The Purl Bee is a craft blog created for you by Purl Soho where we publish ideas for you to knit, crochet, sew, stitch and more! You can view our projects below.

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 Classes at Purl Soho!

The photo above is from our Beginning Needlepoint Class.

 
All classes are held at our shop in NYC.  If you'd like to sign up for a class, please place a call during business hours (Monday-Friday 12-7; Saturday & Sunday 12-6) at 212-420-8796 or you can drop by the shop:  Purl Soho, 459 Broome Street (Between Greene and Mercer), NY, NY 10013. 

 

 

Class Categories

Knitting & Crochet Classes

 

Spinning & Felting Classes

 

Needlework Classes

 

Sewing & Quilting Classes



About our Teachers

 

 

 

 

 

Knitting & Crochet Classes 

 Beginning Knitting  

 Intro to Circular Knitting

 Beginning Sock Knitting - Baby Socks 

Intermediate Sock Knitting - Fraternal Socks 

Adv. Beginning Knitting - Big Herringbone Cowl

Intro to Cable Knitting - Gigantic Cable Scarf 

Intro to Double Knitting - Sprout Cowl

Beginning Crochet - Fruity Pot Holder

Adv. Beginning Crochet - Fabric Rug 

 

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Beginning Knitting

$140 for 6 Hours of Instruction

In this 3 session class, you will learn how to: cast on, complete the knit stitch and the purl stitch, combine the stitches to create basic patterns (like stockinette, seed and rib), cast off your knitting and weave in your ends. Additional tips will be given for completing your project neatly. No prior experience is required. This class will take you from novice to knitter- in no time!

Required Supplies

 Upcoming Classes

  • Saturdays - July 21st, 28th and August 4th | 12:00-2:00pm with Mary Lou Risley

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Intro to Circular Knitting

$95 for 4 Hours of Instruction

This class is designed for those who have recently learned the basics of knitting – casting on, knitting, purling and binding off- and are looking to take their skills beyond the scarf.  Together we will explore the multitude of places a basic hat pattern can take us – from a simple rolled edge cap or an all-purpose close-fitting hat, all the way to a sexy, slouchy cashmere or alpaca hat.  By the end of this class, you will have mastered the magical circular needle and the mysterious four double pointed needles-- making life so simple without seaming-- and transformed a few rows of decreasing into a fashion statement.

Required Supplies

Free patterns will be provided in the following gauges: 3.5/sts = 1”, 4/sts= 1”, 4.5/sts = 1”, 5/sts = 1”.

A stitch marker will also be provided.

 Upcoming Classes 

  • Saturdays - June 9th and 16th | 2:00-4:00pm with Mary Lou Risley

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Advanced Beginning Knitting - Big Herringbone Cowl

$95 for 4 Hours of Instruction

Gear up for winter by taking our Big Herringbone Cowl class. A popular post from the Purl Bee, in this class you will learn the techniques necessary to make your own beautiful Big Herringbone Cowl. This is a great project for knitters who are looking to take their knitting to the next level and learn a fun, interesting stitch.  Plus, once you put on this soft, squishy cowl, you won't want to take it off!! 

Students should be comfortable with knitting basics. *Please note that although you will learn the skills needed to make your own Big Herringbone Cowl, you will not complete a full sized finished product in class. 
All supplies can be purchased at Purl! Please make sure you have your supplies prepared and your yarn wound before the start of the first session. 

Required Supplies

*If you would like to complete the cowl with the dimensions noted in the Big Herringbone Cowl post, please purchase the entire 5 skeins recommended.

Upcoming Classes

  • TBD

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 Intro to Cable Knitting - Gigantic Cable Scarf

$80 for 3 Hours of Instruction

Learn the technique of cable knitting, and also begin your very first cabled project at the same time! This age old process can seem complicated, with bits of knitting weaving in and out of each other, but once mastered it will surely become a favorite. Armed with the Gigantic Cable Scarf pattern, you'll be whipping up these warm, long and surprisingly easy to make scarves in no time! They would make great last minute holiday gifts - so quick to knit you could finish the scarf in a weekend! 

You should be able to knit and purl in the same row before taking this class.

