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[Note: Sorry about the delay of this episode. A power outage from Nemo was the cause. Episode 299 is now available in iTunes or listen here on the blog. Enjoy!]

Don’t Forget - next week, on Feb 16th, we will air Show #300! To celebrate we are giving away three $300 gift cards.  The winners will be announced on the show.

Guest: Kathy and Judith talk about the career path that lead to her current book: Knitting Know-How: Techniques, Lessons and Projects for Every Knitter’s Library, co-authored with Dorothy Ratigan.

They also discuss what an amazing resource the book is, almost a master class in one volume. From basic fiber theory, tools and techniques to patterns that not only tell you what to do but why and how different stitches and techniques are used.

And don’t miss out on the opportunity to take a class with Judith and Dorothy! They will be here at WEBS on Saturday, April 6, from 10am-3pm

Steve’s Yarn Picks – Check out our Spring 2013 Catalog online, physical copies will be arriving in mailboxes soon!

• TSCArtyarns – Tranquility
• TSCArtyarns Zara Hand-Dyed
• TSCArtyarns Adora
• Knit One Crochet Too Fleurtini
• Knit One Crochet Too Cozette
• Cascade Pure Alpaca Closeout
• Cascade 220 Superwash Discontinued Colors Closeout
• Cascade Eco + Discontinued Colors Closeout
• Cascade Alpaca Lace Discontinued Colors Closeout

Reminder: Next week is Valentine’s Day, we have a quick, free pattern: Heartfelt Coasters, the perfect little gift for all your knit and crochet friends.

February 15-18 Debbie Stoller will be at the Rowe Conference Center for a weekend long workshop: Raging Wool

Monday February 18th Debbie Stoller will be at WEBS from 3-5pm! She’ll be teaching a one hour lace workshop and then signing books. The class is free but Registration is required.

Stitches West – February 21-24 in Santa Clara, CA.

Norah Gaughan and the Berroco Design Team will be at WEBS on Thursday, March 7th from 6-8pm

Each year we celebrate members of the WEBS Expert Knitter Certification Program who have completed all of their required classes and have taken on the challenge of designing and knitting an original sweater. This final phase of the program is known as The Capstone Project.

This year three people spent the months of January through May sketching, swatching, knitting, ripping and reknitting a garment that reflected their shape, style and skill. From elegant bead work to ornate cables, these cardigans are stunning projects and expertly constructed.

This year’s Capstone Projects (from left to right) are the works of Diane, Harriett and Kathy:

(Click on the photos to view them larger.)

Expert Knitter Graduation is one of the best events we hold all year. Filled with knitters, staff members, and friends and family of the graduates, it never fails to be fun, lively and inspiring. You can press play below for a slideshow of images from this year’s graduation.

You can view last year’s Capstone Project sweaters here, and sweaters from years past here.

Registration opened today for our Winter/Spring 2012 classes. We have a nice mix of longtime favorites with some classes that we’re offering for the first time. Look for the new tag highlighting these first timers. Below are a few classes that the staff at WEBS is buzzing about.

Knitting Classes

Advanced Lace with Beads & Butin: A Beaded Necklace with guest teacher Laura Nelkin – I am super excited to host Laura here at WEBS!  She is an absolutely fabulous person and her beaded designs are absolutely stunning.  Her classes aren’t until April but you will want to sign up early to ensure you get a spot! > Kathy E.

Sock Basics – I wish I had access to a class like this when I was learning how to knit socks. It was really hard to try to teach myself and this would have made the learning process so much more fun. In this class, Lindsey walks you through each step of making a sock from cuff to toe. Socks are great projects and they’re one of my favorite things to knit. There’s nothing better than putting on a pair of hand knit socks that fit your feet perfectly! > Grace H.

Crochet Classes

Design Your Own Crocheted Cowl – WEBS offered this class for the first time earlier this year but the time didn’t work out with my schedule. Two of my office mates did take the class and it was so exciting to hear about it and see the progression of their designs. Sara Delaney is a great crochet teacher. Her classes are always so much fun. This class would be a great way to spend my Friday evenings in February. > Dena C.

Weaving Classes

Weaving for the Advanced Beginner with Scott Norris  – I’m really excited for this class with Scott. He’s a great teacher and this is a wonderful way to learn more about different weave structures. The class is geared for those who have taking beginning weaving and want to move on from that. > Leslie Ann B.

Other Classes

Pattern Photography and Styling for the Indie (and Budding) Designer with guest teacher Caro Sheridan – I’ve long been a fan of the photos featured on Caro Sheridan’s site and of the photos she has taken for other knitwear designers. So I can’t wait to discover all of her tips and tricks for styling items in a way that makes knitters want to run off and grab their needles and yarn to get started! > Tina M.