Schedule

Fair Isle Knitting on a Small Scale

April 7, May 5, June 2, June 30

noon – 5 p.m.

This program is full.

Please email to be placed on the waiting list for a second set of dates.

The art of Shetland Knitting, whether it be traditional lace, or stranded colourwork, is rich in history.  Knitters from the islands north of Scotland known as Shetland, deeply value their knitting traditions out of a sense of identity, and because they have relied on their knitting to earn a living.  Fair Isle knitting designs, worked with Shetland Wool, reflect the harsh climate from which they originate.  This is cozy wool knitting, grounded in the detail of the colourwork designs.

Fair Isle Knitting on a Small Scale will introduce knitters to the Fair Isle tradition and the techniques that define it.  While working through Kate Davies’ Peerie Flooers Hat and Mittens, knitters will venture into the world of corrugated rib, stranded colourwork, shaping in fair isle, provisional cast-on, I-cord cast off, grafting, and lining the mitten cuffs.  This 20 hour program, spread out over April, May, and June will provide 4, 5 hour classes with extensive instruction, a binder of notes, demonstrations, homemade baking with tea, and plenty of knitting time during and between classes, with email support.  The patterns for the hat and mittens can be purchased on Ravelry or directly from Kate Davies’ website.  Yarn and needles for both projects can be purchased here.

Please email for registration information.

Thank Goodness It’s Friday Night Knitting

November 25, December 9, December 30, and January 13, 7 – 10 p.m.
Working Hands Fibre Arts Studio in White Rock

This is a project of choice program, intermediate level (basic skills only required).  You bring along the project that is giving you a little trouble, and I will provide the instruction and support for you to work through it.  This is great learning for everyone because of the variety of skills that are covered. Class size is limited to 6, and the setting is cozy and friendly, with really good tea, and wonderful company. Email support is provided between classes.
To register please email.


Slip Stitch, Mosaic Knitting Workshop (one spot left)

Working Hands Fibre Arts Studio

Saturdays Noon – 5 p.m.

November 12, December 3, January 7, February 11, March 24

Mosaic Knitting is a colourwork technique involving a method of slipping stitches in one colour while knitting stitches with another colour.  The result is a colour pattern produced by working with only one colour at a time!  Sounds good, doesn’t it?

This program will follow the format of other Working Hands Studio workshops.  The sessions will run once per month, on a Saturday afternoon.  There will be 5 sessions, 5 hours per session, for a total of 25 hours of instruction, plus email support between classes.

Each session will be divided into loose halves, so that a sampler piece can be knit for the resource binder that will be provided for you, as well as a project, allowing you to apply the skills you are learning each week.

The project selected for this program is Kiyomi by Barbara Gregory, published in the Fall 2011 Twist Collective.

Please email for registration information and a supply list.


Summer Lace

Wednesday evenings, 6:30 – 9:30 pm
July 13, 20, 27, August 3, 10, 17
Working Hands Fibre Arts Studio, White Rock

Explore the gentle rhythm and beauty of lace knitting and watch complex lace patterns come together in a fabric that provides just the right touch on a warm summer’s eve.  This lace program is perfect for new lace knitters or those who wish to expand their techniques.  Participants will explore a unique lace stitch pattern each week, working the patterns into a lace sampler or separate piece for their resource binder.  In the second half of each class, students will have the opportunity to transfer their skills by knitting the beautiful Swallowtail, a classic triangle shawl by lace designer Evelyn Clark. Basic knitting skills are required for this workshop and some homework will be needed to complete the lace samplers and triangle shawl.

For registration and supplies information, please email.

Textured Temptation – Knitting Cables

cabled sampler scarf and cardigan

This program is full.

on Saturdays, April 23, June 4, June 18, July 30, noon to 4 p.m.

check here for program details


Summertime Spinning

Summertime Intermediate Spinning Class

Spinning the Yarns That You Want

3 classes, 4 hours once per week

Saturday afternoons, noon to 4 p.m.

July 9, 16, 23

learn how to adjust your wheel to get the yarn you want

spinning for knitting ~ lace, bulky, smooth, slubby, lofty, or firm

sheep breeds, wool characteristics, the yarn they are best suited to

what about those other animals?  spinning exotic fibres

blends that work well together

dyepots

There will be a reasonable materials fee payable on the first day.