Required Supplies 

Upcoming Classes 

  • TBD

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Beginning Sock Knitting - Baby Socks

$140 for 6 Hours of Instruction

Baby socks are the perfect project for advanced beginners who are ready to venture into 3-dimensional knitting. In this six hour class you'll learn all the skills you need to make a pair of practical and adorable ribbed baby socks, and to take on sock patterns for feet of all sizes. We'll cover frequently-used techniques including knitting in the round, decreasing, short row heel shaping, and grafting (also known as Kitchener stitch) and discuss common features of sock construction. At the end of the class, students may choose to finish their pair of baby socks or begin another sock pattern of their choice.

Students should be comfortable with the knit and purl stitches. All other techniques will be taught.

All supplies can be purchased at Purl! Please make sure you have your supplies prepared and your yarn wound into a center pull ball before the start of the first session.

Required Supplies

 Upcoming Classes

  • Weekend Workshop! Saturday July 14th and Sunday July 15th | 12-3pm 

Maximum class enrollment: 8 students - NEW! as of 5/18/12

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Intermediate Sock Knitting - Fraternal Socks

$140 for 6 Hours of Instruction

Learn to make toe up socks using cozy worsted weight yarn in two colors for these mismatched fraternal twin knee socks.  One of the best things about making toe up socks is you can try them on as you go & once you bind off all you have to do is weave in any tails - no kitchener stitching!  You will also learn the provisional cast on which has many applications outside of socks and short row toes and heels.  These socks will keep legs & toes warm on the coldest of subway platforms. 

Students should be able to knit & purl in the round before taking this class. 

This pattern is easy to work on 2 circs or magic loop so if those are your preferred sock making methods you are welcome to use them though the techniques will not be discussed.

Required Supplies 

Upcoming Classes

  • TBD

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Intro to Double Knitting - Sprout Cowl

$95 for 4 Hours of Instruction

Double Knitting is a great technique that creates a cozy, double sided, reversible fabric with stockinette stitch on both sides.  In class, we will work on a swatch to get the basics of the technique down and then cast on to make a cozy, and relatively quick to knit, cowl.  Once you try double knitting, you'll be hooked! It's a great way to create colorful scarves with no "floats" or wrong side to the fabric.  We'll also be kitchener stitching the two sides together as a way of finishing the cowl - so it a great refresher for those not yet comfortable with that technique. 

Required Supplies

Upcoming Classes

  • TBD

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Beginning Crochet - Fruity Pot Holder 

$140 for 6 Hours of Instruction

Learn to crochet and make a cheery pot holder perfect for all upcoming warm weather gatherings! No previous crochet experience required; we’ll cover all the basics: chaining, single and double crochet, increases, decreases, reading patterns, changing colors, and weaving in your ends! Crochet is a great way to make dense durable fabric as well as dainty, lacy accessories--learn a new skill this spring!

Required Supplies

Upcoming Classes 

  • Mondays - May 7th, 14th and 21st | 6:00-8:00pm with Alyson Fortner

Maximum class enrollment: 8 students - (currently running)

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Advanced Beginner Crochet - Fabric Rug

$95 for a 3 Hours of Instruction

With the most basic of crochet skills (chain and single crochet stitches) you can make your own fabric rugs out of any textile you like! You will learn how to wield a jumbo hook, join your strips, and make a variety of shapes of rugs. Make one for every room in your house, and they're an ideal housewarming gift too! Beginner crochet skills required.

Required Supplies

  • Jumbo (15mm or bigger) crochet hook
  • Fabric, cut or torn into approximately 1-2" strips. Thicker strips make a thicker rug. Please bring a bag of pre-made fabric strips ready to crochet (it is easiest to tear wovens and cut knits).
  • Scissors

Upcoming Workshops

  • TBD

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Spinning & Felting Classes

   Intro to Spindle Spinning

   Beginning Wheel Spinning 

   Adv. Textured Yarn Spinning

   Needle Felting - Animals 

   Needle Felting - Jewelry 

   Needle Felting - Fossil Stones

 

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Introduction to Spindle Spinning

$80 for 3 Hours of Instruction

Spindle spinning is an elegantly portable way to make your own yarn. Students will learn essential spinning vocabulary, how to draft fiber, and how to spin their own yarn using a drop spindle. Discussion of different types of wools and spinning fibers, and some basic information on plying will also be covered.

