Keep the class skill level the same. I did an entralac method class and there were some that were not comfortable doing basic stitches. ie. cast on backwards loop, purling, picking up stitches. It really slowed the class down.

Also, if you are requiring the certain purchase of yarn, try to keep the cost reasonable. My LYS had a sweater class this summer that I wanted to do. But with the cost of the class, pattern and particular yarn, it would have cost $200. I can't take the food out of my kids mouths to finance my lust for knitting.

Good Luck.

As I recall, my knitting class began with the basics: guage, etc. Moved on to casting on and knitting stockinette, garter, etc. And the little swatch we had graduated to cables, bobbles, yarn overs, etc. It grew as we learned more things. BUT, as a class, we knit a sweater. A full size, adult sweater for ourselves. Best thing ever to learn. We just had to keep up with finishing back, sleeve, etc as each class came up. And then she taught us proper seaming techniques. Great class. I do recall her getting a bit snippy near the end when a few of us couldn't grasp a concept. Don't get snippy! Thank goodness it came in the last class--I would have dreaded going. She knit socks, too. That was such a foreign concept to me! Your love of the craft will stick with your students, so don't forget to share special projects you made. We had to stick with the given pattern (which was very basic stockinette/set in sleeves/crew neck) and there was some rebellion, but I think the reasoning is so that the instuctor can give one set of direction to the group, and the group can learn along with each other. Finish the class project, then go off and test your skills.
I hated that sweater, but the yarn was fabulous. I didn't re-start knitting until about six years after that class, and darned if I can find it! I'd frog it in an instant!

This is an interesting topic. I've thought about this for a long time, and have actually tried out a small beginner's class.

I think the ideal project must be something that can be completed quickly, and is useful. A first class/project can be small hats, and then donate them to a premie hospital-- they really need them -- or for a cancer hospital. You don't have to worry about sizing too much that way, but discuss gauge when they are done, and explain how critical it is when they see the results. We did a hat, with a roll-brim, so we learned the knit stitch and k2tog. You can introduce changing colours here too. Then we did mittens, which introduced purling, and increases, and a couple picked up stitches. And then we would do a sock, which teaches more techniques (picking up stitches, cables, maybe some lace), and I think by then you have everything you would need for a sweater!

I've thought about teaching casting on at the first class, or maybe the second class. Would it be best to have the first row done, and only teach knit stitch? And I prefer circular knitting as a first project as well, since it can be all knit. There won't be a fear of circs or dps that way.

No, a scarf is too long. I like dishcloths for learning a new pattern, or technique (not only rectangles, but circular shapes, short rows, from center out) -- I do them all the time as useful swatches! They are quick too. Pillow covers is another project, but takes slightly longer. Use pretty colours, and everyone will love them. Depending on the number of classes (3, 6?), keep them short, and only a couple of techniques (don’t scare them off), and have them finish something so that they can do another one by themselves. And spark an interest on taking that next step, for more projects!

as some one who has taught classes, i hate it when we have to wait for someone to cast on, and recast on, and oops...cast on again. i would make everyone cast on before class, cuz then alll they do is gripe at the end of the class when everyone is further than they are.

One of the most important things for a class is to make sure that everyone is at pretty much the same skill level. It's frustrating for everyone -- the instructor and the participants alike -- if there are beginners in a class for intermediate-to advanced knitters (and vice-versa)

Back when I took my first class, the instructor had us bring a practice yarn and needles. We had to cast on twice a day for a week so that our hands would never forget how. It really worked. Good heavens don't make people do a scarf. It's too long and boring for a beginner. Plus they want to do them in novelty yarns that don't allow you to read your knitting. If I could take a class from you it would definitely be design.

Wow! If I could take a class with you, which I would love to do, it would be all about the designing. Specifically, the mechanics of designing. And for a beginner class? Teach them the stich-marker for rows trick of yours, which you know I love. Anything you teach will be great. How long is the flight from Virginia to Montreal? I would SO be there.

