Workshops
Workshops
Darla’s goal is to provide her students with a deeper understanding of the mechanics of the crochet technique they have selected to study, enabling them to continue on their crochet journey with confidence and enjoyment. Her teaching style allows abundant one-on-one attention and all workshops include workbooks or other handouts with step-by-step color photos.
Many of the workshops can be customized in length to fit your needs. In addition she is happy to develop workshops based on any crochet technique your group is interested in exploring.
Darla’s fascination with fiber is not limited to crochet and she continues to expand her workshop offerings, which now include needle felting.
Darla has taught at the Crochet Guild of America’s Chain Link and Regional Conferences, Stitches West, The Orlando Needlework Show, The Madrona Fiber Arts Winter Retreat, DFW Fiber Fest, The National NeedleArts Association FiberArts Market, the Seattle Knit & Fiber Expo, Crochet Renaissance, and the Toronto Sewing and Needlework Festival.
Currently scheduling classes for 2009/2010, contact Darla using Crochet Class in the subject line to arrange to have her teach at your event, guild or shop.
Fun Funky Felted Beads
Felting is currently all the rage. When you see how easy it is to create these fun beads you will understand why. Needle felting does not require the use of water, so you can relax in front of the television and create bead after bead using the variety of decorating methods you will learn in this class. Go home with several finished beads to use as you wish. String them for a necklace, attach them to a keychain, use them for a zipper pull - the possibilities are endless.
Skills Required: No previous experience needed
Length: 3 hours
Kit Fee: $15 for kit containing instructions, wool roving, wool yarn, accent beads, bead needle, nylon thread, felting needle and surface
Students should bring: Small sharp embroidery-type scissors
Needle Felting Fun
Needle Felting, also known as dry felting, is a great way to add colorful embellishments to a knit or crochet felted project or to commercial felt such as we will be using in class. Express your style through free-form or structured methods of application. Learn about felt base fabric, where to find inspiration for designs and how to release your inner artist, even if you think you have no artistic ability. Your inner artist may just be waiting to pick up a felting needle!
Skills Required: No previous experience needed
Length: 3 hours
Materials Fee: $20 for wool felt base fabric, wool roving, felting needle & pad, illustrated handout
Students should bring: A playful attitude
Introduction to Double Hook Crochet
If you haven’t yet experienced the fun of working with a double-ended crochet hook, join Darla as she shares the magic of this hook! Learn how to make a unique crocheted fabric that is wonderfully soft, looks like a cross between knit and crochet and as a bonus is totally reversible with a distinctly different look to each side. The finished work looks so unusual you will be amazed how easy it is to create and your friends will be asking, “How did you do that?”
Skills Required: Knowing how to crochet a chain is a plus, but is not required.
Length: 3 hours
Materials Fee: $7 for booklet with 12 original patterns and a double-ended hook
Students Should Bring: 4 contrasting colors of smooth worsted weight yarn (no black, navy, or dark brown please), scissors, tapestry needle
Introduction to Tunisian Crochet
Tunisian Crochet, also called the Afghan stitch, is enjoying renewed popularity…and it isn’t just for afghans. Learn the basic Tunisian stitches, including knit and purl, two methods for working cross stitch designs on a Tunisian base and Tunisian Intarsia where you work color changes within the base fabric.
Skills Required: Knowing how to crochet a chain is a plus, but is not required.
Length: 3 hours
Materials Fee: $7 for booklet and Tunisian crochet hook
Students Should Bring: white and several additional colors of smooth, worsted weight yarn (no black, navy, or dark brown please), scissors, tapestry needle
Tunisian Crochet Beaded Loop-de-loop Bracelet
Here we go loop-de-loop! Learn an easy variation of Tunisian crochet (worked with a standard hook) to create this beaded bracelet with lots of sparkle and movement. Using larger tri-beads pre-strung on sport weight thread most students should be able to finish their bracelet in class. The kit includes detailed illustrated instructions so those who might need a little extra time can easily finish on their own. You will see other projects worked in this technique designed to kick-start your own creativity with beads and crochet!
Skills Required: Knowing how to crochet a chain is a plus, but is not required.