Required Supplies

 Upcoming Classes

  • TBD

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Beginning Wheel Spinning

$95 for 4 Hours of Instruction

Creating your own yarn on a spinning wheel allows for endless variation and versatility in yarn production. In this introductory class to wheel spinning, students will learn spinning vocabulary, control and use of a spinning wheel, drafting fiber for spinning, and how to make their own yarn. Basic plying information will also be covered.

Required Supplies

Students will use Purl's Schacht Ladybug wheels.

Upcoming Classes

  • TBD

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Advanced Spinning - Textured Yarn

$95 for 4 Hours of Instruction

Have you learned the basics of spinning and are ready to push the limits of your yarn? Break out of the singles! Single ply, that is- and experiment with textured two-plies, corespinning (spinning the fiber perpendicular onto a support thread), auto-wrapping, cocoons, stacks, embedding objects (insert buttons and felt balls into your yarns!) and more! In this two session class, you will learn many new techniques that can be combined and altered to create an array of awesome yarn-bending possibilities! If you've ever admired handspun art yarns and wanted to know how to create your own usable works of fiber art, this is the class for you. 

*Note: All participants must already know how to spin using a wheel and have mastered the basics of spinning. This is an advanced level class.

Required Supplies

  • 2 or more colors of wool roving - choose from Merino, Merino/Tencel and BFL
  • Genziana wool thread (for corespinning)
  • Valdani perle cotton (for auto-wrapping)
  • small Purl Soho buttons or small size felt balls (please keep any inflexible inclusions smaller than 3/8" - the Ladybug wheel orifice size)
  • quarter yard or fat quarter of fabric 
  • trims, poms, ribbons - any bits that you'd like to experiment with adding into your yarn
  • tapestry needle (preferably with a sharper tip)
Ladybug Spinning Wheels, as well as Lazy Kates for plying, will be provided for the class.

Upcoming Classes 

  • TBD

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Needle Felting Animals

$50 for One Session Class

Learn to needle felt! Needle felting is a process using a special felting needle to "sculpt" wool into any form. Your completed pieces can be used as little sculptures, toys, pendants/ charms, or brooches.  This class is recommended for adults, as the needles are very sharp. 

Required Supplies

 

Foam will be provided for felting in class. 

Upcoming Classes

  • TBD

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Needle Felted Jewelry

$50 for a One Session Workshop!

Learn to make felt beads and charms for jewelry! This class is for all levels of needle felters. We'll be starting out with the basic sphere and work into hearts and other fun shapes. You'll learn how to add additional colors and designs to your felted beads, and will be making fabulous statement pieces in no time. 

Required Supplies

Foam will be provided for felting in class. 

Upcoming Classes

  • TBD

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Needle Felt - Fossil Stones

$50 for 2 Hours of Instruction

Create your own soft fossilized stones for display, pendants or brooches. You'll learn the basics of needle felting and two basic embroidery stitches in this project. Cute, simple, and great for beginners in both crafts! 

Required Supplies

Upcoming Classes

  • Wednesday - May 16th | 7:00-9:00pm with Nguyen Le

Maximum class enrollment: 8 students - (currently running)

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Needlework Classes

    Beginning Needlepoint

   Embroidery Basics - Stitch Dictionary

   Custom Monogram Embroidery

   Sashiko, Japanese Hand Quilting

 

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Beginning Needlepoint

$95 for 4 Hours of Instruction

This class explores the foundational techniques of needlepoint as well as a few more decorative elements in the form of a small sampler as shown above.  In the first session students will learn about different materials used in needlepoint, how to read a needlepoint chart, and the most essential Continental and Basketweave stitches. Session two teaches four decorative stitches, and discusses finishing options for needlepoint projects. Students will have the option to finish their needlepoint sampler into a pincushion or small pillow!

All supplies are available at Purl!