I teach a 3 week beginning class. Keep the class size small so each student can have plenty of individual attention. If one student catches on quickly or has a bit of experience, ask her to help a slower student. I do this because everyone learns while teaching. In my class they learn the knit-on cast on first because they are learning the knit stitch at the same time, then they practice knitting. I then introduce purl and stockinette. The second class they begin a knit, purl ribbing scarf and a simple garter lace scarf. In the last class they bind off and I demo increase and decrease. I bring lots of finished projects for them to see and encourage them to take another class such as Beyond the Basics, Knitting for Baby, Socks etc.
Good luck. You will learn so much teaching. I just love it.

Weirdly enough, like "Long Time Listener," my first real project was the Ann Norling sampler scarf. It was great because it showed me how those knit and purl stitches come together in different ways. It even included a very simple chart. What it didn't teach was increasing and decreasing. And even though LTL doesn't think it's very attractive, my mom loved it! ;-)

Some basics that I think should be included would be counting stitches and counting rows (I still have trouble with that one sometimes!), various kinds of increases and decreases and the difference between right-slanting and left-slanting, how to frog and tink, knitting into the back, different cast ons and why you'd use them, and how combining knit stitches and purl stitches makes patterns. Oh -- and picking up stitches -- I think a lot of us have problems with that the first few times!

I think the single most crucial thing is to teach people the structure of knitting. I love love love the woman who taught me to knit, but she taught in a very old-school way (and for the sake of all that is holy, if you are teaching adults, don't ever let the words "In through the front door..." get within a mile of your lips.) She taught how to knit and purl, THEN taught us to cast on (which, I gotta tell you, drove me buggy, because I'm a very ground-up learner) but she just taught us the "proper" way to make the stitches, not why it was done that way. I supplemented what she taught me with books, so I understood why I needed to knit into the front of a particular stitch, and what would happen when I knit into the back of it.

Now, that might not seem all that important for beginners. But I found that it helped me to have a better understanding of the fabric I was making, which in turn allowed me to troubleshoot my own knitting, rather than handing my mess to a teacher to fix. If I had to frog, I could put the stitches back on the needle properly by myself, which is pretty important when you're just starting out. (Heck, it's just about ALL I did when I was starting out.) I was able to tink (with a tiny bit of trial and error) because I understood how the stitches needed to be seated on the needle, and when I screwed it up, I was able to spot it right away.

The upshot of all of this is that I was much more comfortable and confident knitting than a lot of the other students in my class. I made my first (baby) sweater within two months of starting when the rest of the class was still struggling with their first scarf(and it's cute as all get-out, with just one tiny hole where I picked up the stitches for the neck.)

My very first real project was the Ann Norling sampler scarf. Now, at the risk of sounding a tad mean, I think it's a fairly unattractive scarf, but I learned a TON from it, and I think it's a really great first project - all the practice and simplicity of a scarf with eight different stitch sections thrown in to keep the boredom at bay. If I ever teach anyone to knit, I'll heartily recommend it.

Good luck with the class, I'm sure you'll be great.

I don't have any particular suggestions for beginner's projects, but rather an approach to a class like this. For a beginner's class, the one thing I would suggest you think about is how to address different learning styles/speeds. (I guess this is true of any class, though!) For example, have printed materials for those who want to have something "to take home" so they remember what they have learned, even if it is just line drawings of how to make the basic stitches. But, also make sure to demonstrate several times for those who learn by seeing in action.

You will invariably get someone who catches on really quickly, and someone who really struggles conceptually to figure out this whole "series of interlocking loops" business. How do you address those who are hungry to move on and learn more while not frustrating those who need a lot of repetition to feel comfortable? (I am in the first category when it comes to most craft-y classes. I get VERY frustrated that I can't always learn at my pace, especially because I am paying for the class!)

If I were taking a class, it would be one on incorporating design elements and fitting techniques into existing patterns. For example, how do you determine the adjustments you need to make for the best-fitting garment and incorporate them into the pattern? Which styles are most flattering on your own personal body shape, and how do you modify other patterns to incorporate them (i.e. short row bust shaping works in certain kinds of patterns, but not others!). When would you want to use a certain technique or style (short row shoulder shaping, vneck instead of crewneck) instead of what is specified in the pattern? How do you determine things like raglan length or armhole depth, etc., when designing patterns?

