CREATIVITY

We all use the word ‘creativity,’ but most of us do not know what it means.  It seems some ephemeral quality which only others—much loftier folk than us—have an ability to access.  But the truth is that it lies within each of us to be creative and that it is a source of joy to access our own powers and abilities. 

Once we understand the nature of creativity and feel encouraged to develop our own, we need to appreciate the stages we will encounter.  What are they?  What happens in each stage?  How do we get a running start?  Where might we get stuck?  How do we move forward once stuck?   And finally, where might we end up? 

This presentation answers all of these questions, is well illustrated with examples and anecdotes, and ends with a discussion of best and worst case scenarios, of what we might have learned, of where we might go from here, and of what a creative act might mean in terms of defining ourselves and our life’s purpose.

SKILL LEVEL anyone
ENROLLMENT unlimited. 
SETUP theatre or classroom; table for projector, screen, extension cord
HANDOUTS 1p bibliography + 1p quotes (available upon request)

WHY DO WE DO WHAT WE DO: the importance of working with our hands

This presentation speaks to what knitting (or other hand work) offers—-from alleviating boredom, to engaging in the creative process, to teaching skills that help us through all aspects of life. Participants will see examples of knitting (although this talk applies to all hand work) while thinking about this work through lenses as diverse as quantum physics, psychology, and global economics.

SKILL LEVEL anyone
ENROLLMENT unlimited
SETUP theatre or classroom; table for projector, screen, extension cord
HANDOUTS 1p bibliography + 1p quotes (available upon request)

THE KNITTING EXPERIENCE: how do you get there from here?

Many have asked if I knew I was writing a ‘best-selling’ knitting book, if I know how it happened, if it was part of a long-term plan. The short answers would be “No, no, and no.” The long answers require a little more introspection and are fun to consider: what accidents (and there were many of those), fortunate incidents and encounters (and there were many of those), and what well-thought out plans (and there probably weren’t as many of those as there should have been) brought me to this point? What lessons were learned, and how do the lessons of life and knitting constantly interact?

SKILL LEVEL anyone
ENROLLMENT unlimited
SETUP theatre or classroom; table for projector, screen, extension cord

WHERE DO IDEAS COME FROM?

People often ask the questions “Where do your ideas come from? Do they just come to you? How many ideas do you have? How do you know which are the good ideas? Did the yarn inspire the sweater, or do you design the sweater and then find the yarn?” While the answers could be, simply, ‘Yes, No, Maybe, AND All of the above,” this presentation talks about where ideas really come from, how anyone can get enough ideas, how to know which are the good ones, and what to do if you follow a bad one!

NOTE This presentation is very life CREATIVITY, except that it has more in depth examples of the process of creative problem solving applies to knitting.

SKILL LEVEL anyone
ENROLLMENT unlimited
SETUP theatre or classroom; table for projector, screen, extension cord
HANDOUTS 1p bibliography + 1p quotes (available upon request)

HOW WE GET IT ALL DONE: LEARNING, REMEMBERING, TIME MANAGEMENT.

I was the STUDY SKILLS ADVISOR at a large Canadian university, and I have taken the material I taught there—Time Management plus Learning and Remembering—and applied it to knitting. How do we learn?  How do we remember?  How much sleep do we need to be most productive?  What does knitting add to our lives?  What kinds of knitting should we have in our lives? How do we find time to knit the stuff we wanna knit?  How do we find time to finish the stuff we DON’T wanna knit?

SKILL LEVEL anyone
ENROLLMENT unlimited
SETUP theatre or classroom; table for projector, screen, extension cord
HOMEWORK If you feel so inclined, keep track of your time for an entire week, 1/2hr at a time, then add totals in the following categories: sleep, eating, transportation, chores, work, recreation.
HANDOUTS 1p

SALLY’S TOP TEN LISTS

We’ve all heard them: those ‘things’ people say or ask someone who is knitting in public. Are there appropriate responses? Unfortunately, sometimes not: we just have to smile and shrug and remain the good-natured people we are. But sometimes we CAN answer and turn these into positive and educative events! The universe then unfolds as it should!