Required Supplies

Upcoming Classes

Maximum class enrollment - 8 students - 6 spots remaining as of 5/17/12

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Embroidery Basics - Stitch Dictionary

$95 for 4 Hours of Instruction

This beginner’s hand embroidery class will get you stitching right away! We’ll cover the basics of embroidery; all the tools and materials needed, as well as a great variety of hand embroidery stitches. You’ll create a lovely stitch dictionary that is not only decorative, but also a useful reference for your future embroidery projects. Please Note: Embroidery is addictive and you just might find yourself hooked!

Required Supplies

Upcoming Classes

Maximum class enrollment: 8 students - SOLD OUT as of 5/10/12

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Custom Monogram Embroidery

$95 for 4 Hours of Instruction

This embroidery class is great for beginners and intermediate embroidery lovers.  We'll go over the basics of embroidery, a handful of beautiful simple stitches that you'll be able to use in lots of projects to come, and cover one the trickiest parts of embroidery- transferring patterns. Together we'll customize a pattern just for you! You'll leave with a sweet finished monogramed embroidery piece. 

Required Supplies

Upcoming Classes

  • Tbd

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Sashiko, Japanese Hand Quilting

$50 for 2 Hours of Instruction

Students will learn the traditional Japanese technique of sashiko, hand-sewn quilting, and its history. Beautiful samples will be shown to give students an idea of other ways to use the technique, along with: sashiko books, threads, stencils and patterns. Basic stitching techniques will be covered for the whole class, as well as individually, so students emerge with confidence in their stitching and a full understanding of sashiko.  This class is great for beginners and works well as a wonderful take along project.

Required Supplies

Upcoming Classes

  • TBD

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Sewing & Quilting Classes

    Beginning Machine Sewing - Reversible Tote

   Beginning Machine Sewing - Adjustable Unisex Apron

    One Day Sewing: A-Line Skirt 

    Pattern Making Simplified: A-Line Skirt & Shift Dress 

    Patchwork Basics - Machine Piecing

    Patchwork Basics - Hand Piecing

    Hand Quilting Workshop

    Appliqué

 

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Beginning Machine Sewing - Reversible Tote

$175 for 8 Hours of Instruction

This class presents an introduction to sewing by machine for the very beginner. Students will make a simple, reversible tote bag with a magnetic snap. We will learn essential sewing vocabulary, how to properly thread and sew with the machine, the best way to accurately measure and cut fabric, how to follow a simple pattern and other fundamental sewing skills. No previous sewing experience is necessary.

All supplies can be purchased at Purl. Please make sure you have your supplies prepared before the first session.

Required Supplies

Please wash and press your fabric for your tote, prior to the first session.

 Upcoming Classes

  • Thursdays - June 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th | 6:30-8:30pm with Cassandra Thoreson

Maximum class enrollment: 6 students - NEW! as of 5/17/12

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Adjustable Unisex Apron

$140 for 6 Hours of Instruction

Create a rugged, adjustable unisex apron for both of you to use in the kitchen. It's big enough to be worn by a 6 foot tall guy but can easily be folded up to fit a 5 foot 4 gal. In this class you will learn how to read a pattern, cut fabric, finish your seams cleanly, when to use zig zag stitching, how to make a pocket and create adjustable ties. 

No prior sewing machine experience is necessary. Please have all your supplies prepared and your fabric washed before the start of the first session.

Required Supplies

Upcoming Classes

  • Tuesdays - May 8th, 15th and 22nd | 6:30-8:30pm with Tracey Toole

Maximum class enrollment: 8 students - (currently running)

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One-Day Sewing: A-line Skirt

$175 for 6 Hours of Instruction

Make a skirt in one day! In this class, Cal will show you how to cut from a pattern and sew a classic, flattering A-line skirt. You will learn how to sew darts, seams and seam finishes, hems, invisible zippers and bias-tape facings, all of the elements you need to begin making your own clothes. The pattern will be provided*. Students should be at least "advanced beginner" level, and must have a basic knowledge of how to use the sewing machine before taking this class. We will take a 15-minute break halfway through the class, so please bring a snack or lunch. 
*Note: We will attempt to adjust the pattern for individual fit, but because this is a one-day class, fit cannot be guaranteed. If it is very important to you that your skirt is designed to fit your body type, you may wish to take the Patternmaking Simplified: A-Line Skirt & Shift Dress Class, in which you'll draft your own skirt pattern.
All supplies can be purchased at Purl Soho.  Please have your supplies ready in advance.