Length: 3 hours
Kit Fee: $20 for kit containing instructions with color photos, tri-beads pre-strung on sport weight thread, accent beads, elastic thread, tapestry needle, bead needle. Kits are available in assorted colors.
Students Should Bring: Sizes F through H (3.75 mm through 5 mm) standard crochet hooks, tape measure, scissors
Easy Wire Crochet Bracelet
Combine beads, wire and crochet to create a lovely bracelet even if you have never picked up a crochet hook before! If you have crocheted before, this bracelet is a fantastic introduction to wire crochet. Kits are available in assorted colors and include a magnetic clasp, making the bracelet as easy to wear as it is to make.
Skills Required: No previous experience required
Length: 3 hours
Kit Fee: $15 for kit containing instructions with color photos, crochet hook, wire, beads, chips, magnetic clasp, crimp covers. Kits are available in assorted colors.
Students Should Bring: Tape measure
Optional Tools Students may wish to bring (limited number will be available to share): Crimp Forming Pliers, Flush Wire Cutters, Nylon Jaw Pliers
Knit and Purl with Your Crochet Hook
Yes, you can create a knit-look fabric with a crochet hook! Whether you are struggling to master “two sticks and a string” or are just looking for something new to try, Tunisian Crochet is a fun alternative. Often called the bridge between knit and crochet, this “one stick” method can take on many knit-like effects. Learn how to create a solid knit/purl fabric or a more open “knit” lace look-alike fabric plus tips on converting knit patterns to Tunisian crochet.
Skills Required: Knowing how to crochet a chain is a plus, but is not required.
Length: 3 hours
Materials Fee: $7.00 for color handout and Tunisian crochet hook
Students Should Bring: Small amounts double knitting or sport weight yarn (no dark colors please), locking stitch marker or safety pin, scissors, tapestry needle
Double Helix Bead Crochet Necklace & Bracelet
Size 6/0 seed bead loops spiral around a central core of crochet thread in this lovely 21-inch long necklace and matching bracelet. It is hard to believe that the very simplest of crochet stitches are used to create these projects, but it is true. Those students already familiar with crochet should be able to leave class wearing their necklace. Those students new to crochet may wish to start with the bracelet.
Skills Required: No crochet experience required, being comfortable working with thread is an advantage
Length: 3 hours
Kit Fee: $30 for kit containing instructions with color photos, crochet hook, crochet thread pre-strung with 6/0 beads, two toggle clasps, bead needle. Kits are available in assorted colors.
Students Should Bring: Tape Measure, Scissors
Optional Tools: Task Light/Magnifier
Grannies Don’t Have to Be Square
Granny squares are easily the most recognizable crochet motif around. But did you know they don’t have to be square? Start with the beloved basic square and then move on to triangles, rectangles, hexagons and more. Explore a variety of ways to join the squares, whether with a tapestry needle or your crochet hook there are so many options. Learn two-color half square and quarter square triangle blocks so you can design your own quilt-look granny square afghans. There is much more to Granny than you might ever have suspected!
Skills Required: Students should be comfortable with basic crochet
Length: 3 hours
Materials Fee: $5
Students Should Bring: small amounts of 4 or more colors (no black please) of worsted or sport weight yarn; crochet hooks ranging in size from G (4 mm) to I (5.5 mm); stitch markers or safety pins; tapestry needle; scissors
Beads & Chips Wire Crochet Necklace
If you already know how to crochet come and explore the dimensions that wire can add. It is different than working with yarn or thread. It’s not difficult, just different - and oh, what a difference it can make to your jewelry wardrobe! Most students will complete (or come very close to completing) this stunning 18-inch necklace sparkling with beads and glass or gemstone chips in class.
Skills Required: Students should be comfortable with single crochet
Length: 3 hours
Kit Fee: $25 for kit containing instructions with color photos, crochet hook, wire, beads, chips, lobster clasp, crimp covers. Kits are available in assorted colors.
