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Over the past couple of years, Gabriela has introduced and has been teaching classes and workshops at Needles and Knits Wool Shop in Aurora. Her unique style, and approach to her classes, is why new and long time students sign up for several classes a year. So who is the lady that runs the workshops? We believe an introduction has been long overdue, and we are rectifying that right now. Read on, and enjoy the interview transcript below... How did you start knitting ? GD: My grade 2 class learned to knit, crochet, and embroider as it was part of the curriculum. Where did you study? GD: In the 90's I took Fashion Arts at Seneca and in third year I had to choose a specialty - tailoring or knitting on the machines . I designed a whole fashion line in one semester which was leather skirts and knit sweaters with lace inserts. I have also taken classes with Lucy Neatby, Jared Flood, Donna Druchunas, and Brandon Mably. Why did you choose knitting? GD: I have always knit. I was in between jobs - retail, owning my own ceramics business, and I applied at a knitting store. I started teaching classes and ended up working there 10 years! What was your first knitting design? GD: I was 19 years old at Kindergarten Teacher College and I designed a pullover with the Hungarian flag on it for the Hungarian Scouts. What projects are you currently working on? Lace cardigan Garter stitch cardigan Socks Lace shawl Intarsia pillow Mitre square garment 40 UFO's (unfinished objects) What is your favourite piece that you have knit? GD: One of my 45 skirts. I love them all so it is hard to pick one. What hobbies and interests do you have ? GD: Gardening, pets and family (not necessarily in that order). Do you have any recommendations or suggestions for people new to knitting? GD: Use the best quality materials you can afford. Do not be afraid to start over or change things (ie. in the pattern). Take classes - group or one on one. "Knitting is a social thing" so be inspired by others. What is your ideal " I'm going to knit for the next few hours" routine? Do you watch movies? Listen to music? GD: I carve out time to knit. If I am knitting intricate lace then I will listen to music. I watch tv if knitting anything else. English or Continental? Continental Cardigan or Pullover? Cardigan Cables or Lace? Lace DPNs or Magic Loop? Neither - 2 circulars Yarn - Solid or Variegated? Both Socks - Toe Up or Top Down? Top Down Needles - Wood or Metal? Wood Wool, cotton, alpaca, cashmere, silk? Silk and cotton What does your stash look like? GD: It fills the office, a closet and half the attic and there is more scattered elsewhere. What is your favourite thing about knitting? GD: The possibilities are endless. "You can tweak anything." If I am teaching a modular class, I love how everyone is knitting the same thing but they all come out differently. 
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Tin Can Knit patterns are very well written to accommodate all levels of knitters from beginner to advance. Their books are filled with beautiful photography and helpful tutorials to guide you along the way. Each pattern is comprised of modern seamless knits for the whole family from baby sizes 0-6 months to adult size 4XL. Stop by Needles and Knits Wool Shop and check out the selection of Tin Can Knits pattern books.
Current and upcoming classes at Needles and Knits using their patterns: Dogwood Baby Blanket and Vivid Blanket
Register in store at Needles & Knits Wool Shop for the Spring Knit-Along: Line Dance by Heidi Kirrmaier. This cardigan is all about neat lines created by a combination of squishy garter stitch, I-cord edges, pockets and slipped stitch details. It is worked top down in one piece, and has a gentle A-line shape. Intended to fit with 0-2 inches of positive ease. The front sections overlap by about 1 inch. Suitable for a knitter with some experience. Class Information: THIS SESSION IS NOW FULL
Where: Needles & Knits Upper Level Sessions: Four – 2 hour classes Starts: Monday Evenings 6:30PM – 8:30PM April 24, May 1, 15 and 20 Cost: Free Registration: Sign up in store at Needles & Knits Wool Shop, Aurora ON Materials: DK weight yarn **Materials for the class must be purchased in store at Needles & Knits Wool Shop, Aurora ON Pattern available for paid download on Ravelry Therapy Knitters Holiday PotluckTherapy Knitters Potluck brought together a gathering of knitters from various Needles & Knits knitting classes and workshops! Students brought mouth watering appetizers, main dishes and deserts! There was a sharing of recipes, laughs, opinions and of course, their finished work or work in progress. We are looking forward to another year of learning something new in the classes offered with another potluck in the spring :) Click here for more information about our upcoming 2017 Winter knitting classes and workshops  Thursday Knit Nite Holiday DinnerDecember is the month of celebrations and gatherings of family and friends. On Thursday December 15, the Thursday night, Tea with Tove group braved the winter snow storm to attend the annual Holiday Dinner...and of course, to knit! From Needles & Knits, we wish all Happy Holidays and the very best in the New Year! We would like to give you an update on the knitting classes that are currently being held at Needles & Knits. There are some absolutely beautiful garments being created! The last class of the Pi shawl was used to block the shawls. Gabriela, who teaches all the classes at Needles & Knits, had each person soak their shawl in some Eucalan, then wrap the shawl in a towel and spread it out. Next it was pinned down, always measuring form the centre out. The yarn used was Tahiti Fashion, a lace weight cotton. Having a large table like the one Tove has in the wool shop, made it super easy to block these shawls! Joanie is modeling Audrey's Glamour Jacket that was knit out of Sirdar Cotton DK and Audrey is wearing a skirt she knit in Rowan's Revive. All yarns mentioned can be purchased at Needles and Knits.
Check out the classes on the website as new classes have been posted for the fall. Sign up in the store, at Needles & Knits Wool Shop. Have a look at these classes offered at Needles and Knits for the summer! Gabriela, our expert instructor, has chosen a variety of projects that offer new knitting skills and will give you a finished product that you will proud of. You can learn how to knit lace, enterlac, mosaic or even knit a Top-Down summer T-shirt. These are just a few of the many project classes offered over the summer. There is something for everyone. Here are a few of the classes offered. For more information such as cost, dates and times just go to the “Classes & Workshops” section on the main page. Knit therapy classes have already started but there are still a few spaces left and the fee can be pro-rated for latecomers.
Have a wonderful summer from all of us and Needles and Knits! Don’t forget to wear sunscreen!
The Needles & Knits KAL students have just completed week three of a six week knitalong class of the Valenzi Cardigan. We are delighted to share their progress and showcase the beautiful colours chosen from the Rowan Pure Wool Worsted collection. They are currently at the stage of starting arm steeks. It’s incredible how much can be accomplished in just three short weeks! We are so proud of our students !! Don’t miss out on the fun! Stop by at Needles & Knits to register for classes, workshops and KALs! Tove has some exciting news to announce!
Knitting classes are coming to Needles and Knits starting in January 2016. Gabriella Dudas and Christina Panzures will be offering classes during the day and some evenings. A calendar of all classes will be posted soon on the website as well as a brief description and a picture of each class offered. Come into the store to sign up and do it soon as classes are filling up! |
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