Lessons with Liz!

Many of you have inquired about taking lessons at the farm. So here ya go!!!

Here's a list of the classes that are being offered by Liz. She is offering crochet, beginner and advanced, spinning, felting and more! All classes take place at the farm. If weather is nice, you can sit outside and watch the alpacas while learning a new skill. 

To sign up, please contact Liz at lalvino913@gmail.com

or by phone 732-861-1384

Crochet Lessons

Beginner 1: 1 (2 hour lesson) $40

Learn the basics of crochet! In this class you will learn how to hold a crochet hook, starting a foundation chain, single crochet, counting your stitches, and slip stitches. By the end of 2 hours, you should be well on your way to making your first scarf!

Beginner 1 lesson is $40.00 for first class (2 hours).
Lesson includes skein of yarn, hook and written instructions
($15/hour after that).

June 16^st 12-2pm

July 5^th 12-2pm

August 3^rd 6-8pm

Beginner 2: 1 (2 hour lesson) $30

You have mastered single crochet…. Now what’s next?!

In the Beginner 2 class, you will learn half double crochet, double crochet, triple crochet, and how to weave in your ends. We will also review single crochet, slip stitch, counting your stitches, and any other questions you may have.

Beginner 2 is $30. does not include yarn or a hook. If you did not take beginner 1, you will also receive written instructions.

Prerequisite: must have knowledge of single crochet!

($15/hour after that).

June 30^th 12-2pm

July 19^th 12-2pm

August 17^th 6-8pm

                                

Crochet Project Classes are a fun way to learn in a group environment. Together, we will work on a specific project and the whole group will be there to support one another during the process! If you have been eyeing up a project that you think you might need help with, and you do not see it listed here, let me know, and I will see if we can get a group started!


ALL PROJECT CLASSES REQUIRE A MINIMUM OF 3 STUDENTS, REGISTRATION FOR THESE CLASSES IS REQUIRED.

Beginner Project Classes require you to know the basics of crochet (single crochet, counting stitches, slip stitches). If there are any special stitches in the patterns, I will go over how to do them during class.

Basic Crochet Beanie: (Beginner Class. 2 hours) $30

This is a basic crochet beanie that is crocheted from the top down. You can make this in any size from preemie to adult! In this class, you will learn how to crochet in the round, make a cluster stitch, and crochet in the back loop. You will only need 1 skein of yarn for this project!

Beginner Project Classes require you to know the basics of crochet (single crochet, counting stitches, slip stitches). If there are any special stitches in the patterns, I will go over how to do them during class.

Class sizes are limited to 6 students per class and are on a first come basis with a minimum of 2.  Materials are not included in the cost of this class. A material list will be provided upon registration.

July 5^th 3-5pm

Fading Arrows Infinity Scarf: (Beginner Class. 2 hours) $30

This infinity scarf is a variation on a chevron stitch. In this class you will learn how to increase, decrease, half double crochet, and crochet into the back loop. You will only need 1 skein of yarn for this project!

Beginner Project Classes require you to know the basics of crochet (single crochet, counting stitches, slip stitches). If there are any special stitches in the patterns, I will go over how to do them during class.

Class sizes are limited to 6 students per class and are on a first come basis with a minimum of 2. Materials are not included in the cost of this class. A material list will be provided upon registration.

July 19^th 3-5pm

Diagonal Pom-Pom Hat: (Beginner class. 2- 2 hour sessions) $60

This is one of my favorite hats to make because the color combos are endless! In this class you will learn how to make a ribbed brim, crochet in the round, applique a single crochet on top of your work, and how to make a pom-pom. We will also discuss how to choose colors that look nice together, and go over a little color theory.

Beginner Project Classes require you to know the basics of crochet (single crochet, counting stitches, slip stitches). If there are any special stitches in the patterns, I will go over how to do them during class.

Class sizes are limited to 6 students per class and are on a first come basis with a minimum of 2. Materials are not included in the cost of this class. A material list will be provided upon registration.

Part1: August 11^th 2:30-4:30pm

Part2: August 25^th 2:30-4:30pm

Chunky Crochet Basket: (Beginner class. 2 hours) $30

Do you need a new project basket to keep your yarn in now that you are crocheting like crazy?! This chunky basket is perfect for decorating around the house, toting your goods around, or to help contain a gift you might be giving (that new baby blanket that you just made would look really pretty in a basket! And what new mom doesn’t love a basket to keep all of those new baby toys in?)

In this class you will learn to crochet in the round, how to keep the sides of your basket even, and how to make handles.

Beginner Project Classes require you to know the basics of crochet (single crochet, counting stitches, slip stitches). If there are any special stitches in the patterns, I will go over how to do them during class.

Class sizes are limited to 6 students per class and are on a first come basis with a minimum of 2. Materials are not included in the cost of this class. A material list will be provided upon registration.

