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Jan 14 •
Who is Tracy MInnema?
Many of you already know me from my business, A River of Yarn, www.ariverofyarn.ca. Check out my online store if you are not already familiar with it. But, who is Tracy Minnema, the person behind the business? Here is a brief bio that will help answer this question: 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 teaching 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. A River of Yarn is a studio and an online business specializing in luxury and affordable hand knitting/crochet yarns, patterns and accessories. Tracy celebrated 10 years as the Founder, Owner and CYO of A River of Yarn, in 2025. Teaching workshops and classes makes up a large part of the business. Tracy offers lessons from beginner to advanced techniques in the studio. She travels Ontario taking part in various fibre festivals. You can find Tracy as a guest speaker at various guilds and trade shows, presenting seminars and hands-on workshops. Designing patterns while working with fibres and textiles has always been a part of both her personal and professional life. In her free time, Tracy loves to explore various cultures by traveling the world and spending time with family and friends.
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Jan 14 •
Coffee Hour Meet & Greet
Beginning Wednesday January 21st at 10:30am I will be hosting a Coffee Hour Meet & Greet. You can find the link in the Calendar tab at the top of the page. I am hoping to make this a weekly event. So if you can, grab a coffee, a project that you are working on, and join me for an online get-together. There is no official agenda, just be prepared to introduce yourself and tell us why you joined A River of Yarn Skool.
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Jan 9 •
Let's get started....
Welcome to A River of Yarn on Skool This is a learning and community space created for knitters, crocheters, and fibre lovers who want to grow their skills, confidence, and creativity—one stitch at a time. Led by Tracy, founder and owner of A River of Yarn, these lessons will combine clear instruction, practical techniques, and real-world fibre knowledge gained from years in the education, textile & yarn industry. Whether you’re building strong foundations or refining advanced skills, you’ll find guidance you can trust and projects you’ll love. Inside this group, you’ll find: - Step-by-step lessons you can follow at your own pace - Tips and techniques to improve your knitting and crochet results - Yarn education to help you choose the right fibres with confidence - Encouragement, inspiration, and support from a like-minded community This is a judgment-free space where questions are welcome, mistakes are part of learning, and progress is celebrated—no matter your skill level. If yarn is your happy place and you’re ready to learn, connect, and create with purpose, you’re in the right place. Pull up a chair, grab your needles or hook, and let’s make something beautiful together. — Tracy A River of Yarn
Sep 3 •
September - Andalusian Stitch
The Andalusian Stitch is a lovely textured knitting stitch that gives you a subtle checkerboard or dotted texture without requiring complicated techniques. It is particularly useful when you want more visual interest than plain stockinette but don't want an elaborate lace pattern. A great beginner stitch. 🧶 Andalusian Stitch Skill level: Beginner Type: Textured stitch Repeat: 4 rows Stitch multiple: Any number of stitches that works with your chosen border Techniques: Knit and purl Texture: Small raised dots/miniature diamonds Reversible: Yes, although the two sides have slightly different appearances What does it look like? The Andalusian Stitch creates small, regularly spaced purl bumps surrounded by stockinette, producing a subtle geometric texture. From a distance it can look almost like tiny diamonds or a miniature checkerboard. It is much less open than a lace stitch, so it creates a warm, stable fabric. Basic 4-row pattern A commonly used version is: Row 1: Knit all stitches. Row 2: Purl all stitches. Row 3: *K1, P1; repeat from * across. Row 4: *P1, K1; repeat from * across. Repeat these 4 rows. Note: There are several published variations of Andalusian Stitch. Some versions use a different placement of the knit/purl stitches or a garter-stitch foundation, so it's important to follow the specific version associated with a pattern. Why knitters like it The Andalusian Stitch is useful because it gives you texture without complicated stitch manipulation. Advantages: - Only knit and purl stitches are required. - Easy to memorize. - Creates attractive surface texture. - Doesn't require cables or lace techniques. - Works well in solid colours. - Provides more visual interest than stockinette. - Makes a good beginner's introduction to patterned knitting. Best projects It's particularly nice for: - 🧣 Scarves - 🧤 Cowls - 🧶 Baby blankets - 🛏️ Throws - 🧥 Cardigans - 🧢 Hats - 🧦 Socks - 👜 Bags - Sweater panels - Borders and accent sections
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Sep 3 •
September - Crochet Granny Squares
The classic crochet Granny Square is one of the most recognizable crochet motifs. It is built from clusters of 3 double crochet stitches separated by chain spaces, worked in rounds from the centre outward. Skill Level: Beginner Type: Motif / square pattern Texture: Open, lightly textured, and flexible Construction: Worked in rounds Repeat: Groups of 3 double crochet stitches Best Yarn: Almost any yarn weight can be used Hook: Match the hook to your yarn and desired fabric The Basic Granny Cluster A traditional Granny Square uses a 3-dc cluster: 3 dc worked into the same chain space. The clusters are separated by chain-2 spaces along the sides. The corners are usually made with: 3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc This creates the square shape and provides spaces for the next round. How the Pattern Grows Each round adds more granny clusters along the four sides. Round 1: Creates the centre and four corners. Round 2: Adds clusters between the corners. Round 3 and onward: Continue adding clusters along each side while maintaining four corners. The beauty of the Granny Square is that every round follows essentially the same rhythm, making it easy to memorize. Granny Squares are particularly popular for colourwork. You can: - Change colour every round - Use two alternating colours - Create a rainbow square - Use one colour for the entire square - Make individual squares in different colour combinations and join them Why Granny Squares Are So Popular The Granny Square is wonderfully versatile. Individual squares can be joined to create: - Blankets and throws - Cardigans and sweaters - Bags and totes - Pillows - Scarves - Vests - Baby blankets - Shawls - Home décor Granny Square crochet is an excellent way to learn how chain spaces, stitch clusters, increases, corners, colour changes, and working in rounds work together to create a larger fabric. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Classic Granny Square — Step-by-Step Instructions:
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