We're excited to invite you back!
Classes! We have something for everyone! It's time to refine your skills or learn something new: Knit, crochet, spin, dye, bind, and photograph. Our class selection team has thoughtfully put together a terrific lineup of classes to keep you engaged the entire weekend​!
Did you know that Sunflower Knitters Association members get early access to class enrollment? Membership certainly has its benefits!
Public enrollment will open in November 2025. Check back for exact dates.
2026 Classes
Amigurumi Crochet
Instructor: Emma Fahrlander
Crochet is seeing a resurgence thanks to its shaping flexibility. Crochet is an ideal craft to make amigurumi/stuffies/toys. This class will cover the basics of making your own stuffed friend like this cute KC Shuttlecock. This project will be small enough that most students should leave the class with this cute finished stuffy made from the supplied kit.
REQUIRED MATERIALS
1. Size G/4.25 mm crochet hook
2. Scissors
3. Yarn needle (to weave in ends)
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​TECHNIQUES COVERED IN THIS COURSE
Magic ring, crochet in the round, increase, invisible decrease, finishing techniques specific to crochet toys
SKILL LEVEL: Students should have a basic understanding of single crochet stitches before taking this class.
Class size: 14
Class Cost: $80 + $15 Kit Fee
Better Smart Phone Photography for Fiber Artists:
I Didn't Know My Phone Could Do That!
Instructor: Phyllis Carlyle
With the global adoption of smartphones, we all carry a powerful camera with us daily. Featuring the iPhone, this seminar explains how to obtain higher quality images by utilizing built-in phone camera features plus simple in-phone editing. You will also learn useful tips for better organization when saving and managing files. Learn how to create better images to be more competitive when entering your art…or just for your own enjoyment.
Class Length: 1.5 hours
Class size: 50
Class Cost: $40
Botanically Printed Socks
Instructor: Jenny Brown
Discover the enchanting world of eco-printing and transform ordinary socks into a unique, one-of-a-kind, wearable work of art!
In this engaging workshop, participants will learn the process of how to create vibrant and stunning imprints of botanicals on to fabric that will withstand washing and wear.
No prior experience is necessary for this workshop, making it ideal for both beginners and seasoned crafters. Participants will not only take home a beautifully designed pair of socks, but also gain a deeper understanding of natural dyeing and the magic it has to offer.
Join us for a hands-on exploration of color, creativity, and sustainability, and walk away with a wearable masterpiece that reflects your connection to nature.
All necessary materials, including socks and botanicals, will be provided.
TECHNIQUES COVERED: botanical dyeing
Saturday Class size: 30
Sunday Class size: 14
Class Cost: $80 + $32 Dye Kit Fee
Cabled Yarn Cozy
Instructor: Lynn Hafner
Cables add decorative visual elements and interesting texture to your hand knits. Whether you're a new knitter or wanting to add to your knitting abilities, this is a great skill-building class. In this class, you can learn to knit cables while making a fun to-go-cup cozy.
Materials to bring to class:
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worsted weight yarn 13 grams
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set of four size 7 or 8 dpn's OR long circular for magic loop - to meet gauge of 5 st/in
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10 sew-on eyes, 8mm-10mm, or beads - Instructor will provide beads
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cable needle, darning needle (to sew on eyes and weave in ends)
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optional: scrap yarn - yarn in a contrasting color to sew on a beak, Instructor will provide some scrap yarn​
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HOMEWORK:
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Cast on 48 sts. Divide between 3 dpn's, & join to knit in the round.
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(K2 thru the back loop, P2) rib for 4 rows.
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Next row (5th row): continue doing k2tbl, p2 rib while increasing 2 stitches evenly around. 50 sts.​
SKILL LEVEL: Students should be comfortable knitting in the round, knitting, purling, and decreasing
Class size: 14
Class Cost: $80
Color Theory, Color Selection, and Color Dominance in Stranded Colorwork
Instructor: Dr. Jennifer Daley
Let's discuss color! Bring your knitting and relax and knit while listening to an interesting and informative lecture about color in stranded colorwork. How is color important in Fair Isle knitting? How does color affect the final design? Most Fair Isle knitting designs include light colored wool and dark colored wool, to create contrast. This contrast between light and dark is an important feature of authentic Fair Isle knitting. To benefit most from color contrast, it is important to understand color theory, color selection, and color dominance. In stranded colorwork, the term “color dominance” refers to a particular knitting method that affects the final appearance of the colored knit stitches. Understanding the fundamentals of color dominance will enable achievement of a knitted project with more consistent, uniform stitch definition.
During this lecture, you will:
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Learn the basics of color theory and how to apply the principles to guide your color choices.
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Learn about color in traditional Fair Isle knitting, and how it contrasts with new modern colorways.
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Learn about natural plant-based dyes in traditional colorwork, and how/when/why modern chemical dyes drastically changed knitting designs.
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Learn how to choose a color palette and look at yarns with an eye to creating successful stranded colorwork projects.
