Beginning Knitting
Workshop | Registration opens Sunday, August 16, 2026 2:00 PM
This welcoming class introduces participants to the foundational skills of knitting. Led by lifelong knitter Judith Tavano, the course is ideal for those learning for the first time or returning after many years. Participants will explore casting on, the knit and purl stitches, yarn weights, needle sizes, and how tension affects the finished fabric.
Across three hands-on sessions, participants will work in a relaxed, supportive environment where questions are encouraged and creativity is celebrated. The class emphasizes confidence- building and the joy of making something by hand.
Participants should bring U.S. size 10.5 knitting needles (preferably wood or bamboo, 10” in length) and one skein of worsted-weight yarn in a color they enjoy.
(Please note that knitting requires moderate manual dexterity.) Activity Level: 1
This program will meet in person at OLLI Headquarters (HQ), located at 481 S. Shiloh Drive, Fayetteville, AR 72704. Please read your class reminder email for the exact room location.
Class changes occasionally happen; please watch for (and read) announcements or emails from OLLI regarding your class.
Click on the link below for a Google map shot of our location:
OLLI HQ
Judith Tavano
Judith Tavano is a retired U of A educator who continues to train and coach emerging leaders. Judith is a charter member of OLLI, presents frequently on aging and crafts, and has volunteered on a number of committees throughout the years. Judith knits, markets collectables, and is often joined on Zoom meetings by her mini labradoodle, Stella Bella. She has been studying generational theory for over 20 years and has a national reputation for helping organizations understand and work with the multiple generations that make up their workforces.
Judith Tavano learned to knit as a child and put it down until at age 30 she decided she wanted to knit and knit right. She took classes for two years, relearned the basics and beyond. Today, 40+ years later, Judith is seldom without a project in the making. Judith believes that knitting is a gift-to-self one stitch at a time.