SKILL LEVEL anyone
ENROLLMENT unlimited
SETUP theatre or classroom; table for projector, screen, extension cord

KNIT TO FLATTER AND FIT

A knitter who spends the time and energy to make her own clothes should be rewarded with a result that makes her happy and proud. It should fit, it should flatter, and there should be no mystery as to how this happened. But sadly, and too often, this is not the result. Why? Because the knitter chooses the wrong pattern OR chooses the right pattern but follows the directions without questioning them OR makes the right garment but wears it with the wrong thing.

There are a few simple rules to follow for successful knitting: start with styles that flatter, knit with appropriate decisions for a personalized fit, and then wear it with something that makes it look wonderful! This presentation looks at these decisions and puts the power for successful results into your competent hands. Yay!

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO WITH THE REST OF YOUR LIFE?

At different times of our lives, we are driven by a different sense of meaning and purpose. But as we approach our later decades, we can wonder if we’ve really accomplished all we were meant to. This presentation offers ways to look at our experiences and answer some of life’s most important questions.

SKILL LEVEL anyone
ENROLLMENT unlimited
SETUP theatre or classroom; table for projector, screen, extension cord

WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE? Embracing change

Sometimes it feels as if life is all about change. Sometimes the changes are happy and smooth: other times they are difficult and messy. How do we learn to live with—embrace and appreciate—all changes? How do we learn from them, how do we recognize their pattern, how do we move forward when we feel stuck? This presentation speaks to life but is fully illustrated with knitting samples!

SKILL LEVEL anyone
ENROLLMENT unlimited
SETUP theatre or classroom; table for projector, screen, extension cord

MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR YARN COLLECTION

This presentation introduces ideas that knitters can employ to use, manage, and replenish a yarn collection! We’ll discuss the problems inherent in using multiple yarns and colours, we’ll see which stitch patterns will accommodate different weights and colours best, we’ll talk about how to arrange a yarn collection to make the most of it, plus much more. 

SKILL LEVEL anyone
ENROLLMENT unlimited
SETUP theatre or classroom; table for projector, screen, extension cord

CREATIVITY

We all use the word ‘creativity,’ but most of us do not know what it means.  It seems some ephemeral quality which only others—much loftier folk than us—have an ability to access.  But the truth is that it lies within each of us to be creative and that it is a source of joy to access our own powers and abilities. 

Once we understand the nature of creativity and feel encouraged to develop our own, we need to appreciate the stages we will encounter.  What are they?  What happens in each stage?  How do we get a running start?  Where might we get stuck?  How do we move forward once stuck?   And finally, where might we end up? 

This presentation answers all of these questions, is well illustrated with examples and anecdotes, has participants work through creative exercises of their own, and ends with a discussion of best and worst case scenarios, of what we might have learned, of where we might go from here, and of what a creative act might mean in terms of defining ourselves and our life’s purpose.

While knitting is the medium through which this presentation is illustrated, the information provided is applicable to most any human endeavour.

SKILL LEVEL anyone
ENROLLMENT unlimited
SETUP theatre or classroom; table for projector, screen, extension cord
HOMEWORK AND/OR SUPPLIES TO BRING paper and pen or pencil, one colourful magazine (knitting and gardening do not work as well as fashion or home décor)
HANDOUTS 5pp

BORDERS AND BUTTONHOLES

This workshop explores the best techniques for these finishings that make such a difference in our knitted garments.  It covers basic maneuvers, four or more basic edging stitch patterns, and the very  best buttonholes.  Participants will never again struggle with instructions to "pick up and knit 137 sts along right front" nor with the question of how to make virtually invisible buttonholes.

