurs. April 14, 7 – 9pm. $30 plus materials.*



Easy Lace Triangular Shawl
Jill Draper is a Kingston, NY based designer who has graciously allowed us to use her pattern “A Little Something”. This wonderful and easy pattern is worked from the tip/bottom of the shawl up. It is an easy beginner lace pattern. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn lace stitches and try out a beautiful yarn and pattern. Please know how to cast-on/off, knit, purl and follow a pattern. (Peachy) Thurs. April 21, 7 – 9pm. $30 plus materials.*

Class Rating: Peachy = All Levels Pinchy = Medium Persnickety = Difficult *Please bring your knitting tool bag to class: Needles, stitch markers, scissors, note pad, etc. Also, please roll any skeins into balls before class!

March Classes

I’m teaching the following classes at Greenwood Quiltery In Guelph.
Please call them at (519) 822-2790 for information and to register:

Beginner Lace Shawl Learn the lace basics to make this cozy shawl and attain the knowledge & confidence to venture into more detailed patterns. (Thank you to Jill Draper for the use of her pattern) (Pinchy) Tues. Feb. 22, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. $20.00 plus supplies.*


Drop Spindle Spinning Entranced by handspun yarns and longing to move deeper into the creative waters to knit your own handspun yarns? Using the drop spindle, learn to spin your own yarns! Inexpensive to start, this is a great portable hobby! Tues. March 8 and Tues. March 22, 6 – 8 pm. (Pinchy) $30 plus suplies.*



I’m teaching the following classes in March at Passionknit in Toronto. Please register in advance either by coming into the shop or calling Passionknit at (416) 322-0688:

Sock Knitting! This is a two-part class where students will learn the basics of sock knitting. We will be working on five needles from the cuff down. Please know how to work on 5 needles, read a pattern, cast on/off and be available for both classes. (Pinchy) Tues. March 15 and Tues. March 29, 7 – 9 pm. $50 For both classes; materials additional.*



Absolute Beginner Knitting If you are interested in learning the basics of knitting this is the class for you! This class is for those of you who have never knit before and want to get started. We will learn how to cast-on, the knit stitch and the purl stitch. We will talk about different ways of knitting as well as knitting terminology. (Peachy) Thurs. March 17, 7 – 9pm. $30 plus materials.*



Learn to Knit on Four Needles Don’t be scared! It’s easy and fun! Knitting on four needles allows you to make all sorts of small items in the round. In this class we will be making simple wrist warmers on 4 needles using a luxurious Alpaca yarn. Please know how to cast on, bind off, knit and purl. (Pinchy) Thurs. March 31, 7 – 9pm. $30 plus materials.*


Class Rating:
Peachy = All Levels
Pinchy = Medium
Persnickety = Difficult

*Please bring your knitting tool bag to class: Needles, stitch markers, scissors, note pad, etc. Also, please roll any skeins into balls before class!

February Classes!

I've been working on putting together some new classes (and have more new ones in the works for the months to come)!

All the following classes will be taught at Passionknit in Toronto. Please register in advance either by coming into the shop or calling Passionknit at (416) 322-0688.

Easy Moebius (Shawl, Hood, Snood…)
During this class you will learn how to cast-on using the provisional method and how to graft together a seam. We will be making a fun and funky Moebius out of Mirasol’s new chunky yarn - Ushya. A snuggly treat!
(Peachy) Tues. Feb. 8, 7 – 9pm. $30 plus materials.*


Cast-On Methods
There are many methods used to cast-on for a project. If you are interested in learning what cast-on is best for what project as well as hands on basic and decorative methods, this is the class for you! (Peachy) Thurs. Feb. 10, 7 – 9pm. $30 please bring a medium weight yarn and appropriate needles. *


Continental Knitting – Easy Lace Scarf
This easy lace pattern is especially fun and fast using the Continental way of knitting. If you’ve experimented with continental knitting and would like to augment your skills, this is the class for you! Please know how to cast-on/off, knit, purl and follow a pattern.
(Pinchy) Thurs. Feb. 17, 7 – 9pm. $30 plus materials.*


