This interactive session will guide students through the process of selecting the ideal yarn for any knitting project, emphasizing the importance of gauge, fiber content, needle size, and yarn qualities. Using the instructor's "Fascinating Rhythm" shawl pattern, participants will learn how to adapt patterns to suit their needs. A special focus on adaptive knitting will highlight techniques to help knitters with their changing bodies or with physical differences of their own, ensuring everyone can enjoy the craft. One of the session's highlights is "Exploring the Marketplace," where we'll discuss items I've noticed in the Marketpalce and discuss their best uses, bridging theory with real-world application. The course also includes a practical tutorial on the picot bind-off.

Key Topics:
• Understanding Various Yarn Types and Their Characteristics: Learn the differences between yarn types such as fingering, and aran, and their characteristics like smoothness and fuzziness.
• Measuring and Adjusting Gauge: Understand the importance of gauge, how to measure it, and adjust patterns to match.
• Selecting Appropriate Needle Sizes: Discover the relationship between needle size and yarn weight, and how it affects the fabric’s drape and texture.
• Exploring Yarn Qualities and Their Impact on Projects: Hands-on exploration of different yarn qualities to see their impact on the final product.
• Adapting Patterns for Different Yarns: Use Beth’s "Fascinating Rhythm" shawl pattern to learn how to adapt patterns for different yarn weights.
• Adaptive Knitting Techniques and Personal Tips: Techniques and tips for knitters dealing with their changing bodies or with physical differences of their own to ensure an enjoyable knitting experience for everyone.
• Hands-on Picot Bind-Off Tutorial: Practical tutorial on the Picot bind-off technique, including adaptive methods.

• Work a 4-inch Stockinette swatch in a yarn of your choice and leave it on the needles. Make sure to note the brand, gauge, fiber content, and needle size used.
• Bring a full pattern (digital is fine) that has been in your queue and that you would like to make. We will discuss options for these and talk about substituting yarns and how to decide which one to use.

Notebook or tablet for taking notes; smartphone or camera for snapping photos.