workshops
workshops are available one-on-one and in groups, and can be done in-person* or via zoom. scroll through to find the workshop that fits your needs and interests, and fill in the form for more details and bookings.
*due to covid-19, in-person classes remain limited. travel within canada has resumed and remains dependent on local restrictions and levels of risk via any method of travel. ash is currently not open to travel outside of canada, and future international travel will be dependent on regional vaccination roll-out and variants, as well as work visas.
natural dyeing
learn how to dye yarn (without shocking the fibres!) using natural dyes. students will learn how to dye wool yarn using local plants, mordants, materials sourced from ethical suppliers, and/or simple kitchen compost.
materials (for in-person): 112g canadian wool, natural dyes (may be foraged or purchased from ethical suppliers), dye pots, non-latex gloves, ziploc bag
students provide: clothes you are comfortable getting messy in (including footwear), an apron
duration: 3 hours/1 day (in-person), 2 hours/1 day (zoom)
shawl design 101
find your inner knitwear designer in a supportive learning atmosphere. in either the 4-hour shortened course or full 12-hour course, you will learn basic shawl shapes, design math, why gauge swatches are important even for accessories, and where to find inspiration and how to store it for dry spells. students who attend the 12-hour version will also design and knit an entire shawl from start to finish.
students are expected to be comfortable with knitting basics. we will not be going over how to do specific stitches, but rather how to combine stitches and do the math to create something new. suggested level is advanced beginner and up.
materials: worksheets
students provide: 100g fingering weight yarn, 3.75mm (US 5) 60cm (32”) circular needle, notebook, pen/pencil, calculator
duration: 4 hours/1 day OR 12 hours (3 hours/day x 4 weeks)
sock design 101
find your inner knitwear designer in a supportive learning atmosphere. in this sister course to shawl design 101, you will learn basic design math, why gauge swatches are important even for accessories, and where to find inspiration and how to store it for dry spells. by taking your favourite basic sock shapes as your base, you’ll learn how to apply different stitch patterns to create the sock drawer of your dreams. students who attend the 12-hour version will also design and knit an entire pair of socks from start to finish.
students are expected to be comfortable with sock knitting basics. we will not be going over how to do specific stitches, but rather how to combine stitches and do the math to create something new. suggested knitting level is advanced beginner and up.
materials: worksheets
students provide: 100g sock yarn, preferred sock needles (suggested 2.25mm/US 1 dpns or circulars), notebook, pen/pencil, calculator
duration: 4 hours/1 day OR 12 hours (3 hours/day x 4 weeks)
knitting with natural yarns
learn about the simple magic of natural yarns. whether you're looking to make your knitting and crafting more sustainable, want to know what to do with that skein of "local farm yarn" from that special trip, or are just curious about how to substitute yarns for your favourite patterns, this lecture is for you. by the end of class, you'll know what all yarns have in common, what makes natural yarns special, how to make yarn substitutions for patterns from your favourite designers, how the magic of swatching will help you bring play back into your knitting, and how to take care of your knits to keep them in tip-top shape for years to come.
duration: 2 hours/1 day
me-made wardrobe
creating your very own slow fashion/homemade wardrobe can be just as overwhelming as it is exciting. believe it or not, you don't actually need all the time or money in the world to make your own complete (or at least semi-complete) me-made wardrobe. you just need to know what questions to ask yourself at each step of the journey to stay on track with your goals. from undies to coats and everything in between, ash has done it all (almost—boots are next on the list!). join me as we work on answering the big questions: where can I find ethically produced materials? how do i stick to my values AND my budget? how do i know if a pattern will fit me? and the little questions: stripes or solids? raspberry or fuchsia? gold buttons or black buttons? by the end of class, you’ll be leaving with a solid plan of what you need to make your me-made wardrobe and how to do it without tossing your knitting needles to the floor and your fabric shears out the door!
materials: worksheets
students provide: pencil, paper, colored pencils/markers to get creative
duration: 2 hours/1 day