Hotel of Bees
Our Featured Crochet Design
Join Jessica Rollow as she checks us in to the Hotel of Bees.
This bee themed pattern makes for a beautiful shawl. It was inspired by Anthony Doerr’s book ‘All the light we cannot see’ and is a wonderful way to learn some new crochet techniques. Solid colors are recommended for this pattern to show the contrast of the simple colorwork design.
This class will cover Overlay crochet, Open crochet work, Filet crochet, Puff stitches, Picking up stitches along one side.
Skill Level: Adventurous Beginner (must be familiar with basic crochet stitches eg: single, double, triple crochet and chaining)
Chart Reading
Lace, cables, colorwork, and beyond, no matter where you turn, charts are everywhere in knitting! Chart reading can feel like learning a new language, because it is–with a new but simple set of rules that you can understand!
In this class, we’ll look at three of the stitch patterns charted in the Bombogenesis shawl: Waffle Stitch, Cables, and Staggered Eyelets. We’ll learn to recognize some of the most common symbols used in knitting charts, discuss how rows and repeats are marked and read, practice translating a chart into written instructions, and even knit along with a few rows of each chart. Please note that for class purposes we will be working on a sampler, not following the Bombogenesis pattern- so whether you’re knitting the shawl or not, this class is a great opportunity to take the fear out of charts once and for all!
Difficulty Level: Beginner (experience with knits and purls required)
Yarn: 200 yds/50 g fingering weight merino wool (or 200-300 yards of another yarn, if you’re not knitting Bombogenesis)
Needles: US 3/3.25 mm circular needles, 24” or shorter (or the recommended needle size for the yarn you’re using)
Notions: stitch markers, scrap yarn, scissors, tape measure, tapestry needle, pencil and paper
Class length: 2 hours
Brioche Rib
Whether you call it shaker knitting, fisherman’s rib, or just plain brioche, this bouncy, squishy stitch pattern is a must for knitters who love exploring new techniques! Named after a French pastry known for its decadent layers, brioche knitting allows you to create textures that are irresistible to the eye and the hand. In this class, we’ll learn how to read and work the most basic stitches in the brioche knitting family and swatch the brioche rib stitch pattern used in the Bombogenesis shawl. Remember, we’re knitting a swatch, not following the Bombogenesis pattern- so whether you’re knitting the shawl or not, this class is a great opportunity to expand your knitting horizons with a new technique!
Difficulty Level: Beginner (experience with knits and purls required)
Yarn: 200 yds/50 g fingering weight merino wool (or 200-300 yards of another yarn, if you’re not knitting Bombogenesis)
Needles: US 3/3.25 mm circular needles, 24” or shorter (or the recommended needle size for the yarn you’re using)
Notions: stitch markers, scrap yarn, scissors, tape measure, tapestry needle, pencil and paper
Class length: 1 hour
Beaded Quilt Stitch
Unquestionably the crowning glory of the Bombogenesis shawl, this dramatic stitch pattern adds texture, weight, and sparkle to the project and challenges thrill-seeking knitters with new tools and techniques. In this class, we’ll learn how to use slip stitches and floats to create a three-dimensional lattice on the surface of your knitting, as well as how to place beads using a crochet hook. We’ll also practice reading this stitch pattern as a chart, including two unconventional stitches. Please note that for class purposes we will be knitting a swatch, not following the Bombogenesis pattern- so whether you’re knitting the shawl or not, this class is a great opportunity to explore multiple new techniques in one exciting stitch pattern!
Difficulty Level: Intermediate (experience with knits, purls, and basic chart reading required)
Yarn: 200 yds/50 g fingering weight merino wool
Needles: US 3/3.25 mm circular needles, 24” or shorter
Notions: 10 g/0.35 oz glass E beads, No. 10/1.30 mm steel crochet hook, stitch markers, scrap yarn, scissors, tape measure, tapestry needle, pencil and paper
Class length: 2 hours
Meet the Instructor: Jessica Rollow
Jessica Rollow has been knitting and crocheting for more than 10 years and shamelessly added in weaving and spinning about 3 years ago. Jessica grew up in East Tennessee and currently lives in Lenoir City with her husband and their rescue cats. She became the leader of the Knoxville Knit and Crochet Group in 2015 which hosted weekly meet-ups until 2020. The Facebook community is still going strong and in person get-togethers are looking to pick back up this year.
Jessica teaches crochet and weaving at The Yarn Patch. Jessica says “I am always happy to be included in sharing the joy of fiber with new and veteran crafters.”