Finishing Techniques – Seams and Picking Up Stitches
This class is for those who are interested in augmenting their finishing skills. We will go over the most used seaming techniques (the mattress stitch and the back stitch) and learn how to pick-up stitches. We will also talk about the importance of blocking and go over other useful terms and definitions. Students will be required to make three 3” by 3” stockinette stitch squares out of a medium weight yarn and block them in time for the class. Please bring the following to class: Knitted squares, contrasting yarn, darning needle, scissors and knitting needles of same size used to make squares. Please note that the homework is to be done independently and no instruction will be given prior to class. (Pinchy) Thurs. Feb. 24, 7 – 9pm. $30*

Class Rating:
Peachy = All Levels
Pinchy = Medium
Persnickety = Difficult

*Please bring your knitting tool bag to class: Needles, stitch markers, scissors, note pad, etc. Also, please roll any skeins into balls before class!

Lanesplitter Part Two – The Alterations

The skirt obsession started when Tamaralda exploded into the shop with the Knitty pattern for the Lansplitter Skirt. Tamaralda, Jaqual and myself all picked out our Kureyon and each made a skirt. It was so fun and exciting and competitive (in a fun and exciting way)… We all finished and Tamaralda wears hers all the time, Japual wears hers too. When I put mine on, I felt that it was kind of bulky and long and it just didn’t feel comfortable for me… I was sad… I folded it up and put it in my closet knowing that I would never wear it. But every time Tamaralda wore hers I was jealous. When she talked me into modeling our Lansplitters together for the Downtown Knit Collective’s annual fashion show (I have no idea how she convinced me!), I decided that some alterations needed to be done.




Firstly, I removed the waistband and undid Jaqual’s perfect seaming job (sorry):


I know that Kureyon felts really well so I rolled up my sleeves and got to felting the thing. I thought, “If it turns out too small, I’ll at least have a nice bathmat.” The felting was successful!


I then seamed it back up. It was a little difficult to re-seam since the fabric didn’t felt to accurate dimensions. It worked out just fine though.


Since I didn’t want to add any length by doing an applied waistband, I decided to go to the fabric store and buy some jersey material. I cut a strip wide enough for the elastic to thread through and the circumference of the inside of the skirt. Then I got to hand sewing.


I feel great in the skirt now! It fits better and is more of a mini style. I also feel like it’s more stable. It was a wonderful exercise in learning about fit and what to look for in a pattern to know it’s suitable for my body shape. (Here's a pic of myself wearing the altered Lansplitter with knitter extraordinaire Irene):


Tamaralda has been researching skirts for several months now and we’ve been working on combining yarns and working with different fibres to get the perfect fabric for skirt knitting. Our friend Irene has been helping us with advice and knitting expertise. I love knitting and crocheting skirts. It covers as much of your body as a sweater does and you don’t have to worry about fitting in arms or sewing up a bunch of seams like a sweater. They are warm and comfortable and fun to make. It’s been really challenging and interesting figuring out fibre combinations and gauges to make them viable to wear for many years. Tamaralda has several hand-knit and crocheted skirts. I’m currently finishing up a crocheted skirt from a Drops pattern. It has a shaped waist and I think it’s going to provide a much smoother fit and show off my curves. I now know what to look for in a skirt pattern! I can’t wait to finish it and post about it. Then on to the next one! Yay Skirts!

December Classes

Here are the classes I'm teaching in December! They are all being taught at Passionknit:
(416) 922-3832

The Entrelac Technique

If you’re interested in Entrelac, this is the class for you! We will be going over the technique, and participants will complete a small sample from casting-on to binding-off. Please know how to knit, purl, pick up stitches and read a pattern. Entrelac Pillow kits will be available for purchase at the time of the class at a 10% discount. (Pinchy) Thurs. Dec. 9, 7 – 9pm. $30 plus materials.*



Absolute Beginner Knitting
If you are interested in learning the basics of knitting this is the class for you!
This class is for those of you who have never knit before and want to get started.
We will learn how to cast-on, the knit stitch and the purl stitch. We will talk about different ways of knitting as well as knitting terminology. (Peachy)
Tues. Dec. 14, 7 – 9pm. $30 plus materials.*

Beginner Knitting Hat
What a fun hat! It’s a great beginner project! You will learn how to cast-on, bind-off, shape a garment, read a pattern and sew up your project. It’s a quick knit with great results. Lofty and lovely! (Peachy) Tues. Dec. 21, 7 – 9pm.

