In this class you will learn how to do a picot ("PEE-koh") cast-on, picot side edges, and picot bind-off, while making this cute garter stitch mug rug. Prerequisite skills:Knitted Cast-on, knit stitch, bind off.

[Note:  the Knitted Cast-on is required, but you can easily learn it if you know the knit stitch. The instructor will be in the classroom 1/2 hour before the class to help you learn or review this cast-on if needed.]

Materials:

• About 1 oz. of worsted-weight yarn, preferably absorbent (e.g. kitchen cotton)
• Pair of knitting needles, size approx. US 8 (5.0 mm), any style
• Smallish crochet hook or fix-it tool (optional)

Slip stitch patterns, also known as Mosaic knitting, are a method of producing beautiful colorwork without the complication of juggling multiple strands at once. You'll get a taste of this technique by learning two slip stitch patterns: the Stamen stitch and the Honeycomb stitch. There are many, many more of these out there that you can look into, and at least two books that feature slip stitches. This is based on the more in-depth (and highly recommended) class taught by Faina Goberstein at the Vogue Knitting Live event in 2019. Prerequisite skills:Cast on, knit, and purl.

Materials:

• Two colors of the same yarn in DK, sport, or worsted weight
• Needles of appropriate size for your yarn, any style

Needlepoint is a type of embroidery that completely covers the fabric, called canvas. It can be used not only for wall art, but also for objects like cushions and even chair seats, especially when done with wool.

Materials:

• Scissors
• A kit will be provided containing canvas, thread, needle, and stitching directions. A $5 donation to the Nittany Valley Embroiderers Guild to offset this cost would be appreciated.

Tunisian-style crochet is done in rows, similar to knitting, but the front side is always facing you. It uses a hook at least as long as your project is wide, and begins all of the stitches in the row in one pass before completing them on the return pass. Different stitch variations create interesting textures that may look like crochet, knitting, or even weaving. In this class you will make a small swatch that can be used as a mug rug. Prerequisite skills:Some familiarity with basic crochet stitches would be helpful, but not essential.

Materials:

• Tunisian (a.k.a. Afghan) crochet hook, size US 10.5/K (6.5 mm)
  (or for this small project you can get by with a regular 10.5/K hook, as long as it doesn't have an ergonomic handle or widened thumb rest)
• Suitable yarn will be provided