SKILL LEVEL beginner intermediate and beyond
ENROLLMENT 24
SETUP classroom; flip chart and markers
SUPPLIES TO BRING yarn (same weight as homework piece, contrast colour is fine), needles appropriate for working and edging onto the homework piece
HOMEWORK Use non-textured, light-coloured yarns. Worsted weight is best. Block both swatches.

1. Work one swatch, 4X4", in stockinette, working selvage stitches in stockinette also: change to smaller needles and finish with 1" k1p1 ri: then bind off all stitches with needles MUCH TOO LARGE.
2. Work a second swatch as follows. Cast on 24 stitches: work 3" in stockinette.  DO EXACTLY AS WRITTEN: do not slip stitches and do not work short rows.  (You are shaping a round neck, in case you wonder what is going on.) At the beginning of the next RS row, bind off 6 stitches.  At the beginning of the next RS row, bind off 3 stitches.  At the beginning of the next RS row, bind off 2 stitches.  At the beginning of the next 3 RS rows, bind off 1 stitch. Work 8 rows straight.  Bind off all stitches.

HANDOUTS 3pp

EMERGENCY MEASURES

Sometimes the most insight comes from the struggle one faces when something goes REALLY wrong.  But there are remedies for most any kind of 'disaster' in knitting.  Using these can turn a problem into a wearable garment while teaching us to be more intuitive and more confident knitters!

This workshop will discuss the problems that confront most knitters plus what to do if the garment is too wide, too short, too long, too narrow, too outdated in style, if a bad colour choice was made, if the edgings are not holding well, if the knitter has run out of yarn or forgot to make pockets, or if the garment has suffered a laundering disaster.

SKILL LEVEL beginner intermediate and beyond
ENROLLMENT 24
SETUP classroom; table for projector, screen, extension cord; flip chart + markers
SUPPLIES TO BRING yarn (same weight as homework piece),
homework piece (see below).
HOMEWORK 
Use non-textured, light-coloured yarns. Worsted weight is best. Block swatch well.

1. Work a 4" wide swatch in Stockinette until the piece measures 3" in length: work 1 row in a 2X2 color pattern (2 stitches in MC then 2 stitches CC, carrying the alternate color behind, for 1 row only): cut CC: with MC only, work in stockinette for 1”: finish with 1" k1p1 rib on 2-sizes smaller needles, then bind off all stitches with needles MUCH TOO LARGE.

GOOD GRAFTING!

Take the mystery out of grafting live stitches together! This class teaches grafting in our most common stitch patterns and situations: St st, garter, rib, for the toes of socks, and as a seaming technique. We'll also discuss when grafting should be used plus when it should not!

SKILL LEVEL beginner intermediate and beyond
ENROLLMENT 20
SETUP classroom, flip chart and markers
SUPPLIES TO BRINGmore main color yarn, tapestry needle
HOMEWORK (You will need to cut your yarn throughout this swatch. Do not weave in tails.)

1. With light-colored (MC) worsted weight yarn, long-tail cast on 16 stitches. Work as follows in garter stitch: 5 rows in MC, 1 row in contrast color (CC), 4 rows in MC, 1 row in CC, 4 rows in MC. Now work in stockinette as follows: 4 rows in MC, I row in CC, 5 rows in MC. Leave stitches on needle. (You should be ready to work a RS knit row: if you are not, then work 1 more row.)
2. With same yarn as first swatch, cast on 16 stitches. Knit 4 rows, then work stockinette for 3 0r 4 rows, until ready to work a WS (purl) row. Leave stitches on needle.

HANDOUTS 2pp

KNIT TO FLATTER AND FIT

A knitter who spends the time and energy to make her own clothes should be rewarded with a result that makes her happy and proud. It should fit, it should flatter, and there should be no mystery as to how this happened. But sadly, and too often, this is not the result. Why? Because the knitter chooses the wrong pattern OR chooses the right pattern but follows the directions without questioning them OR makes the right garment but wears it with the wrong thing.

