Spring 2008 Classes

Current schedule includes, Knitting and new Knitting Camp, Mama/Baby Knitting, Toy Knitting, Crochet, Sewing 101, and Quilting! All other classes will resume this fall.

Brooklyn General Store offers a variety of classes in the needle arts— from basic techniques to more advanced explorations of fabric and fiber. We have something for everyone, from the novice to the more experienced crafter. We hope you’ll be inspired to join us for a class. If you don’t see what you’re looking for on this schedule, please let us know! We’re constantly developing fun new class ideas.

To register, please call the shop at 718.237.7753 (leave a message!). Questions can also be directed to classes@brooklyngeneral.com. You must register in advance in order to insure a spot in the class.

If you are interested in Mama/Baby Knitting, Felting, Patternmaking, Appliqué, or Embroidery please contact us! These classes will be scheduled when there is adequate interest.

Knitting & Crochet

Knitting Camp: $150/wk plus materials.
3 three-hr sessions/week. Sign up for one or more weeks.
Learn to knit this summer! Knitting is a creative hobby that has the potential to entertain and educate for a lifetime. Students who knit are found to have improved hand/eye coordination, small motor skills, and communication skills and research has shown that knitting has helped students increase their math and reading skills, as well as levels of concentration, control, follow-through, and sense of mastery. Open to students ages 9 to 13. A snack will be provided.

Session A: Tues, Wed and Thurs 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm July 8, 9, 10
Session B: Tues, Wed and Thurs 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm July 15, 16, 17
Session C: Tues, Wed and Thurs 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm July 22, 23, 24
Session D: Tues, Wed and Thurs 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm July 29, 30. 31

Beginner and Project Knitting $125
Four 1 1⁄2-hour classes
Learn how to knit or work on that challenging project. Beginners, we’ll teach you everything you need to know to make a scarf or another basic project. Skills include: casting on, knitting, purling, binding off, a few pattern stitches, and problem-solving. Project knitters, are you ready for a new challenge? Stuck on something? This class will help you take your knitting to the next level, whether you want to try your hand at something other than a scarf or you’re ready to tackle your first sweater. Decreasing, increasing, knitting in the round, reading a pattern, correcting mistakes, cables, blocking…these are just some of the skills you might learn while working on your piece. Bring a pattern, a project in progress, or project ideas to the first class.

Session A: Mon 6:30 to 8:30 pm, 7/7, 14, 21, 28
Session B: Mon 6:30 to 8:30 pm, 8/4, 11, 18, 25

Mama/Baby Knitting $130
Four 2-hr sessions
Learn to knit or get help with a project in a relaxed, baby-friendly atmosphere. You are welcome to bring your baby (non-cruising please). This is a great alternative to “new mom” groups. This class is limited to 6 mamas and babies. Materials: Beginners should bring or purchase a smooth, worsted weight yarn in a light color and corresponding set of needles (sz 7-9). More advanced students should bring a project or idea to class.

Session A: Mon 11 am to 1 pm, 7/7, 14, 21, 28
Session B: Mon 11 am to 1 pm, 8/4, 11, 18, 25

Knitted Toy Workshop $125
Four 1.5 hr classes
Make your own knitted toys! This class will teach you the basics of three-dimensional shaping and have you on your way to knitting toys for all the tots you love. Basic knitting skills required. Materials: one skein of bulky weight yarn in a light or bright color (easier to see your stitches) and size 9 or 10 needles, stuffing for toys (wool stuffing is available at the first class). The instructor is happy to help you choose materials at the first class.

Session A: Wed 6:30 pm to 8 pm, 8/6, 13, 20, 27

Fair Isle Workshop $125
Four 1.5 hr classes
Ever looked at some gorgeous fair isle mittens and thought, "I'd love to make those, but I never could!"? Well, you can! Learn the basics of Fair Isle knitting (also called stranded colorwork) while making a pair of 2-color mittens. Your skills will translate to many projects. Prerequisites: comfortable knitting in the round on double-pointed needles.

Session A: TBD

Fair Isle Workshop $125
Four 1.5 hr classes
This class is designed to teach you the basics of lace knitting so that you can make your very own lace scarves, shawls, and include lace motifs in anything you knit! You will learn cast on techniques suited to lace, how to read a lace chart, and tips to help you correct, as well as avoid, mistakes.

Prerequisites: Comfort with decrease (k2tog, ssk) and yarn over techniques recommended.

Materials: If you plan to purchase materials, it is recommended to you do so at class so that the instructor may assist. If you have something in the stash: smooth, light color, light weight yarn (fingering or dk) yarn for practice and straight or circular needles at recommended gauge (pointy tips are preferable to blunt tip needles).

Session A: TBD

Beginner Crocheting $125
Three 2 hour classes
Learn all the basics of crocheting (chain, single, double and triple crochet stitches) and how to use them to whip up hats, scarves, amigurumi toys and more! Shaping and circular crocheting are introduced, as well as stitch pattern like meshes, scallops and bobbles. Begin a scarf in the first class and continue on to either a hat or shawl by the end of the session. Materials: one skein of smooth yarn in a light or bright color (easier to see your stitches) in either worsted or bulky size. For worsted bring a size G or H crochet hook, and for bulky a J or K.

