WISW - Pocket Palooza with Lisa Toppin

WI Sheep and Wool Collaboration: Pocket Palooza with Lisa Toppin

Friday, September 11, 2026

 9 AM - 4 PM

Registration will open April 15, 2026 at 12:01 am CST. This registration is to hold your spot only and you will be contacted directly by WISW to pay for your class (see important notes below). Early registration will close May 8th (after that you can register on the WISW site starting May 15th if space is left).

Topic:  

Welcome to Pocket Palooza! Where we're bringing pockets to the party! Say goodbye to sweaters with nowhere to put your phone and hello to knitwear with flair! In this workshop you'll learn how to add pockets that are as stylish as they are handy. From vertical and horizontal patch pockets to inset pockets, we will cover it all, giving you the skills to pop a pocket into anything- new projects or old faces! By the end, you'll be a pocket pro, ready to add function, flair, and a dash of fun to every knitted piece.

Skills Needed: Intermediate

Cost: $130 (to be paid directly to WISW after registration, see important notes below)

What to Bring:

Yarn: 

Main Yarn: 100 grams of smooth, light colored worsted weight yarn (wool or wool blend recommended. Avoid dark colors, boucle, cotton, or fuzzy yarn)

Contrast Yarn: 100 yards in a similar weight (for inset practice)

Needles:

24" circular needle in size appropriate for worsted weight yarn (typically YS6-8 / 4-5mm)

One sized smaller needle (for reinforced edges)

DPN's or second circular needle (for pocket bag work)

Notions:

Locking Stitch Markers (minimum 6)

Tapestry Needle

Small Scissors

Measuring Tape

Removable Waste Yarn (at least 20")

Crochet Hook (1 size smaller than knitting needles)

Straight Pins (optional but helpful for placement testing)

Sewing Needle

1 Spool Sewing Thread

Optional but Recommended:

Row Counter

Small Notebook

Highlighter

Weighted object for load testing (keys, phone, or small wallet)

Homework:  

To ensure minimum hands-on installation time, students must arrive with:

1) Base Panel (large): 8"x10" stockinette rectangle (Approx. 40 stitches by 50 rows at 5 stitches to the inch), Blocked. Live stitches bound off. Leave at least a 2" garter rib boarder at the bottom (optional but helpful)

2) Secondary Panel (small): 6"x6" stockinette square (Approx. 30 stitches by 35 rows), Blocked. Bound off.

Both panels should be knit in main yarn.

Material Fee and What this Covers: $7 for reinforcement kit

Location: Wisconsin Sheep and Wool Grounds in PLY Together, Building 7

WISW Site Link: https://wisconsinsheepandwoolfestival.com/education/classes (for information only, not registration)

IMPORTANT NOTES:

1. Wisconsin Sheep and Wool Festival is offering MKG members a chance to register for classes before they open to the general public. This is a huge member benefit since classes sell out quickly at the festival site.
2. There is not a discount for the classes, it is early registration only!
3. You can only register early via the MKG website, and you must be a MKG member to do so. 
4. You will NOT pay for your class via MKG. Once you register, you will receive an invoice from Wisconsin Sheep and Wool Festival, and you will pay them directly.
5. Payment must be made to the Festival no later than May 10 or you will be dropped from the class.