There are a few simple rules to follow for successful knitting: start with styles that flatter, knit with appropriate decisions for a personalized fit, and then wear it with something that makes it look wonderful! This workshop covers all these decisions and puts the power for successful results into your competent hands. Yay!

SKILL LEVEL anyone
ENROLLMENT 24+
SETUP classroom; table for projector, screen, extension cord; flip chart and markers.
HOMEWORK It is essential that this exercise be completed. You will be disappointed if you don't do this! And please read this carefully, including the NOTE at the bottom.

1.        Dress in something close fitting. (We need to see your real silhouette. You may wear only lingerie, or you may add a bodysuit, a leotard, or tights. But do wear supportive lingerie.)

2.      Standing straight, with arms  slightly away from your side and feet together, have someone take a straight-on, full body (head-to-toe) photo of you. (Have the photo fill the screen as much as possible.)

3.        Print the photo onto plain paper (enlarging it to more than 8" tall).

4.        Trace your outline only with a heavy black pen: we don't need your photo anymore, only your outline. Bring your outline to class.

SUPPLIES TO BRING a couple of pages in at least 2 colors of light-weight (20lb or lighter but NOT tracing paper),light-colored paper (that you can trace your outline through); scissors; measuring tape; pencil; eraser
HANDOUTS 4pp

NOTE TO PARTICIPANTS Common homework and supplies errors are the following: arms too far from sides, feet not together, head not included, paper too heavy or too light (tracing paper does not work), photo brought instead of just siloueette, silhouette not outlined or not outlined heavily enough.

FIRST CHOICES, BASIC SHAPES

SKILL LEVEL anyone
ENROLLMENT unlimited. 
SUPPLIES TO BRING tape measure
SETUP theatre or classroom; flip chart and markers
HANDOUTS 4pp

PATTERN DRAFTING

SKILL LEVEL beginner intermediate and beyond
ENROLLMENT unlimited. 
SETUP theatre or classroom; flip chart and markers
SUPPLIES TO BRING paper, pencil, measuring tape, calculator (optional)
HANDOUTS 10+ (depending upon classes chosen)

LEARNING TO LOVE INTARSIA

Intarsia (also known as picture knitting) is glorious stuff but not without it’s challenges. This workshop will explore techniques to create beautiful fabric, tricks to minimize the ‘mess’, and possibilities to design your own.

SKILL LEVEL intermediate
ENROLLMENT 24
SETUP classroom; table for projector, screen, extension cord; flip chart + markers
SUPPLIES TO BRING more homework yarn + part ball of light-colored yarn, same weight: colorful magazine (knitting or gardening do not work; fashion or home décor do).
HOMEWORK With worsted weight yarn in dark color and appropriate needles, cast on 20 stitches. Knit 5 rows, then purl 1 row.
HANDOUTS 3pp

STRIPES AND STRIPES THAT AREN’T

Stripes… oh so easy to knit! But who can wear them? The truth is that everyone can both knit and wear them. This workshop explores ways to build stripes, knit stripes, and match stripes. And then we’ll play with simple stitch patterns that knit like stripes but don’t look like stripes and can produce some of your favorite knitting.

SKILL LEVEL intermediate
ENROLLMENT 24
SETUP classroom; table for projector, screen, extension cord; flip chart + markers
SUPPLIES TO BRING more homework yarn + part balls of 2 other colors--variegated or solid
HOMEWORK With worsted weight yarn and appropriate circular needle, cast on 20 stitches. Knitting flat (not circularly), knit 5 rows, then purl 1 row.
HANDOUTS 3pp

TWO COLORS, TWO HANDS

Two color stranded is one of knitting’s most glorious traditions. This workshop explores the techniques we need to make beautiful fabrics with heavy emphasis on alternative methods of using your hands (and even your neck) to manage the yarn.