Required Supplies

Upcoming Workshops

  • Sunday - June 24th | 11:00am-5:00pm with Cal Patch

Maximum class enrollment: 6 students - 3 spots remaining as of 5/17/12

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Pattern Making Simplified: A-Line Skirt & Shift Dress

$125 for 4 Hours of Instruction

Have you always wanted to make your OWN sewing patterns? It's not as hard as you think to use your own measurements to draft patterns made to fit YOUR body.

In this all-day workshop, Cal will show you two projects using techniques from her book, Design-It-Yourself Clothes. We'll begin with an A-line skirt and then proceed to a sleeveless shift dress*. With this foundation you can go on to making all kinds of garments, and a whole new wardrobe!

*Note: We will not be sewing in this class, but some sewing experience is helpful to get the most out of the information.

All supplies can be purchased at Purl Soho. Please have your supplies prepared in advance.

Required Supplies

Upcoming Workshops

  • Saturday - June 23rd | 1:00-5:00pm with Cal Patch

Maximum class enrollment: 6 students - SOLD OUT as of 5/17/12

Appliqué

$95 for 4 Hours of Instruction

Join us for a two session class and learn the basics of hand appliqué.  Working with a simple flower pattern, students will learn pattern placement techniques and the classic appliqué stitch.  This class is a great introduction to the essentials of appliqué, a versatile technique that can be used to embellish any textile project, from quilts and tote bags to children's clothes.

All supplies can be purchased at Purl! Please make sure you have your supplies prepared before the start of the first session.

Required Supplies

*While any fabric can be used for backgrounds, please avoid linen or linen-blends and double-gauze fabrics in your choices for appliqué fabrics. Quilt-weight fabrics are ideal for hand appliqué.

Upcoming Classes

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Patchwork Basics - Machine Piecing

$140 for 6 Hours of Instruction

A workshop for students who want a quick and simple introduction to the essentials of piecing quilt tops. This class will cover rotary cutting and all of the essential sewing skills for creating patchwork by machine.  Students should have basic machine sewing experience - all work will be done in class, no sewing machine is required at home. 

Required Supplies

optional, but recommended:

Upcoming Classes

Maximum class enrollment: 6 students - NEW! as of 5/17/12

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Patchwork Basics - Hand Piecing

$95 for 4 Hours of Instruction

A short and sweet introduction to hand sewing for traditional patchwork quilts in two lessons. Learn how to draft a pattern, make templates, as well as tips and tricks for sewing quilt blocks together. Students need no previous hand sewing experience, and will make several quilt blocks in class - the beginnings of a larger quilt or enough to make a small patchwork pillow.

Required Supplies

Upcoming Classes 

Maximum class enrollment: 8 students - NEW! as of 5/17/12

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Hand Quilting Workshop

$95 for 4 Hours of Instruction

A one day, intensive workshop on the basics and finer points of hand quilting. Hand quilting holds the three layers of a quilt together, but also adds so much more. Design, texture and dimension are added to the quilt during quilting. Spend an afternoon learning how to hand quilt - several different methods for marking a quilt top will be covered.

Required Supplies

Upcoming Classes

Maximum class enrollment: 8 students - NEW! as of 5/17/12

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About Our Teachers

   Cassandra Thoreson

   Mary Lou Risley

   Cal Patch

   Jill Draper

   Susan Sato

   Jessica Marquez

   Nguyen Le

   Whitney Crutchfield

   Laila Grainawi

   Thomas Duncan

   Alyson Fortner

 

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Cassandra Thoreson

Cassandra Thoreson is a textile and fiber artist who is inspired by innovation everywhere she finds it.  She has been teaching in the NYC area for 19 years. She has lectured in Manhattan and Long Island, and conducted workshops at the Brooklyn Museum in her mission to share her love for handwork and the textile arts. For the past 5 years, she has devoted her teaching time exclusively to Purl, where she loves to help her students experiment with their ideas and creativity.   All of her classes include projects custom-designed for her students.  In her spare time she spins, knits, sews, makes quilts and loves to play with color and design.

