On Sale Through November 8. Announcing 4 New Releases on Sale Now: How Winston Churchill Changed the World, The Architecture of Power: Great Palaces of the Ancient World, Math and Magic, Craftsy: Knitting 101.
On Sale Through November 8. Announcing 4 New Releases on Sale Now: How Winston Churchill Changed the World, The Architecture of Power: Great Palaces of the Ancient World, Math and Magic, Craftsy: Knitting 101.
  • How Winston Churchill Changed the World
    Course  |  How Winston Churchill Changed the World

    Professor Michael Shelden, PhD

    Available Formats: Video Download, Audio Download, DVD, CD

    Winston Churchill didn’t just live history—he made it. In How Winston Churchill Changed the World, join Churchill-biographer Professor Michael Shelden for a multifaceted, 24-lecture exploration of the statesman’s life, accomplishments, complexities, and failures. It’s an unforgettable journey through the 20th century in the footsteps of the man who helped humanity prevail during violent, dangerous times.

    View Lecture List (24)

    Winston Churchill didn’t just live history—he made it. In How Winston Churchill Changed the World, join Churchill-biographer Professor Michael Shelden for a multifaceted, 24-lecture exploration of the statesman’s life, accomplishments, complexities, and failures. It’s an unforgettable journey through the 20th century in the footsteps of the man who helped humanity prevail during violent, dangerous times.

