We're bringing great instructors, like Fiona Ellis, to you! Take this class from the comfort of your home, using a free videoconferencing software called Zoom.
Knitting as Mindfulness
“Mindfulness is a type of meditation in which you focus on being intensely aware of what you're sensing and feeling in the moment, without interpretation or judgment” – Mayo Clinic
We invite you to join us for three sessions with Fiona Ellis in which she will draw on her knowledge as both a knitwear designer and a yoga instructor. She will lead you in a series of knitting exercises and discussions devised to bring you to a point of mindfulness as you stitch, adding more awareness to the practice of knitting and deepening your skills to enhance the relaxation aspect of the craft. You will be invited to reflect on your experience in each session, either privately or by sharing with the group. Each session has a different focus and they are not cumulative; you can attend Session 2 without having taken Session 1, for example. Click here (or watch below) for an interview with Fiona on these sessions.
Sign up for all three sessions, if you can. (Each session is recorded so if you are unable to attend the live session, you won't miss out.)
Skill Level: the seminars involve only knitting practice, without physical exercise. In order to participate in the knitting exercise, you should be able to cast on, knit and purl. Beginner knitters are welcome; the exercises are designed to bring awareness to your hand movements and focus your observations. You are welcome to observe the demonstrations and try out more technical exercises on your own, later.
Session 1) PAST – Observing & Awareness
This 60-minute session takes place on Monday, November 6 starting at 2:00 pm PST, 3:00 pm MST, 4:00 pm CST, 5:00 pm EST, 6:00 pm AST.
Just as we focus on each breath during a meditation, we will use basic knitting skills (knit & purl) to bring focus to each stitch. This session will invite participants to become more fully aware of both sensory and mechanical aspects of our knitting practice. Fiona will also include an examination of our emotional responses to colour.
"Just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed this class. I have been practicing all those fun new techniques!! Fixing the dropped purl stitch was a game changer." ~ Becky K
Please bring: cast on 36 stitches and work a few rows in Stockinette using a smooth medium/worsted weight yarn in a light, solid colour and 4.5 - 5.0mm knitting needles. Leave the stitches live on the needles.
Session 2) PRESENT – Expanding & Contraction
This 60-minute session takes place on Monday, November 13 starting at 2:00 pm PST, 3:00 pm MST, 4:00 pm CST, 5:00 pm EST, 6:00 pm AST.
By considering how stitch increases and decreases perform, the first part of this session will look at how to bring openness & lightness to knitted fabric. Then we will move onto an examination of the construction of simple cable stitches looking at how fabric compression is brought about.
Please bring: a cable needle and cast on 36 stitches and work a few rows in Stockinette using a smooth medium/worsted weight yarn in a light, solid colour and 4.5 - 5.0mm knitting needles. Leave the stitches live on the needles.
Session 3) FUTURE – Strengthening & Deepening
This 60-minute session takes place on Monday, November 20 starting at 2:00 pm PST, 3:00 pm MST, 4:00 pm CST, 5:00 pm EST, 6:00 pm AST.
This session will challenge our skills through exploring colour-work, adding depth to any knowledge that we may have already gained. Three different techniques of varying complexity will be examined, participants will be invited to work at whichever level they feel most comfortable.
Please bring: 2 contrasting colours in yarns that are similar weights. Choose one and cast on 24 stitches, then work 2 rows of garter (to form an edge). Leave these stitches live on the needle with the yarn attached.
About Fiona
Fiona Ellis is a graduate of DeMontfort University (England) with a degree in fashion knitwear design. She has been designing professionally for 30 years and is a registered yoga instructor. She is the author of Inspired Cable Knits, Knitspiration Journal and Inspired Fair Isle Knits. She is also an instructor on Craftsy. You can find her designs on Ravelry here. Why take a class with Fiona? She's knowledgeable and talented but even more important, she's patient and kind. You'll learn so much from Fiona (just like Barb and Cynthia)!
Read these helpful tips before you register:
- You have to pay the registration fee in advance to hold your seat. You can register online or call the store at 780-477-9276 to make a payment over the phone.
- As this is an online class, you will need to have Zoom downloaded on a computer, tablet or mobile device. If using a computer, make sure you also have a webcam and microphone built in or attached.
- The class session(s) will be recorded and copies of all/segments of the class will be available for you to review for a limited time after the class session(s).
- Refunds? If you cancel 14 days (or more) prior to your workshop date, we will transfer your registration fee to a RCY gift card at no charge or offer a refund less a 10% cancellation fee. The cost of any materials provided to you will be subtracted from any refunds/transfers.
- No refunds will be made if you have to cancel less than 14 days before your class is scheduled to begin. If minimum enrolment is not met we reserve the right to cancel the class. A full refund of your registration fee will be given should this situation arise.
Questions, comments, concerns, suggestions? Please contact cynthia@rivercityyarns.com.