The Knitting Boot Camp

I am very gratified that the response to just the idea of Knitting Boot Camp has been so enthusiastic.  It's enough to make a drill instructor at Parris Island green with envy.  Here is the additional information I have so far: 

Methodology: Knitting Boot Camp is a swatch-based class where you gain hands-on experience in a "safe" environment (not in the middle of a garment when it is too late to make a difference).  We sample and discuss when and why to choose one method over another.  You learn to "read" your knitting.  You are not graded.  At the end of KBC you will have a comprehensive reference portfolio of your work, increased confidence, and the ability to make more informed knitting decisions.

Topics covered in KBC include:  casting on, binding off, increases, decreases, buttonholes, seams, pockets, short rows, fitting garments, tension, gauge, reading patterns, and much more.

Supplies you will need:

• 3 skeins smooth, worsted weight yarn, light color
• tapestry needle (bent tip recommended)
• US size 5 and 7  8" dpns
• 3 small stitch holders
• seaming pins or Knit Clips
• scissors
• calculator and pencil for note-taking
• one-hole punch
• crochet hook size E
• a handful of wool roving or fiber fill
• locking stich markers
• ruler and tape measure
• 3-inch loose-leaf notebook with sheet protectors for your swatches
• Vogue Knitting: the Ultimate Knitting Book
• Knitter's Book of Finishing Techniques, Nancy Wiseman

Knitting for the first class - must be done in advance: knit four swatches (using US #7 needles and white or cream yarn) that  are 28 stitches wide by 5 inches long.  Block stockinette swatch only.

• Swatch 1: stockinette stitch
• swatch 2: garter stitch
• swatch 3: seed stitch
• swatch 4: 2 x 2 ribbing (cast on 40 stitches for this swatch

Bring all swatches to class.

I could also type up the comments by those who have taken KBC, but let's just say that even very long-time knitters were pleased with how much they learned.
 
As soon as I have dates for KBC I will let you know; likely it will start mid- to late-January, and likely it will be on Friday evenings AND Saturdays so everyone gets a shot at it.

Purls of wisdom: never do / say / write anything you would not want on the front page of The New York Times.  Knit happy!