I can learn the technical skills from a good reference book, but I find it useful for an instructor to teach me the applications of the techniques as well as the pros and cons of different options. I want to learn things that I can apply rather than take a "make this finished object" kind of classes. I would rather take a class where all I make are swatches, but where I learn how to incorporate the skills I practiced in swatches, than to take a class and end with a finished garment.

Hope that is vaguely useful...

For beginners? Dishcloths! Small investment in both time and materials, and can incorporate just about any knitting technique someone would want to learn. They could start with garter stitch, then do one in stockinette, then one knit on the bias using varied techniques of increasing and decreasing, maybe throw in some cables or a simple lace motif in the center.

For beginners, I think this would be a great choice since no matter how it turns out, they have a usable object in the end, and have learned techniques that they will encounter in any given pattern. Teach them to swatch and they're good to go for a wearable item!

I realize that this completely beyond your control but I'd love to take a class with a left-handed instructor. Barring that, a right-handed instructor that's aware that there are left-handed ("nearly wrong" as Elizabeth Zimmerman puts it) knitters out there and accomodates them when possible.

Over the many knitting classes I have taken (all the way up to "expert plus") I have always hated the concept of "sit and knit the really boring stuff that I could have done at home". So I am a big fan of homework (as in "knit the basic square and then we will play with it in class"). As well, I LOVE to see the teachers "bring and brag", so I know what I could use the techniques for. So bring lots of samples to feel and explain. And a minor thing- give the students some time to chat with each other-they also have lots to share. Soooo- what course are you offering and when????

1. I would love to take a beginning class on designing - where do ideas come from, how do you translate them into patterns, how do you then turn the pattern into a functional item?
2. In a beginner knitting class, I think it's important to (a) learn all the basics - not just knit and purl, but increases, decreases, maybe a yarn over, how to read a pattern, etc; (b) create something useful, like a small bag, hat or the like. I think teaching to knit a scarf or a washcloth can create knitters who are afraid to try non-square objects (I've seen it!); (c) force the students to learn how to fix mistakes, so they are not afraid to do so; (d) introduce them to local fiber groups (stitch and bitch groups, etc) and (e) end by helping them pick out a project to try on their own.
3. I also like series of classes - for example perhaps the first class teaches all about knitting lace and the second class teaches about blocking lace and maybe a third class dives into basics of designing your own lace project.

I think a sense of accomplishment is key in the beginning to maintain motivation and positivity, so a small finished project is great. Maybe a selection of one-skein wonders if your class isn't too big to keep track of individual knitters' progress. For the very first class I think it helps to have a variety of needle sizes and yarns on hand (NOT at the knitters' expense, but just to try) because not everyone is immediately comfortable with the same gauges. Then they can buy what works for them to take home for practice...

I think a hat would be good...scarves tend to go on forever compared to a hat. I did a scarf in my first class, using a not so easy to knit yarn (very splitty) and metal circular needles (I now prefer bamboo or wood). Not so fun. It would have been nice to have been able to sample different kinds of needles and to choose a different yarn. I did eventually finish, but the scarf called for picked up stitches and I did pick them up--I just didn't knit them as I went along and I gave myself blisters trying to wedge the needle into those VERY tight picked up stitches. Nightmare class--but I stuck with it and now am a knitting junkie--I have to knit every day!

Use of colour and fitting adult patterns

For a beginning class I think a hat would be a good place to start. If you started them in the round they wouldn't even have to learn how to purl, if they did a rolled brim. You could give ribbing or doing the hat flat as options, so the more adventurious would have something to tackle. Plus with hat you learn several other techniques, like decreasing, if you do it on straights you can show how to finish and you can teach the importance of gauge ... hats have to fit.

I think you'll make a wonderful teacher, good luck!

