The following courses are currently scheduled.
Courses are listed alphabetically by title. Join the North House E-Newsletter to receive regular course updates.

Help Yourself To Knitting!  
Kate Hartman
Session Options:
. . . 6/22/2009 - 6/23/2009
. . . 10/23/2009 - 10/24/2009
This class is an enjoyable, two-day beginning knitting class which focuses not only on basic stitches and skills, but also on recognizing and correcting common mistakes which often frustrate the beginner.  Topics include basic knitting skills, yarn basics and pattern reading.  You will be provided with a beginning book, one pair of size 8 (Am) knitting needles, practice yarn and several easy project patterns to help you get started in this enjoyable craft and pastime.  Children and adults may choose to participate together on this learning experience taking advantage of a special intergenerational rate.

Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 2
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $150
. . . Materials Fee: $15
. . . Intergenerational Age: na
. . . Level: Beginner

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Introduction to       
     Northern Knitting Traditions
Allen Holzhueter
Session Options:
. . . 10/24/2009
Survey the northern knitting opportunities in this explorative knitting workshop designed to get you started with a hands-on project of your own.  Choose from the diverse and distinctive knitting traditions of northern Europe – from the Icelandic sweater and the various fisherman’s sweaters of the British Isles, to the intricate multicolored creations of the Fair Isle tradition and fine-gauge multicolored Latvian mittens.  Out of these traditions, we will talk through and demonstrate the similarities and differences by knitting swatches in the areas that interest you most.   Before you jump in on one of these projects, get orientated and on your way through this introductory workshop.

Depending on your knitting interests, the class will survey the British Isle fisherman sweaters, including Irish fisherman (Aran) sweaters and Ganseys (Guernseys).  The multi-colored “stranded knitting” traditions of Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Latvia and the Shetland Islands, including the Fair Isle, off the coast of Scotland.  Knitting needles and yarn will be provided for classroom use.  Participants may bring their own needles.

Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 1
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $75
. . . Materials Fee: Included
. . . Intergenerational Age: na
. . . Level: Beginner to Advanced

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Knitting Socks - The Essential Craft
Allen Holzhueter
Session Options:
. . . 10/25/2009
You can build your own boat and timber frame your own home, so why not knit your own socks?  After all, "you can't go barefoot," as your mom used to say.   In this day-long introduction to knitting socks you’ll be on your way to making your own socks for the rest of your life.  You will learn the skills to make socks including reading knitting patterns, circular knitting on double point needles, shaping the heel and shaping and closing the toe.  You start on a model sock and are encouraged to bring a sock pattern you would like to make in the future.  The instructor will guide you through these sometimes daunting instructions.

Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 1
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $75
. . . Materials Fee: $20
. . . Intergenerational Age: 10+
. . . Level: Beginner to Advanced

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Spinning Fibers On A Wheel
Allen Holzhueter
Session Options:
. . . 2/27/2009 - 3/1/2009
. . . 6/22/2009 - 6/24/2009
The classic Saxony-style spinning wheel was invented over 500 years ago, and is still a symbol of the “Olden Days.”  Although the spinning wheel is no longer a household necessity for the production of the family’s clothing, many crafters, knitters and fiber artists find great satisfaction in spinning their own yarns for knitting or weaving.  In this three-day introductory spinning class, you will be introduced to fibers suitable for spinning, fiber preparation and spinning prepared fiber on a spinning wheel.  Participants are encouraged to bring their own working spinning wheel (both “Saxony” and “upright castle wheel” are acceptable.)  The instructor will have three wheels available for students to share and develop their skills on.

This course begins with an introduction to spinning using a dropspindle and then moves on to working a spinning wheel.

Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 3
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $225
. . . Materials Fee: $10
. . . Intergenerational Age: 10+
. . . Level: Beginner to Advanced

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Tricks of the Knitting Trade 
Kate Hartman
Session Options:
. . . 6/24/2009
. . . 10/25/2009
OK knitters, so you have learned the basics.  You are comfortable with knitting and purling.  You can shape your knitting by increasing and decreasing.  It's time to go beyond the basics and learn techniques that will make your knitting better and more creative. Students in this course practice and learn alternative, special purpose cast-ons and bind-offs including "invisible cast-on" and "3-needle bind off" seams, reading patterns, keeping your place, grafting (the "seamless seam") and getting the stitch gauge to make a garment that fits.


Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 1
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $75
. . . Materials Fee: Varies ($10-$20)
. . . Intergenerational Age: n/a
. . . Level: Beginner to Advanced