About the Class

All the lessons and assignments are already posted. Does that mean I can send things in early?

Sure thing. I don't mind if you send everything in during the first month. That said, the assignments for this class are certainly more time consuming that KTMW, so this might not even be an issue. I would advise you to work steadily throughout the term rather than to rush it, simply because you'll probably get more enjoyment out of it that way. But if you want to go on a knitting binge, more power to you.

I'm having trouble working out the techniques in a particular lesson; can I turn it in next month and do another assignment first?

Sure thing. Sometimes it takes a while to get the hang of a certain technique, and going back to something more comfortable can help you break through that wall. It's helpful if you mention this in your email, but it's not a requirement.

How strict are those due dates?

To be honest, not very. Whereas I like to keep the basic knitting class roughly on schedule, I think this one can be a bit looser, particularly for the more experienced knitters. I know I sometimes I go weeks without knitting; sometimes it's the lack of an appealing project, sometimes the lack of energy, but the result is that my needles are silent, and that's no fun. So, for now, let's look at the due dates as more guidelines than actual rules. The key is, I think, a balance between finishing projects and keeping knitting fun. I'd recommend, of course, doing a project a month, just so you don't have to knit five things in two weeks or something.
Note: This is an experiment and therefore subject to change. I'll let you know if that happens.

I've already taken this class and earned a quill. Can I take it again?

Absolutely you can! Because this class is a productive one — in that you end the class with something you've made — I have no problem with you signing up again. In fact, I'd love it! And, if you're looking to do something a bit different from the assignments, well, *phone fingers* send me a message; I'm sure we can work something out.

I have an idea for a pattern to use, but it's not wearable; is it worth asking permission to make it for the class?

Absolutely! For starters, in the suggested patterns in the assignments, there are several non-wearable things, like cushions and blankets and bags. You see, my initial idea was that the class would focus on smaller wearable items — scarves, hats, mitts, maybe socks — that incorporate different techniques, like cabling and lace; they're the sorts of projects that don't require overwhelming amounts of commitment and usually need very little finishing, bringing a sort of "instant gratification" to the process. However, the structure of the class changed a bit in planning, even if the Wearables name stuck.

All of which means that projects don't have to be wearable things. At all. :)

I'm not feeling any of the pattern suggestion, but I don't know where to find other patterns. Help!

There are so many places to find really awesome patterns, and, thanks to the internet, there is a nearly unlimited supply of free patterns out there, and even more paid ones! It can be overwhelming at first, but there are tools out there to help. My favorite way to search for patterns is to go to Ravelry and use their search. You have to be a member, but it's a free sign-up, and there are lots of groups and resources there, too. People put project pages up for designs from all sorts of places, so you can find pages of patterns from the internet and books, even hard-to-find and out-of-print ones. Many members upload pictures of their projects, which can help you see what a pattern will look like. The Ravelry search is focused on the projects, and you can specify whether you want knitting or crocheting patterns, free or not, what type of project (hat, scarf, gloves, etc.), what sort of design technique (colorwork, lace, cables, etc.), and all sorts of other things. In fact, it's how I found a bunch of the pattern suggestions.

Alternatively, you can use your favorite internet search engine and search for free knitting patterns; you'll get a lot of hits.