I think the most important thing is to be flexible when teaching. My aunt took a beginners class and she hated it because the instructor would scold her for purling "the wrong way." Her stitches looked fine, and the tension was good, so I say there isn't a wrong way. I'm sure that you wouldn't be that way though.

I think if I had to choose a class to take, it would be on fixing mistakes. This can be the scariest part of knitting, and key for a beginner who probably has lots of mistakes. Mastering cables and socks can also be intimidating so probably a good class, too.

Best of luck, Kate! I know you'll be a great instructor!

I'd like a class on finishing techniques. You know, mattress stitch, kitchener stitch, hems, why you should make the front and back of a sweater different lengths, etc. I've never been to a knitting class, and having taught myself to knit from the internet and, later, from books, can merrily knit toe-up socks (no grafting), all the pieces of a sweater, and even lace. But the tricks for turning pieces in garments, and for modifying patterns to make them fit me, still elude me. I guess that would be the class to take people through from elementary to intermediate. If you were teaching beginners, I'd second Allyson.

DUDE! I'd love to take a class with you! How awesome! Maybe focus on the basics like the importance of gauge swatching, adjusting a pattern to make it work with another yarn. The idea of a sampler stole (above me) is a good idea, while sweaters are cool and all they can be intimidating and as you know not the best thing to start out with.

How very exciting for you! Hope to hear more about your classes. Maybe I'll come and take one? :)

How about finishing the Lise bootees pattern first
Margaret

How 'bout a road show with classes in Boston!

Please, please, please teach how to do a gauge swatch, including counting rows of stitches, and number of stitches in a row, and then how to adjust gauge and sub yarns, etc. But first and foremost, make sure each of your knitters can correctly swatch. All.by.them.selves.

I wish my first teacher had done this for me...

I would want a few beers first for sure!

Ummmmmm. How about the baby jacket and hat pattern for a class?

The clap? Then you could see real life people knitting it!

;)

Inspire. Relax. Colour. Substitution. Texture. Fit. Experiment.

Good luck, and enjoy it :)

I've taught a couple of people to knit, but never a class. I find that I'm organizing my teaching by progressively introducing more complex concepts: knit, purl, simple stitch patterns, scarf as a first project, flat hat as a second project, in-the-round hat as a third project, plus introduction to gauge. For classes that I take, I would rather have the chance to come close to mastering a technique or topic than have a whirlwind overview of several topics. Be sure to be conscious of the slow knitters, which is hard. I'm a slow knitter and get frustrated when I can't even come close to finishing the project, especially if involved a lot of different technique.

Good luck!

As a fairly new knitter who's been navigating this mostly by myself with a little help from my friends and loads of books - I'd love someone to demystify patterns and making yarn substitutions. That seems to be tough to learn from a book.

Ohhhh! I'd love to take a class with you!! I've never actually taken a formal class here in Montreal. Given that I'm kinda self-taught and feel like I'm always winging it when it comes to certain things, I would like to take a class on finishing a sweater and all that involves, also some lessons in fair-isle, pattern adjustments...that sort of thing.

If I was a beginner, I think the key would be to have a project so that the student can have something to show at the end of it all...a cozy scarf, a simple bag (with the option of felting). Nothing too complicated. Then once that's mastered, hats and mitts and socks would be the next challenge.

Please keep us posted!

When I first learned to knit my instructor had us each make a sweater (stockinette stitched) for ourselves. Long story short - it was too big and too boring and I never finished so I decided I wouldn't be a knitter. A year or two later I wanted to knit a baby hat for someone and knitted up a super easy one in one evening. Aha, I could actually do it.

I would never have been able to knit the baby hat if I hadn't learned the mechanics of knitting in the class but I would say overall the class just left me frustrated. Whatever project you pick make sure it's small and complete-able. I'm sure you'll be a great instructor.

oooooooo - i wish i lived over the pond and not in britain :(

the only class i ever took was on knitting extras - cables, beading, picking up stitches, that kind of thing. it was interesting, but tricky because everyone taking the class had done at least one of the techniques before so had times of not learning new stuff.

if i was coming to your class, i would most want to learn how to design and make my own perfect sweater. it's something that's very hard to just pick up, i think, and stops starters like me ever progressing to proper knitters.

good luck!

