Stephen West Prairie Visit

We are excited to host knitting phenomena Stephen West in Urbana-Champaign. Stephen was a student in the Department of Dance at UIUC before going to Amsterdam to finish his dance studies, where he is now based.

Stephen has gone on to become a sensation in the knitting world where he is pushing the boundaries of what knitting is and could be.

His week here is packed with a variety of knitting and dancing events.

Registration and Venue Information

You can register for the different events at the Klose Knit website: all the events with their descriptions are posted there and you can register and pay for them online.

Reserve your spot in classes here: Stephen West Events. Scroll down the page and you will find the events for Stephen’s visit at the bottom. If you have questions, call Klose Knit at 217-344-3252. >> To find directions to the venues for the events or to explore what the venues have to offer, follow these links:

• Klose Knit • Sylvia’s Irish Inn • Dancing Dog Eatery and Juicery • Bacaro Wine Lounge • Champaign Public Library

Schedule of Events

When? What?

Where? Say more…

Monday April 4 7-9pm

Meet and Greet with Stephen West

Dancing Dog Eatery and Juicery, Urbana

Come and meet Stephen West at the lovely Dancing Dog Eatery and Juicery in Urbana, the first vegan restaurant in town. Feel free to bring your knitting to this social event and welcome Stephen to the prairie. There will be drinks and desserts available for purchase.

Wednesday April 6 3-6pm

Baby Penguono Knitting Class

Sylvia’s Irish Inn OR Klose Knit (TBD), Urbana

In this class you will learn how to put a sweater together. So, sign up and learn how to make welts, attach knitting vertically, and make other awesomeness happen. It will be a lot of fun! Baby Penguono kits will be available at Klose Knit after March 22. Please register online.

Thursday April 7 3-6pm

Brioche Hat with Brioche Knitting Class

Sylvia’s Irish Inn OR Klose Knit (TBD), Urbana

Wouldn’t you like to learn how to make a brioche hat? This is your chance to learn the brioche stitch and produce a wonderfully designed hat by Stephen West. Kits for the Brioche Hat will be available at Klose Knit after March 22. Please register online.

Friday April 8 3-6pm

More Brioche with Brioche Knitting Class Hat or Infinity Scarf

Sylvia’s Irish Inn OR Klose Knit (TBD), Urbana

This is an opportunity to hone your skills at the brioche stitch and get started knitting a hat or an infinity scarf. Scarf Kits or Hat Kits will be available at Klose Knit after March 22. Please register online.

Saturday April 9 9:30-12pm

Top Down Shawl Knitting Class

Sylvia’s Irish Inn, Urbana

Take this class to learn how to make a top down shawl. How else to learn these techniques but from the Shawl Master himself? Come and learn all the little tricks that make shawl knitting a wonderful adventure.

Saturday April 9 12:30-3pm

WestKnits Crafternoon Luncheon and Fashion Show

Sylvia’s Irish Inn, Urbana

During this luncheon, Stephen will talk about his creations and his design process. And at the end we will have a wonderful Fashion Show with WestKnits original designs. There are only 30 spots for that, so register early! Please register online.

Sunday April 10 4-6pm

Dancing Fashion Show

Bacaro Wine Lounge, Champaign

This is a music and dance performance featuring WestKnits creations, modeled by 8 performers including Stephen. There will be hors d'ouevres and non-alcoholic drinks included in the price of the ticket. A bar is available for drinks. If you want to stay to eat dinner, make sure you book a table - or if you cannot make it to the show, come by at 6.30 to meet Stephen and the performers. Please buy your ticket online. Tickets must be purchased prior to the show.

Monday April 11 4-6pm

Stephen West Dance Performance with the Colab Class

Champaign Public Library, Champaign

The Colab Class, co-taught by Erik Lund (music) and Kirstie Simson (dance) will be performing in various spaces at the Champaign Public Library, costumed in Stephen West’s creations. The performance is free and open to the public, no prior reservation necessary.