The Kotary Coterie

I love to teach and share all the things I learn.  If you see something on this site that you would like to learn more about, please contact me. For more information about an event on the calendar, just click on the event.

Private Lessons are available at an hourly rate.  The time and location are very flexible.

Group lessons are prorated, so the larger the group, the less it costs per person.  So if money is tight, find a couple friends to join you.  I am happy to tailor materials to meet your needs. 

Beginner Crochet Class

 Description: This class is for people who have never touched a hook before.

 Class Project: Basic Hat and Scarf

 Duration:  Three Weeks - 90 minute sessions

 Learning Objectives: Students will be able to make and identify-

     Slip knot, Chain, Slip stitch, Double crochet, Work in the round, Work in rows

     Read a basic pattern without abbreviations

     Understand the information provided on a ball band

     Weave in ends

 Materials Fee: $5 includes handouts, yarn and a crochet hook.

©Kim Kotary 26 July 2009

Advanced Beginner Crochet Class

 Description:  This class is for people who can work the basic stitches but are not confident to tackle a pattern or project on their own.

 Class Project:  A throw  worked in squares of different stitch patterns

 Duration: Flexible

 Materials: Students must provide their own yarn, hooks and large eye needle.

 Learning Objectives: Students will be able to-

      Work single crochet, half double crochet, repetitive stitch patterns,

      Measure and adjust gauge, Make simple color changes, basic seams and finishing

     Read a basic pattern with abbreviations

Suggested Yarns:  Smooth Worsted Weight Size 4

©Kim Kotary 26 July 2009

FILET NETTING

Time: Minimum 3 hours

Skill Level: Beginner (no experience necessary)

Materials – Provided by instructor for materials fee:

• Booklet containing “slides” of samples of filet from fishing nets to table cloths, examples of tools, and how-to
• Tool kit
• Appropriate size thread for tools
• Stretcher frame
  

• Introductions and discussion of history, tools and techniques, with samples from antique store
• Learn basic techniques of netting
• Make a small, square mesh
  
• Frame the lace
• Learn basic techniques for embroidery and darning the lace following a chart

Description:  In the history of textiles, specifically lace, techniques were often inspired by or developed as an alternative way to create a fabric or design. Filet crochet evolved from filet netting. The same netting that fishermen used was worked in a smaller scale then darned and embroidered. Examples exist from as early as the 14th Century. However, this technique was extremely popular in America in the 19th Century. It is not hard to find a filet table cloth in an antique store or a machine-made version among the linens in a discount store. In this class, students will learn a little of the history of this form of lace and the basic techniques of construction. Most importantly, they will make their own sample using a historic primary source or a contemporary filet crochet chart.

©Kim Kotary 18 December 2008
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INTRODUCTION TO FILET CROCHET

Time: 3 hours (6 hours for a bigger project)

Skill Level: Advanced Beginner – students must be able to ch, sl st, dc, count stitches, read a basic pattern and chart. Any symbols used will be explained in class.

Materials:

• Booklet containing history of filet “slides” and instructions provided by instructor for a small materials fee
• Cotton yarn or thread and appropriate size hook
• Basic tool kit containing darning needle and scissors

Homework: None

Outline:

• Introductions and discussion of history, tools and techniques, passing around contemporary and antique samples
• Learning basic techniques
• Making a square motif following same filet chart used for Filet lace class (105 min)
• Additional material if time allows – increasing and decreasing, bars and lacets

Description: Have you ever considered how different types or styles of crochet evolved? The predecessor of filet crochet can be documented from textiles and publications of the 19th
Century. We will learn about the background and evolution of this popular style of crochet. We will work a design from a chart. If you have never used symbol crochet, this is a good way to get your feet wet. Please note that this is a very basic introduction to the technique (I would be happy to provide a more in depth examination of the techniques in a full day class).

©Kim Kotary 18 December 2008

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CROCHET GOES 3-D - DESIGN YOUR OWN STUFFED OBJECTS

Time: 3 or 6 hours

Skill Level: Advanced Beginner - students must be able to ch, sl st, sc, count stitches, and read a basic pattern.

