knit-one-one

I signed up for the «Hearts Desire» workshop which started this past Thursday and continues on for 2 more Thursdays… basically we can pick a pattern and Kira is facilitating/​leading the workshop for our projects. She is SUPER knowledgable and just a natural at this stuff… I’ve already signed up for her «Beginners Crochet» class elsewhere in Oakland, that’s how awesome she is.
I’m in the process of knitting a hat (first time ever!) and so far being on my own is going pretty OK, i am pretty content thus far… there’s never enough time at home it seems for the homework assigned from the class (the class is only 2hrs/​night so you’re basically there for the basics/​instructions and then finish what you can at home…) So make sure when you sign up for a class your schedule isn’t too hectic/​busy or else you risk not getting the most from the class.
Love Kira, she’s got her own website and teaches all over the East Bay, so take a class by her if whether you’re just starting out or a «pro»!

*This review was written by Alex’s Wife…*
Reading through the previous reviews on Unilocal,I had to go back and double check if I had gone to the same place, and had the same instructor (Sile). I received a gift certificate, by way of Groupon, for knitting classes at Knit One One. I had been wanting to learn how to knit for a long time, and was so excited when I received this gift.
This excitement was squished as soon as I walked through the door. Okay… let me acknowledge a few things in advance. I got confused with the start time, so I was 30 minutes late. Also, I didn’t realize this was a series of classes — not a one off (the website wasn’t very clear on this, and Sile failed to mention this when I registered.) I’m willing to admit my fault here — my bad.
However, I was really shocked at how badly I was treated. I didn’t expect Sile to stop the class to focus on catching me up, but I was stunned when she barely acknowledged me. I actually had to ask her what we where I could sit, and what we we doing, after standing there for a few minutes. It then took several more minutes before she came over to show me what the others were doing. She impatiently showed me how to knit one row, then turned me over to another student (WTF?) to show me how to proceed. She only gave me additional assistance when I became more persistent — but even then she was rude, and was very clear that she had zero interest in teaching me. I have not felt that disrespected or humiliated in a long time. Now you might be wondering — was I rude, was I being disruptive, was I being a jerk? And the answer is no — I was very polite and made sure to say please, thank you, and sorry. However, it seems that all of Sile’s negative behavior was saved for me — as everyone else seemed to receive the benefit of her coaching.
When the class was over, I tried to find out if ‘make up classes’ were an option, since I had missed the first two in the series. This took a while, as she kept interrupting me to talk to the other students. I had heard Sile offer another student (in the same class) the option of returning to future classes for some 1:1 instruction since she had missed a class in the series, so I asked her if I could do the same. She told me that I should just go online and learn to knit from online videos!!! When I told her I really wanted to learn how to knit, hence the classes, she said «sit down, I need to see if you can knit.» Umm… isn’t that why I signed up for this class? To add insult to injury, she told me that I needed to sit in the chair better, because I wasn’t sitting properly??? I’ve never been so offended in my life.
Ultimately, I’m going to be losing money on this class because I refuse to ever go back to Knit One One. Save your money and your dignity, and go someplace else where they’re more respectful and polite. No one should pay to have someone be so rude to them!

I wanted to learn to knit! I did! Sile was a GREAT teacher! I loved that it was a 4 week class! We actually completed TWO projects! Lovely space, friendly and NOW I can knit!

I took my first Knit-​One-​One class in 2008 and I was hooked from the first moment. Owner Sile and instructors do a fantastic job of making people feel welcome and encouraged. I have taken classes taught by Kate, Kira, and Julie; all are patient and very knowledgeable. I have to confess that Kate’s Magical Mystery Knitting classes are my favorite! You receive a material list in advance but no hint about what you will be knitting. The night is filled with delicious refreshments and a million laughs as everyone shouts out guesses as the knitting progresses. By the end of the class you have completed something you probably never imagined! Every class at Knit-​One-​One is small so there is time for individualized attention and getting to know other knitters. I recommend K11 without any hesitation; especially the Magical Mystery class!

Thanks to Jeanette (awesome teacher) and Sile (owner, coach, treat-​maker) for turning a non knitter into a novice with know-​how. This is a great place to learn to knit or acquire new skills. Affordable, friendly, cozy, and did I mention the homemade shortbread? With regular classes, craft sales, and events happening, it’s safe to say I’ll be back soon!

