The Cornwall Yarn shop gives knitting lessons to individuals and small groups, particularly in the summer, when children’s schedules aren’t as packed. Parents and children can learn the activity together if they choose.
As hobbies go, “it won’t break the bank. You need needles and yarn. There are knitting needles that sell for $1 or $2,” Parrinello explains.
At the Rainbow Sheep Shoppe in Port Ewen, owner Christine Fabbie teaches Saturday morning knitting classes for children and adults. She usually starts young knitters on a simple project like a bookmark. As they master the skill, they can extend the rectangular bookmark into a wristband or headband. Some move on to make dishcloths, table centerpieces and placemats, and scarves.
While adults are more particular, she says “I find kids are into making anything!”
Students pay a class fee of $20 and receive a pair of needles,
a supply of beginner’s yarn – some yarn is easier to work with – and can come back for as many Saturdays as they need to complete their project. Each session usually focuses on a single skill: first casting on, then knitting a stitch, and so on.
Fabbie encourages smaller projects for children so they can complete them and feel a sense of accomplishment. Seven-year-olds don’t have the attention span of adults, and starting them off with a big project can be frustrating.
Carolyn Quoma is a freelance writer living in Beacon.