Session A: Wed 6:30 to 8:30 pm, 7/16, 23, 30

Spinning

Introduction to Spinning $125
Four 1 1⁄2 hour classes
Learn how to spin and design your own yarn on a drop spindle. Class includes an overview of animal and plant fibers, how to card and blend different fiber types and colors, plying instruction, and an introduction to the spinning wheel.

Materials available at first class

Session A: Thurs 7 to 8:30 pm, 7/10, 17, 24, 31

Sewing

Sewing 101 (Beginner) $150
Four 2 hour classes
This class will teach you all the basics: how a sewing machine works, cutting from a pattern, and how to sew a simple wrap skirt. With these techniques, you’ll be on your way to stitching up all kinds of projects!

Materials: 2 yds light- to medium-weight woven fabric, 1 pkg extra-wide, double fold bias take to match, thread to match, scissors, pics and pincushion, seam ripper, tailor's chalk.

Session A: Tues, 6:30 to 8:30 pm, 7/8, 15, 21, 28
Session B: Wed, 6:30 pm-8:30 pm, 8/5, 12, 19, 26

Sewing 102 (Beginner/Intermediate) $150
Four 2 hour classes.
Step up your stitching skills with this very practical “All-Day Tote” bag from Lotta Jansdotter's book Simple Sewing. You'll learn how to do pockets, linings, topstitching and straps and become much more confident with your sewing. Beginner sewing skills required.

Session A: TBD

Sewing 103 (Intermediate)
Four or Five 2-hour classes (2 Projects available)

Option 1 ($150-four sessions): A tunic top or dress Built By You! The class will use Simplicity's Built By Wendy pattern 3964. This class is a perfect next step for the beginning seamstress or someone interested in brushing up on their skills.
Materials: BBW/Simplicity pattern #3964, fabric (1 3/8 to 3 1/4 depending on which variation of pattern, and width of fabric--see back of pattern for details), optional: 7/8 yd of contrast fabric for yoke, thread to match body fabric (and contrast if using). Basic sewing supplies (see Sewing 101).*some variations also call for one pkg of 1/4" elastic

Session A: TBD

Patternmaking $160
Four 2-hour classes
If you love to sew, but are frustrated by the patterns you find in stores, this is the class for you. Here you will learn the basic principles of flat patternmaking to start having fun designing the clothes you picture in your mind! You will draft patterns for a t-shirt and an A-line skirt based on your own measurements. You will manipulate these patterns into other style variations. We will also cover how to 'rub off' a pattern from a pre-existing garment. Basic sewing experience is helpful to benefit from this class.

Materials: a roll or pad of newsprint, drawing paper or patternmaking paper, at least 14" wide; see-through 18" ruler, tape measure, pencil and sharpener (or mechanical pencil), eraser, scissors (for paper), 1 yard of muslin or similar inexpensive woven fabric, 1 1/2 yds of t-shirt jersey or similar knit.

Session A: TBD

Quilting Workshop $150
Four 2-hour classes
You will cut, piece together and assemble a quilt top and then back and bind it to make a complete crib-sized quilt. This is a great way to use up leftover fabric! Our instructor’s organic teaching style lends itself to novice as well as a more experiences quilter. While hand sewing is an option, you may find it useful to have a sewing machine at home.

Materials: We recommend that you purchase materials as you progress. A more detailed list will be provided at the first class. 8 fat quarters cotton and another yard cotton for backing, cotton or wool batting (44” x 36”), quilting thread, thimble, needles, glass-head quilting pins, 12” quilting hoop, 6”x24” quilting square, cutting mat and rotary cutter, basic sewing supplies (see Sewing 101).

Session A: Thurs, 7 pm to 9 pm, 8/7, 14, 21, 28

Embroidery & Appliqué

Embroidery Workshop $80
Two 2 hour classes
There are so many uses for embroidery; you'll wonder how you survived without it! It's a perfect way to customize items for gifts, for yourself, or for sale. It's also a great compliment to knitting or crocheting. Create a sampler of a dozen basic stitches, learn how to transfer designs, and begin your first embroidered project: the classic tea towel.

Materials: one fat quarter (18"x18") of gingham, one or more skeins of embroidery floss, embroidery needle (look for a larger eye), scissors, embroidery transfers, and a tea towel.

Session A: TBD

Appliqué Workshop $90
Two 2-hour classes
Whether cute and whimsical on children's clothing, classic and elegant on home furnishings, or fantastically avant-garde on a bag for you, appliqué can transform all kinds of projects. You'll learn three different hand-stitched techniques and apply them to your own project.

Materials: for first class session, all supplies will be provided. For second session, you will need a base fabric (or finished item), appliqué fabric (felt or other), embroidery floss, and needles for your own project.

Session A: TBD

IMPORTANT NOTES ABOUT CLASSES:
Full payment is required at time of registration in order to hold a spot in a class.

All classes have a minimum of four students and a maximum of eight.

Materials needed for class projects can be purchased at the shop—see www.brooklyngeneral.com/classes.htm for supply lists. Students receive a 10% discount on class materials. We encourage you to select yarns and fabrics before the first class when possible. Please visit us anytime for help choosing materials.

We are not able to offer make up sessions.