Knitting enthusiasts, those in search of a new hobby and those who just enjoy beer may be interested in the upcoming Boots, Brushes and Brew event.
“We have twenty participants and they are going to be given a skein of yarn and two needles, and they are going to learn how to do the knit stitch,” said Lori Kirk, owner of Cowgirl Yarn.
Most of the participants who have signed up have never knit before. This gives them a chance to learn how and bring home something they have made.
The Downtown Laramie Business Association is responsible for putting on Boots, Brushes and Brew for a few years now. It used to be a painting event, which is where the brushes part of the name came from.
The DLBA reached out to Kirk because they wanted to offer women an activity other than painting.
“This time they have decided to do something different,” said Kirk, “so instead of brushes we’re going to be using two sticks.”
One of the instructors for Boots, Brushes and Brew and an employee at Cowgirl Yarn, Charlotte Pruden, has been knitting for over nine years.
“Teaching is something that I really enjoy doing,” said Pruden. “I’m in charge of most of our beginners classes so I’ve done this a few times.”
“What we are doing is a very simple scarflette,” said Pruden. “It’s a basic knit.”
Pruden said likes about knitting because your hands are kept busy while your mind can wander off.
“Once you get the rhythm down, you really don’t have to pay attention,” said Pruden.
“A lot of people have really good memories of knitting,” said Pruden. “Either their grandparents or parents have done it.”
Pruden said that there are many different reasons people come in to learn knitting. A lot of times, it is just a relaxing hobby for people to pick up.
There will be a couple other people helping Pruden instruct the class. She said the largest class she has taught on her own was 13 people.
Boots, Brushes and Brew will happen at the downtown business Room To Grow, on May 18 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. There will also be appetizers and beverages. It will cost $40, which will cover all the materials provided.
The tickets are available at Cowgirl Yarn and the Copper Kettle.
Kirk said she hopes that she can offer this class about 4 times a year.
Boots, Brushes and Brew is outside of the regular Cowgirl Yarn classes that are offered.
“The DLBA is huge group of volunteers that are business owners,” said Kirk, who is also a member.
The DLBA does a lot of activities downtown to support local businesses, Kirk said.
Kirk said that they have volunteers already, but could always use more and students are always welcome to help out.