Oh I wish I lived there so I could take classes from you. You will make a great teacher (knitting one that is, I already know you were a great ESL teacher)!

OK so I would want to really learn how to adjust patterns so they fit me. The last two classes I took on this were useless and left me disappointed. I know that it isn't that hard but the teachers just did not teach well.

Also remember to have patience. You may have a student like me who takes 4 weeks to get purling. I was so frustrated with myself but my teacher was so patient and showed me again and again until I got it and when I got it, I got it.

WHat fun!

Well... personally, I'd recommend a "muff" as a great beginner project. It uses very little yarn, is easy, and the pattern is free on the Knitty website.

AND... I just so happen to be having a "muff along" Come join us!

Well, I'd gladly take any class you offered in my neck of the woods. I can offer you what few purls of wisdom I have about teaching, if you like. I try to keep things really positive, if someone ends up with a hole in their work, I tell them it's an eyelet and very couture.

As a non-standard knitter (though I teach the standard techniques) I think it's helpful to be at least familiar with both english and continental as well as combined knitting becuase some people (left handed especially) benefit from trying to knit a few different ways.

I'm sure you'll be a fab teacher and I feel positive that you have nothing to fear at all. Best of luck and tell us all about your classes.

I would totally take a knitting class w/you. I think I'm intermediate, but maybe I didn't learn some techniques properly, so that would be cool. I'd also love to learn how to read a pattern properly, I've only ever read two, and they're your clapotis and one for socks. Hee hee! Is there a 'proper' way to read a pattern? Anyhow, where would you hold this class? In Montreal? I'm totally up for that!

I'm not a class taker myself, but I've been teaching classes for a few months now and here are some of the things I've learned.

I have a warped sense of knitting speed and most beginners are fairly slow knitters, so what can be accomplished in a two hour stretch of knitting is limited. I also have to reteach skills they should know before class -- people who've forgotten to purl, how to tink back three stitches instead of pulling out their whole project, how to cast on, and so on.

The most popular classes (apart from the learn to knit series) are knitting in the round, basic socks, and knitting 911 -- the mistake-fixing class. I also teach cables, fair isle, intarsia, short row sock heels, lace, continental knitting, entrelac (least popular), sweater construction and a felted bag project class. Each one teaches a few new skills or stitches, then gives people plenty of time to practice, make mistakes and get help fixing them.

Theleast fun to teach by far is the sweater construction class The first session involves learning to shape sweater pieces, which they finish for homework. Not so bad. The next class teaches both seaming and picking up stitches for a button band. This is for some reason quite difficult for me to teach. The seaming stitches themselves aren't bad, but getting people to ease in a sleeve cap or pick stitches up evenly takes a lot of work.

Naptime is over, so I guess my rambling is too!

I heartily second the class on fixing mistakes. That can be one of the scariest parts for a new, or any, knitter. I have taught several of my friends, but most of them still come to me when they drop a stitch or if things aren't looking how they should. The most extreme case will just stop working immediately, save the knitting until the next time she sees me and thrust it into my hands saying "Fix!" I've often thought it would probably be a good idea to have a little "mistake-fixing" session... also one on yarn choice. I've tried to be as helpful as I can but it's hard to emphasize how much yarn choice is going to affect a project (gauge, drape, washability) without seeming to be squashing their creative yarn-choosing process.

Things that I would love to learn in a class environment:

Finishing.

Colorwork.

and perhaps the most pressing: how to fix mistakes. I would take a mistakes class in a NY second if it were offered.

Perhaps the next time you visit NYC, you can teach a guest class at the Point. I'm sure they'd be delighted to have you.

I'm a self-taught knitter, mostly from books after a friend showed the very basics. I still have problems with joining pieces together/sewing seams. I'd like some help with that. I'd also like to learn how to make socks. I'm intimidated by the turning the heel part.

