Experience Level: Beginner 

Fall is the perfect time to knit a winter hat. Knit a hat for yourself, a new baby, or a knit worthy friend or family member at Knitting 201: Hats on Sunday, Oct. 25 & Nov. 1 from 1-4 p.m. in the Studio.  

“Knitting 201: Hats” is designed to further your knitting skills by expanding on “Knitting 101: Knitting for Beginners,” or for someone who is proficient in knitting garter stitch. In this workshop, students will practice reading knitting patterns, determine size, gauge, cast on in the round using those mysterious double pointed knitting needles, learn to work magic loop on a long circular, stay on track with stitch markers, knit rib stitch, work garter and stockinette for visual interest, decrease, and correct mistakes. Additionally, the class will talk about pom poms, blocking and caring for hand knits. 

$95/person*. Registration closes Oct. 18 or when capacity is reached. All sales are final.  

Students should bring the following: 

OPTION 1 YARN 

--1 skein (2 skeins of the same dye lot for adult large) Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash Merino. This is classified as DK/Light Worsted weight yarn made of 100% Merino Wool. There are 220 yards per skein. Available in 82 colors. It is machine washable. Avoid purchasing a dark colorway. 

OR 

OPTION 2 YARN 

--1 skein (2 skeins of the same dye lot for adult large) Lion Brand Wool-Ease DK. This is classified as a Light/DK 3 weight yarn made of 80% acrylic and 20% wool. There are 232 yards per skein. Available in 18 colors. It is machine washable. Avoid purchasing a dark colorway. 

AND 

OPTION 1 NEEDLES 

--1 set 7” long bamboo #4 (3.5 mm) Clover Takumi double pointed knitting needles. There are five needles in a set 

--1 set 7” long bamboo #6 (4 mm) Clover Takumi double pointed knitting needles. There are five needles in a set 

OR 

OPTION 2 NEEDLES 

--1 set 8” long natural bamboo ChiaoGoo double pointed knitting needles. There are five needles in a set 

--1 set 8” long natural bamboo ChiaoGoo double pointed knitting needles. There are five needles in a set 

AND 

--pair of small sharp scissors 
--laptop, iPad, or smartphone 
--pencil  

Experience Level: Beginner

Come experience this fascinating textile art in action at Beginning Bobbin Lace on Tuesdays, Oct. 27 through Nov. 10 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in The Studio.

Instructor Robin Bagwell will show students what to expect in bobbin lacemaking! Learn the basic movements of cross and twist to form beautiful lace from hanging bobbins wound with thread. Think “Connect the Dots” as stitches are made and pinned to the dots on a card stock pattern.

$115/person*. Registration will close Oct. 13 or when capacity is reached. All sales are final.

*All materials will be provided. If you have bobbinlace supplies, feel free to bring them. 

Experience Level: Beginner (All ages; parents/guardians are not required to register with their children, but all minors must have a parent/guardian on-site and they are encouraged to be present for those 13 and younger.)

Create a unique piece of art out of locally sourced alpaca fiber at Needlefelt Goldfinch on Thursday, October 29 from 5 to 8 p.m. in The Studio.

Stephanie Block of Sundrop Alpacas will walk students through the needlefelting process to make a goldfinch, which can be customized to make them look authentic, whimsical or anything in between. The class is perfect for those wanting to learn a new art form.

Take advantage of a fun opportunity to bring a friend or family member for a $10 add-on fee as you work together on a single project kit!

$65/person* + $10/person for add-on (limit one). Register here. Registration will close Oct 22 or when capacity is reached. All sales are final.

*A $15 discount is available during registration for those who bring their own needlefelting tools.

All Skill Levels (Ages 15+; parents/guardians are not required to register with their children, but all minors must have a parent/guardian on-site.)  

Make your own delicious, flaky creations at Whole Grain Pie Dough Workshop on Sunday, Nov.1 from 2-5 p.m. in the Mansion Kitchen.  

Instructor Hannah Fink will share how to make a flaky, buttery pie crust using locally grown wheat from Janie’s Mill. Students will make pie dough to take home, working with whole grains for a flavorful and nutritious bite. In addition, students will work with pre-made dough to showcase several ways to build sweet and savory treats, utilizing local and seasonal produce. Best of all, students will snack and enjoy each other’s company!

