AT LOOSE ENDS
357 3rd Ave. SE • Perham, MN 56573
ph/fax 218-346-YARN (9276)
email: info AT atlooseends DOT com
www.atlooseends.com
(Hey! You're here!)

OPEN YEAR ROUND
HOURS:
M-F 9:30-5:30
W TIL 8
SA 9:30-3:30

Expand your horizons, put wrinkles on your brain, learn a new skill/art with CLASSES ALA CARTE!

I've set aside 2-hour sessions - Tuesdays (10-12 or 2-4), Wednesdays (10-12, 2-4 or 6-8), and Fridays (10-12) for teaching whatever you would like to learn. First come first serve so book your times early. Class tuition is $15 per session for one student, so a 3-session class is $45 tuition. Got a friend or family member or co-worker to learn with you? Then class tuition is $10 per session per student, so then a 3-session class is $30 tuition. And remember that when you purchase your supplies at the shop, you'll receive a 10% discount

I have had requests for classes on Knitting Socks, Tatting, Rigid Heddle Weaving, Knitting Felted Clogs, and Beginning Knitting. If you are interested in any of these classes, or have a suggestion of your own, please contact me. I can set up a class with more than one person...the more the merrier, they say!

Scroll to the bottom of the page and peruse the calendar pages so you can see what time slots are available for you to learn. Bear with me while I get this organized, and be sure to call with any questions about classes or times available. In the meantime, here is a list of topics/classes that I am ready and willing to teach. If you would prefer a paper copy of the available classes, just call me and I'll mail you one, or click on the Acrobat icon in the left column and a class list will download to your computer. (But be warned, it's a big file and may take some time if you have dial-up connection.)

FELTED CLOGS - 4 sessions + materials
Fast and easy, these warm and cuddly slippers make a great gift for someone special or even yourself. Knit in double strand worsted weight yarn with a circular needle. You can add mohair or novelty yarn to make one-of-a-kind slippers. You’ll need basic knitting skills (knit, purl, cast on, cast off) to begin this 4-session class. Supplies needed: #13-24” circular needle and a second 24” circular needle in a smaller size, markers, Fiber Trends pattern #33x, and 3-5 skeins worsted weight yarn depending on the size you make. We’ll felt our finished slippers at the final class.

KNIT & FELT FUN - 3 sessions + materials
There's so many wonderful things you can knit and felt - scuffs, purse, hat, tam, or even a tote or backpack. Come in to the shop to collect some ideas and see what colors you'd like to use. Needles depend on your pattern, yarns must be an animal fiber--wool, alpaca, llama, mohair. There's lots to choose from. We'll felt your finished project(s) here at the shop on the final class.

BASIC SOCKS - 4 sessions + materials
This 4-session class is just right for the beginning sock knitter. Socks are fun to knit and make a great portable project! There is no experience like turning the heel of your first sock! Using worsted weight yarn and #7 double point needles, learn to turn a heel and pick up stitches for the instep. You will also learn the Kitchener stitch to finish off the toe invisibly. Bring your basic knitting skills (knit, purl, cast on), 220 yards worsted weight yarn, #7 DPNs, yarn darning needle, and your enthusiasm.

SOCKS ON 2 CIRCULARS - 3 sessions + materials
Learn to knit these fun and fast articles of clothing. And no DP's needed! Even on the heels and toes! You'll need #7 circs - one 20" and one 24", 220 yds. worsted weight yarn, markers, row counter, stitch holders, darning needle, and basic knitting skills.

MITTENS ON 2 CIRCULAR NEEDLES - 3 sessions + materials
Pick a skein of worsted weight yarn and use 2 #7 circular needles at least 20" long to make these necessary-for-winter-in-Minnesota articles of clothing. Fast and easy on circulars!

MAGICAL MOEBIUS - 4 sessions + materials
Using Cat Bordhi's Treasury of Magical Knitting as a guide, we'll be knitting a moebius scarf out of bulky weight yarn. One #11 47-60" circular knitting needle, marker, yarn darning needle are supplies needed.

EASY TOP DOWN KID'S SWEATER - 4 sessions + materials
Anxious about your first sweater project? Well, this is a no-sweat sweater for a child. Using a Knitting Pure and Simple pattern, we’ll start at the neck and work down. There are no seams to sew, just a few ends to work in and you’ll have a project you’ll be proud to give. Project is worked in worsted weight yarn with #6 and #9 circular and double point needles. Markers, yarn darning needle, pattern and some waste yarn will complete your supply list.

