Classes / Events
EVENTS
FIRST FRIDAYS
September 3 - Happy Birdie to Us: Come party to celebrate our First Anniversary!
October 1 - Customer Trunk Show
November 5 - Holiday Ornaments
December 3 - Gift Baskets
PINTS & PURLS
Join us from 6-8:30 pm EVERY Thursday for an evening knitting group - relax, socialize, laugh, kick back, wind down your week... oh, and
work on your latest project. Now that Downtown ToNight in Caras Park has ended (sadly enough!) for the 2010 season, we're back to meeting in the cozy, colorful comfort of the shop... See you here!
LOOPY LUNCH
Join us at the shop EVERY Wednesday between 11:30 and 1:30 to knit/crochet in good company. Take a break from work to recharge, get out and meet other yarn enthusiasts, ask for help or support with a project... We look forward to seeing you! Now that Out-to-Lunch has ended for the 2010 season (summer is too short!), we'll have to wait for next year to meet again in Caras Park for some Knitting in Public and fun
people-watching.
CLASSES
*PLEASE NOTE: all classes have minimum and maximum size limits and fill quickly, so be sure to register early (406.543.0560) to reserve your spot! You are not considered registered for a class until your spot has been paid for, so be ready to drop by with payment or mail a check to hold your place.
A Note about CLASS LEVELS: Beginning knitters are those folks who need to learn the knit and purl stitches. Intermediate knitters have mastered knit and purl, are comfortable with increasing and decreasing, and have some experience with knitting in the round, on circular and/or double-point needles. If you have any uncertainty about where you fall on the skill continuum, just stop by or give us a call (406.543.0560)!
KNITTED & FELTED PUPPETS
Stop by the shop to see some amazing examples of Elizabeth's original puppet designs, then peruse your holiday gift list and try to tell us that there isn't someone on your list who would just love to receive one of these wild & wooly creatures! They are SO colorful, endearing, and unique. Elizabeth will be sharing a one-of-a-kind pattern of her own design with class participants; class fee includes pattern and two skeins of feltable yarn, plus decorating extras (buttons for eyes, etc).
Wednesdays, September 8, 15, and 22, 6-7:30 pm
Cost: $75
Instructor: Elizabeth Moore
BEGINNING KNITTING - PART ONE
Learn the fundamentals in this three-session class and open your door
on the world of knitting. Class fee includes 9" needles in Size 8, a
ball of basic yarn to learn with, and a ball of cotton or corn fiber to
knit your first dishcloth projects. An optional learn-to-knit book
will also be available to purchase. (If you already own size 8 needles,
we'll set you up with needles in a different size so you'll be ready
for your next project.)
Thursdays, September 9, 16, and 23, 9:30-11 am
Cost: $65
Instructor: Gini Aten Erving
BEGINNING KNITTING - PART TWO
Got the Knit. Got the Purl. Now what?? Come make a small felted bag
and learn how to increase, decrease, knit in the round, and a few other
tricks to set you up to take on increasingly ambitious projects. Class
fee includes two skeins of worsted weight wool yarn suitable for felting
(you choose
the color, or colors) and basic bag pattern. Students will need to
have or purchase a size 10, 24" circular needle.
Tuesdays, September 14, 21, and 28, 11:30-1 pm
Cost: $65
Instructor: Gini Aten Erving
INTERMEDIATE TECHNIQUE CLASS: CABLES
Learn to knit complex cables to create richly textured garments. This is a hands-on techniques-based class that will give you the skills to produce traditional Aran sweaters, as well as any of the more recent designs that incorporate cables. It will cover simple and complex cables, bobbles, cabling without a cable needle, swatching, reading charts, yarn choice, and some design considerations when working with cables. You will produce several swatches and start on a project of your own choice. This class is suitable for intermediate to experienced knitters.
Materials provided: Small balls of yarns appropriate for cabling. (A range of cable needles will also be available for students to try working with.)
Materials needed: Needles in sizes 7, 8, and 9 (any style - circular, single-point, or double-point). Also bring stitch markers, scissors, a small crochet hook, and a tapestry needle.
Mondays, September 13, 20, and 27, 2:30-4 -OR- 6-7:30 pm
Cost: $80
Instructor: Rickie van Berkum
INTRODUCTION TO CROCHET
Crochet is a wonderfully useful skill to have, whether you want to crochet a Kristin Omdahl shawl, one of Lily Chin's gorgeous garment designs, or finish the edges of a knitted item. You will learn chain stitch and single and double crochet in the first class, while making a tiny hat as a model for a full-size hat to be made later (pattern included). In the second class, you will learn to crochet in a circle, using increases. You may bring worsted weight yarn from home or purchase yarn, and use it to make a warm and stylish hat. Class fee includes a crochet hook in an appropriate size and a ball of practice yarn.
