Workshop: Patty Lyons' Knitting Bag of Tricks

Patty Lyons' Knitting Bag of Tricks is a different kind of knitting book. Full of information, it is a fantastic resource for anyone who wants to understand their knitting. This comprehensive workshop transforms Patty's beloved book into an interactive, hands-on learning experience that explores the WHY behind knitting techniques, not just the HOW.

This eight-week workshop guides you through both the book and the official workbook, combining instruction with practical swatching exercises. You'll develop critical thinking skills to troubleshoot problems, make informed decisions about your projects, and truly "read" your knitting. The workbook features step-by-step instructions with "swatchservations" that help you observe and understand what makes your knitting work.

Through hands-on exploration, you'll master fundamentals like gauge, tension, shaping techniques, fixing mistakes, and picking up stitches. Rather than racing through projects, you'll slow down and observe, building a personal reference library through your workbook notes and swatches. This class does not require a ton of knitting, but it does require a willingness to learn a different way to think about knitting.

By the end of our eight weeks together, you won't just have completed exercises—you'll have transformed your relationship with knitting, moving from someone who follows patterns to a mindful knitter who truly understands the craft.

Prerequisites:

This is a beginner level class. Must know how to knit, purl, and basic increases and decreases.

Materials

Books Required:

• One copy of Patty Lyons' Knitting Bag of Tricks (main book)
• One copy of Patty Lyons' Knitting Bag of Tricks: The Official Workbook

Note: Both books are required. The workbook is essential as a companion to the original book and cannot be used alone. Books are available at BUKU Yarns.

Yarn: Worsted weight wool yarn in a light, solid color (for visibility of stitches). Multiple skeins recommended for various swatches throughout the course.

Needles and Notions:

• Needles appropriate for worsted weight yarn (US 7-9 recommended)
• Multiple sets of needles recommended for working on different swatches
• Stitch markers
• Measuring tape/gauge ruler
• Tapestry needles
• Scissors
• Notebook for additional notes

Homework:

Before the first class:

• Review Chapters 1-2 of Knitting Bag of Tricks
• Knit swatch 1 (wool) up through Section 5 (pg.14)

Additional homework will be assigned weekly to prepare for the following session.

Class dates and time:

8am-10am, February 28, March 7, 14, 21, April 4, 11, 18, & May 2

Missed classes can be made up at the instructor's discretion.