Students may wish to bring (limited number will be available to share): Crimp Forming Pliers, Flush Wire Cutters, Nylon Jaw Pliers
Optional Tools: Task Light/Magnifier
Not the Usual Spiral Bead Bracelet
Love the look of those crocheted spiral bead projects, but don’t enjoy crocheting in the round? Join Darla as she shows you a Tunisian crochet variation that is worked flat and then joined to create a spiral tube. A standard crochet hook (not a long Tunisian hook) is used for this project. Kits come pre-strung, so you can start right in crocheting a “confetti” bracelet. Kits contain detailed, illustrated instructions for finishing the bracelet as well as instructions for two and three-color stripe versions to create on your own.
Skills Required: Students should be comfortable with thread crochet; knowledge of Tunisian Crochet is a plus but is not required
Length: 3 hours
Kit Fee: $ 30 for kit containing instructions with color photos, crochet thread pre-strung with beads, end caps, accent beads, memory wire, needle. Kits are available in assorted colors.
Students Should Bring: Sizes B - D (2.25 mm - 3.25 mm) standard crochet hooks, tape measure, scissors
Optional Tools: Task Light/Magnifier
Reversible Bead Crochet Bracelet
This project is like two bracelets in one. What fun! Although crocheted in the round, when finished the bracelet flattens out to show two sides to its personality. You decide which of the two colors will be on display each time you put it on. Either way your bracelet is edged with lovely contrasting beads. By the end of class you will be well on the way to completing your bracelet. Just a few more rounds to go then sew on the toggle clasp included in the kit.
Skills Required: Students should be comfortable with single crochet and have some experience crocheting with thread
Length: 3 hours
Kit Fee: $20 for kit containing instructions with color photos, thread pre-strung with 6/0 and square beads, toggle clasp and needle. Kits are available in assorted colors.
Students Should Bring: 1.5 - 1.75 mm crochet hook (model made with 1.65 mm), Tape Measure, Scissors
Optional Tools: Task Light/Magnifier
Two Bead Crochet Bracelet
Learn two different methods of bead crochet while making this beautiful bracelet. Work with pre-strung beads as well as learn how to add in beads as you go. Each method has advantages making it important to know both for future crochet projects. Since everybody on your gift list will want one, you will be happy this bracelet can be crocheted in an afternoon! The color combinations are endless making it the perfect gift for friends, family or yourself.
Skills Required: Students should be comfortable with single crochet
Length: 3 hours
Kit Fee: $20 for kit containing instructions with color photos, crochet thread with pre-strung glass or gemstone chips, 6/0 bead assortment, toggle clasp. Kits are available in assorted colors.
Students Should Bring: 2.75 mm and 1.3 mm crochet hooks, Tape Measure, Scissors
Optional Tools: Task Light/Magnifier
Y Wire Crochet Necklace
Why crochet with wire? Because the results are absolutely fabulous and much easier than you might suspect! Most students will complete (or come very close to completing) this lovely Y-shaped necklace in class. Crocheted using gold or silver permanent color wire and sparkling beads with glass or gemstone chips this necklace makes a lovely addition to your jewelry wardrobe.
Skills Required: Students should be comfortable with single crochet
Length: 3 hours
Kit Fee: $25 for kit containing instructions with color photos, crochet hook, wire, beads, chips and all findings needed to complete necklace. Kits are available in assorted colors.
Students may wish to bring (limited number will be available to share): Crimp Forming Pliers, Flush Wire Cutters, Nylon Jaw Plier
Optional Tools: Task Light/Magnifier
Hairpin Lace - Historic Style with a Twist for Today
Hairpin Lace is fun, easy and very portable. Worked in strips, hairpin lace creates a graceful fabric with beautiful drape. With an appearance that can vary dramatically depending on the fiber used, it offers wonderful opportunities for “stand alone” projects or unique “trimming” to other projects. Come and explore some of the many uses and looks to this historic form of crochet.