Materials:

• Booklet containing inspiration images and patterns for basic shapes provided by instructor for a small materials fee.
• Worsted weight yarn in a variety of colors (full skeins not necessary)
• Basic crochet tool kit containing darning needle and scissors
• Stuffing

Homework: None

Outline:

• Introductions and discussion of techniques, passing around samples
• Making shapes and assemble projects taking breaks as necessary

Description: Have you ever wanted to create your own animals or other three dimensional stuffed items? By combining a few basic shapes learned in this class, you can begin making everything from toys for children to a centerpiece for the dinner table to sculpture.

©Kim Kotary 18 December 2008

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CUSTOM FITTING CROCHETED SOCKS

Time: 6 hours

Skill Level: Advanced Beginner - students must be able to ch, sl st, sc, count stitches, and read a basic pattern.

Materials:

• Worksheet provided by instructor
• Worsted weight yarn – 2 skeins and size G-7 crochet hook
• Basic tool kit containing 2 stitch markers, 2 darning needles, ruler, tape measure and scissors
• Calculator (optional)

Homework: Make a single crochet tension swatch at least 5 inches wide and 3 inches long (bigger is better).

Outline:

• Introductions and discussion of techniques, passing around samples (30 min)
• Measuring gauge and feet, filling in worksheet (30 min)
• Toe (30 min)
• Instep (2 hours)
• Custom fitting & ankle (1 hour)
• Heel (30 min)
• Cuff & Finishing (1 hour)

Description: Kim Kotary, the author of You Can Crochet Socks, published by Annie’s Attic, will use a basic single crochet sock pattern to teach you how to custom fit socks for yourself and all your friends. By measuring your own gauge swatch and plugging your stitch count and foot measurements into a little algebra, you can customize any pattern in Kim’s book. While you are working on your sock, Kim will also share ideas for adding stitch patterns to the instep and cuff.
This class has been taught in several different formats to figure out the best way to fit it into a six hour class. It was taught twice for the New York City Crochet Guild and once for a group of mommies who meet weekly in Brooklyn.

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PASSIMENTERIE – Pom-Poms & Tassels

Time: 3 hours

Skill Level: Beginner (no crochet or knitting experience necessary)

Materials:

• Handouts provided by instructor
• Full-sized, sharp fabric scissors and regular paper scissors
• Ruler
• Yarn
• Darning needle
• Bring your favorite commercial gadget to share with the class (optional)

Homework: None

Outline:

• Introductions and discussion of techniques and tools, passing around samples (30 min)
• Making popoms (30 min)
• Break (15 min)
• Discussion of techniques (30 min)
• Making Tassels (75 min)

Description: Have you ever wondered about all the different gadgets available to help you make pom-poms? Are any of them really going to help you make a better pom-pom? Has the secret of the perfect pom-pom eluded you? In this class, you will learn some of the secrets of great pom-poms, try out some gadgets, and explore some of the cute things you can do with pom-poms. But wait, there is more! The tassel is a close cousin to the pom-pom. Tassels can be a simple or elegant way to add that little extra something to a project. Tassels and pompoms were used to make pencil toppers at the last NYC Knit Out and Crochet Too in 2006. I taught hundreds of kids, parents and grandparents to make and decorate their own pencils. On a similar note, I have also taught hundreds of people on multiple occasions to make yarn dolls, which are a variation on tassels.

©Kim Kotary 18 December 2008

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PASSIMENTERIE – Cords, Braids and Fringes

Time: 3 hours

Skill Level: Beginner (no crochet or knitting experience necessary).

Materials:

• Handouts provided by instructor
• Fabric and paper scissors
• Ruler
• Yarn
• Darning needle
• Bring your favorite commercial gadgets to share with the class (optional)
• Basic crochet tool kit (optional)
• Basic knitting tool kit, including a circular needle or a pair of double pointed needles (optional)

Homework: None

Outline:

• Introductions and discussion of techniques and tools, passing around samples (30 min)
• Making samples with ongoing discussion of techniques and breaks as necessary (2.5 hours)

Description: Sometimes it is those little extras that add the finishing touches to projects. In this class, you can learn a variety of ways to make cords, braids and fringes to accent your handmade afghans, handbags, garments and more.

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FANCY JOININGS FOR SQUARE MOTIFS

Time: 3 hours

Skill Level: Advanced Beginner - students must be able to execute basic stitches and read a basic pattern.

Materials:

• Handouts provided by instructor
• Yarn
• Basic crochet tool kit including hooks, darning needle, scissors

Homework: Make 16 4-inch squares.