Saturdays, September 18 and October 2, 10:30 am - Noon
Cost: $45
Instructor: Cyndy Aten
PUMPKIN PATCH
Check out the pumpkin patch in the shop and then join us to create your own little patch of decorative felted pumpkins to brighten your fall! Class fee includes pattern and materials enough for 1+ pumpkins.
Wednesdays, October 6 and 20, 1:30-3 -OR- 6-7:30 pm
Cost: $60
Instructor: Odette Grassi
WARM & COZY BASIC MITTENS
Work a basic tiny mitten in class to learn all the parts of a mitten, and then you can transfer the skills learned in order to make full-sized mittens. This class finishes just as the mornings start to get really chilly, so you'll be prepared for the cold weather with a new pair of cozy mitts! Class fee includes enough worsted weight yarn to work your mini-mitten. For the mini-mitten, students will need double-point needles in sizes 7 or 8, as well as stitch markers and a tapestry (yarn) needle. For the full-size mittens, double-point needles in size 10 will be needed. This class is appropriate for intermediate knitters.
Thursdays, October 7, 14, and 21, 3-4:30 pm
Cost: $65
Instructor: Rickie van Berkum
INTERMEDIATE TECHNIQUE CLASS: FAIR ISLE
Learn to knit gorgeous multicolored garments and accessories by exploring this traditional technique that utilizes only two colors in each row. This is a hands-on, techniques-based class that will give you the skills needed to produce any of the traditional (Fair Isle, Norwegian sedestal, Baltic) or modern mulitcolor styles. Topics to be covered include: stranding, weaving in, reading charts, choice of color, swatching, steeking, and use of variegated yarns. Students will produce several swatches and will start a project of their own choice. This class is intended for intermediate to experienced knitters.
Materials Provided: Jamieson's Spindrift shetland yarn in 10 colors to choose from for swatches.
Materials Needed: Students will need needles in sizes 2, 3, and 4. These must be either circular (any length) or double-pointed; single-pointed needles will not work. Students also need to have scissors, stitch markers, a small crochet hook, and a tapestry needle.
Mondays, October 11, 18, and 25, 2:30-4 -OR- 6-7:30 pm
Cost: $80
Instructor: Rickie van Berkum
SPIRIT DOLLS
Always eagerly-anticipated, this wonderful class will unleash your inner creativity as you learn to make your own little doll, and then develop its unique personality by decorating it with yarn, fabric, ribbon, etc. Stop by the shop to get inspired by seeing some examples of the wonderful dolls and mermaids that Odette has created! Class fee includes all materials needed to make one doll per participant. Spirit dolls make great holiday gifts (hint, hint).
Friday, November 12, 2-5 pm -OR- Saturday, November 13, 10 am-1 pm
Cost: $75
Instructor: Odette Grassi
PRIVATE LESSONS / CLASSES / PARTIES
Private knit and crochet lessons are available for $25/hour per student. Private lessons are designed for those who want more individualized attention and/or need to work around a busy schedule; we are also happy to help you plan a special class for a small group. Lessons are available by prior appointment during regular business hours. We can help you learn to knit or crochet, refresh your skills in either medium, practice a new stitch, or figure out a complicated pattern. Call (406.543.0560) or stop in to schedule a lesson.
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Staff & Instructors
CYNDY ATEN has been knitting and crocheting since childhood - the exact details are shrouded in the mists of time, though she knows that she was taught by her mother and at least three other women, and then taught herself more from books. (She taught herself to play tennis from a book as well – fortunately the knit/crochet self-teaching was more successful than the tennis.) She knit her way through medical school and did very well, largely due to the fact that she was the only person who stayed awake through all the lectures. (In addition, her long-suffering husband got a beautiful Irish fisherman’s sweater out of it.) While in pediatric residency in Connecticut, Cyndy fantasized that she would rather be working in a yarn shop (no night call required), and also that someday she would live in Missoula, after hearing Kim Williams’ regular radio commentaries from KUFM during her daily car commute. Fast-forward through a career first in pediatrics and then in college health in New Haven, CT (knitting and crocheting all the while) to January 2009, when she decided with daughter, Gini, that it was time to open that long-dreamed-of yarn shop in Missoula. And so they did, on September 4, 2009. Cyndy loves both crocheting and knitting, can’t seem to sit anywhere without having her hands busy, and is always eager to learn something new. It’s great fun to be able to share what she’s learned over the years - thanks to all of the willing students. (You know who you are!)