Cassandra teaches: Applique, Quilt Making by Hand, Quilt Making by Machine - Patchwork Basics, Free Form Patchwork Quilting, Beginning Machine Sewing- Reversible Tote, Intro to Spindle Spinning, and Beginning Wheel Spinning.

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Mary Lou Risley


Mary Lou Risley has been knitting since her great-grandmother gave her a pair of needles and a ball of yarn when she was only eight years old.  When the first project Mary Lou made on her own was a pair of argyle socks, she discovered that nothing was beyond her ambition and skill.  Mary Lou is a whiz at pattern creation and takes on many commissions.  She is a specialist at “recreating” treasures such as a much-loved sweater that’s seen better days.  Her latest commission is a series of sweaters for one of the best-dressed dogs on Park Avenue!  She also created warm hats for Young Runners in a charity program sponsored by the Road Runners Foundation.  Mary Lou has been teaching knitting to beginners at Purl Soho since 2007.  She particularly enjoys teaching beginning knitting because she sees the creative spark come to life in each student she meets.

Mary Lou teaches: Beginning Knitting and Intro to Circular Knitting. 

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Cal Patch

 

Cal Patch has been a maker since she was a Girl Scout in the seventies. She sews, crochets, spins, embroiders, knits, prints, makes patterns, dyes… hence the name of her label: "hodge podge". Cal has taught all of these subjects for the past ten years, and loves showing people new skills. After seventeen years of being a New York City dweller, Cal recently relocated to the Catskills where she is becoming a crafty farmer. Her first book, Design-It-Yourself Clothes: Patternmaking Simplified, is out now from Potter Craft. You can see what she’s up to at http://hodgepodgefarm.net

Cal teaches: Crochet Fabric Rug, One Day Sewing: A-line Skirt, and Pattern Making Simplified: A-Line Skirt and Shift Dress Patterns, Pattern Making- Button Down Shirt.

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Jill Draper

Jill Draper has always been a magpie, collecting sparkly bits, buttons & string.  Jill makes things as a way to use up all those collected bits, and thinks everyone should be able to make something.  To further this cause she has taught hundreds of people to knit and won’t stop until every person has at least one hand made garment in their closet.  Jill’s hand knitting patterns, articles & tutorials have been published in books & magazines.  You may find Jill’s artwork on albums or outfits and can always find her hand dyed yarn & original patterns at http://jilldraper.com 

 

Jill teaches: Intro to Cable Knitting - Gigantic Cable Scarf, Intro to Double Knitting - Sprout Cowl and Intermediate Sock Knitting - Fraternal Knee Socks. 

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Susan C. Sato

Second-generation Japanese American, Susan Sato has been sewing since age 14. The oldest of five children, she started sewing her own clothes and later for her daughter, Jana. She became a quilt maker in 1994.  When Susan came across her grandfather’s kimono and obi,  she knew that sewing in the traditional Japanese style was the path she wanted to follow in her quilting.  She began quilting with Japanese fabrics and incorporating the sashiko form of hand sewing.  She started teaching basic quilting classes in sashiko, and then branched out to Japanese free-form design classes. After learning the Japanese techniques of Shibori and Indigo dying she has started to incorporate them into her quilts. 

The Brooklyn Museum of Art commissioned Susan to create pillows for their gift shop. Her creations are also sold in Brooklyn shops.  A member and past co-president of The Quilters’ Guild of Brooklyn, Empire Guild, NYC MOD Quilt Guild, her work has been featured in exhibits throughout the Northeast. She teaches quilting at shops and quilting guilds in the tri-state area.

Susan teaches: Sashiko (Japanese Hand Quilting).

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Jessica Marquez

Jessica Marquez is a Californian loving life in Brooklyn, NY. She is the maker behind Miniature Rhino, her full time creative job and obsession. Her embroideries have graced the pages of InStyle Magazine, Bust Magazine, Daily Candy NY and countless lovely blogs! A self-taught, passionate embroideress, Jessica loves to teach, but when she’s not working needle and thread she likes to explore NY, eat vegan treats, bake, rescue street cats, plan her next travel adventure, and of course, craft. You can also find her on her blog, twitter, flickr, and etsy shop.

Jessica teaches: Embroidery Basics- Stitch Dictionary and Custom Monogram Embroidery. 

