"Embellishing 101 - The Wonderful Woolies Way" Registration Begins Today

[Susan_WW]

Hello everyone!

Back by popular demand, I will be offering an introductory embellishing/embroidery class, "Embellishing 101 - The Wonderful Woolies Way". In this class I will teach the fundamentals of embellishing. You will learn the most popular stitches, including duplicate stitch, chain stitch, lazy daisy, fly stitch, and backstitch, as well as how use knitters' graph paper, the whys and hows of good design and layout, and finishing techniques.

Class begins on November 4th and it will be hosted here on the Wooly Wonder Forums. You can register now in my store:

http://www.wonderfulwoolies.com/store/WsDefault.asp?Cat=Classes

Registration ends November 3rd. Thanks for looking! :)

[sugarwoman]

Yay! I've been wanting to take this class.

[pmcgary]

Can I embellish a sweater? I am not knitting soakers any more (well a few for friends)

[Susan_WW]

Sure! You can embellish anything as long as it has sockinette stitch in it :)

[pmcgary]

Sure! You can embellish anything as long as it has sockinette stitch in it :)

Of course this means I need to knit up another sweater...Actually I am thinking about making a OSW for my oldest dd and then doing something on the back of it!

[RufusBeans]

you're ready already? Superwoman!

[Susan_WW]

Pam, you can take the class without having the garment finished. You just need something to practice on, you can just use a swatch or another garment.

[marnie]

i'm having difficulties getting your site to load. i want to sign up!

[pmcgary]

Pam, you can take the class without having the garment finished. You just need something to practice on, you can just use a swatch or another garment.

Where's the fun in that? LOL I know what you mean though....

How does the class break down in terms of time spent on techniques vs. layout/design? (Where I feel like I need 'training' is in the layout/design part more so than specific stitches.)

[Susan_WW]

The second class is devoted to learning the specific stitches and the third class is devoted to putting the pieces together to create a design. You will be taught a specific design in the class but you can feel free to alter it as you wish :)

[marnie]

ok got it! i'm in!

[Jessica36]

Me too! YAY! BUTT (tee-hee) Can I do it on a crocheted one?

[jenniebug]

OOOOOOOOOOORAAAAAAAH!

Now to scrounge up $25 in pp so I can join in!

Can I ask what the design is we will be doing? Just so I know if it will match the longies I am knitting or if I'll need to knit up something else for class :D

[quinnNjesse]

Do we have to rely on our memory once the class is over or is there something that we "take away" from the class?

Oh, and i mean no disrespect, but how does this differ from buying a book on embellishing? SORRY IF THIS SOUNDS DUMB, it's an HONEST question. :)

[pmcgary]

well I haven't taken the class, but I better b/c 'all the cool kids do'
But I think what you take away is the opportunity to practice the embellishing skills - and get feedback from Susan and the other 'cool kids'...

I have wondered about taking the class b/c I have basic embroidery skills and can do basic stuff...But I think I am taking it to get the stuff about designing the layout.

I think some people learn better by having interaction with a real person - others do okay with just a book...

Lots of people take Pamela's pants/soaker/shorts classes....and some people just buy the pattern.

[quinnNjesse]

well I have ZERO embellishing skills but it's something I'm thinking about. I'm not sure tho if I should buy a book (but I havent' seen a good one) or take the class. I'm in canada, so I'm always thinking about $25 USD dollars and how it's more than CAD...I know, I know, a small point, but it adds up. And since i'm not planning on being a WHAM I wonder if I NEED to learn how to embellish well. Does that sound DUMB?

[Susan_WW]

Me too! YAY! BUTT (tee-hee) Can I do it on a crocheted one?

Hi Jessica, the only stitch that you won't be able to use in crochet is duplicate stitch, but I can work with you to figure out something else that you can use to fill in large areas of your work ;)

[Susan_WW]

OOOOOOOOOOORAAAAAAAH!

Now to scrounge up $25 in pp so I can join in!

