I'm looking for a great, patient knitter to help me get back in the swing of things with my knitting. I would call myself an advanced beginner - can do the basics, but want to be able to tackle patterns on my own. Mom is too far away to help out here, and I have 2 children under the age of 2, so I’m looking for a patient knitter who can help. I would probably need a dozen or so one-on-one sessions and am flexible with times/days. Would be happy to either barter (cooking, babysitting, petsitting, or another creative idea?) or pay for your help. Also looking for a one-time beginner's knit scarf class to be taught to a group of friends, all first-time knitters. Because of my crazy life, regularly scheduled classes at a shop won't work out. Susan

I also wanted to recommend one other knitting store in SF that I did not see mentioned on the website. Our knitting group went there for a ''field trip'' last week, and it was WONDERFUL. It's called Imagi Knit. It's at 3897 18th St. @ Sanchez, website is www.imagiknit.com. It's even open 7 days / wk.

Lastly you might check out the many, many knitting groups that meet informally all over. Look on the web, craigslist, etc. Many welcome new knitters, beginners too, and there is no fee to belong. While you say that you can't do a structured class commitment, you might be able to patch together a set of visits that would get you going.

I'd offer to teach you, but I'm really just an intermediate knitter so would not presume. (Unless you want to do socks. I love socks.)

Good luck! Nancy

If you take a beginning class, he prefers not to teach scarves because he thinks it's a waste of your money. You will learn two-color knitting, knitting in the round, and you will most likely knit an actually wearable hat. Moreover, you will have learned enough skills to make a sweater, a vest, or if you really want... a scarf. I'm sure, however, that he'll do the scarf thing if you like.

You can email him to set up a time that is convenient to you at bitterknitter AT earthlink.net. Cash and checks are his preferred currency (not into the barter thing). -- Tsan

I'd like to know about more yarn shops, knitting classes, online knit shops, as well as knitting groups in the bay area, from east bay to SF and nearby. I've already consulted the archives which mostly mentions Skein Lane repeatedly. The link to Big Sky Studio is broken, if anyone knows of the working URL. What are your favorite yarn shops, classes, workshops, and resources around? Let's make a great lists for all of us fiberarts people! thanks! Padma

I also like Artfibers in San Francisco. They stock all kinds of unusual yarns. I don't buy much there (I knit pretty conventional stuff), but I love to walk around and touch all those beautiful yarns!

Skein Lane is a nice store, although I have found their staff weak on follow- through. Twice, they have offered to look into something for me and I never heard anything back from them.

And I have to mention Stitches West, the knitting convention held Februarys in Oakland. Their marketplace is *torture* in the most pleasant way. There are a myriad of classes offered, although I haven't taken any yet, so I can't comment on quality. Luvs to Knit

Another good place is Dharma in San Rafael. They also have classes, but I've never taken them, so I can't vouch for the teachers.

Finally, I saw a fancy knitting store in SF near Gough. Looked very pricey, but they had some gorgeous yarn. Sigh. knittin' fool

Skein Lane and Knitting Basket are your more mainstream knitting places. There are also a couple of funky places in the East Bay. On Telegraph Avenue, there's a cozy knitting place called Article Pract (it's 1/2 block down from 51st). The crowd seems to be quite youngish and they are friendly and nice. Not a huge yarn selection, but you can get information on lessons there. In Kensington, you can find hand dyed yarns at a place called Deep Color. Not for the inquisitive, the owner is nice but does not suffer beginners gladly. A great place for interesting yarn; not so great for lessons or for getting beginner-type questions answered.

Yarn! Alameda in Alameda is a good place for lessons (or was; I don't get out there too often). They have a good selection of yarn and are very kind toward beginners.

In San Francisco, there is a place called Artfibers (they are also on the web). I find that they don't have a lot of sale yarns, but they do offer lessons. Artfibers is particularly good if you happen to want to knit things like wallhangings or other objects d'art.

If you prefer to shop at home, you can order a catalog from PATTERWORKS (you can get to them on the web). The catalog is quite comprehensive and they have good deals and all the mainstream yarns.

For knitting circles, I suggest you check with each yarn store -- they all have them. They are all different and it really depends on your personality and what you want. For instance, I don't go to the ones with beginners at them, because I can't get any knitting done. I prefer the bees with more working folks (rather than stay-at-homers) because I can relate to the conversations better. In the end, many women and men create their own circle, and that's what I would suggest ultimately.

Finally, you may be aware that ''STITCHES WEST'' comes to Oakland every year. I'd mark my calendar for Feb 19-22nd. You can sign up for tons of classes, you can meet bay area knitters, and you will be able to browse through thousands of yarns, including hand-made artisan yarn. Best of luck. Tsan

A new and very friendly yarn store is Article Pract on Telegraph Avenue in Oakland, right off 51st St. The inventory keeps improving and you can get on their email list to find out about their monthly offerings of classes.

Big Sky Studio in Lafayette is half yarn shop, half knitting studio.I believe you need to buy a membership to have access to the studio services, i.e. technical assistance. Check the website ( www.bigskystudio.com ) for updated hours and info.

In San Francisco, I really love ArtFibers. It is a one-of-a-kind yarn store which only sells its own brand, yarns originating with ready-to-wear manufacturers. It is a walk-up store located in the 200 block of Sutter Street.The schedule of classes as well as an online catalogue are available on the store's website.

I know of two knitting groups outside of the stores. The East Bay knitters meet every Monday night at the Jack London Square Barnes and Noble store. The East Bay Knitting guild meets one Thursday a month at a member's home. Both groups have set up mailing lists through Yahoo Groups, so it should be easy enough to search for their respective email addys through the YahooGroups site if you want to be notified of meeting dates.

Finally, once a year a fantastic yarn market and convention rolls into town, to the Oakland Convention Center. The event, Stitches West,is sponsored by Knitters' Magazine and offers exceptional opportunities to take classes with superlative teachers. No affiliation,I am just a devoted fan! The event includes a huge, almost overwhelming market and daily free Learn to Knit classes. Next year's Stitches Event will take place Feb.19-22. Online registration for classes just started this week. More info at www.knittinguniverse.com

Back to my needles, Laura

Hi there, I am so interested in learning how to knit and want to learn in a fun social environment with other women. I want a weekly outing (with out kids) where I can learn something new and meet new people. Any suggestions? Roxanne

Can anyone recommend a great place for knitting classes for adults in the Lamorinda area? I used to take classes in SF when I lived there, but I don't know of any places out here (I'm in Walnut Creek). Thanks! Lori

Also, I work at a yarn store in Oakland, very near to Highway 24 and Children's Hospital (so it's not as far a schlep through the tunnel as SF). The name of the store is Article Pract and the address is 5010 Telegraph Avenue (at 51st) and the website is www.articlepract.com Sonya

Hi, I am interested in joining a knitting class in the East Bay and would appreciate any information on such a class (for beginners). Many thanks. dominic

Anyone has suggestions for knitting classes. My 15 year old daughter wants to take lessons. Daniele