If you are interested in participating, please email for registration information.  The registration deadline is June 1.

Register here.


Moebius Knitting at Fibres West, Abbotsford


Saturday, March 19, 2011, 10:30-4:30

Add an oversized cowl to your wardrobe and make it moebius style. They are everywhere again this year! Come along to this 6 hour workshop and experience the magic of moebius knitting . With Cat Bordhi’s blessing, Venessa will teach the moebius cast on and help you to make good progress on a beautiful moebius scarf with a twist and an optional second project.  For those who are feeling adventurous, in the second half of the day, we will review the cast on method, and begin a small moebius basket, for felting.  Cat’s book, A Second Treasury of Magical Knitting, will be available at the festival, for you to buy as a reference book, required for both projects.

Details here.

Knit with friends on Friday nights

Thank Goodness It’s Friday Night Knitting and Crocheting

Fridays:  May 13, 20, 27, June 3, 7 – 9 pm This session is full.

Fridays:  July 8, 15, 22, 29,   7 – 9:30 pm Register here.

This project of choice program is a great way to unwind at the end of the week. Instruction and guidance is provided while you work through new techniques on your own project.  A well equipped studio, and extensive resource library is available during class time, if you are looking for new project ideas,  need to wind your yarn, or just sit and read. Come and relax with a cup of tea, good company, and expert instruction.

please email for more details and to register


Wheel Spinning Level 1

Session 1:  February 12, March 12, April 9 – This session is full.

Session 2:  April 30, May 29, June 11 – This session is full.

Session 3:  dates to be announced soon

Beginner spinning classes

Working Hands Fibre Arts Studio in White Rock

three Saturdays, once per month

practice time between classes

11 a.m.  to  3 p.m.

Please email for more details and to register.

Hands Up!  the chill chaser. . . .Register by December 1

This program is full.  Please check back often for updates.

Join us for the Fiddlehead Mittens Winter Knitting Program

Cozy up with your knitting at the Working Hands Fibre Arts Studio in White Rock for this 16 hour, 4 session, Fair Isle mittens program.

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays, January 8, February 5 and 26, March 26.   Light refreshments will be served with tea.

You will have at least 3 weeks of knitting time between classes.

We will work through Hello Yarn’s beautiful fair isle mittens, working from a chart, and knitting in the round. This is a great way to try out fair isle work for your first time.  Please purchase your pattern and download it before the class.


Fiddlehead Mittens by Adrian Bizilia, pattern is also available to buy on Ravelry.

Please shop at your favourite yarn store (mine is three bags full) ahead of time to shop for yarn (several options to choose from).  I used a combination of Dream in Colour Classy with Cascade 220 and Rowan Kidsilk Haze for the lining.  Cozy!  You will need double pointed wooden needles in 3 sizes (3.25 mm, 3.5 mm, and 3.75 mm), and the coloured chart tape available at the shop. Please bring your downloaded pattern, a binder with sheet protectors, and your knitting accessory kit to the first class. This pattern may also be worked on circular needles using the magic loop method.

for registration information please email.

Knit Up a Winter Storm. . . . .Register by November 7

Sundays, November 14 and December 12, 2010, noon to 4 p.m.

This workshop is a holiday tradition!  This year it is being offered at the Working Hands Fibre Arts Studio in White Rock.

This 8 hour program will be a wonderful way to make the season bright.  Come along and relax in a friendly environment, complete with festive tunes and hot apple cider, and you will go home ready to deck the halls!  Learn some new skills without a major commitment to a large project.  Only basic skills are required.

tree ornaments. . .  There will be 2 tree ideas available for you to choose from, or do both.  One stuffed, both embroidered or beaded, 4” or 5” in size to hang from the big tree or to tie onto a gift.

Mini fair isle stockings or socks. . .  Two different designs to choose from.  One with a touch of fair isle, the other in 2 colours with contrasting heel and toe.  Both worked in the round on double pointed needles.

Miniature sweaters in 3 designs.  Knit in multiples and hung on a mini clothes line, these make a great garland.

Yarn and trimmings are included in your workshop fee.

This program is suitable for knitters with good basic skills and comfort (or desire) to work in the round.  Experience with fair isle or sock making is not necessary.  You will learn on a small scale, in a supportive environment.