$30 plus materials.*




Easy Moebius (Shawl, Hood, Snood…)
During this class you will learn how to cast-on using the provisional method and how to graft together a seam. We will be making a fun and funky Moebius out of Mirasol’s new chunky yarn - Ushya. A snuggly treat! (Peachy)
Thurs. Dec. 16, 7 – 9pm. $30 plus materials.*

*Please bring your knitting tool bag to class:
needles, stitch markers, scissors, note pad, etc. Also, please roll any skeins into balls before class!

Please register in advance either by coming into the shop or calling Passionknit at:
(416) 322-0688

Twist Collective Challenge and Fiona Ellis!

This Wednesday September 29th officially kicks off the "Twist Collective Challenge" at Stitchers' Night from 7 - 9pm at Passionknit (3355 Yonge St. 416-322-0688). For those who don't know, we are asking people to check out the wonderful online knitting pattern shop Twist Collective, choose and purchase one of the amazing-ly designed patterns, bring it in to Passionknit and one of us will help make yarn substitutions. Then we can all be working on our projects at Stitchers' Night and we'll have a show-and-tell at the first Stitchers' Night in January! I'll be documenting my progress as well as Tamaralda and Jaqual's joint progress....

We have been super duper lucky to have had some of Fiona Ellis' wonderful samples on display at the shop for the past month. We are also lucky to be having her pay a little visit to this Wednesday's Stitchers' Night!

I'm going to be working on the Aran Waistcoat by Megan Rogers. The original pattern calls for a DK weight yarn but I've done some swatching and I'll be using the lovely, soft Malabrigo Twist in Burgundy.



Tamaralda and Jaqual are going to be colaborating on Chartres by Fiona Ellis. They are excited because they both work at very different tensions so they have had to swatch, swatch, swatch! They are working at the same tension on different size needles! They have substituted Louisa Harding's Mullberry Silk for the original yarn the pattern called for (which was a cotton/steel mix - very interesting).

Here are some pictures of the shop and Fiona's samples. I apologize because the pictures didn't turn out as good as I had hoped...

Here are a few of the widow area:





Chartres:



Bonnie:



Rebecca:



Paula:



Pamela:

September Classes at Passionknit!

Here's the class list for September. There's some good ones coming up! Including a daytime beginner knitting class.

Learn to Knit on Four Needles
Don’t be scared! It’s easy and fun! Knitting on four needles allows you to make all sorts of small items in the round. In this class we will be making simple wrist warmers on 4 needles using a luxurious Alpaca yarn. Please know how to cast on, bind off, knit and purl. (Pinchy) $30 plus materials. Wed. Sept. 1 or Thurs. Sept. 30, 7 – 9pm.


Mitered Squares
Mitered squares opens the door to knitting many things - both easy and difficult! It also teaches valuable shaping techniques! In this class we will learn how to make a basic mitered square and the door will be open to take this technique as far as you want to go! From scarves and blankets to intricate coats and skirts! Please know how to cast on, bind off, knit and purl. (Peachy) $30 plus materials. Thurs. Sept. 16, 7 – 9pm


Absolute Beginner Knitting
If you are interested in learning the basics of knitting this is the class for you! This class is for those of you who have never knit before and want to get started. We will learn how to cast on, the knit stitch and the purl stitch. We will talk about different ways of knitting as well as knitting terminology. (Peachy) $30 plus materials. Mon. Sept. 20, noon – 2pm.


Cast On Methods
There are many methods used to cast on for a project. If you are interested in learning what cast on is best for what project as well as hands on basic and decorative methods, this is the class for you! (Peachy) $30 please bring a medium weight yarn and appropriate needles. Wed. Sept. 22, 7 – 9pm.


Passionknit Stitchers’ Night
This is a special night out for our Passionknit customers to come and socialize. Come join us to “unwind” the last Wed. evening of every month for a fun knitting night. Wed. Sept. 29, 7 – 9pm (Free)

Registration Information: We keep classes small in order to be able to spend one-on-one time with each student. Please register in advance either by coming into the shop or calling us at (416) 322-0688.

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. We also do not offer make up classes. If you must cancel a class you have registered for, please notify us at least 48 hours in advance, we will issue you a credit toward another class.

Two-hour classes are $30, which is for the class only. Materials and applicable taxes will be in addition unless otherwise noted. If a class does not run due to low registration or extenuating circumstances, you will be refunded in full.

