YarnSmarts Fall Virtual Retreat Sept. 24-27, 2026

We will make a basic swatch and look at the unique terms and symbols used in brioche stitch patterns. The second half of the class is dedicated to examining and understanding our brioche swatches and troubleshooting common mistakes. This class focuses on 2-color brioche worked flat, but information will also be provided for 1-color (it’s more advanced than with 2 colors!) and circular techniques.
Requirements: Must know knit, purl, slip, yarn over, and experience reading written or charted patterns.
Supplies: Worsted-weight yarn in 2 colors, US 6 (4mm) circular or doublepointed needles, sharp scissors, notebook, pen or pencil with eraser, stitch markers, tapestry needles (large and small), tape measure, small calculator, needles and crochet hooks of various sizes.

Fixing Brioche Mistakes  Sept. 25  3:00 - 5:00pm EDT

If you enjoy knitting brioche stitch but still feel lost if a mistake occurs, this class will get you back on track. Brioche mistakes, like the stitch itself, are unique from other knitting mistakes and often require a special set of skills. In this class, we will look at the structure of brioche fabric and learn when and how to rip back multiple rows, fix laddered stitches, and even correct a missed increase or decrease. We will also learn how
to spot mismatched, dropped or twisted tuck stitches. Each student will cast on and begin a swatch of simple brioche stitch before class and are encouraged to follow along with demos of each fix. They will also have an opportunity to bring in their own brioche projects for help and advice.
Requirements: This class is best suited for students with a good understanding of basic 2-color brioche stitch who are ready to build their knowledge of brioche knitting.
Supply List: swatch on the needles (homework), 2 extra colors of yarn in worsted weight, extra set of #7 needles (or an appropriate size for your yarn), stitch holder, cotton crochet thread or thin string for a lifeline, tapestry needle, locking stitch markers, crochet hook. https://www.yarnsmarts.com/retreats 

Stitch by Color  Sept. 26  11:00 am - 1:00pm EDT

Have you ever struggled to find project ideas for multicolored yarn? In this class we will create colorwork, texture, or lace using variegated yarn as our guide. In plain stockinette or garter stitch, multicolor yarns create linear patterns. You can completely change the way a multicolor yarn looks by isolating or manipulating the colors with your stitches. Students will learn 15+ stitches that can be used in assigned pooling and knit by color patterns and have a chance to experiment with different stitches. At the end of class, everyone will share their results and discuss how each rule affected the outcome of their stitch pattern. 
Students should be familiar with ONE of these techniques: beginner lace, slipped stitches, bobbles. These techniques and others will be demonstrated in class.
Supplies: A few different multicolor yarns, needles appropriate to your chosen yarn, notebook, pen or pencil with eraser, stitch markers, and a crochet hook

https://www.yarnsmarts.com/retreats

Color Theory for the Fiber Artist Sept. 26  3:00 - 5:00pm EDT

First, we will use coloring pages to explore our innate color sense. The fundamental concepts of color interaction and theory will be introduced in a lecture format. During the presentation, students will learn about the color wheel, historical points of interest, and will see examples of quick and dirty color-ups from a fashion industry perspective, focusing on methods of exploring color combinations without the expense of yarn and the time intensive process of swatching. Students are encouraged to bring in “difficult” yarns, spinning fiber, fabric, and color inspiration. Coloring and experimenting with your crafts during the lecture time is encouraged. In the second half of the class, we discuss everyone’s coloring pages and
homework This is an interactive and conversational class, designed to show a range of palettes and color perspectives and how a pattern is changed by color.
Requirements: Open to all levels and crafts.
Supplies: You may want to have your own coloring supplies available.
Homework: Fill in at least one coloring page on paper or digital printout or knit a stripe contrast swatch to show in class.

https://www.yarnsmarts.com/retreats