Knitting is a universal activity that provides both stress relief and a useful product. Students can knit during class while still paying attention, and create beautiful gifts for friends, family, and charity. Experienced knitters can also knit while walking around or waiting in line, staying active during down time. Knitting is useful for all types of people, especially those who like to make things, express creativity, and keep themselves busy.

This is a beginners knitting class, so no previous knitting experience is necessary. The goal of this class is to enable students, by the end of the semester, to execute and design patterns, as well as to build a local knitting community in which to share new ideas and techniques. This course will cover the basic techniques, but encourages students to pursue their own personal interests within the craft and to explore the multitude of resources available locally and online. There will be opportunities for charity projects throughout the semester.

This course will consist of a 2 hour combined lecture and practice period once a week. Lectures will cover:

· Knitting references in culture

· Basic knitting terminology

· Different types of needles and yarn

· Casting on, knitting and purling

· Different types of stitches

· Increasing and decreasing

· Special techniques, such as cables

· Following and creating patterns

· Using multiple needles / more advanced projects

There will be an optional field trip to Joann's during the semester to purchase personal knitting supplies, and more can be organized.

Attendance and Participation: Because of the limited number of spaces available, you are only allowed one absence. If you truly need to miss more than one class, you must email the instructor in advance and do a make-up project. The makeup project will consist of a swatch of material based on the material covered in the missed class. More than three unexcused absences will lead to the student being dropped from the class. Enrollment will be based on 1. first-come, first-served, 2. seniors prioritized, and 3. a mix of skill levels. Due to demand, we are no longer accepting applications for the Knitting 101 DeCal. If you are still interested in attending the course, please attend our first class on 1/30 from 6-8pm in 145 Moffitt and talk with us after class.