Today was officially the last knitting class of the school year for my middle school knitters; they’ve come so far this year, it’s incredible, really.

We had a relaxed class that had a few kids still focused on projects (like working the thumb gusset of a mitten, separating the sleeves on a February Lady Sweater, and even finishing a giant market sack!). The range of projects was pretty incredible and the kids learned so many skills. We started in the fall with basic scarves, moved into hats and mittens, worked socks, and ended with some of them knitting sweaters, stuffed toys like pigs and bears, and lace accessories.

I adored their silliness and daring attitudes. They used colors I would never dare to use, because ultimately, they are the age where they can really work those colors out! I loved walking into the room and seeing the incredible palette, and their eagerness to show me how to completely goof off.

Some of them have expressed that they can’t possibly go an entire summer without knitting “guidance”. Therefore, we, and by we I mean they, have decided I must make myself available to them at a coffee shop on a standard day so they can come ask questions and get general fiber feedback. It doesn’t take much to get me into a coffee shop really, so the arrangement seems fitting.

As always, you can see loads of their work at the Scenes from Knitting Class Flickr Set. I think we’ll keep the same one next year. They gave me some feedback on how I should teach the course as a progression next year. They liked the idea that first term would entail basic knitting, second term felting art (for those who don’t know, it’s knitting with 100 percent wool and then “felting” it with hot soapy water  to create the “boiled wool” look), and third term advanced and accessory knitting. I like the idea, but have not firmed up the details.

Stay tuned…