Sip Study Knit Knitting Guild - June 18

See, I still knit. Although this isn't for class. Oops.

It's been quiet on the blog (and podcast), I know! There are two main reasons:

1) Sewing.
Yes, I know. I'm starting to calm down a little bit, but whenever I have a stretch of free time, I pounce on my sewing machine. Knitting will always be my first, and truest, love, but I'm really enjoying learning something from scratch.

2) Teaching.
I was chatting with a friend a few months ago and this phrase came out of my mouth:

"I love teaching. I really love it. More than almost anything."

You know how, sometimes, you realize, after you said something, that it's really, really true?

So, I've been building more teaching into my life. I know the podcast and, really, this blog, feed that need, too. But, there's no substitute for hands-on teaching.

I'm putting the finishing touches on two classes that I will present in the Chicago Area in a little over a month. Swatching and writing worksheets takes a lot of time! Here are the details, ripped off of the flyer the guild made:

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Coming To The Sip Study Knit Knitting Guild In Hoffman Estates, IL
Come join us Saturday June 18, 2016
Two 2 - three-hour workshops

9am - 12pm - Socks for SSK
Lara will inspire us into the world of knitting the most unique, wonderful, and awesome socks of your life. Lara will start our customized class with an overview of why certain heels and toes fit different feet. Then, we can go through each step of making a toe-up gusseted heel as time permits.  Bring your favorite needles for working in the round and yarn to match.$50 members / $75 non-members

1pm - 4pm - Color Work for the Cowardly
Do you want to add more color to your knitting, but are sick of seams and tired of puckers? Join Lara for an afternoon of tips, techniques and a few tricks up her sleeve to make you fall in love with multiple-strand knitting and even intarsia (really!) Bring an open mind, small amounts of worsted-weight yarn in at least two colors and your favorite needles for working in the round. $50 members / $75 non members

Contact Emma at SipStudyKnit (at) gmail.com    -    Or check out our Ravelry Group Sip Study Knit

Sip Study Knit is a Knitting Guild located in the Chicago Suburbs Focusing on providing an educational experience for the intermediate to advanced knitter.

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I'm pretty sure there are still open spots in both classes, so check it out if you are in the area!

Celebrate the Beginning of Fall with a New Skill!

Ready for learning that feels like recess? Watch your Craftsy classes in your pajamas- it's totally acceptable (and encouraged!) Right now, you can try as many as you want for up to half off.

Try Something New (for Less!)

2015 has turned out to be the Year that Lara Tries New Things.

1) Of course, still knitting! (LOVE IT)

2) Tried painting stuff. (LOVE IT)

3) Tried making all-natural bath and body stuff. (LOVE IT)

4) Am in the process of showing how little I know about sewing. (LOVE IT/ HATE IT depending on how many threads I have snapped that day.) I haven't written any blog posts about that, yet, since I'm still mostly jamming my machine and cursing.

5) Kicking up my biking game. (LOVE IT)

6) Studying French. I've done this before, but I'm trying a lot harder this time. (LOVE IT)

Starting today and running through Sunday, get up to 50% off classes that launched in the past year - including mine! Sewing, cooking, woodwork, knitting, the world is your oyster!

Check out the sale here.

(When you use my affiliate link, it helps ME, too!)

Unwind with What You Love: Craftsy Classes for just $19.99

This post contains an affiliate link, but you know that doesn't influence what I say, right? 

A lot of people have a holiday day off from their "real" jobs today (including me, yay!) 
Whether you have ten minutes or a whole day, you can watch Craftsy classes anytime, anywhere, forever. This weekend, try to find time to relax and enjoy your craft and enjoy some savings. Lots of classes are on sale for just $19.99.
I'll probably be digging through my stash, looking for ways to play...

Last Chance - Craftsy Class Sale Ends Today!

This post contains affiliate links, which help me keep my blog up and running - thanks for the support!

There are fewer than 24 hours left to shop Craftsy’s Make It Great Sale! Hurry and save up to $20 off 100s of online classes. (The banner at the top of the blog will take you to all of them.)

Why not take this chance to try something new? Some of my favorites: 

Rigid Heddle Weaving: Beyond The Basics

Foundations of Spinning

Gluten-Free Italian Classics

Foundations of Double Knitting

Although this post is sponsored, all opinions are my own. But, you already knew that!

More Beginning Knitting Classes in St. Louis Park!

I never get tired of seeing "instructor Lara Neel" in print. :)

Registration is open now!

If you already know how to knit and don't want to make a hat, you can still come to the class. I'll  have an alternative project for students who are already comfortable casting on - fingerless mitts.