GINI ATEN ERVING has been knitting since childhood, although her knitting activity really spiked during college, when she apparently had way too much time on her hands and spent hours creating and re-working elaborate sweaters of her own design. (One interesting reminder of this overzealous time in her life is the very intricately cabled pullover made out of...dark purple...mohair.) She also was sure that she personally discovered the technique that she has since learned is known to the greater knitting world as "the Kitchener Stitch." (Ahh, the hubris of youth.) Now, in her more mature years, Gini continues to have a thing for color, is a "soft" junkie, and loves to teach and help customers and friends with all things yarn-related.
ODETTE GRASSI was born and raised in Fairbanks, Alaska, and although her family connection there is still strong, she is now happily based in Western Montana, where the mountains, lakes, and natural vistas are a constant source of energy and beauty for her. Odette is an amazingly versatile artist, whose beautiful work (from quilted pieces to mermaid and spirit dolls to needle-felted accessories) graces the counters and walls of Loopy. She travels frequently and hopes to continue to explore and experience different areas around the world. In addition to creating her own work, Odette teaches and works with children when she can - through specialist programs in schools, private lessons, teacher workshops, and group presentations.
HOPE LOCKWOOD has been knitting for more than 60 years, ever since her mother taught her when she was about 8 years old. She started knitting for others about 30 years ago and has been teaching for 20 years, since starting with lessons around her dining room table in Fairbanks, Alaska. Her current main interests are knitting and felting handbags and ladies' cowboy hats. Another specialty of Hope's is the repair of damaged knit garments. She also enjoys trying new garment styles, new techniques, and new yarns. Hope sells her creations through her business, The Woolen Ewe.
As a transplant from the East Coast, ADELAIDE McMURRER has found a wonderful knitting community here in Missoula. She started knitting as a small child (about 5 years old, or so) and it has been part of her life ever since. Adelaide has taught knitting since her college years, and has also worked in yarn shops, had a knitting business, and been a textile demonstrator in a museum (dream job!). Adelaide lives in Missoula with her daughter and grandson, and although she is now retired, she manages to keep very busy and happy.
ALISON REINTJES began knitting in 2007 after attending an hour-long Learn to Knit evening at her local library. She didn't learn much that first night but it got her hooked. A year later she was pregnant with her twins, Bea and Lauris, and since their birth, she has made baby and kid clothes galore: t-shirts, pants, bibs, hats, overalls, sweaters, and more. Occasionally, she even fits in an adult project for herself!
RANDY SWAN sauntered into Loopy one fine February 2010 afternoon, unaware of his new obsession lurking around the corner. What started with a book, two skeins of yarn, and a pair of size 8 knitting needles turned into a mountain of colors and endless accessories. Within weeks of his initiation, Randy had completed socks, hats, and just about everything else under the sun. With the help of the Hellgate Flagship Program's after school knitting club held at Loopy (and some resourcefulness when left to his own devices), Randy mastered the basics (and then some!) of knitting in just a matter of months. He recently finished an incredible intarsia argyle vest and is currently creating a beautiful cardigan from the book, Poetry in Stitches.
RICKIE VAN BERKUM has been involved in the fiber arts since her mother and grandmother taught her to knit as a child. She is an avid knitter and handspinner and loves to share her passion with others. Recently, Rickie has been dyeing yarns – she particularly loves yarns with subtle color variations, and she is very pleased that Loopy has been carrying her yarns! Her four llamas and local shepherds provide her with fiber to wash, card, and finally spin on one of her two spinning wheels or a drop spindle. Being a handspinner gives a knitter an in-depth understanding of yarn structure and fiber content, which makes it even more fun to go into Loopy and fondle the gorgeous yarns for sale! You can visit Rickie at her booth at the Clark Fork River Market on Saturdays to see her handspun yarns and handknitted items.
CHRISTINA YOSHIMURA started learning to knit and crochet when she was three. She was invited to her mother's and grandmother's "hen parties" and loved being surrounded by people creating with yarn, threads, and fabrics. She endured jokes from friends as she grew up for enjoying textile arts when it wasn't quite fashionable to do so, but the joke was on them when knitting and crocheting made a comeback and she was the one teaching all of her friends how to knit, purl, and chain. Christina focuses on creating items that can be worn or used, and is trying hard to focus on using what she has on hand instead of addictively adding to her supply stash.
