KNITTING CLASSES
More Class Schedules... Cooking Crafts Needlework
We now have more time to craft, cook and bake. While our in-person classes are suspended for now, we are organizing future virtual and online classes for 2021. So please get ready to join us in a fun, new way! Stay healthy and keep in touch for the latest news.
Below are some of the typical classes we offer...
Lovikka Mittens with Wendy Johnson
In this 4-hour workshop class you will learn how to knit a mitten in the Swedish Lovikka style. Lovikka is a town located near the Arctic Circle (so they know about knitting for warmth!) with a renowned tradition of this style of knitting with embroidered embellishment around the cuff. This mitten is knit in the round on double-pointed needles using a single ply yarn.
The class will learn about the interesting history of the Lovikka knitting tradition and knit, embroider, and learn how to "full" (lightly felt) a mini version of the Lovikka mitten. (The mini mitten is a young child's size but the pattern provided will also include an adult-sized mitten that may be knit at home.) Making the mini-mitten will give you the opportunity to learn all the skills you need to knit all sizes of Lovikka mittens.
Skill level: The student must know how to knit in the round on double-pointed needles.
Supplies needed: Size 9 double-pointed needles (preferably in a set of 5), small stitch holder (optional), a tapestry needle, and one skein of Àlafosslopi yarn (two skeins if you'd like to have enough to make a pair of adult mittens afterwards). Traditional Lovikka mittens are white, but students are welcome to use the color of their choice. There is a 10% discount on class materials on the first day of class. The embroidery yarn will be provided by the instructor. $55
Costume Cuffs (Wristwarmers) in the Västergötland Tradition with Wendy Johnson
Knit a pair of fine cuffs the instructor has designed with inspiration from a traditional pattern found within her family’s Swedish Västergötland province (located along the southwest coast of Sweden). In this one-session class, students will learn fine colorwork technique as it relates to a vintage pattern from the province, as well as how to incorporate beads into a picot edge. (The beadwork is optional.) The long-revered textile traditions of Västergötland will be discussed and examples of other work from this textile-rich region will be shown. These are elegant and warm cuffs! The pattern will include options for completing the cuffs at home as fingerless or fingered gloves, although the project may be finished as just cuffs.
Skill level: Preferably some experience in knitting in the round with double-pointed needles. All supplies (except optional beads) may be purchased in the shop before the start of class. The instructor will bring some beads for students to purchase but students may wish to find their own unique beads to match their chosen yarn prior to the class date.
Supply List:
A set of 4 double-pointed needles. The needle range may be US size 1 for loose knitters to size 3 or larger for tight knitters. (The pattern is written for US size 2 needles.) (Circular needles may also suffice if the student knows how to do the “magic needle” or “2 circular needles” technique. Those techniques will NOT be taught in class and double-pointed needles are preferred by the instructor.)
Gauge is IMPORTANT! Bring a range of needles or preferably, knit a gauge IN ADVANCE of the class.
The gauge to match is 6 stitches to the inch.
Yarn: Rauma Finullgarn
The cuff pair only needs 1 skein of the main color and one of the contrasting (pattern) color. If the student wishes to go beyond the cuffs and make either fingerless gloves or fingered gloves, they will need 2 skeins of the main color but still only 1 of the contrasting color.
Beads: (optional)
These may be purchased at JoAnn’s, Michael’s, or just about any craft supply store as well as at specialty bead shops. They are quite inexpensive and can come in large quantities so many cuffs could be knit and beaded with one package of beads.
Size 6/0 “E” Seed beads (3.3 mm) - Quantity: 54 beads for up to a pair of the large-sized cuffs (some may be left over, depending upon the cuff size chosen.
Crochet hook for beading, US size 10 or 12
Stitch marker(s), optional.
One entire cuff will most likely NOT be finished during the class,
but you will receive all the instruction needed to confidently complete the cuff at home. $55
Turn Your Pullover Into a Cardigan with Paul Robinson
Paul Robinson shows you how to convert a crew neck pullover into a beautiful Norwegian-style cardigan. Whether you have a vintage shop find you'd like to alter or have trouble getting into an old pullover you love, Paul's method is good to know. You'll learn to "steek" an opening at the front of your sweater by machine sewing a set of reinforcing seams then cutting into the knitted fabric. Paul will also teach you to expertly add the colorful woven braiding and pewter buttons and clasps you've seen on Norwegian cardigans.
Materials: Braiding, buttons, and clasps are available at Ingebretsen's and you get a 10% discount on the first day of class. Bring a crew neck pullover of your choice and a darning needle and brightly colored contrast yarn for marking your steek. A small number of portable sewing machines will be provided, but you're encouraged to bring your own if you have one.
Paul will check in with each student before class begins to answer questions about how to choose a sweater to convert.
One 5-hour class. $40
Beginning Knitting with Kate Running
This class is open to complete beginners to knitting or ones wanting a refresher. Kate will start with the difference between English vs. Continental knitting (throwing or picking). We will then cover different styles of cast-ons, how to knit and purl, figuring your gauge, and pattern reading. We'll start on a simple scarf pattern by week two. Bring some yarn (worsted weight) and needles (size US6-9) and your knitting questions! Materials are also available to purchase in store before class. This class will have a maximum of 6 students to allow for more one-on-one help. $40
Norwegian Mittens with Kate Running
For this class, you will be provided with a mitten pattern based on the classic Setesdal motif. You'll learn some tips and tricks for stranded knitting in the round, creating a thumb gusset, and finishing techniques. By the end of class you will have completed one mitten, and you should feel comfortable taking on mittens on your own.
Students should be able to knit and purl and have a basic understanding of two-color stranded knitting.
Bring size 3 or 4 needles. Kate will show you how to work the magic loop (one long flexible circular needle, at least 30”) or double pointed needles. The mittens are knit with light worsted or DK weight wool yarn. Rauma Strikkegarn in two contrasting colors is preferred and available in store with a class discount. $45
Teacher's bio: Kate Running has been knitting for over 18 years ever since her grandmother, Esther, taught her in middle school. She has learned a lot from various knitting books, magazines, other knitters, and wonderful YouTube since then. Over the past 7 years, Kate has enjoyed teaching knitting and felting to kids and adults. She founded SKHR Knits to sell some knitwear along with original knitting patterns.
Norge Knitters
If you’re stuck in the middle of a project, want some tips for finishing your work, or are just starting to knit, come and join us. All are welcome!
$5 donation is appreciated.
Individualized Knitting Instruction
Have a knitting question or want to master a new technique? Need someone to give you the courage and some pointers as you cut your first steek? Individualized knitting instruction is available.
Call the store or email classes@ingebretsens.com and tell us what you need to learn.
We'll arrange the knitting teacher and you will set the time. $25 an hour.
Open Knitting
Knit two (or six or ten) together. Come relax, knit, chat, and see what other knitters are working on.
It's free, and everyone is welcome!
To register for a class, call our main store... 612 729 9333 and reserve your place with a credit card. If you have questions about a class, please email classes@ingebretsens.com
Be sure to check the location of the class in which you are interested.
Unless noted, classes are at our main store, 1601 E. Lake Street, Minneapolis.
We also hold classes, especially for cooking, at Norway House, 911 E. Franklin Avenue.
Cancellations must be made one week in advance to receive a refund.