Hopefully you'll keep us up to date on your blog about when these classes will be available. I'd definitely sign up.

Planning and creating a fair isle or a gansey (guernsey) sweater is what I'd like classes on. I am going to do them, but there's the nerves kicking up just thinking about it without any real experience...

I learned to knit from my mom - knit, purl. That's it. Many years later I got a "learn to knit" book with projects where I learned increase, decrease, cable. For a class I would think basics: knit, purl, increase, decrease, pattern reading, possibly chart reading. Simple color changes like incorporating a one color picture from a chart.

Maybe a crib size afghan sampler with these different techniques in it would be a good class project and give people an opportunity to create various stitch patterns and experiment with gauge, etc?

Also need some kind of finishing techniques: seaming, weaving ends. Tips for using other types of fiber than wool (like cotton, blends, lace weight) but just tips. And maybe some examples to pass around. For future inspiration.

Seems like if someone learns basic skills and knowledge, that should be very empowering and seeing examples of certain techniques would also provide plenty of inspiration and future class opportunities.

Hi Kate,

Please post about when/where your classes will be- I'm interested!

As an intermediate-beginner I struggle not so much with basic technique but with concepts like negative ease, fit, yarn substitution. I've knit several tops and each have fit horribly so I mostly stick with lace.

Other good topics; picking up stiches, different cast-on and bind-off methods, cables.

More challenging classes would be technique oriented- colourwork, double knitting, two-handed (combined) knitting.

Good luck!

Hi Kate,

Please post about when/where your classes will be- I'm interested!

As an intermediate-beginner I struggle not so much with basic technique but with concepts like negative ease, fit, yarn substitution. I've knit several tops and each have fit horribly so I mostly stick with lace.

Other good topics; picking up stiches, different cast-on and bind-off methods, cables.

More challenging classes would be technique oriented- colourwork, double knitting, two-handed (combined) knitting.

although i understand your panic, i'm also sure you'll do fine. i've been asked to teach, and while i have no problem teaching friends, it's a whole different thing when people are paying money.

i would personally love to take a design class from you.

i think a good beginner's project might be a hat or a bag. a scarf is a good project because it's pretty simple, but it can take a long time to finish. a hat or small bag could potentially incorporate more techniques than a scarf and yet be finished more quickly. like others have commented though, it's got to be something that people like. so maybe have a variety of patterns available for people to make. one to start, and something else for those who finish the first project.

Psst! Want a dummie student to practice on? I'll gladly learn whatever you want to teach me, I can be an annoying or charming student, you decide. All in the name of making you a better teacher! ;)

Ideas for a class, fair isle, steeking, finishing, how to knit something that really fits, how to 'change' a pattern to suit your own gauge. You know where to reach me. LOL!

This is a tough question! I taught myself to knit 7 years ago. I think the hardest things for me to pick up on my own were color changes (stripes) and weaving ends. For some reason, because I was so intimidated by all the end-weaving, I avoided stripes, intarsia, and fair isle for a LONG time.

Also, beginners would probably be overwhelmed by all the different ways there are to do things, but they should also be reassured that they should find a knitting method that's comfortable for them.

BTW, the packing has begun. We'll be in Cornwall by the end of the month!

I feel like I could teach myself most knitting techniques at this point, but what I really need help on is colorwork. Like fairisle or colorwork. A complement to the subject would be how to find coordinating colors using a color wheel to come up with great patterns.

I think a design class with you would be wonderful, learning all the things to consider when designing a garment. For a beginner class, I suggest dish/face cloths. It's small so the gratification is there (very important to a beginning knitter!) and you can learn knitting, purling, increases, decreases and yarn overs all in one pattern. How great is that?

Good luck.

I think it's important to have a few (or at least two, anyway) choices for a beginner class's first project. Some people have a really hard time just getting how to actually knit and those people need to make something like a garter stitch scarf. Maybe a ribbed or seed stitch scarf if they are slightly more spacially adept. Other people (I was in this category) picked the ideas up quickly but had SERIOUS tension problems early on - a garter stitch scarf would look like crap if they knit it, but a nice, knit-purl stitch pattern with some texture would look nice enough to wear (b/c it would camouflage the unevenness) and be just challenging enough to knit.