Skills Required: Students should be comfortable with single crochet
Length: 3 hours
Materials Fee: $5 for handouts; $20 if instructor provides the Clover Hairpin Lace tool
Students Should Bring: small amounts 2 colors of worsted weight yarn; F - H (3.75 mm -5mm) crochet hooks; adjustable Hairpin Lace tool (Clover #3104 recommended); several locking stitch markers or safety pins; scissors
Double Hook Magical Mitered Squares
Mitered squares are magical building blocks. Each block begins by picking up stitches from the neighboring blocks. Like magic you have a patchwork fabric but don’t have to sew blocks together. With double hook crochet there is extra magic because the blocks are reversible. Learn how to work them alternating light and dark or so the entire project has a light and a dark side. Learn how to place the squares on point or place them horizontally. Learn to work half blocks for even more options.
Skills Required: Students must be comfortable with the two basic double hook stitches
Length: 6 hours
Materials Fee: $7 for booklet
Students Should Bring: Double-ended crochet hook in size I, J or K, 2 contrasting colors of smooth worsted or sport weight yarn (one may be variegated if desired, but no black please), stitch marker or safety pin, scissors, tapestry needle
Double Hook Reversible Shell or Vest
Create a versatile V-neck shell or vest that is totally reversible and doesn’t require a gauge swatch. Just take a few simple measurements, choose two (or more) yarns, a double-ended crochet hook and start right in! It can be a vest, it can be a shell, it’s reversible -it’s like four garments in one! With a V neck and diagonal lines this top pleases everybody. As we work on a doll-size version Darla will show you how with just a couple of body measurements you can make these to fit any size from toddler on up.
Skills Required: Students must be comfortable with the two basic double hook stitches.
Length: 3 hours
Materials Fee: $5
Students Should Bring: 2 contrasting colors of smooth sport or double knitting weight yarn (no dark colors please), 14″ double-ended hook in a size appropriate for yarn (H, I or J), scissors, stitch holder, split ring stitch marker, tapestry needle
Tapestry Crochet Bowl - To Felt or Not
Learn tapestry crochet in the round, changing colors, and shaping to create a container with flair! Traditionally tapestry crochet is worked with a comparatively small hook for the yarn size resulting in a sturdy project with an appearance similar to a woven tapestry. Or use a larger hook, wool yarn, and felt the finished bowl for a different look.
Skills Required: Students must be comfortable with single crochet
Length: 3 hours
Materials Fee: $3
Students Should Bring: 100 yds each of 3 different colors worsted weight yarn (70-100% wool if planning to felt); crochet hook assortment from 3.5 mm to 15 mm; scissors; tapestry needle; locking stitch marker or safety pin
Twice as Nice Thermal Stitch
Using standard crochet stitches and two colors of yarn create projects with a different look to each side. The resulting fabric can be dense and protective, such as the potholder we will be making in class, or as soft and cushion-y as a cloud. This stitch is perfect for either keeping heat out or holding it in! Learn how to select yarns, stitches, and hooks to achieve the result you desire.
Skills Required: Students should have basic crochet skills
Length: 3 hours
Materials Fee: $3
Students Should Bring: 2 contrasting colors cotton worsted weight yarn (no black please), F- H (3.75 - 5 mm) crochet hooks, scissors, locking stitch marker or safety pin, tapestry needle
Remarkable Reversible Ripples
Take your double-ended crochet hook on a journey to the peaks and valleys of the ripple pattern! If you are a fan of the ripple, you will certainly enjoy working ripples that have the added feature of being totally reversible. The different methods of increasing and decreasing you learn to form the four different ripple patterns will carry over into many of your double-hook projects. What will you make from your favorite ripple pattern? A fashion scarf, a shawl, an afghan? The choice is yours!
Skills Required: Students should be comfortable with the two basic double hook stitches.
Length: 3 hours
Materials Fee: $5
Students Should Bring: double-ended crochet hook in size I, J or K (14″ is preferred), at least 2 highly contrasting colors of smooth sport or worsted weight yarn (no black please), scissors, tapestry needle
Double Hook Crochet Sampler
Add new stitches to your double-ended hook crochet repertoire as you work on a Double-Hook Sampler suitable for a lap robe or baby afghan. Learn four original stitch patterns combining the two basic double hook stitches with increases and decreases to form new and interesting patterns. Because the double-hook technique is totally reversible with a different look to each side, the four stitch patterns really look like eight different blocks! Learn how to adjust sampler blocks of differing sizes in order to end with a finished throw that lies flat.
