Workshops by Tracy Minnema
Instructor: Tracy Minnema
Tracy Minnema’s lifelong journey with fibre arts began when she was just five years old, with early explorations in crocheting and knitting. Over time, her creative interests expanded to encompass sewing, dressmaking, needlework, and quilting.
After high school, Tracy pursued a Fashion Merchandising diploma at Fleming College in Peterborough, Ontario, and then spent several years working in Toronto’s fashion industry. Eventually, she shifted paths and entered Queen’s University’s Faculty of Education in Kingston, where she earned a certification in Technological Studies with specialization in Clothing & Fashion.
Following her graduation, Tracy enjoyed a thirty‑year career teaching at the secondary school level. She taught Family Studies courses, specializing in clothing and fashion, in Brampton, Cobourg, and Peterborough, Ontario. In 2021, she retired from formal education — but her passion for textiles and fibre arts never waned. In 2015 she founded A River of Yarn to continue nurturing creativity, community, and connection through the craft she’s loved since childhood.
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Saturday Morning Workshop 9:15am – 11:45am
Doodles Cup Cosy
Have you tried your hand at the newest design craze yet?
If not, then join us for a workshop on designing with “DOODLES” from Pacific Knit Co. and learn to knit colourwork with a custom cup cozy.
You will explore the basic techniques of stranded colourwork in this class. Using the modular Doodle motifs, you’ll pick your own whimsical design, learn the basics of knitting with two colours and leave with a finished (or nearly finished) cup cozy by the end of the class. This class is perfect for adventurous beginners who can knit & purl in the round. We will cover tips for managing floats, reading a colourwork chart, and keeping tension even, all while creating a custom cup cozy.
Student Supply List:
· Any DK, light worsted, or sport weight yarn that meets gauge, see chart below, in a variety of colours approximately 30-35 yards (27-45meters). Doodles are designed to use leftover yarn, yarn advents, or any other small batches of colourways in your stash.
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Needle size to obtain gauge listed in chart, either shortie circular needles, DPN’S, Addi Flexiflips, or Magic Loop (your preference). Sharpened coloured pencils in the colours represent of your yarn choices.
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Saturday Afternoon Workshops 1:30pm – 4:00pm
Why GEMS Matter: Gauge, Ease, Measurements & Sizing
Beautiful knitting and crochet don’t happen by accident—they’re built on GEMS. Gauge, Ease, Measurements, and Sizing are the foundations that turn yarn and stitches into garments that fit, flatter, and feel right.
Mastering GEMS saves time, yarn, and disappointment—and replaces them with confidence, consistency, and finished projects you’re proud to wear or gift. Whether you knit or crochet, GEMS are the skills that elevate your work from “handmade” to well-made.
Join Tracy for this presentation of the GEMS that you need when knitting or crocheting.
We look at:
· Gauge - why it really does matter & how to get it
· Ease – the difference that it makes in your design
· Measurements - how to correctly take body measurements
· Size - how to find the correct size for all projects
This is an interactive presentation where you will practice changing yarns in a pattern, put your learning to the test in determining gauge, determine the amount of ease you want in a design, practice taking body measurements, and finally, correctly choose the right size for various patterns. You will be provided with various charts & guides for future reference.
Student Supply List:
Please bring any of the tools that you currently use for determining gauge, ease, measurements, and sizing. Do you need help determining the GEMS of a particular project? Bring it with you and we can help.
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Sunday Morning Workshop 11:30am – 2:00pm
The best way to become a more confident knitter or crocheter is to understand the different types of fibres and yarns available today. Once you know the basics, you will choose the right type of yarn every time.
In this workshop we will cover:
• Yarn Labels
• Yarn Weights
• Textile Fibres
• Types of Yarn
• Textile Care
• Swatching & Getting Gauge in Knitting & Crochet
• Answering the question - How Much Yarn do I Need?
• Calculate yardage for Knitting & Crochet
• Determining your mystery yarn stash
You will walk away with many guides to aid in your future decision making and a greater knowledge of fibres, yarns, and the fabrics that they create.
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