Crafts & Hobbies Lessons in Lincoln, MA. It's your time.

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 ...

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'm a passionate chess player with an extensive knowledge of chess theory who specializes in teaching beginner/intermediate (up to ~1600 USCF) players of all ages. Lessons will be personalized to focus on student's weaknesses and areas of needed improvement, as well as generalized chess instruction. Chess is a great platform to improve critical thinking skills and one's ability to focus, as well as a great way to have fun. My lessons will help you or your children gain an understanding of the art of chess and improve your confidence and ability to play the game.

My teaching style is progressive and tailored to the individual student. Each lesson builds on what was learned before. We go over games that the student has played, especially losses to higher rated players. For beginning players and juniors I teach the fundamentals and build from there. Suggested books are Comprehensive Chess Course, for beginners, and Chess The Easy Way by Reuben Fine, for more advanced players.

As far as chess goes, anyone can learn how to move a piece, control the board, or utilize move patterns. The thing that separates the average from the adept is the understanding of the multiple levels of "playing". Starting with your mind set, moving on to the game board, and ultimately defeating the opponent sitting across from you...

Defeating your opponent is literally the goal of chess. So, it is important to remember to have fun while being competitive.

I am a Chess Player, and have been since elementary school where I joined the chess club and became addicted to the game. That's when found out my younger brother was cheating when he taught me how to play a few weeks before. Needless to say he cant win against me anymore...OK fine, he gets lucky sometimes...at the end of the day we supported each other and our friends at a bunch of chess tournaments!

Now, at this point in my life, it is time to share some chess knowledge and support someone who is looking for that ...