This is the most fabulous knitting/​sewing studio (and crochet). The ownder, Sile, is lovely and welcoming. Kyra, a well known instructor, teaches here and is great too. My daughter went to 2 summer camps at knit-​one-​one and LOVED it! This was her favorite place to hang out. She learned the most amazing stitches in a relaxed, welcoming environment. The «campers» were a mix of adults and kids and everyone was gentle and friendly. They all learned from each other. An added benefit is that they are treated to Sile’s homemade shortbread and fresh fruit for snacks.
I am thinking of retiring so I can hang out there. They also do parties (including kids birthday parties).
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE THE PLACE!

What a beautiful space and welcoming atmosphere Sile has created at Knit-​One-​One! I was lucky to participate in a recent craft sale and had a great time buying beautiful gifts from the many diverse vendors present. I came home with the cutest hand-​sewn stuffed animals, a pair of hand-​sewn slugs (the finger-​less glove created by super sugar ray ray that are so warm and cozy I haven’t been able to take off since) and a wonderfully clever t-​shirt designed by girl and rhino. If I had more money, I would have bought something great from each of the vendors! Every month Sile brings a new, diverse group together to sell one-​of-​a-​kind, locally-​made gems. I’m going to be back for sure!
Oh yeah, and parking is free!

I took a Beginning Crochet class with Kira here recently and it was AWESOME. First off, the studio is so cute and comfy and Sile is such a great hostess… she was so warm and welcoming, I almost felt like I was walking into her home or something. She even brought us water and little cookies.
And Kira was great… she was an excellent teacher… she was patient, very clear and concise and really sweet. I had a blast and didn’t want the class to end. I am also now totally «hooked» on crocheting!
I will definitely be back for more classes soon!

I just finished the crochet for beginners class. I really enjoyed the class and the instructor, Kira, was super patient and knowledgeable. I was able to start 2 projects: a scarf and beanie. Sile was super nice and also helped answer some questions during class. I did appreciate Kira’s way of correcting your mistakes in your work. Kira really tried to explain things in a way that YOU would understand and remember it.
I’ll definitely be looking into taking another class here!

I think I’ve been to 3 classes at knit-​one-​one, once in the old location and twice in the new.
This is a fantastic place to take a class! Think about it: Sile’s only focus is on providing classes. Not selling yarn, not selling patterns, not doing inventory, not all the other stuff that happens at a yarn shop. Getting people taught how to do things they want to learn.
What difference does that make, you say? Plenty! The experience is the focus: plenty of light, a beautiful room without a thousand balls of light-​absorbing yarn surrounding you, water at hand when you need it — which I never have when I go somewhere — and the snacks — everything you need to stay focused and get ‘er done. Though I will say that thinking about her shortbread sometimes causes a small focus-​drift when I’m knitting…
I’m an insanely busy work-​too-​much mom of teens who need me to subsume my own life to serve theirs (the norm, in other words) yet I will beat them off with a stick to make time to go to a class here. And Sile will work out a schedule that fits the instructor and students she knows will return, in some cases — sublime customer service.
I’m going to my first craft fair there today (like I said, way busy and missed every single one till now) and I CAN’T WAIT.
Drop everything. Take a class here. You’ll be glad you did!

Wonderful place to knit, chat, meet new friends and build community. Sile has a way of bringing people together. Classes are varied and are taught by very knowledgeable people. Definitely check out the monthly crafts fair. Lots of wonderful artisans.

this is an adorable little store. i don’t even knit, but the store held a craft fair today, and my friend was selling her jewelry there. the owner sile is super nice, and all the vendors were great also. i think they hold these craft fairs fairly often, and it’s great that the store allows indie artisans set up shop and sell their crafts. i want to come by and take knitting lessons sometime, too!

This past Friday I attended my first Magical Mystery Party! It was great. Good group of ladies. A great time was had by all and the best part is that you also get to eat some dinner while you knit. Looking forward to going to more classes.

Sile has made such a wonderful atmosphere for crafters to come together. I’ve taken a class, joined a spinning group and met nothing but wonderful people. Since it isn’t a yarn shop, there’s no pressure to purchase, just sit, enjoy the space and be creative without all the distractions of everyday life. Since it’s on a block without many businesses (except the wonderful bakery), parking is easy. It’s also close to public transit and easy to bike to from MacArthur or Ashby BART.

