It is so exciting to have you along with me as we embark on this wonderful time together!  This course is something totally different, a new way of looking at the fibre arts (particularly knitting) & thinking about how we bring them to children.

You’ll learn why the art of making things is so very IMPORTANT for them (& us too!) & how to create exciting lessons that will have them asking for more.

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Why did I write this course?

This course has been swirling around in my mind for DECADES, seriously!

Every time I read something interesting about knitting or tried out a new technique, I always found myself thinking, “Oh, wouldn’t this be great to include in a course about fibre!” or “Hmmm, I wonder if other people know about this cool knitting tip…?”

I have shelves of knitting books (some with patterns & others that explore the more theoretical side of the art) as well as box after box of yarns, fleece, roving, needles & other goodies.

It’s amazing how they all just keep adding up!

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When I designed my first course, The Making Lessons, I focused mainly on giving a general overview of the benefits of teaching your children Handwork & how to include it in your lessons. It was more of a “what, when & how to teach” handwork rather than a “How-To” – (knit, sew, spin) course.  ( NOTE : Since 2013, The MAKING Lessons has evolved into a much more in-depth handwork-curriculum-design/foundational teaching course – email me if you’d like more information about the course!)

After running the course for three sessions, it quickly became apparent to me there are many people looking for a real hands-on HOW-TO course that delves deeply into one fibre art while also keeping children’s developmental stages & readiness in mind.

Since the Waldorf handwork curriculum traditionally begins with knitting, I figured I’d start there, too.

Not long afterwards, Tell-Tale Knits (Part TWO) came to life.

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The Beginner’s Mind

I also wanted to help those with little prior fibre experience to take those first baby steps into this wonderful world of fibre.

So, I added Babes ‘n’ Yarns (Part ONE) which will start at the VERY beginning of the beginning.

When I was in Fashion school, I learned of the famous German art school, Bauhaus, which existed from 1919 to 1933. When a student began studying there, they were told to disregard any prior training they’d had & to start as if they had never drawn before. In fact, the students (many who were accomplished designers & artists) were given only crayons to work with when they first arrived!

The idea of “the beginner’s mind” has always stuck with me ever since.  Whenever I approach a new technique or project, I try to see it with fresh eyes & a clear heart.

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What I hope this course gives you:

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An opportunity to come to (or back to) the fibre arts with your own “beginner’s mind”, regardless of where you are on the handwork-skills spectrum.

A feeling that it’s OK to allow yourself to take the time to explore the techniques, contemplate the exercises & enjoy making something beautiful for your children.

(They deserve to learn from someone who really understands what they’re teaching.)

A chance to connect with yourself & other creative souls – get advice, share ideas & brainstorm about your challenges. You are not the only one who wants to include knitting in your children’s lives!

The understanding of WHY it makes sense to want to inspire them to think with their hands – while they engage in the act of creating. You will be amazed how working together can deepen your relationship with your kids AND help them with their academic work.

A deep satisfaction when you watch your child admire their own creation.

So how does it all work?

A few details…

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Where ?

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All information will be posted here on this blog.

Any course notices as well as a full course “Table of Contents” will be posted on the BLACKBOARD page so that you can keep track of your progress.

The course blog is password protected so that we may enjoy it privately, feel secure in sending me images (to be posted in the gallery) to ensure that only those who have enrolled will have access to the course materials.

Passwords are individual & non-transferable.

(Some basic parts of the blog are visible to the public but none of the actual content.)

To LOGIN & view your lessons go to

www.TheMakingLessons.com/login

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How & When?
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As you know, The KNIT Lessons are being presented in two parts – Babes ‘n’ Yarns (Part ONE) & Tell-Tale Knits (Part TWO).

Each will be composed of 7 Lessons which will be sent to you in smaller Sections (from 1-3 per lesson).

You will automatically have access to a new lesson every 4-7 days (some are more challenging & so I spread them out a little more).

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If you have any questions during a lesson, need further clarification about something or would like to ask about a specific situation that you’re dealing with, just EMAIL me.  You can also comment on any lesson at anytime (it’s always nice to know what you’re thinking!)

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The Extra Dimension

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When I was designing this course, I wanted to include an additional “layer” that would go beyond just teaching you how to teach children.

To be a truly great teacher, I firmly believe that you must be inspired & excited by what you are teaching.

