*This is a two part class

Welcome in Spring with a little whimsy! Join Instructor Cheryl for a two-part class on toy-making by crafting a fun stuffed garden gnome.

Students will learn how knitting toys differs from other knitting projects, how to knit in the round on double-pointed needles, how to pick up stitches, and how  to make an i-cord. We\'ll also cover finishing techniques appropriate for toys. 

In the first session, we’ll cover knitting in the round, i-cord, and picking up stitches. In the second session, we’ll stuff the gnomes, make arms and noses, weave in ends, and make beards or braids. 

Prerequisite: Students must know how to cast on, knit and purl without assistance. 

Pattern: Never Not Gnoming (purchase on Ravelry for $8 here:  ravelry.com/patterns/library/never-not-gnoming) We will be making the medium-sized gnome, \"Gnatasha.\" The pattern will need to be purchased ahead of time. The cost of the pattern is not included in the cost of the class. 

Fee: $45

Instructor: Cheryl

Materials:

- Enough yarn to complete the project, in 4-5 colors. One or two colors should be set aside for the hat and body of the gnome, one color for the beard/hair, and one color for the gnome\'s hands and nose. 

Worsted or DK weight yarns are recommended. The two sample gnomes are knit in Malabrigo Rios, a worsted weight yarn you can find in the shop, but students are welcome to make their gnomes in any colors they wish. The gnomes use about 50 yards of each main color and less than 10 yards each for the hands/nose and beard colors.

The pattern recommends fingering weight yarn, but we recommend a heavier weight yarn as it will be easier to see what you\'re doing. Note that if you intend to give your gnome to a child, a washable yarn is recommended. If you have questions about which yarns to select, Black Sheep\'s staff will be happy to help you find what you need.

• Double-pointed needles in a size that will allow you to create a tight fabric. The samples were knit using size 4 and size 5 needles. Note that while this pattern can be made using Magic Loop or two sets of circulars, the class will not be focused on these skills.
• Darning needle
• Stitch markers
• Row counter or other method for tracking rows

Stuffing and weighted beads will be provided, along with flesh-toned yarn in multiple shades in worsted weight for noses/hands.