Please bring:

-  3.75 mm or 4 mm and 4.5 mm needles, circular or straight

-  a tapestry needle, blunt end and a large eye

-  4 mm double pointed needles, bamboo are best

To register for this program please email Venessa at info@venessabentley.ca

Believe. . . . .

Saturday morning knitting . . . .

Autumn Session: Lace Knitting . . . . . this session is full ~ thank you for supporting the new fall schedule!  A waiting list for a second session has been started.  Please email to have your name added.  Watch for other once a month programs TBA soon.

once a month classes 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. begin September, 2010. . . Meet up with your knitting friends once a month to learn a new knitting technique and to share project ideas



September 25, October 23, November 20, December 18

This lace program is designed for new lace knitters, and for those who wish to build technique and skill.  We will explore a new lace stitch pattern each month, working the patterns into a lace sampler, or knitting separate pieces for your resource binder.  In the second half of each class, we will focus on the skills needed for you to knit the beautiful Swallowtail lace shawl, by lace designer Evelyn Clark. Basic knitting skills are required for this workshop and there will be work to complete at home. You will have 3 weeks of knitting time in between each class.

at the White Rock Studio Saturday mornings in 4 week (once a month) sets

Please email Venessa for course details, supply list, and to register

knit some lace this summer. . . .

Lace Basics at three bags full, 4458 Main Street, Vancouver

Friday evenings, 6:30 to 9 pm, July 23, 30, August 6, 13, 20 and 27

please see the three bags full website for details and registration information

Knitting a Fair Isle Cardigan in the Traditional Way

the White Rock and three bags full programs are full

The art of Shetland Knitting, whether it be traditional lace or stranded colourwork, is rich in history.  Knitters from the islands north of Scotland known as Shetland, deeply value their knitting traditions out of a sense of identity, and because they have relied on their knitting to earn a living.  Fair Isle knitting designs, worked in Shetland Wool, reflect the harsh climate from which they originate.  This is cozy knitting grounded in the detail of the colourwork designs.

This six week program will introduce knitters interested in exploring the Fair Isle tradition and the techniques that define it.  While working through a simple but interesting Fair Isle cardigan, The Plum Frost, we will venture into the world of the tubular cast on, stranded colourwork, grafting, and steeking.

Venessa will provide the instruction and offer optional ribbing ideas for those who want a bit more of a challenge.

There are many colours to choose from in the Harrisville Shetland Wool collection.  Find this yarn here.  You will need 6 colours.

Please download your pattern here.

This program will run for 6 weeks on Sunday mornings at three bags full June 13, 20, 27, July 11, 18, and 25.  Please call 604-874-9665 to register.

Thursday evenings, 6:30 – 9 pm, June 24, July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 at The Working Hands Fibre Arts Studio in White Rock.  Please email by June 15 to register.


Saturday morning entrelac workshop

this program is full

Entrelac, an interlaced knitting technique, uses short rows, decreases, and picked-up stitches to create patchwork knitting.  In this 3 week program students will work through a scarf learning this directional knitting formula.  This program’s technique feast will interest the adventurous knitter with good basic skills and experience.

Please bring 3 balls of Noro Kureyon or Silk Garden, 5 mm needles, shorter and lighter are best.  My pattern will be provided for you.

3 Saturday mornings June 19, July 3 and 10  10:00 a.m. – noon

Working Hands Fibre Arts Studio,  White Rock

pre-registration deadline June 1

please contact Venessa for registration information

Top Down and Seamless ~ sorry this program is full

It will be offered again in July.  Please register soon if you would like to participate.

at the White Rock studio, a 4 week program, will run Thursday evenings, May 6, 13, 20, 27, 6:30 – 9 p.m.

This program is suitable for beginner knitters with good basic skills, and experienced knitters who are new to top down knitting.  It is a wonderful way to fit garments as you go, to lengthen or shorten the body and sleeves by trying them on first.  It feels so satisfying to know how it fits early in the game, so that you can knit with peace of mind.  If you have knit top down before and would like to try other patterns, I have many to choose from.  I am just finishing off Melissa la Barre’s Garter Yoke Cardigan in madder red Gala Wool from PEI, then dyed on Cortez Island. Purchase Gala Wool here.

I have modified it along the way and it fits beautifully.  The pattern was inspiring, and with the changes, the final result is an individualized version that I love! please contact Venessa to register for this program. There are 3 spots left.