KNITONEONE ROCKS!!! GO SILE!!!
Okay, now that I have gotten that out of my system, let me just say that
Knitoneone is one of the coolest places on the planet and I can’t believe that we are so lucky to have it in Berkeley. Free Speech, Chez Panisse, knitoneone! I have taken so many excellent classes at knitoneone beginning with their Free Ravelry orientation, and continuing on with the Learning to Spin on a wheel, the Kira K Cornucopia, and the Monthly Block Party classes. I am signed up for the Scarf and Scarf class (you eat delicious food while you knit a scarf) and the Spinning Sock yarn class. And I would have signed up for even more if my schedule permitted! The classes are a great mixture of technique and skills building, cool and beautiful projects, and a big dose of creativity, imagination and fun. Being the perennial student that I am, I have taken so, so, so many classes in my lifetime. I give knitoneone classses the highest recommendation possible. The teachers are super knowledgeable, friendly, accessible and the small class size allows for quality one-​on-​one instruction. I attended the Kira K trunk show which featured a fabulous runway show of knitters strutting their finished Kira K creations. Now, I am now taking the Kira K Cornucopia class with Kira teaching it herself! It is so awesome to have the actual designer help you with their own pattern. I have learned so much and I feel like the whole world of patterns has been opened up to me.
Knitoneone’s space is a space that you feel good to be in. It is well-​designed, colorful, and spacious but warm at the same time. I always feel comfortable and inspired by the many beautiful knitted items hanging on the walls or tucked away in the cubbies. Sile is the soul, glue and mastermind behind knitoneone. She is an amazing community builder and delightful hostess with the mostest, connecting people who should know each other, and making sure everyone feels welcomed. There are always snacks at every class or event, including Sile’s famous shortbread, which I truly appreciate in this current no-​frills world.
This year I was determined to increase my knitting and spinning skills. I feel so fortunate that knitoneone exists to hold my hand. Without them, I would probably be knitting my 39^th scarf right about now… I just wish I had found out about knitoneone sooner! So if you are interested in fiber classes, definitely check out their website and you will find a class for you, I guarantee it. And most likely, I will be in it too!

i came to knit-​one-​one in search of some crochet skills. i got them, and a whole lot more. it was well worth a venture across the bay.
first of all, the space is amazing. the design is simple, and i adore the hooks where one can place their bags (or knit items), the cubbyholes filled with inspiring projects, and the high ceilings.
then there’s sile. she is so awesome. during the class, she supplied us with snacks and goodies, and good conversation.
my teacher susan miles, was great! she was friendly, approachable, knowledgeable, and she even gave us homework (which i really liked).
i would definitely go back and take more classes. i feel like i joined a family and made friends.

Brightly lit studio that manages to be cozy and airy at the same time. Sile is very much in charge. I had a wonderful time at my finishing class taught by Julie Weisenberger of Cocoknits, and came away with actual skills that took my technique up a notch to refined. I’d been delaying finishing a sweater for months out of fear of sewing on the sleeves — after class I went home and knocked it out, wore it to work today to great acclaim. Can’t wait to take another class and maybe even go to a knit out or an outing.

Sile is just the coolest woman ever. She hires the best teachers, and has the most fun students. I love her snacks, and the ambiance she supplies.
Taking a class with knit-​one-​one is like a mini-​spa treatment, that’s the best way I can describe it.

Haiku for Knit-​One-​One
With good folks, food, wine,
Yarn, needles, and expert help
Knit community
I love Knit-​One-​One! Check out their Magical Mystery Knitting Party for a screamin’ good time and the right to say, «Geez, I knit THAT in an evening?»

knit-​one-​one is a knitting studio…
knit-​one-​one is a knitting retreat or spa…
knit-​one-​one is a crafting community…
knit-​one-​one is a an inspiration…
but really what you want you to know… what in the hell can knit-​one-​one do for me?! And I am glad that you asked.
knit-​one-​one can teach you how to…
–how to knit… the very basics, as in how to hold your needles and yarn
–learn how to crochet… the basics
–knitting techniques; lace, finishing, enterlac, magic loop, felting, etc.
–knitting hats, sweaters, gloves, xmas wreaths, toys, bags, socks, etc.
–FEED YOU! Yes, that is correct. Each class receives 5 star service, a light snack or meal (varies depending on the length of class and time of day/​night), endless coffee or tea.
This fun bunch goes on filed trips all over the bay area (rumors may include a long distance trip in the future). They go to museums and events to take a closer look at textiles and various fiber crafts. While on such events they visit knitting stores in the area (sometimes the knitting shops even offer a discount to the group)!
They meet regularly at Rudy’s Can’t Fail Café in Emeryville (the 1^st & 3^rd Wed of each month). They also Meet at Sweet Adeline’s Bakery in Berkeley on Saturday mornings (this meeting does not YET have a set schedule, so check the knit-​one-​one website for dates).
knit-​one-​one is run by Sile (pronounced Shelia), a truly delightful woman who shares her passion for knitting and the communities surrounding her. Sile has employed a dynamic staff of instructors (i am a little biased) who share the same passion for the fiber arts. The instructors are knowledgeable and patient.
The studio is currently located in Emeryville in a gorgeous, warm, and inviting space.