Students will learn how knitting toys differs from other knitting projects, how to knit in the round on double-pointed needles, how to pick up stitches, and how  to make an i-cord. We'll also cover finishing techniques appropriate for toys. 

In the first session, we’ll cover knitting in the round, i-cord, and picking up stitches. In the second session, we’ll stuff the gnomes, make arms and noses, weave in ends, and make beards or braids. 

Prerequisite: Students must know how to cast on, knit, and purl without assistance. 

Pattern: Never Not Gnoming (purchase on Ravelry here:  ravelry.com/patterns/library/never-not-gnoming) We will be making the medium-sized gnome, "Gnatasha." The pattern will need to be purchased ahead of time. The cost of the pattern is not included in the cost of the class. 

Fee: $45

Instructor: Cheryl

Materials:

- There's a lot of information about yarn choice below, but here's the skinny: we think you should use worsted weight yarn. You'll need about 50 yards total for the gnome's hat and body, about 10 yards for its hands and nose, and about 10 yards for its beard or hair. You can pick any colors you like, but the colors should ideally contrast, at least a little. The hat and body don't have to be the same color - follow your heart!

The two sample gnomes are knit in Malabrigo Rios, a worsted weight yarn you can find in the shop. 

The pattern recommends fingering weight yarn, but we recommend using a heavier weight yarn that will make it easier to see what you're doing. You can always make a smaller gnome later. Note that if you want to give your gnome to a child, it would be good to choose washable yarn. If you have questions about which yarns to select, Indigo Purls' staff will be happy to help you find what you need.

- Double-pointed needles in a size that will allow you to create a tight fabric. The samples were knit using size 4 and size 5 needles. Note that while this pattern can be made using Magic Loop or two sets of circulars, the class will not be focused on these skills.

- Darning needle

- Stitch markers

- Row counter or other method for tracking rows

Stuffing and weighted beads will be provided.