June 16^th 3-5pm

Advanced Beginner/Intermediate Crochet Projects

For the advanced beginner/intermediate classes, you should have a good handle on how to single crochet, double crochet, slip stitch, and be able to count your stitches. If there are any special stitches in the patters, I will go over how to do them during class.

Corner to Corner (C2C) Wrist Warmers: (Intermediate class. 3 hours) $45

This class is an introduction to the Corner to Corner technique also known as C2C. This is a very popular stitch that can be used to make full sized afghans, cowls, and scarves. In this class, we will work on chaining, double crocheting in a cluster, and working on the diagonal.

For the advanced beginner/intermediate classes, you should have a good handle on how to single crochet, double crochet, slip stitch, and be able to count your stitches. If there are any special stitches in the patters, I will go over how to do them during class.

Class sizes are limited to 6 students per class and are on a first come basis with a minimum of 2. Materials are not included in the cost of this class. A material list will be provided upon registration.

June 21^st 12-3pm

Snowflake Infinity Scarf: (Intermediate class. 3 hours) $45

You can choose how wide, long, or chunky you want this Infinity scarf to be! Do you like an infinity scarf to just hang loosely one time around your neck, or do you prefer a super chunky scarf that you can wrap 3 times around? This pattern is very easy to make your own! During this class you will learn how to crochet a chainless foundation, make a beautiful shell stitch, and how to edit a pattern to fit your needs.

For the advanced beginner/intermediate classes, you should have a good handle on how to single crochet, double crochet, slip stitch, and be able to count your stitches. If there are any special stitches in the patters, I will go over how to do them during class.

Class sizes are limited to 6 students per class and are on a first come basis with a minimum of 2. Materials are not included in the cost of this class. A material list will be provided upon registration.

June 28^th 12-3pm

Stepping Texture Hat and Basket Weave Hat (or cowl!): (Intermediate class. 3 hours) $45

For this class, you can choose to make either the Stepping Texture Hat, or the basket weave hat, or if you’re not a hat person, you can easily make it a cowl! In this class you will learn how to back post double crochet and front post double crochet. You will also be making a ribbed band, crocheting in the round, and making a pom-pom (if you would like to add one to your hat!)

For the advanced beginner/intermediate classes, you should have a good handle on how to single crochet, double crochet, slip stitch, and be able to count your stitches. If there are any special stitches in the patters, I will go over how to do them during class.

Class sizes are limited to 6 students per class and are on a first come basis with a minimum of 2. Materials are not included in the cost of this class. A material list will be provided upon registration.

July 14^th 12-3pm

Road Trip Triangle Scarf: (Intermediate class. 2- 2 hour sessions) $60

I love this triangle scarf pattern because it is a great “starter” triangle scarf. Once you learn the basics of how to create this shape, as you advance in technique, you can really make this scarf your own by using different stitches, alternating different stitches between rows, your color choices, and how you embellish it! The designer of this pattern has made many of these which she embellishes with beads, crocheted flowers, and braids. You might even want to add tassels to the corners of yours! In this class you will learn how to create a triangle shawl.

I will encourage you all to be creative and try to change up the stitches in a few of the rows and change colors. Hopefully you will end up with a truly unique scarf! (if you’re not feeling adventurous, no problem! You can stick to the pattern.)

For the advanced beginner/intermediate classes, you should have a good handle on how to single crochet, double crochet, slip stitch, and be able to count your stitches. If there are any special stitches in the patters, I will go over how to do them during class.

Class sizes are limited to 6 students per class and are on a first come basis with a minimum of 2. Materials are not included in the cost of this class. A material list will be provided upon registration.

Part 1: July 18^th 6-8pm

Part 2: August 1^st 6-8pm

SPINNING CLASSES

Beginner Drop Spindle: (2 hours) $75 *materials included*

Learn how to make your own yarn using a drop spindle… the old fashioned way! Spinning on a drop spindle is a great introduction to spinning yarn. In this class we will discuss different types of fiber, how to handle them, and the basics of spinning yarn. This class is a quick introduction but will require more practice after we finish.
Two hour lesson, includes drop spindle, 4 oz alpaca roving to take home and written instructions.

$15/hour for any follow up spinning lessons.

August 6^th 11am-1pm

How to Ply Yarn on a Drop Spindle: (2 hours) $30

Now that you have taken the Beginner Drop Spindle class, and you have been making yarn, the next step is the ply it! We will discuss different techniques used to ply yarn, and the right application for you. We will also go over any questions you had while spinning at home.

$15/hour for any follow up spinning lessons.

No materials will be provided for this class. Please bring your drop spindle, extra roving, and all of the yarn that you have spun!