Can I ask what the design is we will be doing? Just so I know if it will match the longies I am knitting or if I'll need to knit up something else for class :D

Hi Jennie, we'll be doing a safari theme :)

[Susan_WW]

Do we have to rely on our memory once the class is over or is there something that we "take away" from the class?

Oh, and i mean no disrespect, but how does this differ from buying a book on embellishing? SORRY IF THIS SOUNDS DUMB, it's an HONEST question. :)

You'll be able to print out the pages to keep so you won't have to rely on memory :)

And no question is dumb ;) I tried to incorporate as many pictures as possible so that you can see each stitch step by step vs. the one illustration that most books provide. I am also available to answer any questions you may have during the class or thereafter, and I will provide you with any additional help or guidance that you need :)

Hope this helps :jack

[Jessica36]

Hi Jessica, the only stitch that you won't be able to use in crochet is duplicate stitch, but I can work with you to figure out something else that you can use to fill in large areas of your work ;)

Where is that smile I am looking for here: :mwah

[quinnNjesse]

that does help, thank you!!! Is there a limit on class size? I want to think about it but dont' want it to sell out!

[quinnNjesse]

oh, and what wool's do we have to have on hand for the class? Will ANY wool work for embellishing (like pattons merino) or are higher end wools BETTER and will LAST LONGER? iF I DO THIS I want to do it right~

[marnie]

for me the big thing i get from a class vs. buying a book is that i make myself do it. i would totally buy a book and never find the time to open it. if it were a class, i would do my weekly steps faithfully (as evidenced by the PPants class i took - once we got to the "knit the legs and finish" part i never finished the pants.)

[quinnNjesse]

plus it totally makes sense for YOU to take it marnie as you are a wham. I am not. :)

However as I sit here knitting my cp waistband shorties for DS in watermellon colourway I'm thinking they'd look cool with a safari theme on the back!

Hey, HOW LONG does embroidery take? We're not talking insane amounts of to dye for embroidery but a basic scene or an animal or two?

Just wondering, cuz if it takes weeks to complete NORMALLY I don't know if I'll have the time...but if it can be done in a day or two (factoring in about 10 hrs total) then it seems interesting...

[Susan_WW]

that does help, thank you!!! Is there a limit on class size? I want to think about it but dont' want it to sell out!

I don't have an official limit on class size, but I do keep classes to a reasonable number of students :)

oh, and what wool's do we have to have on hand for the class? Will ANY wool work for embellishing (like pattons merino) or are higher end wools BETTER and will LAST LONGER? iF I DO THIS I want to do it right~

I prefer tapestry wool, only for the fact that you can purchase it in small quantities and it comes in a variety of colors. But you can use any worsted weight wool. If you decide to dye your own colors, make sure that the dye is set very well or you may encounter problems with it bleeding onto your garment.

Hey, HOW LONG does embroidery take? We're not talking insane amounts of to dye for embroidery but a basic scene or an animal or two?

Just wondering, cuz if it takes weeks to complete NORMALLY I don't know if I'll have the time...but if it can be done in a day or two (factoring in about 10 hrs total) then it seems interesting...

For the type of embellishing we're going to do in the class (a safari theme with a couple of animals and trees) it shouldn't take you more than a few hours (definitely less than 10). It's when you get into the more detailed embroidery that it starts taking long periods of time. Often I find that the most time consuming part is figuring out the layout and what stitches to use where to get the effect I'm looking for (not to mention all the time I spend ripping out parts because I'm just not happy with how they've turned out LOL!) That being said, when I do a "regular" sized embellishment, it usually takes an evening or two to complete. It's only when I get into the really complicated stuff that it takes me longer than that.

Hope this helps! :)

[quinnNjesse]

oh, very helpful. Where do I get embroidery wool? I've not seen it around. I've seen cotton and man made fibers and have asked for wool, but havne't seen it ...

