Instructor: Nancy Cavender

Saturdays: June 13, June 20, and July 11, 2026; 11:15 am - 12:45 pm

This introductory class will explore 2-color stranded knitting in the round using "Birsie Beanny," the featured pattern for Shetland Wool Week 2026. Nancy will teach the basics of stranded colorwork, including how to trap floats in the back of the work, and the optional toosks that give this hat personality. The band of text around the brim is optional, too - if you'd prefer a more traditional corrugated rib, Nancy can help you modify the pattern. Bring your needles and yarn to the first class - we will begin by practicing colorwork together!

Experience: Students should be comfortable with casting on and knitting in the round.

Materials:

• Pattern: "Birsie Beanny" by Helen Robertson, available to purchase from Shetland Wool Week
• Yarn: Jamieson's Shetland Spindrift in 4 or 6 colors; we have kits available, or come by the shop to pick your own!
• Needles for working in the round using the method you prefer; double points, 2 circular needles, Magic Loop, or 16" circular needle will all work. You'll need a smaller size for the ribbing and a larger size for the colorwork, depending on the size hat you make:
  • Small, to fit 18.75" head: 2.25mm and 2.50mm
  • Medium, to fit 20.5" head: 2.25mm and 2.75mm
  • Large, to fit 22" head: 2.50mm and 3.00mm
• Notions: stitch marker, tapestry needle

Materials are all available to purchase here at the shop.

Class Policy -

• Masks are optional in the classroom and in the shop.
• Refunds or store credits for prepaid class registrations can be made only if we are notified at least two weeks in advance of the beginning of class.
• Missed classes will not be made up unless the instructor was unable to teach or the shop was unexpectedly closed.
• Refunds or store credits for missed classes cannot be made.