find us in the
Click the SoSu logo to learn more about the artist collective.
This is a home for all the quaint or dusty things that used to be on the other pages.
How can I make yarn?
This video shows wool being spun into single ply yarn on a spinning wheel. Usually these singles are later spun together into multi ply yarn.
spinning
This lovely ewe lives in western Colorado, where she grazes and raises her lambs. I was lucky enough to get the fleece from her shearing this spring. I've been working to clean, comb and spin it into yarn.
She is half Blueface Leicester, a breed known for lustrous, long wool. Her fleece has several different textures in it, from coarse guard hairs to very fluffy, crimpy wool.
I have been cleaning, carding and spinning this wool into yarn. Some of it will remain the natural cream color, and some will be dyed. My hope is to knit myself a sweater with it and enjoy wearing it for many seasons to come.
A hat I designed and knit for my daughter's friend, 2024
Past Classes
Classes in this section will be offered again in the future. Kindly email Yarn And Happiness if you are interested in one of these.
Learn to Cable
and make a cabled mug cozy
$35
Saturdays, Sept. 28 and Oct. 5,
12:00 to 1:30 PM
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​Learn to work
cables: both left
and right twisting,
with 4 or 6
stitches. Class
includes patterns
for braided cables
and for a darling little cabled cozy for
your coffee mug.
Skills: You are comfortable working stockinette stitch and Knit/Purl ribbing.
Back to Basics: $62
Knowledge for Knitters
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Saturdays, Jan. 18 & 25, and Feb. 1, 12:30 to 2:30 PM
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You've learned a few things but you want to be able to make projects beyond scarves. This slightly faster version of the "Comprehensive Beginner" class is designed to fill in gaps in your learning and prepare you to make the knitwear you desire.
Skill level: Beginner; You have tried knitting and just need someone to help you solidify your skills. Knitting can be easier and more fun!
Choose Your National Park Hat
$70
Oct. 22 & 29, Nov. 7, 5:00 to 6:45 PM
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You have admired these amazing hat patterns by Nancy Bates; now you are ready to knit one! Whether you buy the book or purchase a single pattern online, this class will be a fun opportunity to receive help with your hat, in the company of other knitters who are working on their favorite one.
Skills: Depends on the pattern you wish to make. Please consult individually with the instructor about your desired hat.
Simple Mittens $75
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Wednesdays, Jan. 15, 22 & 29
and Feb. 5, 1:30 PM *
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Learn to make simple, cozy mittens to fit teens and adults. Choose a solid color or a fun multicolor yarn, or use two different colors to add a stripe or make them color blocked. Mittens are a small project that works up with satisfying speed. You may decide your whole family needs a pair!
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Skill level: Adventurous beginner You need not have experience knitting in the round; this can be your introduction to double point needles.
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First two classes meet 1:30 - 3:00; third and
* fourth classes last until 3:30.
Garter Stitch Hood $110
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Tuesdays, Jan. 28 and Feb. 4, 11 & 18
2:00 - 4:00 PM
Both trendy and practical, a knitted hood can take the place of a hat and scarf. Class will provide instruction for making the new "Sophie" hood by Petite Knits. Learn to work a tidy, built in I-cord edge, and become familiar with using increases and decreases to shape your fabric.
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Skill level: Adventurous beginner You are very comfortable with Knit and Purl, and you are enthusiastic about learning new techniques.​
"My Favorite Hat" $64
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Fridays Feb. 21 & 28, and March 7
3:00 - 4:30 PM
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It fits so well, hugging a variety of head sizes and shapes. You can choose a short version that ends at the earlobes, or knit a longer one (shown) that can be folded up for two layers of warmth. The diagonal ribbing pattern is easily memorized, and charts will be provided to keep you on track.
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Skills: Adventurous beginner You have made a hat in-the-round before, and you are comfortable with working knit/purl ribbing.
Cuddly Bunny Toy $79​
Saturdays, March 29 and
April 5 & 12
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
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Just in time for spring, this sweet bunny would love to meet the child in your life. Instructions and guidance will be provided for both in-the-round and flat knitting. Learn different ways to increase and decrease stitches and assembly of a stuffed animal. Plastic eyes and nose will be provided, or you may embroider them for very young children.
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Skills:
Adventurous Beginner You have knitted several projects before. You are comfortable recognizing knits and purls and counting stitches.
“Architectural Hat” $68
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Wednesdays, Mar. 12, 19 & 26
1:30 - 3:00 PM
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This hat, with a textured pattern created using only knit and purl stitches, looks great on women or men. Two sizes available to fit average or large adult heads.
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Skills: Adventurous Beginner You are confident in counting knit and purl stitches, you might have already taken the “Knit Your First Hat” class.
Pullover Sweater for Child or Adult
$130
Class is forming now!
Meeting dates will be determined based on input from interested knitters.
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Spread out over three months, this class is a "no-pressure" trip through your first sweater.
The "Flax" sweater, a free pattern from Tin Can Knits, is a pullover sweater, knitted from the neckline down. It can be customized with long or short sleeves, and looks great on anyone.
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You will learn about gauge, selecting the right size from the pattern, keeping track of where you are in the pattern, and much more.​​
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​Skill level: Adventurous beginner You have made some smaller projects and are comfortable with working increase and decrease stitches; You can work ribbing c0nfidently.
