No products in the cart.
Next Level Knitting Conference
Schedule and Class Descriptions
We’re thrilled to announce the full schedule of classes for the Next Level Knitting Conference 2024. Below you can find the class descriptions and teachers for each time slot. Since registration includes the ability to watch any class as many times as you like for 6 months, you don’t have to tell us which class you will attend live and you can just make that decision at any point.
Looking for a simple list of classes, teachers and times? You can find it here.
Note – All times are given in Central US Daylight Savings time and Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). Translate UTC to your time zone here.
Friday April 19, 2024
Arenda, Christina, and Linda kick off the conference with announcements and some prizes. (Do not need to be present to win any of the prizes. All registrants are entered to win.)
We will post Swatch videos and MHK resource videos throughout the day. We have everything from how to put together your notebook, what triggers a resubmission, where to find resources, and in-depth looks at each swatch.
Introduction to Argyle – Harry Wells
Love those classic diamond shapes called Argyle, but are mystified about how to accomplish them? In this class, you will learn the classic technique of knitting Argyle flat, along with a seaming method that makes the seam nearly invisible and not bulky. Students will make an Argyle sample swatch, learning how to wrap yarns to prevent holes, how to add in bobbins, and other Argyle tips and tricks. You will also learn the calculations to design your own Argyle diamond patterns for different gauges. You’ll discover the fun of watching these diamonds grow, but beware, Argyle can become addictive!
Writing Patterns – Donna Estin
Learn the elements of a good pattern, industry standards in pattern-writing, charting, formatting, following templates, and more in this class designed for both aspiring knitwear designers and those working through the Master Hand Knitting program.
Measuring Gauge – Arenda Holladay (Pre-recorded)
This class was originally taught in 2023 but there was a loud outcry to bring it back. Many people found it very helpful for both their personal knitting or for the Master Hand Knitting program.
This class will focus on measuring gauge for different types of stitch patterns– (how to determine what to include in the gauge swatch, how to measure the correct portion of the swatch, how to count rows/stitches) and how to calculate the gauge. Anyone would benefit from this course but it is specific to the MHK and PKC programs.
How to Install a Zipper: Considerations and Techniques – Celia Cahill (Pre-recorded)
Does installing a zipper sound complicated? Learn how to do it like a pro.
Ladderback Jacquard for Stranded Knitting – Amy Snell
Once you add this technique to your knitting toolbox, you may never want to go back to any other method of carrying floats. The ladderback jacquard technique will improve the tension of your stranded knitting while allowing you to span much larger areas between stitches. This knitting method adds stretch to the floats while preventing the alternate color from peeking through, and can be applied to nearly any form of stranded knitting. If you’re interested in tweaking patterns or developing your own colorwork designs, incorporating this technique means you can design without limits on the space between alternating motifs.
Double Knitting Basics – Jennifer Kent
Learn the basic techniques for double knitting including how to cast on, how to hold the yarn and knit two layers of fabric simultaneously, how to read and follow double knit charts, and how to bind off using 2 colors to create a reversible pattern.
A Deep Dive into Garter Stitch Tab Cast On – Debbie West
In this class, we will discuss the garter stitch cast on and how it can be used and modified. We will explore three methods to create this cast on both for ease and appearance. We will see, with small samples, how the pick up affects the final outcome. Little changes can make aesthetic differences depending on the desired look.
MHK Focus on Success Level 3: Charting – Leslie Gonzalez
The MHK Program requires proficiency in working from as well as generating charts, with chart work integrated across all three levels. This class will address the the expectations for chart work for all three levels. Level 3 is the most chart intensive level and Leslie will provide detailed guidance on the specialized charts required for this advanced level.
The Art of Knitting Lace – Tonia Lyons
Explore the intricate world of lace knitting with this beginner class focused on providing you with a solid understanding of lace knitting basics. Topics include reading and knitting from a lace chart, exploring the world of yarnovers and decreases, a look at the confusing ‘no stitch’ chart symbol, and basic fixes every lace knitter should know.
Brioche Beyond the Basic Stripe – Amie Palmer
Reversible brioche patterns can seem daunting but with a few extensions of knitting and purling skills, you too can be creating those irresistible two-color designs. In this extended session, dive into the increases and decreases that make the magic happen. Along the way, learn troubleshooting skills for the things that commonly happen with brioche. By the end of session, you’ll have a firm understanding of the skills needed to tackle almost any brioche project.
Sock Heels – Heather Storta
Did you know there are a TON of sock heel options out there? There are so many heels to choose from! Join us as we explore several different types of heels and analyze their pros and cons. We will cover cuff-down and toe-up options, so there will be a heel for every type of sock knitter!