    View Lecture List (24)
    24 Lectures  |  How Winston Churchill Changed the World
    Lecture Titles (24)
    • 1
      Churchill and the Muse of History
      First, establish a strong sense of how Winston Churchill looked at the world, and what he brought to politics that made him stand out from the start of his career. Then, learn how the connecting thread of history helped inspire Churchill to deliver his iconic Finest Hour" speech." x
    • 2
      Young Churchill
      Survey the remarkable accomplishments of Winston Churchill's life before he turned thirty. Follow the future statesman as he fights on the frontier of India, takes part in the British army's last great cavalry charge, survives capture in South Africa's Boer War, and wins a seat in Parliament. x
    • 3
      Churchill, the Edwardian Titan
      Few British politicians have risen as far-and as fast-as Winston Churchill did during the first decade of his parliamentary career. Examine Churchill's meteoric ascent, including his conflicts with political veterans Arthur Balfour and Joseph Chamberlain, his time as a liberal statesman, and his relationship with Violet Asquith. x
    • 4
      Churchill's Rise to the Admiralty
      Focus on Churchill's career as First Lord of the Admiralty and his efforts to make sure the British navy could win battles in the North Sea. Central to this were technological developments (including a massive new gun for ships) and his knowledge of the newest twist in naval warfare: aviation. x
    • 5
      Churchill and Failure in World War I
      With the military disaster in Gallipoli and the Dardanelles during World War I, Churchill pushed his luck too far. Discover what led to this major failure and his subsequent resignation from government, as well as how he overcame this fall from grace by joining the fight on the Western Front. x
    • 6
      Churchill in War and Peace
      Gain insights into Churchill's return to government in 1917 as Minister of Munitions and, after the end of World War I, as War Secretary. Then, examine Churchill's fraught relationship with Prime Minister Lloyd George and the publication of his grand, four-volume history of the war years: The World Crisis. x
    • 7
      Churchill as Chancellor of the Exchequer
      As Chancellor of the Exchequer, Churchill's primary job was to maintain Britain's economic prosperity. Here, learn how his efforts to cut wasteful spending, implement modest tax cuts, and return to the Gold Standard hurt the British economy in a way that would undermine most of his good work elsewhere. x
    • 8
      The Rise of Tyranny in the 1930s
      Take a step back to investigate just how tangled the relationship between Britain and Germany was becoming in the 1930s. Professor Shelden reveals how Churchill led an uphill battle to persuade his country about the dangers of Hitler and the Nazis-even as his fellow countrymen turned against him. x
    • 9
      Churchill as Author and Historian
      During the 1930s, Churchill kept his name and fame alive through his books and essays. In this lecture, explore some of his greatest works from the period, including Great Contemporaries (a dazzling study of major leaders of the day) and Marlborough: His Life and Times (a multi-volume biography of a famous ancestor). x
    • 10
      The Gathering Storm in Nazi Germany
      As international danger loomed on the horizon, Churchill knew the Royal Air Force would be the key to Britain's future. Learn how Churchill set in motion a chain of events that led to the legendary (and revolutionary) Spitfire, then examine how Churchill tried to save King Edward's monarchy from scandal. x
    • 11
      Churchill in the Age of Appeasement
      Explore just how pitifully disunited and disorganized the British government was as it stood on the verge of war with Hitler. How did the "age of appeasement" begin? What made Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain think he could do business with Hitler? How did Churchill continue to prepare for war? x
    • 12
      The Road to Dunkirk
      On May 8, 1940, a speech by David Lloyd George validating Churchill's premonitions of war with Germany led to Chamberlain's defeat-and Churchill's succession to the role of prime minister. But, as you'll learn, within a month of taking office Churchill faced one of his most serious challenges at Dunkirk. x
    • 13
      Churchill in Power
      When Churchill took power over the government, he knew he'd not only have to fight the Germans but also the simmering resentments within the Conservative Party. Take a closer look at cabinet battles and the famous speech to the House of Commons after the Dunkirk miracle" that effectively crushed Churchill's defeatists." x
    • 14
      Surviving the Nazi Blitz
      Explore how Churchill responded to the terror of the Blitz and how his long history of experience with aviation had a major impact on the war in the air. Then, conclude with a look at the wisdom of a particular-and overlooked-sentence from his famous speech of June 18, 1940. x
    • 15
      Turning the Tide against Hitler
      When did the course of war with Germany take the decisive turn for England that Churchill had hoped for? Why did his attention wander to Malaysia and Singapore? Why was the Suez Canal such an important lifeline for Britain? What was Churchill's long-term strategy for facing down the German juggernaut? x
    • 16
      Churchill and Roosevelt
      Learn how another historical giant-U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt-became the one vital person Churchill needed at his side to win the war. You'll learn what made these two men such effective partners, including their strong wills, their love of attention, and their hatred of being on the sidelines. x
    • 17
      Churchill and Stalin
      Turn now to Churchill's relationship with another historical giant: Russian leader Joseph Stalin. Why was Churchill's August 1942 trip to Moscow one of his most difficult wartime challenges? How did he and Roosevelt balance their desire to help an enemy of Hitler's without allowing Stalin more leverage than was prudent? x
    • 18
      Debating Churchill's Wartime Leadership
      Take a look at some of the more controversial decisions of Churchill's war record, including his possible delay of the D-Day invasion and the bombing campaign against Dresden and other German cities. Also, consider Churchill's early public stance against the threat to Jews under the Nazis. x
    • 19
      Churchill from Tehran to Yalta
      At the Tehran Conference, Churchill realized how small Britain was compared to the rising world powers of Russia and the United States. At the Yalta Conference, he discovered the only bond of victors is their common hate. Here, go inside Churchill's experiences at these critical diplomatic events from World War II. x
    • 20
      Peace, Churchill, and the British Voter
      In July 1945, at the height of his triumph over Hitler, Churchill was kicked out of office by the British electorate and replaced with Clement Attlee. Examine how Churchill's struggle to save Europe from despotism left Britain a minor world power instead of the major power it once was. x
    • 21
      Churchill on the Iron Curtain
      In this lecture on the dawn of the Cold War era, investigate how Churchill grew increasingly disappointed with Britain's postwar future-including its reduced power, influence, and economic prospects-and his realization that another ominous threat loomed over the world: Stalin and the Soviet dominance of Eastern Europe. x
    • 22
      Churchill and Britain's Postwar Crisis
      As prime minister, Churchill had shared his government with Labour leaders. Learn what happened once Labour assumed power and walked away from that spirit of partnership. From a fiscal meltdown to rationing to British troops at war in Asia, ceaseless opposition became the rule of the day. x
    • 23
      Churchill's Return to Power
      Churchill devoted as much energy as possible in his second period as prime minister to cementing ties between the United States and Britain in response to the Soviet Union's rise as a superpower. Discover how he became a powerful, persuasive advocate for peaceful coexistence in the face of atomic destruction. x
    • 24
      Churchill and the Legacy of Freedom
      Was Winston Churchill really the indispensable man of the 20th century? Can one person even make that much of a difference in the course of history? Professor Shelden concludes his lecture series with a pointed consideration of provocative questions that most academic historians won't even go near. x
  • The Architecture of Power: Great Palaces of the Ancient World
    Course  |  The Architecture of Power: Great Palaces of the Ancient World

    Professor Steven L. Tuck, Ph.D.