Skills Required: Students should be comfortable with the two basic double hook stitches.
Length: 3 hours
Materials Fee: $5
Students Should Bring: double-ended crochet hook (14″ preferred) in size I, J or K, 2 highly contrasting colors of smooth worsted weight yarn, stitch markers or safety pins, scissors, tapestry needle
Crochet Illusions
Now you see stripes; now you see an apple! It all depends on the angle of the view. Viewed straight on this form of crochet looks like simple alternating stripes of color. But wait! View at an angle and the stripes disappear while a surprise secondary pattern emerges! Learn how to work from a chart, select yarns to achieve the desired result, and tips on designing your own optical illusions.
Skills Required: Students should be comfortable with single crochet
Length: 3 hours
Materials Fee: $5
Students Should Bring: 50 gms each of smooth double knitting or sport weight yarn in two highly contrasting colors(class project is a heart block - no black, navy or dark brown please); assorted crochet hooks ranging in size from G (4 mm) to I (5.5 mm); 5 stitch markers or safety pins; scissors
Optional Tools: magnetic board or static cling guide typically used to keep track of place on chart
Tunisian Entrelac - to Felt or Not; Part 1 - In the Round
Tunisian Entrelac creates a fun patchwork-look fabric but requires NO sewing! As a plus you can even use a regular crochet hook instead of a long Tunisian hook. Create a small bowl as you learn to work entrelac diamonds and triangles. Although it looks complex, it is really quite easy! Tunisian creates a sturdy fabric allowing your bowl to stand on its own as is, or make it oversize and felt it at home for a different look. Warning - entrelac is addictive and so is felting. Put them together in one project and you may not be able to stop!
Skills Required: Students should be comfortable with Tunisian Simple Stitch
Length: 3 hours
Materials Fee: $5
Students Should Bring: 3 to 5 solid colors of worsted weight yarn - no black please (if planning to felt project, yarn must be hand-wash wool); crochet hook assortment H - N (5 mm -10mm); tapestry needle; scissors
Tunisian Entrelac - to Felt or Not; Part 2 - On the Square
Build on the Tunisian Entrelac skills you learned in Part 1 of this 2-part class. Learn different approaches to creating half and quarter diamonds necessary for straight edges and corners on flat projects such as placemats, potholders, and afghans. Learn to create full diamonds out of thin air for those times you would like a zig-zag edging on your project. We will also discuss different aspects of designing your own Tunisian Entrelac projects - in the round or on the square, felted or not!
Skills Required: Students should be comfortable with Tunisian Simple Stitch; having completed Part 1 - Tunisian Entrelac In the Round will be helpful but is not required
Length: 3 hours
Materials Fee: $5
Students Should Bring: 3 to 5 solid colors of worsted weight yarn - no black please (if planning to felt project, yarn must be hand-wash wool); crochet hook assortment H - N (5 mm -10mm); tapestry needle; scissors
Tunisian Crochet Goes Tubular
Enhance your Tunisian crochet skills by taking them tubular! Although worked with a double-ended crochet hook this is most definitely Tunisian crochet. Tunisian with the advantage of no seams! As you work on a multi-colored cap just right for your favorite child or children’s charity you will learn how to tame the Tunisian curl, work in the round using decreases for shaping, as well as work color changes or focus on one color for a variety of looks. By the end of class Darla will have you well on your way to completing this warm cap.
Skills Required: Students must be comfortable with Tunisian Simple Stitch and have previously successfully completed a Tunisian crochet project.
Length: 3 hours
Materials Fee: $7 for booklet and flexible double-ended crochet hook
Students Should Bring: one to two ounces each of three coordinating colors of smooth worsted weight yarn (one of which may be variegated if desired) OR four ounces of one color; scissors; tapestry needle; stitch marker or safety pin
Pre-Class Preparation: Using chosen yarn and a size J (6mm) Tunisian hook work a swatch using Tunisian Simple Stitch fifteen stitches wide by ten rows and fasten off.