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Learn to analyze how different color combinations can completely alter the pattern’s appearance.
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Learn the color differences between Fair Isle colorwork and other regional variations of stranded colorwork
HOMEWORK: None.
SKILL LEVEL: All levels
Class size: 50
Class Cost: $80
Design Your Own Fair Isle Knitting
Instructor: Dr. Jennifer Daley
Interested in designing your own one-of-a-kind Fair Isle project, including jumpers, cardigans, mittens, gloves, headbands, ski hats, Tam o’Shanters, and fisherman’s keps? Join us for this special Fair Isle design workshop, which includes all the tools, templates, and information necessary to achieve your ideal Fair Isle knitting pattern in a fingering weight yarn or traditional 2-ply jumper weight wool.
MATERIALS: Students can attend the class with just a pencil and eraser, or they can additionally bring any (or all) of the following to facilitate the in-class design process:
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Colored pencils.
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A tape measure or measuring device.
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Anything for design inspiration, including pictures or photographs or books.
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Ideas for their ideal Fair Isle accessory, in terms of color, design, shape, and fit.
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Any existing Fair Isle knitted item that is an inspiration for a new design.
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Fingering weight yarn stash from which their design colorways can be determined.
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Any color cards of their favorite fingering weight yarn brand.
Each student will receive their own book.
During this workshop, we will be designing on paper, not knitting.
HOMEWORK: None
SKILL LEVEL: All levels
Class size: 45
Class Cost: $80 + $25 for design book
Down the Rabbit Hole: Beginning Spinning
Instructor: Meagan Condon
​​Are you a passionate knitter ready to deepen your understanding of yarn? Have you woven your way to the end of your stash? In this class, you will learn to make your own yarn using a drop spindle. Create unique yarns you can’t buy in the store and become a better knitter as you explore why and how yarn behaves the way it does.
Skill level: Beginner, no experience necessary. Suitable for all ages, geared toward individuals who have never spun or for those who have tried and failed. Students Provide: Curiosity and patience
Class Size: 25
Class cost: $85 + $30 for a top-whorl spindle and fiber ​
Fair Isle Knitting
Instructor: Dr. Jennifer Daley
Whether you’re new to stranded colorwork or looking to sharpen your skills, this workshop is all about learning, creating, and connecting through the rich tradition of Fair Isle knitting. We’ll explore color selection, managing floats, reading charts, and techniques for smooth, even tension --- all while working on a beautiful Fair Isle project you’ll be proud to wear. You’ll receive hands-on instruction, guided support, and a cozy space to learn at your own pace.
The workshop includes:
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Fair Isle knitting tips, tricks, and techniques
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A guided exploration of traditional Fair Isle patterns and motifs
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An explanation of ideal yarn properties for Fair Isle knitting
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A discussion of Fair Isle knitwear design, including color dominance
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A Fair Isle knitted hat-blocking explanation
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A steeking discussion on how and why to safely cut your knitting
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HOMEWORK: Knitting homework includes casting on and knitting Knitting Jenny patterns until just before the Fair Isle patterning begins. That way, during our class we can focus on the actual Fair Isle knitting and patterning and techniques, rather than the casting on and setup. If any student needs support with pattern choice or homework, contact Jennifer Daley at jenny@knittingjenny.com.
SKILL LEVEL: All levels, you should be able to cast on, knit, and purl
Class size:
Class cost: $80 + $10 material fee
The “Holey Grail”: Avoiding Gaps and Holes
Instructor: Kate Atherly
This class focuses on tips and techniques for dealing with common holes and gaps in your knitting: why they’re there, how to avoid making them, and how to deal with them up if they do happen. We’ll talk about mitten thumbs, underarms in seamless garments, sock gusset pickups, necklines, starts and ends of rounds, and more! Bring your questions and holes.
Students will need 4-5mm/US #6-8 needles, and scrap medium-weight yarn; there is homework for this class, details will be provided
SKILL LEVEL: Advanced beginner - knitter should be confident with knit and purl
Class size: 30
Class cost: $80
Make-or-Break Garment Skills
Instructor: Kate Atherley
A sweater project is a big commitment of time and knitting and yarn, and it can feel like a risk. This class is about setting yourself up for success! We’ll talk about how to make sure you’re using a good pattern, you’ve chosen the right size, and have selected a suitable yarn. We’ll tackle the thorny issue of gauge head-on, showing you how you can harness this information in simple ways to make sure that you’re happy with your garment. We’ll also review some of the pattern-reading challenges that can come up in garment projects, and I’ll share tips and tricks for make the knitting less daunting, and reducing the fear of going wrong. Feel free to bring any garment patterns or projects you need help with.
MATERIALS:
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paper
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pencil
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tape measure
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any garment patterns you’re considering or have questions about
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a bit of scrap medium-yarn and needles to match
SKILL LEVEL: Adventurous: suitable for knitters ready for making a first garment, or for those who want to get better and more confident with garment-knitting.