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Mini Christmas Stockings
$40
Friday, Nov. 15, 1:00 - 4:00 PM
Knitted in worsted weight yarn, these tiny stockings are the perfect size to hold a gift card. Strung together on a cord, they make a delightful holiday garland. They are constructed like a real, top-down sock, providing an easy introduction for the sock-knitting curious! Personalize with contrasting color for the cuff or heel & toe, or add stripes or embroidery.
Stitch Sampler Cowl $70
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Thursdays, Jan. 16 & 30, and Feb. 13, 1:00 to 3:00 PM
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This seamless cowl is a beautiful way to learn several different stitch patterns. Many people find cowls easier to wear than scarves - just pop it over your head and go!
Skill level: Adventurous beginner You are comfortable working knit/purl ribbing and curious about creating other textures.
Keyhole Scarf $60
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Thursdays:
January 23, 5:15 - 6:30 PM
February 13, 5:15 - 7:15 PM
February 20, 5:15 - 6:30 PM
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The ribbing pattern is easy to work, and thanks to the "keyhole," this scarf can fit quite comfortably with
less knitted length than
conventional scarves.
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​​Skill level: Beginner You confidently work ribbing with knit and purl stitches.
Cable Knitted Hat $85
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Wednesdays, Feb. 19 & 26, and Mar. 5
12:30 - 2:30 PM​​​​​​​​
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​​The hat will be knitted in-the-round on circular and double pointed needles. The relatively simple cable pattern is a comfortable introduction to the technique, and the result is beautiful. A cable needle is included with the class.
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Skills: Adventurous beginner You have made a hat or other knitting in-the-round project; you are comfortable recognizing knits and purls.
No experience working cables is expected.
“Just a Little Colorwork” Hat $80
Thursdays, March ​. 6, 13, and 20.
1:00 - 3:00 PM
Participants will learn to use two strands of yarn in a knitted row, creating patterns in the style of Fair Isle or Norwegian two-color knitting. Learn how to manage tension to maintain stretch. Choose from a menu of simple designs, and your hat will have just enough colorwork to learn techniques, not enough to be daunting.
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Advanced beginner
This is not your first hat.
You've knitted in the round previously.
Your First Sweater $115
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4 classes, 2 hours each
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This a simple cardigan with no front closure is a light, easy layer to throw on when warm afternoons turn to cool evenings.
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Why is it perfect for your first sweater? There are no intricate stitches, very little counting, and you will gain useful knitting knowledge including: how and why to make a gauge swatch, picking up stitches, creating a smooth edge when knitting flat, seaming with mattress stitch, and knitting sleeves in-the-round.​​
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Skill level:
Advanced beginner
You have made a few items, perhaps a scarf, a hat, dishcloths, or simple wristlets. You may have knitted in the round previously, but it isn't required.
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Cardigan
photo
coming
soon!
Comprehensive Beginner Knitting
$110
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Dates for next session coming soon! ​
Students will learn: knit stitch, purl stitch, cast on, bind off, knitted ribbing, seed stitch, methods to increase and decrease stitches, basic troubleshooting and sewing a seam. You will use these skills to make simple fingerless mitts.
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​This class is for anyone who has never knitted or wants a refresher on basic skills.
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Check out the Basic Knitting Kit, available for participants in this class.​
Fixing Mistakes 101 $30
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Tuesday, May 13 1:00 - 3:00 PM
or Saturday, June 14 2:30 - 4:30 PM
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Back, by popular demand! We will delve into the structure of knitted fabric and how to fix it. Participants will learn to identify which stitch was done in previous rows, spot incorrect stitches, repair a dropped stitch, un-knit without twisting stitches, and more.
Skill level: Beginner
or Intermediate
You have made a
couple of knitted
projects and are
frustrated by
mistakes.
Knit Your First Hat $85
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6 total hours of instruction
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You've learned the Knit and Purl stitches, and you are thinking, "What can I make now?" This clas will cover reading a basic knitting pattern, knitting in the round on a circular needle, transferring the project to double point needles, shaping the crown of the hat, and finishing techniques.
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Skills: Beginner You are comfortable with working knit/purl ribbing, recognizing which stitches are the knits and which are the purls.
First Time Sock Knitting
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Students will learn to knit top-down socks in DK weight yarn. Sock construction will include a heel flap and gusset, with two options for the toe. Experience with double point needles is strongly encouraged but not required.
Please note: this class does not include instruction in the magic loop technique.
Skills: Intermediate You are comfortable knitting in the round (on circular or double point needles) and can pick up stitches and keep track of your rows.
Designed as a project for those who are just learning, this shawl pattern takes knitters from basic knits and purls through a variety of stitch patterns. You will gain knowledge and confidence - and end up with a lovely shawl, too.
December thoughts
With the holidays upon us, who has time for knitting?
Lots of people!
Some are working hard to complete gifts for friends and family.
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Others are finding the calm created by knitting to be a respite from the added stresses this season can bring.
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And many are browsing the internet to find just the right pattern for their next project.
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Whichever you are, or if you only dream of being a knitter, you are welcome here. ​
Knitting in the dog days of
summer? Sure!
In the heat of summer, many knitters choose small projects such as socks, or knit with "cool" fibers like cotton, hemp or linen.
It isn't too soon to begin holiday gift projects, too. Check the page for some easy projects including a cabled mug cozy, a knitted basket, and a miniature stocking.
In this coldest time of the year, knitting seems like the perfect pastime. The feeling of coziness that comes from sitting and working on a project is hard to describe, whether you are knitting alone or in a group of other yarn lovers.
There is joy in creating warm hats, scarves, mittens, socks, sweaters... all the wonderful things you may give to loved ones or keep and wear yourself!
February