A 10% reduction on materials costs is offered once you are registered. You may select your materials anytime after registration.

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

We also welcome suggestions for class ideas – just send us an email or give us a call!

For up-dates on Passionknit events and classes please join our mailing list by calling or emailing us.

Class Rating: Peachy = All Levels Pinchy = Medium Persnickety = Difficult

Alisa McRonald, Fibre Arts Teacher
Alisa McRonald has been teaching fibre arts techniques classes and curating textile related gallery shows since 1998. Her own work has been shown in shops and galleries in New York, Los Angeles, Tokyo and Montreal. She continually augments her experience through attending hands-on workshops and lectures on various techniques including dyeing, handspinning and other yarn arts. She recently worked with the Textile Museum of Canada on a “Yarn Bombing” project.

Since moving to Toronto from Los Angeles in 2008 to take a job at Wellington Fibres Yarn Mill, she has maintained memberships with the Downtown Knit Collective, the Ontario Handweavers and Spinners Guild and the Textile Museum of Canada. Says McRonald, “Being a part of the fibre community energizes me! I like to challenge people’s preconceptions of the yarn arts and love talking about the various processes of these crafts. I even take my holidays specifically to attend fibre related events!”

Her personal artwork has been featured in various magazines and publications such as “Harper’s Bazaar Japan”, “Giant Robot”, “Nyoln” and “Time Out New York” as well as a featured artist in “By Hand: The Use of Craft in Contemporary Art” and colour forecasting publication, “View on Colour”. In 2001 she had the honour of being invited to be a guest lecturer and critic at the Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore.

In addition to teaching at Passionknit, she currently she maintains her own blog: http://fibreperson.blogspot.com/ and her new online venture, “Fibre Person” will be launching later this year.

K5 Tog!!!

My colleague Tamara (Tamaralda) had the good fortune to attend an Orenburg Lace Knitting workshop at the Textile Museum taught by THE expert on the subject, Galina Khmeleva. Lucky for me, Tamara decided to hold a group follow-up with a few of the other participants in the class. We had a lovely evening talking about lace knitting and working on an Orenburg sampler that is in the current issue of Piecework Magazine. (As an aside, the current issue of Piecework is all about samplers – one of my other obsessions).

Galina wearing one of her shawls:


Orenburg lace shawls originated in the Orenburg area of Russia about 250 years ago. The fine lace work is knitted from finely spun goat fibre similar to mohair and sometimes blended with silk. They are always knit in garter stitch and each pattern has a traditional name like: Mouse Print, Strawberry or Cat’s Paw. The shawls are also know as wedding ring shawls because even though the shawls are quite large, they are so fine, you can pass them through a ring.

Tamara and I have been working on our sampler for the past few weeks and the group is meeting again at the end of the month. I’ll post pictures of everyone’s progress!

My sampler is on the left and is made out of Diamond Luxury Alpaca Lace, Tamara's is on the right and is made of Arucania Trauco Cashmere:


In other news, Tamara and Jan (Jaqual) have both finished their Lanesplitter skirts. I have to complete the waistband on mine. I’ll get pictures of us wearing them up just as soon as I’m done. The original post was mentioned on the knitty blog! Thanks Kate!

Lanesplitter pour trois!

My co-workers at Passionknit and I all get along very well – we share a similar sense of humour, like the same TV shows and all love to knit (of course!), but we certainly all have very different styles.

A few weeks ago, Tamara came running in with a pattern from the brand new issue of Knitty, she’s obsessed with skirts and the pattern was for a skirt called the Lanesplitter by Tina from knitwhits. It’s made out of Kureyon by Noro. Within about 30 seconds we had all chosen our colours and were sitting down to cast on.

We began to joke about this skirt becoming our official uniform and a friendly race began to see who would be first to get it finished. Tamara and I decided Jan the knitting whizz would have it whipped up by the next day. Then I sided with Jan thinking Tamara would have it done first because she’s such a skinny-mini.

It’s been a really fun exercise first seeing the colours of the Kureyon unfold then seeing that the colours we each chose really fit our own unique styles and actually made each skirt different. What colour can do!

We’ve decided to each finish the skirt in different ways. I’m going to go by the pattern to finish the waistband, Tamara is going to try to do a crocheted waistband and Jan is going to enclose the elastic by a waistband formed by a double-knitting technique.