[Susan_WW]

My not-so-local yarn store and a craft store nearby both carry wool tapestry yarn. As far as I know, none of the large chain craft stores carry it (JoAnn's, Michael's and AC Moore). You can do a google search online for it, Elsa Williams is my favorite but I've also used DMC and Paternayan. Also try ebay, you can often find large lots of assorted colors for a very reasonable price. :)

[quinnNjesse]

OK, I'M BIDDING right now on some...no idea what they "go" for tho..how much should they cost? :)

[eden/averymum]

Oh gosh, I'll have to talk to dh, I would love to take this class.

[Jessica36]

OK, I'M BIDDING right now on some...no idea what they "go" for tho..how much should they cost? :)

What's your eBay id so I don't bid against you! LOL

[quinnNjesse]

ok, I won this...is this a good enough deal? Including shipping, cost $6.10.

http://cgi.ebay.com/100-VIRGIN-WOOL-EMBROIDERY-FLOSS-FRANCE-FREE-BOYE-SZD_W0QQitemZ8227268893QQcategoryZ28144QQcmdZViewI tem

Hmmm, now I HAVE to register for the class! :)

[Susan_WW]

I used to sell the Elsa Williams on my site for $1 for a 40 yd skein or $9 for a dozen. I bought them on closeout so I was able to sell them at a good price. I think the the 40 yd skeins normally sell for around $1.50-$2 per skein. The other brands (DMC and Patenayan) I think are only 8 yd skeins, and my LYS sells them for $1 each. HTH :)

[quinnNjesse]

eek, so it sounds like it was an OK deal but not great. Oh well, hard to find around here..

[Susan_WW]

You did get a good deal, in my LYS that would have cost you $9, plus you got a crochet hook for free :)

[Perogi]

Oh! I want in. I'll talk to dh tonight about the $. What colors of tapestry wool should we be looking for? Does this stuff look appropriate? http://cgi.ebay.com/52-Vintage-wool-crochet-embroidery-yarn-rolls_W0QQitemZ8227848515QQcategoryZ36599QQrdZ1QQc mdZViewItem
OT - does this mean that your store is open now too? (for yarn)

[pmcgary]

I thougth I was the only one who hadn't taken this class...I need to see if I have the paypal to do it. I really should get all my yarn paid for first......we have a monster cc bill from my yarn and dh's home repairs (that always involve a new power tool)

[Susan_WW]

Oh! I want in. I'll talk to dh tonight about the $. What colors of tapestry wool should we be looking for? Does this stuff look appropriate? http://cgi.ebay.com/52-Vintage-wool-crochet-embroidery-yarn-rolls_W0QQitemZ8227848515QQcategoryZ36599QQrdZ1QQc mdZViewItem
OT - does this mean that your store is open now too? (for yarn)

Hi Melissa, I'm guessing that the lot on ebay will be a little to thin to use for the class (based on the fact that she used it to quilt with). Try searching for Elsa Williams, DMC, or Paternayan tapestry yarn. It should be 3 or 4 ply (worsted weight). For colors, if you would like to do my exact design, you will need orange, yellow, grey, green, and brown.

My store is still temporarily closed for yarn orders. I haven't been organized enough yet to get around to ordering some more yarn :oops:
HTH :)

[quinnNjesse]

eek, none of those are the ones I got in my ebay order. Now to find colours....still considering the class heavily...I think I'll kick myself if I dont'. How often do you hold this kind of thing? NOt too often I assume.

[Susan_WW]

eek, none of those are the ones I got in my ebay order. Now to find colours....still considering the class heavily...I think I'll kick myself if I dont'. How often do you hold this kind of thing? NOt too often I assume.

Don't worry about the colors :) You can always use your own colors in the design I prepared for the class or you can do another design in the colors that you've already purchased. Your success in the class doesn't depend on the colors you use ;)

Oh, and I try to offer the class once every 3 months or so :)

[Perogi]

Thanks Susan! Don't worry about not getting around to ordering the yarn yet - enjoy that nb! Mine is now 4 months old and things are still pretty hectic around here :pink

[jenniebug]

Hi Jennie, we'll be doing a safari theme :)

oooo! hrm ok gotta knit up something else then, purple/blue won't match a safari theme LOL hopefully my black/white pure wool will arrive soon......

