Become A Sweater Knitter with Instructor Cappie Tennant (Lakes Sweater Along)

Become a Sweater Knitter

Join the circle of obsessive sweater knitters! This four-session class walks you through the process of knitting the Lakes Pullover by Ozetta so that you can confidently participate in the shop-wide knitalong, which runs from September 2nd until October 28th (note below that the class starts meeting earlier than the knitalong kickoff, so you will hit the ground running). 

We’ll knit together, working through the project step by step, from choosing yarn to blocking your finished sweater, with plenty of tips and tricks along the way.

Who This Class Is For

This class is designed for knitters comfortable with basic knit and purl stitches, reading a pattern, and casting on/binding off independently. No prior sweater experience needed!

Dates & Times*

Two groups, 6 seats each, register for whichever fits your schedule:

Friday Group, 10 am - 12 pm: August 21, September 11, September 25, October 16

Sunday Group, 12 pm - 2 pm: August 23, September 13, September 27, October 18

Cost: $65

*Though two hours are reserved for each class session, we may end earlier, depending on the group’s progress during any particular session.

What You’ll Learn

• Choosing the right yarn for your project — how fiber content and yarn weight affect your finished sweater
• Sizing — finding your best fit by understanding the interaction of ease and your individual fit preferences
• Gauge is not a four letter word — evaluating stitch and row gauge for fabric quality and fit, plus how gauge may shift when you’re knitting flat versus in the round and in the round at a smaller circumference
• Tidy shaping — tips and tricks for better looking increases and decreases
• Picking up stitches — including picking up for sleeves to minimize holes and gaps
• German short rows — not at all as intimidating as you may think
• Tubular Bind Off — and when to choose alternatives
• 1x1 rib that behaves — tricks for crisper ribbing
• A beautifully finished neckline — working a double-folded collar that looks (and feels) professionally made and even fits over your head!
• Blocking as a tool, not just a finale — why blocking mid-project can be just as powerful as blocking at the end 

How It Works

Each class session builds on the last, working toward your finished sweater by October 28th.

Session 1 — Before We Cast On Choosing your yarn, understanding gauge, working out sizing and ease, and a full overview of the sweater roadmap ahead. You’ll leave ready to cast on the moment the shop knitalong officially begins on September 2nd.

Session 2 — Shaping the Pieces Picking up stitches and working German short rows, increases, and decreases to complete the back and front, right up until joining in the round for the body.

Session 3 — In the Round and Ribbing Joining front and back to knit in the round, key gauge considerations for the switch, and picking up stitches for your sleeves and the neckline. We’ll also cover 1x1 rib techniques for tidier results.

Session 4 — The Finishing Touches Working your folded collar and the tubular bind off. Any additional support you need to get you to the finish line on October 28th!

Materials You’ll Need 

• 1027–1904 yds of worsted weight yarn, wool or wool blend preferred (amount depends on size). Our suggestions: Knitting for Olive Heavy Merino, Cascade 220, Ultra Alpaca, or Malabrigo.
• Main needle to obtain gauge, one 16 inch and one 32 - 40 inches, plus a needle 3 sizes down from the main needle size, one 16 inch and one 32 - 40 inches, for ribbing (pattern suggests US Sizes 8 (5.00 mm) and 5 (3.75 mm), you may need to size up or down depending on your yarn and individual tension
• Extra yarn and needles for in-class practice
• Stitch markers
• Stitch holder (could be scrap yarn or plastic hollow cords, i.e., barber cord)
• Tapestry needle
• Row counter (optional)
• Wool wash (optional)

We’ll Provide

• Pattern for the Lakes Pullover by Ozetta (cost of your individual copy is included with class)
• Handouts to walk you through the math
• Video links to support your work between sessions
• Hands on support and encouragement

Meet Your Instructor: Cappie Tennant

I have been knitting for over 20 years and learned just about everything I know about knitting by knitting sweaters. Lots of them. Some have been frogged back to the cast on more than once and at least one didn’t fit over my head because the neckline was bound off too tightly. One of my goals is to save you from this indignity. 

My teaching philosophy is simple: knitting is supposed to be fun, and you’re the boss of your own knitting. If I suggest something, and you’d rather do it a different way — skip it! Swap it! Do your own thing! Just be sure to share what you do, so I don’t miss the chance to learn something new. My job is to help you end up with a sweater you're proud of, not to make you knit it “my way” or, ugh, “the right way.” By the by, I don't believe there is a “right way” in knitting, just your way. 

Expect good company, plenty of laughs, and a friend who is as excited about your sweater as I am about my own (already dreaming about my next one or three).