$85/person*. Registration closes Oct. 18 or when the capacity is reached. All sales are final.  

*Students should wear clothes suitable for getting flour on. Students should bring a rolling pie and their favorite pie recipe to share.  

Experience Level: Beginner/Youth

Learn how to decorate fall-themed cookies at Fall Cookie Decorating for Kids on Sunday, November 1 from 3 to 4 p.m. in the Evergreen Lodge.

Instructor Jennifer Holhubner will demonstrate and walk youth through classic buttercream frosting application and other techniques. Each participant will complete 3 fall-themed cookies.

$40/person*. Register here by Oct 25. All sales are final.

If you will need disability-related accommodations to participate, please email Olivia Bunting at owarren@illinois.edu.

By attending, you consent to your image being used in Allerton marketing, social media and publications. Please alert the photographer or videographer if you do not want your image taken.

About the instructor

Champaign-Urbana native Jennifer Holhubner taught herself how to decorate cakes when she was 16 years old and took up cookie decorating in 2019.

“Although they intimidated me, I forged on and got better with each order. I still have room to grow as we all do in whatever task we take on,” she said. “But I love to share the aspects of baking and decorating. I can actually now say, I am cookier!”

Jennifer also teaches decorating classes at Parkland College.

Experience Level: Beginner/Youth

Learn how to decorate fall-themed cookies at Fall Cookie Decorating for Kids on Sunday, November 1 from 5 to 6 p.m. in the Evergreen Lodge.

Instructor Jennifer Holhubner will demonstrate and walk youth through classic buttercream frosting application and other techniques. Each participant will complete 3 fall-themed cookies.

$40/person*. Register here by Oct 25. All sales are final.

If you will need disability-related accommodations to participate, please email Olivia Bunting at owarren@illinois.edu.

By attending, you consent to your image being used in Allerton marketing, social media and publications. Please alert the photographer or videographer if you do not want your image taken.

About the instructor

Champaign-Urbana native Jennifer Holhubner taught herself how to decorate cakes when she was 16 years old and took up cookie decorating in 2019.

“Although they intimidated me, I forged on and got better with each order. I still have room to grow as we all do in whatever task we take on,” she said. “But I love to share the aspects of baking and decorating. I can actually now say, I am cookier!”

Jennifer also teaches decorating classes at Parkland College.

Experience Level: Beginner (ages 18+) 

Learn what stories your teacup has to tell at Mystic Mondays: Intro to Reading Tea Leaves on Monday, Nov. 2 from 6-8 p.m. in the Mansion Library.

Who remembers their granny reading the tea leaves after a heartfelt conversation? Instructor Charlie Rainbow Wolf will teach students how to recognize shapes in the tea leaves and interpret what those shapes mean when it comes to understanding the issues that life tends to throw at us now and again. By the end of this lively, hands-on class, students will have a basic understanding of reading tea leaves for themselves and others.

$65/person*. Registration closes Oct. 30 or when capacity is reached. All sales are final.

*Students should bring their own cup and saucer; the cup should have angled rather than straight sides, so that the tea leaves have a place to settle. Tea will be provided – please email owarren@illinois.edu with any allergies

Experience Level: Beginner  

Are you looking for a unique and experimental experience?  Join us for Thread Bowls on Wednesday, Nov. 4 from 12-4 p.m. in the Dining Room.  

Instructor Billie Theide will explore color theory and design as students create a beautiful decorative thread bowl that can resemble glass. Using a special fabric base, sewing thread, yarn, fabric scraps, and dimensional embellishments, everyday materials will be transformed into a richly textured, functional work of art. Students should bring their imagination, plus the supplies listed below.* 

$100/person*. Registration closes Oct. 28 or when capacity is reached. All sales are final.  

*Students should bring the following: 
-one 12” ruler 
-two blue or black ink pens 
-one pair of scissors 
-one roll of paper towels 
-sewing machine (optional) 
-a few sewing needles 
-blow dryer (optional) 
-and a monochromatic collection of: 
     - spools of left over sewing thread 
     - bits of left over yarn in any fiber 
     - partial skeins of left over embroidery floss 
     - left over crochet thread 
     - left over fabric scraps