PAMPERED KITTY HANDKNITS - FOR BEGINNERS - 3 sessions + materials
Are you looking for a way to show your appreciation to your favorite feline...well look no farther. I've found a pattern for a snuggly felted cat bed, and two more patterns for fun cat toys. Kitty won't mind if your edges aren't perfect or you've dropped a stitch or two. So come learn knitting basics and tell your cat you really think he's special.

SHADOW KNITTING - 3 sessions + materials
Shadow knitting is very simple in principle-just four rules to follow and the magic happens. Look at your knitting straight on and it looks plain, change your viewing angle and shapes appear on the surface. Working with a pattern from Vivian Hoxbro's intriguing book on this topic, we'll be making potholders. You'll need 2 contrasting colors of worsted weight yarn and #5 SP needles.

CROCHET BEANIE - 3 sessions + materials
Here’s a great after-school activity for girls and guys! Crochet a cool beanie for yourself and/or a friend. There are two styles to choose from ­ an openwork skull cap or a snowboarder-style beanie. One skein of worsted weight yarn for each (you can mix the two colors in each cap), Size J crochet hook, marker, yarn darning needle and we’ll be ready to go!

CROCHET BASICS - WASHCLOTHS - 3 sessions + materials
Using some oh-so-soft Cotton Chenille for Crystal Palace, we'll learn the five basic crochet stitches. Pair your project up with a bar of Grace Harbor Soap and you've got a wonderful present for that special friend or relative.

FLOWER POWER - KNIT OR CROCHET - 1 session + materials
Make these simple flowers to help you combat cabin fever. Pattern included in class fee. Bring scraps of "flower inspired" color yarn and appropriate size needles or hooks and we'll make it "June in January."

LEARN TO SPIN...and create your own yarn. You'll learn the basics of spinning--how to maintain your wheel, how to prepare fibers for spinning, how to spin different fibers, and how to ply your yarn. Fee is $35 for three 2-hour sessions. This includes 8 oz. of cleaned Romney fiber for carding and spinning. Call to set up a time. Wheel available to rent for $25 for 2 weeks' use. If you decide to buy, then $10 of rental can applied to the purchase price of the wheel.

RIGID HEDDLE WEAVING - BASICS - 4 sessions + materials and $25 loom rental, if you don't have your own ($10 will be applied to price of loom if you decide to buy one).
I'd love to get you started on the road to weaving with this class. You can choose to do a simple scarf or table runner. with pickup accents. We can even reassemble the long rectangle into a simple drawstring vest. Bring 2 paper grocery bags and note taking supplies to class.

FAST WARPING ON A RIGID HEDDLE LOOM - 1 session + no materials fee
I'll give you a quick demonstration of how to warp your rigid heddle loom fast, fast, fast. Be more spontaneous with your warping!

FAST WARPING ON YOUR RIGID HEDDLE LOOM - 1 3-hour session ($20) + materials. Get your looms out of the closet and I'll help you get weaving!

RIGID HEDDLE WEAVING - LACE TECHNIQUES - 4 sessions + materials and $25 loom rental, if you don't have your own. ($10 will be applied to price of loom if you decide to buy one)
We'll use the Ashford quick warping method to prepare our looms for weaving a scarf or table runner with lace technique accents. I have some nice wools, alpaca, or even cottons and blends to choose from. Bring 2 paper grocery bags and note taking supplies to class.

RIGID HEDDLE WEAVING - LOG CABIN TECHNIQUE - 4 sessions + materials
Learn to warp with two colors and weave a beautiful scarf on this easy-to-use loom. We’ll be using the Ashford quick warping method and two contrasting colors of yarn. Bring 2 or 3 grocery bags and ideas for colors you would like to have in a scarf. Looms available to rent for $25 ($10 applied to price of loom if you decide to buy one).

Following are classes that other instructors are willing or have been willing to teach. Please call with your requests so we can set up mutually agreeable schedules.

BEGINNING TATTING - 3 sessions + materials - Kathey Skarie will teach you the basic stitches and how to use them in patterns, how to read patterns and diagrams, plus finishing techniques. Supplies needed: #10 crochet cotton (2 colors - white & a color), tatting shuttle, scissors.

