Richmond hosts a number of yarn boutiques, from Carytown to Powhatan, and all of them are launching a fresh season of classes from beginner to advanced project levels. Here's a sampling of what our local shops have to offer:
Kristin Bright owns Grove Avenue's The Knitting Basket (282-2909 or knittingbasket.biz ), which has been offering knitting advice in Richmond for almost 30 years. The shop is brimming with natural and blend yarn as well as fresh classes every six weeks. In November and December, they are offering a mitten class, a seaming class and a sock class (classes range from a one-time session to six weeks; $50 to $80).
Carytown's The Yarn Lounge (340-2880 or theyarnlounge.com ) has been a haven for all-natural knitting supplies for almost five years. This month, a fresh round of instruction begins, with four beginner courses teaching the fundamentals of knitting in three-week sessions, taught by local experts Tracy Haines, Susan Osofsky and Laura Beard. The store is also offering specialized classes including Simple Winter Toppers, a primer in a variety of hat styles, and Holiday Fiddle Faddle, during which participants will learn to knit an ornament, a mini-sweater and a rabbit holiday decoration. Class prices range from $75 to $90.
Tucked away in the Stony Point Shopping Center, Lettuce Knit (323-5777 or lettuceknit.com ) offers more than 15 lines of yarn. They're currently conducting Knit-alongs, free project sessions that are continuing this month (participants must purchase project supplies from the Lettuce Knit). Examples include a Cora scarf (Mondays, Oct. 26 and Nov. 2), a sweater project (Tuesdays, Oct. 27, Nov. 3, 10 and 17), a reversible cable scarf (Thursdays, Oct. 29 and Nov. 5) and a snowboarder hat with ear flaps (Wednesdays, Oct. 28 and Nov. 4); all classes are from 6 to 7:30 p.m. and are taught by experts with up to 50 years of experience. To participate, you should know the basic knitting stitch, but if you don't, come early or during business hours for a free lesson.
Powhatan's Holly Spring Homespun (598-2232 or hollyspringhomespun.com ) is a boutique with a full range of knitting, crocheting and spinning supplies, as well as classes. This month, the shop offers a mittens class (Nov. 7 and 14, from 10 a.m. to noon; $35), as well as a Stash Swap (Nov. 13, from 7 to 8:30 p.m.), during which knitters can exchange unwanted yarn for a fresh color — and begin knitting a wrap. Also, on Dec. 5 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) the store will host a supplies sale with refreshments.