For a second knitting class, I really like the idea of a smallish class where everyone picks their own project and the teacher helps you - you get specific help with your own project plus some "osmosis help" from seeing what the other people have problems with.

I loved my first sock class. I can apply the formula my instructor gave us to any foot and any kind of yarn.

I also really enjoyed the instructor. She was funny, she was way more advanced than any of us (giving me something to work toward) and I felt like I actually learned something.

I probably wouldn't take a class on a particular sweater or a big blanket. Short sweet projects are good for classes IMHO.

Or technique. I'm all for learning new techniques. Different cast ons, binding off, stranded knitting, etc. Like if I ever decide to learn how to knit lace, I'll take a class. Lace knitting just seems hard to me.

I probably wouldn't care for a felting class only because of the delayed gratification and the fact that all the students would have to felt on their own at home, rather than with the instructor.

Good luck with teaching! I think it would be fun. :)

Something that is very basic!! If you started out with different knitting patterns and made the class so that they ended up with a completed project in the end, that would be cool. Wish you were here to teach!! If you want more ideas for a basic class, just shoot me an e-mail...Kisses for "tadpole."

what turned me off knitting for years was my first knitting teacher. she was not understanding at all that i couldn't tell the difference between knit and purl stitches. i'd go home and knit a row or two, come back to class, and she made me take out everythign i knitted because i didn't do it right. she didn't have patience and didn't explain things to me in a manner that i understood. and she started us off with a wretched sweater from Leisure Arts pattern. Simple scarves are best for beginning knitters. good luck!

I think my biggest suggestion is to not let them thing that anything is bad/scary/hard/annyoing. DPNs, circs, none of that. I didn't know until 2 years after I started knitting that some people hated purling! Or that one might be scared of DPNs!

Now, steeks scare the everloving bejeepers out of me, but that's because it involves 1. trusting my sewing machine skills (HAH!) and 2. cutting (!!!) knitting. Eeeeek!

Good luck!

I've taught free classes for colleges here and there, all intro (cast on-knit/purl-bind off.)
I think the most important thing to come away with is the importance of knowing different learning styles. some people are visual some are auditory and some are both. I had one woman who was so spacially inept. She literally couldn't understand a slip knot. then i had students who only watched me and got it right away and remembered it long after (whom i was very jealous of). All in all, i guess i was ready to teach but not at all ready for them to learn it (if it makes any sense)

have fun and good luck!

I'd love to take a class with you Kate -- but I would want you to teach me to come up with beautiful and clever designs, and that might just not be possible!

I absolutely hated my first knitting class. First off, we HAD to knit this dreadful sweater with one big cable on the front. I understand that the instructor wanted us to learn many aspects of knitting, but the sweater was horrible on every level and much too large of a first project to feel any sense of accomplishment. Therefore, I quit and didn't try to learn to knit again for three years.

I think a beginning class that teaches the basics and then moves on to increases, decreases, different stitches. Maybe the class learns to knit something like a sampler stole (not anything particularly hard and lacy -- but you get my drift).

Anyway, I'm sure you'd be a great teacher -- best of luck.

I'd love to take a class with you Kate -- but I would want you to teach me to come up with beautiful and clever designs, and that might just not be possible!

I absolutely hated my first knitting class. First off, we HAD to knit this dreadful sweater with one big cable on the front. I understand that the instructor wanted us to learn many aspects of knitting, but the sweater was horrible on every level and much too large of a frist project to feel any sense of accomplishment. Therefore, I quit and didn't try to learn to knit again for three years.

I think a beginning class that teaches the basics and then moves on to increases, decreases, different stitches. Maybe the class learns to knit something like a sampler stole (not anything particularly hard and lacy -- but you get my drift).

Anyway, I'm sure you'd be a great teacher -- best of luck.