When we say that knitting gives you unlimited options, one of the things we mean is the products that you can knit with. Yarn is just the beginning! In this class we will learn about knitting with all sorts of non-traditional materials, including old t-shirts, fabric, paper and even plastic bags. Working with these types of materials has a few challenges but many offer a way to knit sustainably, using everyday materials that might otherwise lay at the bottom of your closet or head off to the landfill.
Class Sessions
Intro and Materials
2:11
As far as materials and tools go, part of the idea of these projects is to use things that you already have. For the paper session you will need a drop spindle but otherwise some sharp scissors, a variety of knitting needles, and some leftover fabric, plastic bags, T-shirts or paper will do the job.
Making and Knitting with T-shirt Yarn
14:15
Use your old worn-out T-shirts or the ones you have lying around from a company event or college fair to easily make and knit with your own T-shirt yarn. T-shirt yarn is terrific for home décor items like baskets, rugs, placemats, etc.
Making and Knitting with Plarn
12:26
Plarn, or plastic bag yarn, is used when making items that need to be lightweight and water resistant, and I will talk to you about how to make your own. Many charities use plarn to knit mats for the unhoused that are light enough to carry around and can help keep the damp away. If you get different colored bags from different vendors in your area, you can even sort them that way and do some color blocking.
Making and Knitting with Fabric Scrap Yarn
18:13
While some of you are saying “Leftover fabric? What is THAT?” the rest of you are thinking about those too worn sheets, or the random strips not used up in a jelly roll project. In this session we will prep fabric into balls of “yarn” we can knit with.
Making and Knitting with Paper Yarn
21:36
I did lots of experimenting with paper yarn and can’t wait to show you my results. While I had some success with newspapers, I really enjoyed working with some brightly color tissue paper. You will need a drop spindle, whether you have a commercial one or can make one from parts is up to you.
Your Instructor
Mary Beth Temple
Mary Beth Temple is a long-time designer of knit, crochet, and sewing patterns, as well as a lover of any type of craft that comes across her path! She can often be found crafting by the beach near her home in Wilmington, North Carolina, and makes no guarantees that there won’t be sand in her samples.
With more than a dozen books to her name, Mary Beth is a prolific designer whose independent work can be found under her brand name, Hooked for Life. You can check out her doings at www.HookedforLifePublishing.com, where you'll also find links to her social media outlets. Mary Beth is particularly fond of making videos for her blog and her YouTube channel, www.YouTube.com/c/HookedforLifewithMaryBethTemple.
Bonus Material
Knit Beyond the Basics with Unique Fibers
Bonus Materials available for download after purchase.
FAQs
How do I know what the Class covers?
Every Class has a free Preview video you can watch, to give you a flavor of the Instructor and the skills or project that will be covered. In addition, the Overview tab includes a thorough written description of the Class. And finally, each Class Session has a brief written summary of the content in that Session, including the length of each Session video. You will get a good feel for the Class content by reviewing these resources.
Do I have to be a Member of The Knitting Circle to purchase a Class?
No you don’t. While Premium Members will receive regular offers for special deals on The Knitting Circle content, Classes are not reserved exclusively for Members. If you buy a Class as a non-member, we’re sure you’d also enjoy having access to our full library of great knitting videos and articles as a Member, so give it a try.
How do I purchase a Class?
First you should decide that the Class is what you want. Review the Class Preview video and the various written descriptions of the Class and each Session before you purchase, so you have a good understanding of the Class content. When you’re ready to purchase and gain access to the Class, simply click the “Add to Cart” button, and proceed through the Checkout process.
How do I access/view my Class?
Once you’ve paid, you can access/view your Class by going to the MY ACCOUNT section of The Knitting Circle. The MY ACCOUNT link is in the upper right-hand area of the website. Within your MY ACCOUNT, a section labeled “My Content” is where the class you purchased will appear, including a link to watch the video of your Class. You’ll also receive an email confirmation after your purchase, which will include a link to view your Class. You can access your Class as many times as you wish, and you’ll never lose access to your Account information. Just be sure to “Log In” for access to MY ACCOUNT.
Do I have to take the Class right away?
No. Any Class you buy will be accessible to you always. You can view your Class whenever you want, and you can view individual Sessions in whatever order you like.
Is there a limit on the times I can view my Class?
No. Your access never expires. You can view any Class you purchase as many times as you want, whenever you want.
Can I view a Class on my tablet device or mobile phone?
No problem. Most newer-model smartphones or other mobile/tablet devices with an internet connection are able to play the Class videos. Simply Log In on The Knitting Circle, and you can view any Class you’ve bought through the MY ACCOUNT section. Or, you can click on the “View Class” link within the email confirmation you’ll receive upon your purchase.
How do I get access to the Bonus Materials for the Class?
Until you purchase a Class, the Bonus material (any extra videos, download materials, etc.) will not be accessible. Once you purchase a Class, and go to view your Class, each individual Bonus element is accessible by simply clicking on each item. You’ll find the Bonus Materials directly below your main Class viewer frame. You can access the bonus materials as many times as you like and/or save them to your device.
How does the Class Q&A Resource benefit work?
Once you purchase any Class, within the Class viewing page, you’ll have access to post a question, comment or tip in the Class Discussions. This is not a “live chat,” but your Class Instructor and TKC contributors will answer posted questions and provide tips regularly. You can also view other Class participants’ questions and input to take part in this virtual dialogue among others who have taken the Class and are willing to share tips, answers, or ideas.
Can I print out Class details?
For any Bonus Material that is a PDF Download, yes you can. Just click on the icon/button for the Bonus element you want, and print with your local printer.
What are PDF downloads?
These are simply documents, plans, or written materials that are formatted in a way to print out and retain for reference. By simply clicking on the icon/link for any PDF Download that is included with a Class, you can print that document on your own printer or simply view the contents on your computer/mobile device.
Are there any system requirements to view the Class video content?
Your Class video content is best when viewed on a computer manufactured in the past couple of years with a good broadband Internet connection (not dialup). We also highly recommend using the latest version of Firefox, Safari, or Chrome as your Internet Browser, though recent versions of Internet Explorer will work as well. The recommended screen resolution is 1024 x 768 or larger.
Why do you need my email?
We need it to acknowledge your purchase of a Class, and send you a confirmation of your transaction. Also, in order to maintain your permanent access to the Class videos, you’ll need to Log In to theknittingcircle.com. We guarantee that we will not share your email with any third parties. You may receive email updates from The Knitting Circle from time to time, with details of new Classes and updates. You can easily unsubscribe when you receive any email.
Can I get a refund if I don’t like the Class?
Because you’ll have full access to all the materials and content that is presented in the Class immediately, we can’t offer a refund after purchase. Please review the Class Preview video and the various written descriptions of the Class and each Session before you purchase, so you have a good understanding of the Class content.
How do I contact The Knitting Circle Academy?
If your question is about the Class content, please use the Contact Us Link – and you'll receive feedback from the Class Instructor. Even your fellow Class participants may jump in to offer tips and advice from their experience. If you have other questions or need help, you can email us at knittingcircle@program-director.net or call us toll-free, at 1-833-622-6523. Service Representatives will be available Monday-Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Central time, excluding normal holidays.
Explore Classes by Mary Beth Temple
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