Color Magic Challenge: Color Theory and Practice for Knitters – Yoriko Oki
To create projects you are proud of, colors play a huge part. In this class, you will learn to identify your color preferences (if you don’t know it already) and build a palette for a specific project and/or your entire stash, using the color wheel and modern color theory. It will also empower you to use up leftover yarns from your past projects. At the end of the class, you should be able to choose colors for your next project with more confidence with less swatching.
Steeks (pre-recorded) – Mary Beth Jacobs
Learn all about steeks- from what they are to how to have not only successful, but beautiful results. The class covers yarn choices, typical steek uses, steek stitch patterns, methods for securing a steek, tips for cutting open a steek, basting down a steek, and general information about modifying a pattern to include a steek.
An Evening at Morehouse Farm
Join us for a fun night with a virtual tour of the farm, meet the sheep, and hear how Morehouse re-introduced Merino sheep to New England. The evening ends with random drawings of a few gift cards for Morehouse Farm Merino yarn!
Saturday April 20, 2024
Designing Aran Sweaters – Donna Estin
Designing an Aran sweater requires a different approach to traditional sweater design. This class will cover design decisions which need to be made early on in the design process, selecting and laying out cables, swatching, charting, and pulling it all together to create a balanced design that feels as good as it looks.
Colorwork the Easy Way: Mosaic Knitting – Harry Wells
Mosaic slip-stitch patterns can boast amazing colorwork without the hassle of stranding or working with multiple colors in a row! Along with the basic mosaic knitting technique for garter and stockinette, learn to predict when combinations of variegated and solid color yarn work together and when they will not, how charts are written and read differently for mosaic knitting, and practical tips about navigating the technique. Also covered are examples of adding slip stitch to basic garter and progressively adding one, two, and three colors to achieve stunning colorwork results with so little effort!
Fix Your Knits – Tonia Lyons
Learning to fix your knitting mistakes begins with reading your knitting and having a clear understanding of how knitted fabric works. The first part of this workshop thoroughly explores knit and purl stitches (including stitch anatomy, stitch mount, Eastern, Western, and combination knitting, and twisted stitches) and how those two stitches create a variety of fabrics. Part two explores how to fix dropped stitches and sections of stitches in those various fabrics (Stockinette, Garter stitch, 2×2 rib, and Seed stitch), as well as the basics of tinking, frogging, and adding lifelines.
Panel Discussion – Professional Knitters and Tech Editors Speak
Curious about what Tech Editors and Professional Knitters do? How do they find work? How do they approach their business? A panel of Certified Tech Editors and Professional Knitters talk about their journeys.
Upper Body Posture and Hand Ergonomics for Knitters – Andrea Lui
Aches and pains while knitting or crocheting? Feeling sore after all your crafting time? Having difficulty holding your yarn and needles pain-free but not sure what to do? Come join us for a class on posture and ergonomics with Andrea Lui. Andrea is an orthopedic physical therapist, and avid knitter, spinner, and occasional crocheter. The class will begin with an overview on correct and optimal ergonomics for crafting, and common posture pitfalls to avoid. There will be a section on hand ergonomics specific to small circumference knitting. We will also review simple stretches and exercises to keep your muscles and joints healthy and happy.
Stitch and Row Equivalency – Suzanne Bryan
Learn how to compensate for differences in stitch and row gauge across a fabric.
MHK Focus on Success Level 1: Preliminary Swatch – Laurie Gibson and Joyce Jones
The Preliminary Swatch is a powerhouse swatch! It teaches how to select yarn and needles, cast on and bind off, measure your work, and determine stitch gauge before and after blocking. From this swatch, you will learn to evaluate drape and tension. These are the criteria by which all the swatches and project in Level 1 are evaluated by the reviewers, and a thorough understanding of the Preliminary Swatch helps ensure success in the program.
One Color, Two Layers: Preliminary Swatch – Jolie Elder
Monochromatic double knitting is an alternative to working in the round on double-pointed needles. The magic is the fabric is created by knitting flat on two needles. This is great for making arms and legs for knitted toys, fingers for gloves, or large i-cords like purse handles. You can also make reversible items with knit-purl patterns or make “quilted” items if you are willing to stuff the pockets as you work. This technique is based on the work of Beverly Royce.
Three Methods of Joining: Improving Your Shoulder Joins – Arenda Holladay
Want to have better looking shoulders? This class will cover three methods: seaming, grafting and three needle bind offs. We’ll explore how short rows can also improve the look of your knitting.
Stranded Colorwork – the Next Steps – Varian Brandon
This class is for the knitter who wants to continue the journey into stranded colorwork knitting. You know the basic concepts. Two colors per round. Following a chart. But you’ve seen some basic Fair Isle motifs and want to put them to use. And how do you work simple increases and decreases and maintain the colorwork pattern? These questions and more will be covered in class. Students will work on a headband with a classic Fair Isle motif which can be expanded into a hat…for those who just can’t stop this addictive form of knitting. Covered in class: pattern overview, review of reading charts, review of adding new yarns and securing old yarns, adapting classic Fair Isle motifs, exploring color placement in Fair Isle motifs, increasing and decreasing while maintaining color pattern.