There was also discussion on how much negative ease to put into the garment. Tamara gave 3” and, we’ll just say, that it’s going to be a very slinky skirt! So, I changed my mind about 3” of negative ease and am going to just leave 1” so my skirt will actually fit over my bum.

We are all always so amazed with the wealth of amazing designers out there in internet-land who offer their patterns for free or for such great prices. Sites like Knitty and Ravelry have really changed the craft!

Here’s Tamara with her 3” of negative ease:



Jan has finished hers already!!!:


Here I am still knitting away:

August Classes at Passionknit

I would like to remind everyone that the Yarn Bombing project at the Textile Museum of Canada is ongoing - if you would like to add to it, please do! I haven't been there in a little while but I hear it still looks great, a little soggy, but great! All you Yarn Bombers get over there and add to it!

August Classes at Passionknit
3355 Yonge St. 416-322-0688
info@passionknit.ca

The Entrelac Technique
If you’re interested in Entrelac, this is the class for you! We will be going over the technique, and participants will complete a small sample from casting-on to casting-off. Please know how to knit, purl, pick up stitches and read a pattern. Entrelac Pillow kits will be available for purchase at the time of the class at a 10% discount. (Pinchy) $30 plus materials. Wed. August 4, 7 – 9pm


Absolute Beginner Knitting
If you are interested in learning the basics of knitting this is the class for you! This class is for those of you who have never knit before and want to get started. We will learn how to cast on, the knit stitch and the purl stitch. We will talk about different ways of knitting as well as knitting terminology. (Peachy) $30 plus materials. Thurs. August 12, 7 – 9pm


Continental Knitting
Continental knitting (picking) along with English knitting (throwing) are the two predominant ways of knitting. The picking technique is gaining in popularity for those who are interested in augmenting their techniques repertoire. Knitting in this way is very efficient and facilitates colourwork. This class will go over the basics and get you practicing knitting the continental way! You must have a basic knowledge of knitting to take this class. (Peachy) $30 plus materials. Wed. August 18, 7 – 9pm


Passionknit Stitchers’ Night
Stitchers’ Night is on hiatus for the summer.

Registration Information:
We keep classes small in order to be able to spend one-on-one time with each student. Please register in advance either by coming into the shop or calling us at (416) 322-0688. 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. We also do not offer make up classes.

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

Two-hour classes are $30, which is for the class only. Materials and applicable taxes will be in addition unless otherwise noted. If a class does not run due to low registration or extenuating circumstances, you will be refunded in full.

A 10% reduction on materials costs is offered once you are registered. You may select your materials anytime after registration.

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

We also welcome suggestions for class ideas – just send us an email or give us a call!

For up-dates on Passionknit events and classes please join our mailing list by calling or emailing us.

Class Rating:
Peachy = All Levels
Pinchy = Medium
Persnickety = Difficult

Alisa McRonald, Fibre Arts Teacher

Alisa McRonald has been teaching fibre arts techniques classes and curating textile related gallery shows since 1998. Her own work has been shown in shops and galleries in New York, Los Angeles, Tokyo and Montreal.

She continually augments her experience through attending hands-on workshops and lectures on various techniques including dyeing, handspinning and other yarn arts. She recently worked with the Textile Museum of Canada on a “Yarn Bombing” project.

Since moving to Toronto from Los Angeles in 2008 to take a job at Wellington Fibres Yarn Mill, she has maintained memberships with the Downtown Knit Collective, the Ontario Handweavers and Spinners Guild and the Textile Museum of Canada. Says McRonald, “Being a part of the fibre community energizes me! I like to challenge people’s preconceptions of the yarn arts and love talking about the various processes of these crafts. I even take my holidays specifically to attend fibre related events!”

Her personal artwork has been featured in various magazines and publications such as “Harper’s Bazaar Japan”, “Giant Robot”, “Nyoln” and “Time Out New York” as well as a featured artist in “By Hand: The Use of Craft in Contemporary Art” and colour forecasting publication, “View on Colour”.

In 2001 she had the honour of being invited to be a guest lecturer and critic at the Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore.

In addition to teaching at Passionknit, she currently she maintains her own blog: http://fibreperson.blogspot.com/ and her new online venture, “Fibre Person” will be launching later this year.