This is an on-going series of classes based on the book The Great American Aran Afghan, edited by Elaine Rowley. There are twenty-four blocks in total - twenty for the afghan, four for toss pillows - so the class will be on-going for two years. You don't need to be at every single class; if you don't like a particular block, or have already done it, you can skip that class.

We will be going through the blocks in order of increasing complexity, so you don't need to worry about being ambushed by a difficult technique! The first block will be "Ginette Belanger" on page 14. You will need:

• US #6 (4mm) needles, either straight or circular
• Cable needle
• Row counter
• Stitch markers

Some of us have decided to experiment with straight square needles. The consensus so far is that the stitch definition is far superior to the usual round needles. If you would like to order some, be sure to let Liz know!

The organisation of the class will be: on the first meeting of the month, Eileen and Marie will go through the pattern for that month, share their recommendations, and Marie will hand out her notes for that particular block. You are free to come in or not the other Thursdays, or even skip entire months if you don't want to do that particular block.

The classes are free as long as you purchase the yarn for the project from the store. You will need to let us know what yarn and color to order for you by December 1 to make sure it will be here for you when the class starts.

About yarn: the yarn called for in the book is Plymouth Encore - however, after experimenting, Eileen and Marie feel that Cascade Pacific or Pacific Multi give a 'softer' result. Any worsted-weight yarn will work.

Marie knitted the smallest and largest squares from Pacific and blocked them to the same size, so no additional borders or sashing will need to be added to the blocks.