Sunday Morning Intarsia Program

My New Colour Work Series will be offered at three bags full
Intarsia: Knitting Pictures will be the first program in the series
Sunday mornings, 9:45-11:45, May 2, 9, 16
Knitting blocks of colour, isolated from the background,  with separate balls of yarn, is Intarsia – knitting pictures.  During this 3 week workshop students will work vertical, horizontal, diagonal and curved designs while exploring the techniques that ensure smooth transitions and colour changes.  Long floats, weaving in tails, preventing tangles, working from butterflies, and duplicate stitch embellishing will also be covered in this colourful program!
Please bring:
a worsted spun yarn (fairly smooth with good twist) in a variety of colours that works to approximately 5 stitches to the inch.  For example: Cascade 220
4 mm or 4.5 mm needles.
a darning needle with a blunt end and a large eye
a binder with plastic sheet protectors

The full day Saturday Moebius Scarf and Basket program at the White Rock studio April 10 9 a.m. to 4 p.m only has two spots left email Venessa for a full outline and  to register – go to the News Page and click on the moebius PDF for more info -

Lace Design Two ~ the finer points
Gibsons Fibre Arts Festival  August 19 and August 20, 2010 http://gibsonslandingfibrearts.com

Maiwa Workshop Series 2010
Spin Blend Knit Lace, October 20 and 21, 2010

Fair Isle Knitting, October 27 and 28, 2010

http://www.maiwa.com

Kindling Knits - learn to knit email Venessa for more information

Comfy Couch Crochet beginner and intermediate at the White Rock studio  email Venessa for information

Thank Goodness It’s Friday Night Knitting – SOCKS ON! at three bags full

An Introduction to Cuff Down Sock Knitting

Friday Evenings, 7-9 pm April 23 and 30, May 7 and 14 -$90 (includes Venessa’s pattern w/extensive notes)This is a great program for first-time sock knitters.  You will be introduced to the structure and form of a sock, knit from the cuffs to the toes.  Using double knitting (dk) weight yarn, you will work through a pair of beautiful socks, learning to turn the heel, shape the gusset and toe and graft using the kitchener stitch.  Colour work patterns are included in the pattern if you wish to try fair isle.  Pull your finished socks on in Week 4 and you’ll never want to wear store-bought socks again!

contact three bags full to register

2 socks on one circular needle, toe up!

May 28, June 4, 11, 18

Are you a sock knitter who will do anything to avoid grafting toes, or perhaps you have a hard time getting around to that second sock . . .  then this 4 week workshop may work for you.  You’ll begin in Week One by casting on, and knitting the toes of both socks.  You’ll learn to knit socks that fit beautifully as you knit along the feet, and shape the heels.  Before you know it, you’ll be casting off at the cuffs – two socks finished at the same time!  If you would prefer to knit a pair of children’s socks during the 4 weeks, you are welcome.  Patterns for both will be provided.  You will learn the techniques needed to knit a larger pair for yourself.  This class is suitable for those who are comfortable knitting in the round, and who have knit socks from the cuff down.

contact three bags full to register

Sensational Sunset Saturday Spinning – Make Great Yarn on Your Wheel

next classes will be held at three bags full 604-874-9665

Session 1:  April 17, 24, May 1 and 8  Session 2:  May 29, June 5, 12 and 19

Saturday evenings, 6:30 to 9 pm Cost: $110/session

Have a spinning wheel and want to explore new techniques or refine your skills?

Session 1:  Learn how to adjust your wheel to get the yarn you want; carding and combing; preparation, drafting, spinning and plying; short draw, long draw and spinning from the fold

Session 2:  Spinning for knitting–lace, bulky, smooth, slubby, lofty or firm; sheep breeds, wool characteristics and the yarns they are best suited to; what about those other animals–spinning exotic fibres; blends that work well together

call 604-874-9665 to register at three bags full

Textured Temptation ~ Cable Knitting
Fibres West, March 26, 27, 2010   Abbotsford Agriculture Centre http://www.fibreswest.com

Lace Knitting Survival Program
Fibres West, March 26, 27, 2010   Abbotsford Agriculture Centre http://www.fibreswest.com
Get the Picture? Knit Intarsia
Fibres West, March 26, 27, 2010   Abbotsford Agriculture Centre http://www.fibreswest.com