LACE TRIMMED LAYETTE (Sweater & Hat Set). 4 sessions + materials - Joanne Bloom is ready and willing to share her vast knowledge of knitting with you. She would love to teach a class here at the shop on Beginning Lace. It will be based on a pattern from Knitters Magazine #45. Copies are available at the shop. Knitters will need @ 480 yds of DK yarn, a #6 - 16" or 20", markers and yarn darning needle. 3 sessions + materials.

CABLE PILLOW I or II - 3 sessions each + materials - Pat Benson will lead you through either a Beginner's Cable pattern or Plaited Diamonds cables in this great project for your home - a 14x14 pillow. Second panel has examples of other kinds of cables. 2 skeins of Cascade 220 will give you enough yarn to do 2 panels and an optional crocheted edging. Also #10 SP needles, cable needle, darning needle, stitch markers, and H crochet hook for edging.

FINISHING TIPS - 1 session + pre-session homework - Joanne Bloom will share her years of knitting experience with us. Learn 3-needle bind off, kitchener stitch, joining knit pieces, how to seam invisibly. You'll need to come to class with six 3" swatches knitted on #7 or #8 needles with worsted weight yarn - 4 of them will need to still be on your needles with live stitches. Also bring a crochet hook and darning needle (or supplies are available at the shop). Don't miss this opportunity to learn!

TUBE SOCKS - 3 sessions + materials - Do you want to experience the joy of handknit socks, but dread the thought of turning a heel? Well, this is the class for you! Pat Benson will show you how to cast on and knit in the round on double point needles. This class will give you the confidence to go on to mittens with thumbs and socks with heels. You'll need 1 skein worsted or sport weight, set of #3 or #7 DP needles, tapestry needle.

PET SOCKS (FAIR ISLE KNITTING) - 4 sessions + materials - Deb Kramer will help you learn the art of two-color knitting and honor your favorite critter with this fun pair of socks. Kits contain 2 skeins sportweight yarn, reinforcing yarn (for heels and toes), pattern. You'll need #3 DP needles, darning needle, and basic knitting skills.

purchase your supplies for class in my shop and you will receive a
10% discount!

NEEDLEFELTING WORKSHOP WAS ANOTHER FUN TIME!!
St. Paul fiber artist Shawn Glidden lead another fun workshop. I saw some great looking hats leave the classroom.
Please let me know if you're interested in having Shawn back for another session.

Website content ©2007 E. L. McRae & At Loose Ends

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THE FINE PRINT: All classes must be prepaid. Classes are filled on a first come-first served basis. I will notify you if I place your name on a waiting list. If a class is cancelled due to insufficient enrollment, I will notify you and you will receive a full refund. Refunds are issued if you cancel out of a class 24 hours in advance. If classes are cancelled due to inclement weather, I will call you. Classes will be made up if at all possible.

SOME PAST & FUTURE CLASSES

CLASSES AVAILABLE
Please call or email for the current class list or download the class list by clicking on the link to the left. Then call to set up your next fibery learning experience

SOCKS ON 2 CIRCULAR NEEDLES

Or do you have an idea for a class? Just let me know. I'm all ears!

BEGINNING KNITTING

Call to set up days and times | 3 sessions | $30 + materials

Using Crystal Palace Yarn's so-soft Cotton Chenille or Plymouth Yarn's 100% mercerized cotton Fantasy Naturale and #6 needles you'll knit 2-4 washcloths while learning the basics: cast on, knit, purl, increase, decrease, and bind off. Let's get you started on the right track to knitting nirvana. Stitch markers and a darning needle will help you complete your projects. Topics covered will include "What should I have in my Knitter's Tool Box?", "Gauge and why should I care?", and "What can I knit next?". Bring a friend, it's more fun with two or more!

CABLE PILLOW

TUBE SOCKS - A NO-ANXIETY SOCK!

GANSEY PURSE

LEARN TO SPIN

Call to set up times | 3 sessions | $45 tuition + $25 wheel rental

...and create your own yarn. I'll teach spinning on a one-(or two)-to-one basis. You'll learn the basics of spinning-how to maintain your wheel, how to prepare fibers for spinning, how to spin different fibers, and how to ply your yarn. Tuition is $45 for three 2-hour sessions. This includes 8 oz. of cleaned Romney fiber for spinning. Wheel available to rent for $30 for 2 weeks' use. If you decide to buy, then $10 of rental can applied to the purchase price of the wheel.

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