Outline:

• Introductions and discussion of techniques and tools, passing around samples (30 min)
• Making samples with ongoing discussion of four joining techniques and breaks as necessary (2.5 hours)

Description: Do you love to make granny squares and other motifs but hate sewing all those squares together to make an afghan? In this class, you will learn four different ways to crochet squares together to create decorative effects.

Note: This class is great for knitters who make afghans.

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CROCHETED FLOWERS

Time: 3 hours

Skill Level: Advanced Beginner - students must be able to execute basic stitches and read a basic pattern.

Materials:

• Handouts provided by instructor
• Yarn
• Basic crochet tool kit including hooks, darning needle, scissors
• Beads (optional)

Homework: None

Outline:

• Introductions and discussion of techniques and tools, passing around samples (30 min)
• Making samples with ongoing discussion of techniques and breaks as necessary (2.5 hours)

Note: This class is great for knitters who want to embellish their work.

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BEGINNING SPINNING AND WEAVING FOR KIDS  (or Parents and Kids)

Time: 3 hours

Skill Level: Beginner (no crochet or knitting experience necessary).

Materials (provided by instructor for a materials fee):

• Handout booklet
• Spinning hook
• Roving
• Pre-warped stretcher frame with string heddles

Students must bring:

• Ruler (1-2” wide and 12” long)
• Scissors

Homework: None

• Introductions and discussion of techniques and tools, pass around samples (30 min)
• Spinning yarn
• Weaving
• Finishing
• Demonstration with Drop Spindle, if time allows.

Description: When we twist a bunch of wool fibers, we can stretch the bunch out and make a yarn. In this class, students will work in pairs and serve as each other’s spinning wheel to turn fluffy wool roving into yarn. Then they will weave that yarn on a basic loom to learn the basic structure of fabric. We will discuss the evolution of textile production and the Industrial Revolution. This workshop gives students a real appreciation for technological innovation and the changing value of textiles through history. This workshop was provided annually to 4 Fourth Grade classes for 4 years.

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BEADED CROCHET JEWELRY

Skill Level: Absolute Beginner – never touched a hook before

Required materials:

• Crochet hooks in a range of sizes, including steel hooks

Suggested materials:

• A “big eye” beading needle
• Size 10 pearl cotton
• 28-gauge craft wire
• Beads
• Assorted jewelry findings

Kim will have an assortment of tools and materials available for a small materials fee but students are encouraged to bring their own. All materials are available at the bead stores on 6th Avenue near 38th Street in Manhattan.

Homework: None

Outline:

• During the first two sessions, we will work with thread and beads.
• During the second two sessions, we will explore crocheting with wire and beads.
• Everyone will design their own unique jewelry projects, so bring your creativity.

Description: If you love beads and jewelry making, join us and learn a new skill. If you have been wanting to learn to crochet, this is a great way to start. If you already know how to crochet but want to learn to add beads, you really don’t want to miss this class. If you have never crocheted with wire, Kim wants to inspire you.

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INTRODUCTION TO CROCHET PATTERN WRITING

Minimum skill level - Students must be able to:

• Execute and identify basic stitches
• Crochet flat pieces without the use of a pattern
• Read a pattern

Materials:

• Paper and a variety of colors of writing instruments
• Regular yarn and thread with suitable size hooks (no novelty yarn)
• A few paperclips
• Calculator (optional)
• Split ring markers (optional)

Handouts:

• Abbreviation list
• Diagram symbols handout
• Symbol diagrams
• Introduction to Sweater Design

Homework - Please bring the following assignment to class:

• Without looking at a pattern, please make one 9-inch granny square
• Two attractive 7x9-inch rectangles of your own design
• After the class is finished the squares can be donated to Warm-Up America or the Jewish Board of Family Services' Sanctuary Stitchers Project

Outline - During the class students will:

• Learn how to read and use symbol diagrams
• Write a pattern from a symbol diagram
• Write a basic 9 inch granny square pattern
• Write and edit patterns for squares and motifs made by their classmates

Description: Are you inspired by yarn but don’t have a published pattern for it? Are you ready to move beyond published patterns and create your own designs? Would you like help preparing a design for publication? If you know how to increase and decrease and have ever finished a sweater, you are ready for this class. With a little inspiration and a few basic tools, you can create your own original designs. In this three-hour hands-on workshop, you can make a flat paper sloper to fit yourself, learn about sizing patterns and how to create fabric for your customized design.