Class seats: 30
Class Cost: $80​
Pick a Perfect Pocket
Instructor: Cheryl Murray
Everyone knows that pockets make everything better! But do you know how easy it is to add them to your sweaters? These methods can even add functionality to store-bought garments. Let’s learn 3 methods of creating pockets. We will explore simple patch pocket, horizontal inset pocket & afterthought pocket techniques. There will be a bit of homework for this class distributed at registration.
SKILL LEVEL: Able to Cast ON, Knit & Purl without assistance.
Class size: 30
Class Cost: $80
Split-Ply Braiding
Instructor: Tammy Taylor
Ply-split braiding is a technique where one twisted cord passes through another twisted cord or cords splitting the plies of the latter cords. This is unlike weaving or many forms of braiding where cloth is formed by threads interlacing in an over-under sequence. Patterns are formed by cord color, and splitting order. This is a beginner class in ply-split braiding. We will discuss yarns and tools.
Students will learn two braid structures.
Students will make a key fob.
MATERIALS: All supplies and a handout will be provided.
SKILL LEVEL: Curious beginner
Class size: 14
Class cost: $80 + $20 materials fee
Smart Strategies in Garment Knitting
Instructor: Kate Atherley
This 6 hour class takes a deep dive into garment knitting, beginning with how to choose a style that suits your body type and how to choose the most flattering size. You’ll also learn how to choose appropriate yarn and how to get gauge, and you’ll leave prepared to tweak the fit with your own alterations and adjustments.
MATERIALS: Paper & pencil
Tape measure
Calculator/app
Any patterns they wish to discuss
SKILL LEVEL: intermediate, suitable for knitters who have worked a couple of garments from a pattern
Class size: 14
Class length: 6 hours
Class cost: $175
Saturday’s Two Topic Talk with Kate:
Instructor: Kate Atherley
TOPIC #1: The First One Doesn’t Have to Be Awful: How To Ensure Your First Sweater, Your First Socks And Your First Lace Projects Are Easy, Fun And Beautiful
An honest discussion about the challenges facing newer knitters and those looking to expand their skills. I talk about the classic pitfalls of the “first” project, whether it’s a sweater pattern that turns out to be a giant blanket of boring stockinette stitch that takes forever to knit, and results in an error-riddled ill-fitting sack, or the first sock with ridiculously tiny yarn and tiny needles. I propose a better way to learn a new technique and tackle a challenge, showing how knitters can ensure that any “first” project –sweater, socks, cables, lace - is something to be proud of. .I provide tips for success, from guidance on choosing a good pattern to the knitting and finishing process.
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TOPIC # 2: Size & Fit: Why the “Medium” Never Fits Quite Right
The biggest challenge for many knitters when choosing a pattern is knowing which size to make. This class will show you how to decide - and set you well along the way to a successful and flattering sweater project. We’ll explain how to read sizing tables and schematics to understand how a garment is sized. We'll show you how to measure yourself properly to make the right choice. And most importantly, we'll explain garment fit, including demystifying terms like "negative ease"- and show you how to choose the right pattern from the start. And then once you’ve got the pattern and size chosen, we’ll discuss easy alterations to perfect the fit and look of a garment.
MATERIALS:
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paper & paper
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tape measure
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calculator/app
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any patterns you wish to discuss
SKILL LEVEL: All levels, ideal for knitters just starting with garment knitting, or for knitters who haven’t had a lot of success with garments.
Class size: 50
Class cost: $80
Sunday’s Two Topic Talk with Kate:
Instructor: Kate Atherley
TOPIC #1: Expert Tips/Best Methods
There's a broad variety of methods for increasing, decreasing, casting on and casting off. In this class, I'll review four or five major methods for each, discussing the pros and cons, what they look like, and where they are best used. We’ll also discuss placement of shaping to make finishing easier, and make the finished project look better.
MATERIALS: All students should bring: a swatch made with a light-coloured medium-weight yarn
and 4-5mm/US #6-8 needles,
Cast on 30 stitches and work 1 inch of stockinette stitch
SKILL LEVEL: All levels, should know how to cast on, knit and purl
Topic #2: Yarn Substitutions
Mystified by all these terms - double knitting, worsted, aran? Unsure whether fingering is a potato or a yarn? Wondering why you should care about whether a yarn is superwash or not? How do you go about finding a substitute yarn for a pattern? Why shouldn’t you use cotton for cables? Suitable for newer to intermediate knitters, this class will explain yarn terminology, and build your knowledge of types of yarns and fibers. We will dive deep into the topic of yarn weights and gauge, giving you foolproof and easy ways to check and get gauge for a pattern – along the way explaining why it matters, when it doesn’t, and what to do if you can’t get it. We’ll also talk about yarn and fiber types, and how they are best used, to help you be a more confident yarn shopper and knitter.
MATERIALS: Students should bring: any yarns that they are puzzled by, or want to use and can't figure out what to do with
SKILL LEVELS: All levels ​​
Class size: 50
Class cost: $80