Let’s Learn Together
“Brooke was a fantastic teacher! Her instructions and demonstrations were clear, and I feel confident in my new skills!”
With over 15 years of experience teaching a variety of crafts, I’m passionate about introducing new crafts and skills with my students! My teaching style is warm and patient, meeting students where they are and guiding them into their new skills with as much enthusiasm (and as little “learning a new skill” frustration) as possible.
Knitting
Courses/Workshops
Intro to Knitting Series
A 3-course series that can be presented individually or as a bundle. This series is designed for absolute beginners and takes students from the basics of knit and purl through to knitting in the round. Each course is designed around a project that students will finished with help from me and is taught over a 2- or 3-week period.
Knitting 101
Knit and purl basics
Knitting 102
Increases and decreases
Knitting 103
Knitting in the round
Beginner Knitting
This 3-hour workshop introduces the basic skills needed to begin a life as a knitter. This freeform, foundations workshop focuses on learning to cast on, knit, purl, switch between stitches on the same row, and bind off. Students will learn the various steps of each skill and begin to build muscle memory to prepare them to take on their own projects.
Mitten or Sock Classes/Club
Mittens and socks are some of the more widely requested projects for advanced beginner to intermediate knitters. I offer a variety or arrangements to teach these projects, either as a 3-week course or an ongoing weekly club where knitters can come to your venue and receive guidance at whatever stage they are in their project. I can teach using double pointed needles, circulars, or two-at-a-time Magic Loop.
Sweater Construction
Basic sweater construction skills are valuable to any knitter looking to design their own wardrobe. Students get experience in the various steps involved while making a baby sweater so they can practice on a smaller scale (3-weeks course). I can also teach basic sweater design or work with students on knitting a sweater to their own measurements (4- to 5-week course with lots of knitting “homework” in between).
Other Knitting Skills
As an expert knitter with over 30 years experience, I can teach just about any skill or technique a new or experienced knitter may want. Lace knitting, cables, reversible “double” knitting, intarsia and faire isle colour work, and more. If you have a skill your customers want to learn, let me know and I can put together a course for you.
Crochet
Courses/Workshops
Beginner Crochet
This 3-hour workshop introduces the basic skills to get hooking! Students will learn to make a foundation chain, single crochet, half double crochet, and double crochet. Students will learn the various steps of each skill and begin to build muscle memory to prepare them to take on their own projects.
Crochet Water Bottle Holder
A perfect summer course suitable for absolute beginners and new crocheters alike. Students learn how to single crochet, increase for a circle, use chain stitch to create netting, and read a simple written crochet pattern.
Granny Square Fun!
Granny squares are simple and fun to make while being wonderfully versatile. Students will learn how to complete a few granny squares and practice sewing them together. Students will then decide what they want to make out of granny squares (blankets, sweaters, ponchos, etc.) and work with me to devise a plan on how to complete this project independently.
Pin Loom Weaving
Courses/Workshops
Lavender Sachets
A perfect workshop for absolute beginners! Students will learn how to weave a 4 inch square on a pin loom and how to sew 2 woven squares together and fill it to create a functional sachet that can keep moths away from clothes and drawers smelling sweet. Pin loom weaving is a quick and accessible introduction to the craft of weaving. I can provide the looms.
Scarves and Shawls
Scarves and shawls provide a wonderful blank slate for textile design and pin loom weaving is a wonderful addition to a designer’s tool kit. This course will teach students how to weave on a pin loom including basic weave, overshot, and colour work, before moving on to design decisions to help the student create the finished piece of their dream fall/winter wardrobe. I can provide the looms.
Christmas Ornaments
The versatility of pin loom squares goes beyond clothing and blankets. These cute little squares can be made into Christmas ornaments! A Christmas tree, poinsettia, and an angel are options for students to make in this perfect seasonal workshop. I can provide the looms.
Yarn Spinning
Courses/Workshops
Drop Spindle Yarn
The ultimate introduction to the art of spinning, drop spindle is an accessible and inexpensive way to begin making your own yarn. Students will learn how to take commercially prepared roving and create a “singles” of yarn, which will then be plied into a 2-ply yarn. I can provide drop spindles.
Get to Know Your Spinning Wheel
Spinners ready to graduate to a spinning wheel will get hands-on instruction on how to make the yarn of their dreams. Students will learn how their wheel works, how to care for it, how to spin basic woolen and worsted techniques, and how to ply. This can be taught as a basic fundamentals workshop or a multi-week course that focuses on a different skill each week.
Embroidery
Courses/Workshops
Wooden Christmas Ornament
A fun and festive seasonal workshop suitable for absolute beginners! Students will decorate a wooden Christmas ornament with cross stitch.
Embroidery Stitch Sampler
In this 3-hour workshop, beginner stitchers will get a chance to practice a variety of embroidery stitches and complete a stitch sampler. Can also be presented as a Sip ‘n Stitch for evenings, bachelorette parties, or other fun events.
Medieval Stitch
Medieval art, especially marginalia, are having a moment on social media. This course teaches students the stitches and design used in the Bayeux Tapestry, but with a modern twist! Students will learn stem stitch, split stitch, and the “Bayeux Stitch” to create a piece with a modern theme.
Water Colour and Embroidery
Combining water colour paint and embroidery adds a whole new dimension to textile art! This course will allow students to explore these mediums to create a simple landscape.
Yarn Dyeing
Courses/Workshops
Nature Dyeing
In this 3-hour workshop, students will experience the magic of dyeing yarn with natural materials. Using onion skins as an easily accessible dye material, students will learn how to weigh and measure mordants and dye materials in the kettle dyeing method of yarn dyeing. Students will also have access to my own personal dye journal to see how different materials and mordants can be used.
Yarn Painting With Kool Aid
Kool Aid drink powder is an inexpensive and surprisingly effective way to achieve a variety of colours in yarn dyeing. Students will learn how to mix the powder to create a yarn dye and how to apply it to a skein of yarn to create a colourful striped yarn.
Get In Touch
If you're interested in working with me, complete the form with a few details about your venue and goals. I'll review your message and get back to you within 48 hours.