Throughout the lessons, you will find a few creative exercises that will give you a chance to add a bit of your own style to the class projects AND take a few steps towards developing your own contemplative knitting “practice”.

Now that we have an idea of the broad scope of what will be covered in the course – now let’s talk about who’s taking it !

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Who are you?

I know a bit about you – you live all over the world, teach children (who are your own little ones or your students) & are interested in the fibre arts.

Already, some of you have mentioned that you wish you were better at knitting or knew more about how to teach it to your kids.

That’s fine – we’ll assess & increase your skill levels in upcoming lessons.

At any rate, you just have to be a little bit ahead of your children to teach them – not a professional knitter or fibre artist for them to enjoy learning & making with you!

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Tips & Tricks

For Getting the Most Out of this Course

SECTIONS

As I mentioned above, every lesson is broken down into smaller Sections – that way you can read/watch/look at them in a short time – or wait until the end of the lesson & look at it all together.

You pick.

TIME

The amount of time you spend on each lesson will depend entirely on you. Some lessons are a bit shorter & others will be a bit more challenging. I will post exercises, forms, calendars, templates & some patterns for you to really get you thinking about how you can include knitting in your children’s lives.

FOCUS

Try to set aside some time to focus ON the lesson (that means limit distractions as much as possible – like your cell, Facebook, emails coming in, children too if you can…) – you will absorb so much more if you aren’t multi-tasking.

PREP

Consider your time spent here as a little treat for yourself – so make sure you’re comfortable, have a favourite drink nearby as well as a notebook & pen. Each lesson is quite short so you can afford to sink into it before getting on with your day (or, if you’re like me – evening!)

IDEAS

*** If you have a great idea that you think would help other’s taking this course, please email me – I’d love to hear about it!

As you go through the course, you will encounter lots of new ideas, many of them will be transferable to other areas of your teaching. That’s a good thing – but for now – try to keep yourself focused on handwork.

Once you get used to using some of these new methods & the ideas really sink in – you’ll easily be able to apply them to math, language & other areas of your children’s curriculum.

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Fine Print…

I would appreciate it if you check with me first before pinning, re-posting or sharing any course materials or images.

All content which I provide during The KNIT Lessons is copyrighted to me, Elizabeth des Roches & my company Handwork Homeschool.

Also, I will not post any of your comments, feedback or images online without your consent.

Pre-Knitting & Knitting

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Babes ‘n’ Yarns (Part ONE) of this course will cover what I call pre-knitting skills.

These include becoming familiar with fibre (wool), where it comes from, how it is transformed from fleece to yarn & basic techniques to turn the yarn into a product by using only your hands.

In the waldorf tradition, this information would be shared with children under 7. I will tell you more about how & when during the lessons. Of course, you can teach any age person (adults too) about these topics, it’s just done in a different way.

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If your children are really little

A note for those of you who have young children (less than 4 years) – I am aware that you are most likely not following a set curriculum for them. You will still be able to bring the fibre arts to them, but at a much simpler level & gentler pace.

You can think of this time as their warming up period – so that when their minds & hands are ready for the more advanced techniques they’ll be ready to go (& you’ll have had lots of time to try things out & figure out what you really enjoy!)

Why does Handwork matter?

You would think that this would be an easy question for me to answer, considering that I’ve been doing it for 40+ years.

Maybe that’s exactly why it’s taken me so long to figure out how I feel about it!

Here is your first video – it tells my “Handwork Story” &  gives you some of the most up-to-date information about the amazing benefits of handwork!

Find out Why Handwork Matters now –

(make sure you expand the video to full screen with HD on)

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Your next video, Introducing Fibrework,  gives an overview of how to share handwork with young children.

Before you watch it, make sure that you PRINT this chart –

Kindergarten Skills & Activities

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Hands On Activity

Now here’s the part you’ve been waiting for – your first hands on activity !

It’s time to start your – KnitNotes Ideabook !
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It’s pretty easy actually – all you need is a nice binder & some blank paper.

Print, collage or draw an image for your title page – something that will inspire you every time you open the book.

This is for YOU…. so make it feel & look like you.

I’ll be opening up the course Gallery soon, where I post student’s work as well as some pics of my own, too.

Seeing other student’s work makes such a difference, it makes the course feel more alive (almost like we’re all in the same room) – why not have some fun & send me some pictures of your KnitNotes Ideabook?!?

We’ll go into more detail about just what you’re going to put in it in Lesson 2.

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