[jenniebug]

f(as evidenced by the PPants class i took - once we got to the "knit the legs and finish" part i never finished the pants.)

:LOL I have the gussett knitted but can't finish b/c I never ordered my dpn's until Sunday night. My goal was to finish by Oct 1 so she could wear her pumpkin pants all Oct.

[pmcgary]

This might be the deal maker or breaker for me....
Will there be an elephant in the safari????

[Susan_WW]

This might be the deal maker or breaker for me....
Will there be an elephant in the safari????

Yes :) I hope that means you'll sign up, I'd love to have you in class :jack

[pmcgary]

Yes :) I hope that means you'll sign up, I'd love to have you in class :jack
:fbow

Awww, you like me......

Well I do have an elephant lover in the house and I owe him an elephant sweater....

And of course we all know that if I am not knitting I am on the computer....

Must check the level of my paypal....(I have been thinking about selling my Debbie Bliss books....I might have enough to cover the class if I sell those)

[meritodd1221]

Okay -- I know we are doing a safari theme, and I'm excited!! I'll find something to put it on!! ha ha

My question is -- will I be able to figure out how to do a teddy bear from this class? I'm assuming yes, but I'm not very artsy (in the drawing way) so I wasn't sure if there is an animal in the theme that can be easily adapted into a teddy bear...

I have a very good reason for needing to learn a teddy bear...

;)

[Susan_WW]

Okay -- I know we are doing a safari theme, and I'm excited!! I'll find something to put it on!! ha ha

My question is -- will I be able to figure out how to do a teddy bear from this class? I'm assuming yes, but I'm not very artsy (in the drawing way) so I wasn't sure if there is an animal in the theme that can be easily adapted into a teddy bear...

I have a very good reason for needing to learn a teddy bear...

;)

Hi Meridith,

You will learn how to use knitter's graph paper, and from there you will be able to graph any animal you want. I will also be available to help you if you need help figuring out how to graph a teddy :)

[pmcgary]

If you are worried about the 'artsy' part of the teddy-- you can probably find something in clip art or a coloring book that can be used as a guide when you graph.

(I had an art teacher in 7th grade and college graphic arts prof. who taught us all kinds of tricks for creating things even if we didn't have natural drawing skills!)

[CadenJames062503]

Susan how does this lot look: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=8229048442&fromMakeTrack=true? No one bid on it!!! ;)

[CadenJames062503]

Also should we stick with one particular brand or can we mix the brands up?

[CadenJames062503]

http://cgi.ebay.com/Laine-Colbert-DMC-NEEDLEPOINT-Tapestry-WOOL-YARN-LOT_W0QQitemZ8229140520QQcategoryZ1363QQssPageName ZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem This is the right dmc stuff right? What brand do you prefer?

[CadenJames062503]

Or what you think of this lot: http://cgi.ebay.com/Patons-Tapestry-Wool-DMC-Coats-and-Clark-Assortment_W0QQitemZ8228930485QQcategoryZ36599QQss PageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem?

My brain is on overload right now!! :)

[Jessica36]

Hey now those are on my watch list!

[CadenJames062503]

Hey now those are on my watch list!

ROFL

You know there really isn't much on ebay! LOL

What is your user id? Mine is HeavenlyHuggersHaven

[Jessica36]

LOL Same as above. I was actually thinking the bigger lot could be split between some of us.

[CadenJames062503]

Jessica you have IM? I have aim, yahoo, and msn!

[Jessica36]

Yep! Lets see, yahoo is jessica36@ameritech.net, AOL is jesstrom, msn is jessjosh11999@yahoo.com

[CadenJames062503]

You know I'm so worried about yarn I forgot to ask what else we will need besides yarn! LOL

[meritodd1221]

well, just got outbid on the ebay auction I was bidding on for tapestry wool... :( I'm watching another one, but it ends in 4 days and I don't know if I'd get it in time... maybe I should just buy some tapestry wool at my LYS. :sigh:

my ebay user name is dmt1221 -- if anyone here is out shopping, too. ha ha

[Susan_WW]

Or what you think of this lot: http://cgi.ebay.com/Patons-Tapestry-Wool-DMC-Coats-and-Clark-Assortment_W0QQitemZ8228930485QQcategoryZ36599QQss PageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem?