SKILL LEVEL intermediate
ENROLLMENT 20
SETUP classroom, flip chart and markers
SUPPLIES TO BRING more homework yarn + part balls of 2 other colors
HOMEWORK With DK or finer yarn and appropriate size circular needle, long-tail cast on 120 stitches (or whatever number of stitches fits comfortably on the needle). Join work, and knit 1 round.
HANDOUTS 2-3pp

MENTOR SESSIONS
This class does not have an agenda except what is established by YOU. Come to class with questions--technique questions, style questions, fit questions, knitting emergency questions! Sally will address each participant's questions, drawing from over 50 years of knitting and 30 years of teaching. It's a fun class in which we discover that we share similar issues with other knitters and always have more to learn.

SUPPLIES TO BRING yarn and needles (because you never know when a hands-on demo will occur)

NOTES TO ORGANIZER

1. These sessions can be any length and can include any number of students. I do ensure that everyone has an opportunity to ask questions.
2. It’s difficult to establish the fee, the skill level, the enrollment: each situation can be different. We’ll negotiate these together.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS FOR THE SELF-TAUGHT KNITTER

Most of us are self-taught. And no matter how advanced and accomplished we are, there are holes in our experience. Perhaps we rely upon the same cast-on, the same increase, the same decrease. Perhaps we are not confident of our seaming or are confounded by the instruction to pick up and knit 101 stitches around the neck edge . . .  evenly!’

This workshop explores the best methods that we should all have in our repertoire. We'll talk about which choices are best suited to each situation and why. And then this workshop provides hands-on experience for each . 

SKILL LEVEL beginner intermediate and beyond: participants should have made a garment
ENROLLMENT 24
SET-UP classroom, flip chart and markers
SUPPLIES TO BRING yarn, needles, blunt tapestry needle, crochet hook
HOMEWORK Use plain, light-colored yarn throughout.  Worsted weight works best. Block both swatches.

1. Work an approximately 3" X 3” square swatch in stockinette, then bind off.
2. Cast on 24 stitches: work in stockinette until the piece measures 3" in length.  DO EXACTLY AS WRITTEN: do not slip stitches and do not work short rows.  (You are shaping a round neck, in case you wonder what is going on.) At the beginning of the next RS row, bind off 6 stitches.  At the beginning of the next RS row, bind off 3 stitches.  At the beginning of the next RS row, bind off 2 stitches.  At the beginning of the next 3 RS rows, bind off 1 stitch. Work 8 rows straight.  Bind off all stitches. 

MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR YARN COLLECTION

This workshop shows knitters how to use, manage, and replenish a yarn collection!  Participants will learn ways to use up bits of this and that plus those 4-6 balls of something heretofore unusable.  They will also learn that they may now buy one ball of anything that appeals to them, knowing they will use it well.  The elegance of the resulting fabrics, plus the fact that they look nothing like odd-ball knitting, comes as a very exciting discovery to participants in this workshop!

Students will explore the problems inherent in using multiple yarns and colours: which ones go together, which stitch patterns will accommodate different weights and colours best, how to arrange a yarn collection to make the most of it, plus much more. 

SKILL LEVEL beginner intermediate and beyond
ENROLLMENT 24
SETUP classroom; table for projector, screen, extension cord; flip chart + markers
SUPPLIES TO BRING various yarns (weights and colours), various needles, large tapestry needle (blunt tip essential).
HOMEWORK Use plain, light-colored yarn throughout.  Worsted weight works best. Block the finished swatch.

1. With smooth, light coloured yarn, do the following: find the needle size you would normally knit this yarn; drop down 2 sizes (as shown on a needle chart); convert this size to mm’s; multiply by 2; do all of the following with this MUCH TOO LARGE needle; cast on 12 stitches; knit 2 rows; change to stockinette, and work 2”; bind off.
2. With any yarn and appropriate needles, cast on 15 stitches and work 2 rows stockinette, leaving work ready to work a RS (knit) row.