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Nguyen Le

Nguyen Le is a Lancaster, PA native knitting out of her pockets in Brooklyn, NY for the past 3 years now.  She knits, felts, sews, and is always excited to create with any new material/technique.  Nguyen has been crafting since grade school. She loves teaching, and enjoys seeing all of the fun creations her students dream up.

Nguyen is the designer and maker behind KnitKnit – her full time occupation making witty knitted and felted accessories.  Her work has been featured on the Martha Stewart Show, Interweave Felt Magazine, Knitscene Magazine, mentioned on a number of design blogs, and sold in boutiques, galleries, and museum shops throughout the US.  You can find her work at www.knitknitknits.com.

When she’s not crafting, she enjoys experimental baking, gulping down tea, and discovering the wonderful gems of NYC. 

Nguyen teaches: Needle Felting and Needle Felted Jewelry.

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Whitney Crutchfield

Whitney Crutchfield's love of textiles began around age four when she completed her first sewing project: a reversible peasant skirt for Barbie. While her tastes have changed slightly since then, her deep appreciation for textiles and the ways in which they are made have remained. Whitney is from small-town Michigan, spent several years in Colorado where she earned a MFA in fibers, and finally landed in Brooklyn a little over a year ago. She spends time in her Brooklyn studio, where she designs and hand-screenprints textiles for interiors and home goods. When she's not in the studio playing with color and string and cloth, she works as a freelance crafter and designer at Martha Stewart. Whitney loves helping people discover new talents and creative joys, and finds inspiration in the enthusiasm of her students.

 

Whitney teaches: Beginning Needlepoint.

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Laila Grainawi

Laila Grainawi is fiber artist with a strong love of textures. When she's not coordinating all the classes here at Purl Soho, she is stirring the dyepots and creating handmade treasures from scratch for her indie biz- Lai Grai.  Laila has always dabbled in the arts from a young age. She grew up in the suburbs of Chicago, with two engineers for parents- which founded her strong desire to learn about how things work. She learned how to knit while she was in college at Maryland Institute College of Art, where she graduated with a BFA in Interdisciplinary Sculpture. While studying art, she became completely hooked on the artisian hand skills required to make beautiful and functional pieces.  With the ability to spin her own yarn, dye her own fibers, drum card and process the fleeces from the sheep herself, it is oh-so-difficult to choose only one love under the banner of fiber art!

Laila teaches: Adv. Textured Yarn Spinning, and Beginning Wheel Spinning. 

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Thomas Duncan 

Thomas Duncan has been knitting obsessively for 6 years. Although he enjoys all fiber crafts including spinning and crochet, knitting is his first love.  He particularly enjoys the technical aspects of knitting, and he finds the rhythm of knitting soothing.  Since Thomas has a degree in Mathematics, he views his knitting similarly through methods.  He also enjoys playing the piano and singing, and he likes to compare the notes in music to the stitches in knitting.  Thomas moved to New York City from Georgia, and he comes from a tightly-knit family with an unusually high proportion of educators.  With teaching in his genes, Thomas loves that he can share the craft of knitting with beginners, and he enjoys watching the obsession take hold.

Thomas teaches: Beginning Knitting.

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Alyson Fortner

Alyson is the daughter of two artists and has enjoyed crafting since her early years in sunny California. Her grandma taught her how to knit very young and she has loved expanding her skills into the crochet world. When she's not stitching, she is seeing theatre all over the city and working on some theatrical projects of her own. She also loves singing show tunes and finding enjoyment in the small things of life.

Alyson teaches: Beginning Crochet - Fruity Trivet. 

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All supplies can be purchased at Purl Soho, NY or at PurlSoho.com.   

We now offer private and individual classes by request!  Please contact us at (212) 420-8796 during shop hours (12-7 Mon-Fri, 12-6 Sat & Sun) for more information. 

 

Cancellation Policy:

Any cancellations must be made prior to 7 days before the first session for a full refund.  Cancellations made after that time period (7-2 days prior) will receive store credit or the option to transfer to the next available class. As our class sizes are limited for a personal learning experience, any cancellations made within 48 hours of the class will forfeit payment.  No make up classes will be offered.