August 20^th 11am-1pm

Private Spinning Wheel Lessons: (2 hours) $30

This class is dependent upon you having your own spinning wheel. Whether you have a wheel and have never used it, or you have been spinning at home and just need some pointers on how to create the yarn you want, I am here to help you. Spinning requires a lot of practice (and patience!) to get started. It’s a lot like riding a bike… it takes a little while to get the hang of it, but once you get going, you’ll be on a roll!

In this class we will go over the basic parts of your spinning wheel, different types of fibers, their preparations, and ways to use them. I will show you how to treadle, draft your fiber, and make beautiful yarn! Don’t be discouraged if your yarn is lumpy and bumpy, it’s a start, and we will get you spinning the yarn of your dreams in no time!

$15/hour for any follow up spinning lessons.

No materials will be provided for this class. Please bring your spinning wheel, roving, and any yarn that you have spun!

How to Ply Yarn on a Spinning Wheel: (2 hours) $30

You’re getting the hang of spinning yarn, but don’t know how to ply it! In this class we will discuss different techniques used to ply yarn, and the right application for you. We will also go over any questions you had while spinning at home.

$15/hour for any follow up spinning lessons.

No materials will be provided for this class. Please bring your current spinning, extra roving, and all of the yarn that you have spun!

WET FELTING CLASSES

Felted Soap: (Beginner class. 2 hours) $25

Prepare to get a little wet and soapy in this class! Learn the basics of wet felting in this fun felted soap class! This class is perfect for ages 5 to 100. You will each get to make 2 felted bars of soap (it’s like a bar of soap and a washcloth all in one!) We will also go over needle felting techniques to add extra details at the end. All materials are included!

Class sizes are limited to 10 students per class and are on a first come basis with a minimum of 2.

All materials are included in this class, but please bring a towel with you that can get ruined (just in case you use dyed fiber that runs!) 

(Group rates available for parties of 6 or more. Fun project for girl scout troops!)

June 10^th 12-2pm

Nuno Felted Scarf: (All levels. 3 hours) $55

In this class you will learn how to wet felt fiber onto a silk chiffon scarf. Be as simple or as bold as you would like with your designs! This class is a great introduction to working with raw fiber and how felt happens. No experience necessary! We will get a little wet and soapy in this class, so be prepared!

Class sizes are limited to 6 students per class and are on a first come basis with a minimum of 2.

All materials are included in this class, but please bring a towel with you that can get ruined (just in case you use dyed fiber that runs!)

July 26^th 12-3pm

Felted Slippers: (All levels. 10am-4pm) $75

No previous felting experience necessary for this class. In this class you will learn how to wet felt on a resist and make a custom pair of slippers. You will leave this class with a finished pair of felted slippers that fit your feet perfectly!

Prepare to get wet and soapy during this class. This is an all day class with a 1 hour lunch break. Bring a bagged lunch, or run out to grab a quick bite (Wholefoods, Jersey Mikes, Wendy’s, and McDonalds are all within 5 minutes of the farm) and if we have nice weather, we can sit outside and watch the alpacas grazing while we enjoy our lunch. We will begin felting again as soon as lunch is finished!

Class sizes are limited to 6 students per class and are on a first come basis with a minimum of 2.

All materials are included in this class, but please bring a towel with you that can get ruined (just in case you use dyed fiber that runs!)

July 8^th 10am-4pm

August 23^rd 10am-4pm

MISCELLANEOUS CLASSES

Block Printing on a Canvas Project Bag: (All levels. 2 hours) $30

Learn the basics of block printing and make a useful project bag! You will design, and execute a pattern to print onto a project bag! Have fun, be creative, and leave class with a finished product.

All materials are included in this class. We will be working with acrylic paint that does not come off, so wear something that doesn’t matter if it gets paint on it or bring a smock!

August 2^nd 3-5pm

Hammered Metal Earrings: (All levels. 2 hours) $30

In this fun and loud class, we will be hammering different textures onto metal shapes and making earrings! Everyone will leave class with 2 pairs of finished earrings made out of copper, brass, or nickel.

All materials are included in this class, just bring your creativity!

June 22^nd 6-8pm

July 11^th 6-8pm

On my needles

Hello knitting friends. How are you? I miss my knitting buddies and I am really missing the Wednesday Yarn Along. Even though I didn't get to browse the other links as much since going back to work full time, I still looked forward to it and seeing what you all were up to. It also gave me a time to take a moment and post what I was working on too. I do post on instagram A LOT...I know...I overshare. But I love seeing everyone's knitting pictures, so maybe they'll like mine too.

Anyway...I thought I would just say a quick hello and show you what I'm working on these days.

I am knitting away on my Super Soul Cardigan. My plan is to wear this to Rhinebeck. I'm knitting it in O-Wool Wash worsted. It's a light silver gray (Silver Maple), Wineberry and Feldspar. I'm now into the first chart of the body. It's an easy knit so far.

