Chestnut Hill Crafts & Hobbies Lessons for Adults

I began knitting when I was twelve years old; I sat beside my neighbor, Mrs. Turner, and listened to her stories while I watched her wooden straight needles move expertly along, clacking-clacking in counterpoint to the crackling of the wood in the corner stove. Mrs. Turner had a laid back approach to teaching knitting. The point of knitting wasn't simply to produce a useful item: it was to enjoy the process. If you made a mistake, just unmake it and try again. The worst that could happen was you would end up with two sticks and some string.

When you're twelve, life is filled with drama. Knitting was not. It has always been a meditative, nurturing retreat. There have been times in my life when I've knitted more, times when I've knitted less. But the lessons I learned from knitting have served me well over the years: patience, perseverance, and keeping it all in perspective.

I'd love to share this craft with someone else. Come, learn to knit and see what else you might learn ...

I learned to play chess from my dad when I was seven. Ever since, I have been playing in national and international chess tournaments. I was a four-time state high school chess champion. I'm an experienced tournament chess player (14 Years) and chess teacher (10 years). I have a masters degree in education from Harvard University. In addition, I have trained as a long distance runner. I was on my high school and college track and cross country team. I continue to run today and train for half-marathons and marathons.

I have taught chess with the US Chess Center in Washington, DC. I have created several after school and in school chess programs in DC, Ohio and Boston. I was a program officer for a small nonprofit that taught chess in hospitals, libraries and schools throughout the Massachusetts area. I have taught chess to both children and adults with a wide range of abilities. I was the Vice President of the Massachusetts Chess Association for 5 years.

Go at your own pace and have fun are my knitting mottos! I teach continental style knitting and have been teaching beginners to knit for over 5 years. Together we'll experience the excitement that comes when you cast on something new, learn a new stich, or finish a favorite project.

I'm can start with the basics (cast on, knit stitch, purl stitch) or jump straight into helping on a project you have planned (or started and got stuck on? don't worry - it happens to all of us!). There is no limit to the kind or number of projects we can do. I have plenty of project ideas and am always happy to help with your ideas, too.

I have been crocheting since I was 5, so I have over 20 years of experience. I love to crochet, and I can teach you how to make some of my most popular designs. I can also help with social media management for your crochet business, along with giving tips & tricks to make sales on Etsy and in person at craft shows.

Want to create items including categories of home decor, accessories, baby items and more? Interested in learning to make items you can sell or gift for others? I will help you build a solid foundation of crochet and technique while tailoring to your personal tastes and goals. Part of my lesson plan involves me teaching you the basics of making an item via crochet that you eventually complete. Shoot me a message to see if we're a good match!

My substantial areas of expertise are women and men patternmaking, draping, garment construction (sewing), tailoring, technical drawing, concepts sketching, from basic to advance skill set. I am also a big fan of incorporating recycled / repurposing materials such as leather, suede into garments.I encourage students to construct their own learning in an environment that stimulates and helps students to realize their full potential.