My brain is on overload right now!! :)

Sorry I missed all these threads yesterday! This one looks great. It's okay to mix brands, some of them are somewhat different so they will give a different final texture, but I happen to like the differences :)

[Susan_WW]

You know I'm so worried about yarn I forgot to ask what else we will need besides yarn! LOL

Here's the materials list:

-Tapestry yarn in choice of colors
-1 tapestry needle (plastic preferred, but if you already have a metal one you can use it)
-1 6 or 7 inch wooden embroidery hoop or size to fit inside your item to be embellished
-Scissors
-Knitter's graph paper (available free online)
-Knitted item to use for practice, preferably knit from worsted weight yarn. Must be knit in stockinette stitch (Can be just a 9" by 9" square) - not mandatory, you may practice on your final piece if you wish.
-Knitted soaker/shorts/pants to embellish, preferably knit from worsted weight yarn. Must be knit in stockinette stitch.

:)

[Susan_WW]

well, just got outbid on the ebay auction I was bidding on for tapestry wool... :( I'm watching another one, but it ends in 4 days and I don't know if I'd get it in time... maybe I should just buy some tapestry wool at my LYS. :sigh:

You don't need the tapestry wool until the 3rd week, so I'm sure you will have it in time :)

[Perogi]

What else do we need? A hoop right?

[Susan_WW]

What else do we need? A hoop right?

Hi Melissa, I posted the materials list 3 posts up :)

[raitch]

I just signed up! :arwyn

[Susan_WW]

I just signed up! :arwyn

Great!!! Look forward to seeing you in class :)

[9wildthings]

Oh yay!!!! I have been waiting for another embellishing class to start. :D :D I am so excited! :balloon:banana:highfive

[9wildthings]

Susan, I went and signed up and noticed the description says the class starts Friday, November 7th. Since November 7th isn't a Friday, I am wondering whether it starts on Monday the 7th, or Friday the 4th. :)

[raitch]

I was wondering the same thing. :bag

[Susan_WW]

Oops :blush The class starts Friday, Nov. 4th

[CadenJames062503]

Susan when do we need to have the hoop by?

[Susan_WW]

Susan when do we need to have the hoop by?

Shayla, you'll need it by the second week :)

[meritodd1221]

Susan, are you going to let us know where the class is and how to access it? I'm really confused about lessons here, but that's because I've never taken them!! ha ha

[Susan_WW]

Hi Meridith,

Yes, I will send you an email with the link and the password :)

[meritodd1221]

great! thanks! SOOO looking forward to this! :)

[Perogi]

Ack! Todays the last day isn't it? I still have no idea where I'd get the tapestry wool from...

[Perogi]

Well, I guess I missed out this time around. I need to get my act together!

[pmcgary]

Well, I guess I missed out this time around. I need to get my act together!

You aren't the only one...in the middle of my menses. migraine I lost all ability to retain time...

[Susan_WW]

You can still sign up for the class if you'd like :) The first lesson runs for the whole week, so it's not too late ;)

[creative_insomniac]

I can't wait for the next Embellishments 101 class! Will keep checking back...

[BirthFree]

Me too.

[Knittingfor4]

Me three!

[mamamoo]

me four!

[pamelamama]

Susan's been off for a while. Someonemight want to email her. xo

[pmcgary]

Susan's been off for a while. Someonemight want to email her. xo

Already on top of it...just heard back from her this morning...I am hoping she will pop over and update you alll when she gets a free moment.

She is intrested in running the class - just trying to work out exactly how she can do it.

[mamamoo]

Yay!!!! :D

[mamamoo]

ANyone heard anything about this yet? :D

[marnie]

yay! i actually paid for the last one and didn't get to take it, so i'm supposed to take the next one - i was afraid there wouldn't be a next one!