MHK Q&A Session for All Levels – Co-Chairs
Have some questions that haven’t been covered? Here is where you can get the official answers and assistance. This session will be done in a Breakout Room so. you can speak live with co-chairs.
Sweater Hacks – Safiyyah Talley
There’s nothing worse than finishing a sweater and not liking the fit. And I’m sure a lot of us have been there! In this class I created several tried-and-true sweater hacks that you can plug into any sweater pattern. Though these no fuss techniques require little math and time, they make a huge difference in sweater fit.
Scandi Style- Bonnie Franz (Pre-recorded)
Scandinavia has always been associated with beautiful knits. Join us for a look at the history of colorwork and texture knitting across the region and specific to each country, as well as a look at some contemporary designers moving the traditions in new directions.
Taming Tension – Binka Schwan (Pre-recorded)
Struggling with uneven stitches, rowing out, wonky edge stitches? Binka is our resident expert on diagnosing and fixing your tension issues.
Inside the Art of Yarns
Join us for a fun and interesting evening with Caroline Sommerfield of Ancient Arts Yarns as she takes us on a journey of how yarns come to be. Go behind the scenes of the dyeing process where mesmerizing colors bring yarn to life, discover heritage wools, yarn constructions and more. The evening will close with random drawings for gift cards for Ancient Arts yarn.
Sunday April 21, 2024
Short Rows Made Simple – Dawn, the Stitching Coach
Don’t shy away from short rows, make them simple with The Stitching Coach! Short rows give shape (especially in busts and heels) and interest to our knitting. In this class you will learn five short row methods (Wrap & Turn, Yarnover, German, Japanese and the Twin-Stitch methods) and end the class with a favorite to add to your knitting “playbook.” Our project can be used as a decorative flower, coaster, face or dish scrubber. This class is appropriate for advanced beginners to intermediate knitters who know how to cast on, knit, purl and bind off.
Unlocking Raglan Fit – Jen Parroccini
In this class, we’ll unpack the nuances of designing truly size-inclusive raglans. More than other constructions, raglan design requires subjective decision making, and understanding how the pieces come together will give designers the tools to confidently write these patterns. We’ll talk about front neck depth, yoke depth vs. raglan depth, compound shaping, considerations for flat vs. in the round, short row location, and more.
Repairing Stranded Knitting in Progress and Finished – Cherie Cornick
This class is a demonstration of the problems unique to stranded knitting when fixing a few dropped or mis-knit stitches, ripping back to repair larger mistakes, and replacing a section in a finished piece because of wear or knitting errors. The class handout will include a chart and directions for the swatch used for demonstration. Participants might choose to knit the swatch and, at a later date, watch the video again to try the techniques.
Confident Cockleshells (pre-recorded) – Helen Robertson
The versatile Shetland Lace Cockleshell stitch is tricky to master but so satisfying to knit. After this class you will knit it with ease.
The Cowlette Class: A Quick and Easy Knit for Everyone – Safiyyah Talley
Let me introduce you to my latest obsession, cowlettes! Cowlettes are shawlettes that are knit in the round to create a unique accessory that can be worn and enjoyed by everyone. In the winter time, they can be used as a warm layer, or you can knit a lighter version to be draped over a summer outfit. In this class, we will cover how to knit and customize our own cowlette using my handy dandy Cowlette Workbook. If desired, you can even cast on in class!
Knit Faster with Combination Knitting – Jolie Elder
Do you dread 1×1 ribbing? Are your ssk decreases less tidy than your k2tog? Are you a continental knitter who hates purling? Do you have trouble working make1-left and make1-right? Do you know all four needle positions? Do you know the difference between left-facing and right-facing stitches? Combination knitting exploits stitch facings and needle positions. Learn how to combination knit and when to use it to make your knitting both more pleasant to do and more beautiful as a finished product.
MHK Focus on Success Level 2: Argyle Sock – Cathy Berry and Claire Morson
This class will cover the considerations and techniques necessary to complete a successful Level 2 argyle sock project.
Fully Fashioned Shoulders – Leslie Gonzalez
Full Fashioned Shoulder Shaping is a couture method for creating comfortable, flattering sloped shoulders. The seam sits behind the shoulder to work in harmony with the shoulder’s anatomy. In this class we will discuss the method, its benefits, and design particulars. As you work a miniature version of the shoulders, you’ll become comfortable with the method and practice the cable decreases characteristic to this look. You will leave with the tools to design or modify a pattern to use this method. And if you don’t want to design or modify a pattern, you will have the skills and confidence to be successful following a published pattern.
We’ll close out with time for questions, announcements, thanks, and prizes.