The Farms: Knitting 101

Experience Level: Beginner (Ages 13+)

Whether you want to learn to knit or just need a refresher, enroll in Knitting 101 on Sundays, March 8 & 15 from 1 to 4 p.m. in The Studio.

Fiber artist Billie Theide will present the basics of knitting, including needle and yarn selection. Students will learn how to cast on, basic stitches, how to read work, fix mistakes, cast off and make fringe and pom poms.

$95/person* (Ages 13+. Ages 13-17 should be accompanied by an adult, who does not need to register.) Register here. Registration will close March 1 or when capacity is reached. All sales are final.

*Students should bring one of these two supply options (and are advised to purchase them as soon as possible, since availability can change):

OPTION 1:
— 2 skeins of Lion Brand Re-Spun Thick & Quick yarn. This is classified as a Super Bulky 6 yarn made of 100% recycled plastic. There are 223 yards per skein; the two skeins must be of the same dye lot. It is hand-washable; lay flat to dry. Avoid purchasing a dark colorway.
— 1 pair of Clover Takumi 9″ Bamboo Knitting Needles, US 13 single pointed straights.

OPTION 2:
— 3 skeins of Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick Yarn. This is classified as Super Bulky 6 yarn made of 80% acrylic and 20% wool. There are 106 yards per skein; the three skeins must be of the same dye lot. It is machine washable. Choose a solid colored yarn and avoid purchasing a dark colorway.
— 1 pair of Clover Takumi 9″ Bamboo Knitting Needles, US 13 single pointed straights.

Additional Supplies Required:
— pair of sharp scissors
— laptop, iPad, or smartphone
— pencil

Learn more about the space where your course will take place here. If you will need disability-related accommodations in order to participate, please email Olivia at owarren@illinois.edu.

By attending, you consent to your image being used in Allerton marketing, social media and publications. Please alert the photographer or videographer if you do not want your image taken.

About the instructor

Billie Theide is a former chair of the Crafts Program at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where she is Professor Emerita. Theide is a metalsmith, jeweler and ceramicist. Her work is in public art collections around the world including the Smithsonian, Museum of Arts & Design in New York City, Nelson Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City and the Racine Art Museum, among others.

She is the recipient of a Visual Arts Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts and five Artists Fellowship Grants from the Illinois Arts Council. Theide has been recognized for her excellence in teaching and is a Distinguished Member and Past-President of the Society of North American Goldsmiths.

About The Farms

The Farms: An Allerton Folk School, offers classes, workshops, and gatherings focusing on art, health & wellness, history, nature & outdoor education, or science. All experiences value hands-on, experiential teaching and learning, and are facilitated by and for the members of the community.

Find the complete Spring Session schedule here.