And I'm working on a pair of Hermiones every day socks. I've never made a pair of these and now I'm sure I'll be making many more. i love the pattern. Just enough to keep me interested and not hard at all. I'm knitting them with yarn from Backyard Fiberworks. It's their sock base, merino, nylon, cashmere in the Urchin color way. They are so soft!

I have not been reading at all. It's been baseball and tv lately. I'm binge watching Nurse Jackie. It's soooooo good!!!!!! I watch a few a night. I am in season 5 now and I need to slow it down so it lasts longer. Only 2 seasons to go. Don't want it to end. What would life be like without Zoey?! or Thor? Or Coop? Or Jackie???!!!!

Ok...back to work. Hope you're all doing well. What are you knitting?

Shearing Day 2017!

It was another successful shearing day at the farm! The weather was PERFECT and the four man crew from Mariacher Shearing were awesome. The fleeces are gorgeous and after they are skirted and sorted by my mom, the fleece will be delivered to the fiber mill in Vermont and we'll have luxurious yarn for you all!

If you would like to see a video of the shearing, go over to our Facebook page and view the "LIVE" video that Liz recorded during the shearing of Dupayage.

Playing Catch Up

Hi blogging friends! Hope everyone is doing well! I'm sorry I haven't posted much lately. Not a ton of knitting going on and work and life have been crazy busy. All good stuff...just busy! So I thought I would play a game of catch up and show and tell some things that have been happening lately.

My mom and dad traveled to MAPACA and brought home lots of ribbons! Very exciting!!!

The farm has been busy and thankfully most of the spring has been cool. Besides those INSANELY HOT few days, the pacas have been fairing well in their full fleece. Shearing day is later than usual, much to my parent's chagrin. My mom spent those hot days hosing the herd down and keeping everyone as comfortable as possible. She works so hard every single day taking care of those critters. I don't know how she does it.

One of my chickens is broody right now. I don't have a rooster, so that means she's sitting on regular old eggs. I force her out of the box to eat and drink and stretch her legs. She's all huffy and puffy in there, but her health seems just fine, so I'm letting her pretend to be a mom to be.

The alpacas have been very happy playing king of the hill.  I am amused at watching them run up and down and push each other over to be on the top of the hill. It's all very cute!

(Most of the alpaca pictures were taken by Liz)

In knitting news:
I had been knitting my Rhinebeck sweater which was going to be The Knitters Dude sweater. Well....I wasn't a fan of the very, very, very long floats and having to scoop them up every few stitches. So I ripped it out. And started over, this time knitting Mary Jane Mucklestone's Super Soul Cardigan. I am making some modifications to it. I'll do a post on that when I have more done. Right now I'm knitting the sleeve and I'm MUCH happier knitting this one.

I've also been working on some socks at the baseball games. Currently I'm working on the Hermiones Everyday Sock using yarn I bought from Backyard Fiber Works at the Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival.

And in personal non related farm or knitting news:
I had the most amazing experience last weekend. I played Carnegie Hall. YES! I did! I really did! I still can't believe it happened. It was surreal and magical and emotional and amazing and perfect. I play the flute in the Greater Shore Concert Band. We are a community band from the Jersey Shore made up of 80 musicians that play for the love of music. This year marks the band's 50th anniversary and we had the huge honor of being accepted by Carnegie Hall to perform on that famous stage. I'll do a longer post all about it but for now, here are a few of my favorite photos. Thank you to my sister, Andee that snuck her camera in to get some beautiful photos of the concert.

The Dude! Yarn Along

As I talked about in my last post, I bought yarn for my Rhinebeck 2017 sweater during my trip to the Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival. After lots of time spent looking at sweater patterns, I landed on the Knitter's Dude sweater. 

My yarn is O-Wool wash worsted. The main color is Silver Maple. The bands of color are a nice mustard color, Feldspar. The larger motif is in the Wineberry color. After I started the sleeve, my son commented that it looks very Harry Potterish. Yup...it kind of does. It's also my college colors (Kutztown University). I second guessed my color choices, but I'm sticking with it this time and going to keep on knitting. The color in the photo doesn't show the motif color well. It's a pretty purple/wine color.

I am knitting the sleeves first. It's a nice way to do a swatch and also, I hate sleeves, so this is a good way to start and just get it over with! Now...let's talk about the knitting.

The floats between colors of the motif are LONG. Too long in my opinion. Makes for tricky knitting in the round on a sleeve. I think it will be a little easier once I get into the body of the sweater. Picking up floats as I go is not my favorite thing! And then to do it on double pointed needles is even harder. But, it is knitting up nicely and I have hopes of having it done in time for Rhinebeck next year.

What are you knitting?