    Available Formats: Video Download, DVD

    In The Architecture of Power: Great Palaces of the Ancient World, tour awe-inspiring structures of the ancient world with Professor Steven L. Tuck. As you make your way through these storied sites—some of which no longer exist—you’ll also delve into an exploration of the meaning of power and the ways it operated in societies across the globe.

    View Lecture List (24)

    In The Architecture of Power: Great Palaces of the Ancient World, tour awe-inspiring structures of the ancient world with Professor Steven L. Tuck. As you make your way through these storied sites—some of which no longer exist—you’ll also delve into an exploration of the meaning of power and the ways it operated in societies across the globe.

    View Lecture List (24)
    24 Lectures  |  The Architecture of Power: Great Palaces of the Ancient World
    Lecture Titles (24)
    • 1
      Palaces Past and Present
      Begin your tour of the ancient world by a look at our modern one as you explore the palaces of Saddam Hussein. Discover how he called upon the ancient Egyptians and Babylonians for inspiration and also how the architecture changed over time in response to threats from Iran and the United States. x
    • 2
      Malkata Palace: Pharaoh, Foreigners, and Gods
      Now, travel back to the 14th century BC, a time of peace, prosperity, and plentitude for Egyptians. Learn how the Malkata Palace represents a microcosm of Egypt. Architectural details reveal little-known facts about religious rituals and telling insights into how pharaohs attempted to assert their domination over others. x
    • 3
      Amarna: Palace of the First Sun King
      Pharaoh Amenhotep IV takes on a new name—Akhenaten—and shifts Egypt's capital to the fascinating city of Amarna. See how his worship of the sun disk defined an era built on temple crops, sacrifices, and complete subservience to the pharaoh. Also learn how relocating his seat of power helped Akhenaten wrestle authority away from religious leaders. x
    • 4
      Phaistos: Palaces between Asia and Europe
      Archaeology often involves a great deal of detective work, as is the case with the mysterious Bronze Age Crete. The myth of Daedalus and his labyrinth symbolizes Crete's location at the intersection of multiple cultures. Discover the Phaistos Palace, where extravagant religious rituals and entertainment spectacles were held. x
    • 5
      Palace of Nestor at Pylos and Bronze Age Greece
      Explore the Palace of Nestor, an extraordinary complex centered around the throne room. We travel in time from the immense treasures discovered in 2015 back to the ancient styles the Mycenaeans developed to bring these elaborate structures to life. Consider what the arrangement of rooms reveals about how royals lived and maintained control. x
    • 6
      The Assyrian Palace at Nimrud: Empire in Stone
      The Assyrian palace at Nimrud, with its imposing 20-foot gates, was designed by Ashurnasirpal II. An epic braggart, he loved to write of his conquests of nature and his knowledge of tree species. Clearly an intellectual, he describes in detail the glory of feasts he threw—and the math behind them. x
    • 7
      Nineveh: The Architecture of Assyrian Power
      Discover the last great Assyrian palace and the largest city the world had ever seen before the Babylonian conquest. See how its designers accomplished incredible civil engineering feats, diverting entire rivers into canals that offered protection and transportation. Also meet the magnificent lamassu guardians that flanked the palace entrances, each of which stood over 12 feet tall. x
    • 8
      Persepolis: Palace of the Persians
      The lore of Persepolis includes the exploits of many great kings. Explore the great citadel at Persepolis with its famed flight of 111 steps leading to the Gate of All Nations, which held a set of wood and bronze doors standing 20 feet high. Learn of the spectacular stone masonry and powerful art filled with lions and mythological creatures. x
    • 9
      Greek Palaces in Conquered Lands I
      While scholars debate the details, it's undeniable that Alexander the Great's conquest of the Persian Empire profoundly changed the world. View his astonishing palaces, boasting gymnasiums and enormous swimming pools and home to elite drinking parties. Examine the unmistakable Greek style blended with Persian and Assyrian influences characteristic of the period. x
    • 10
      Greek Palaces in Conquered Lands II
      This is the tale of two palaces—one in Jordan, the other in Libya—in the wake of Alexander the Great’s death. Both were products of military expansion and occupation, but they displayed distinct identities. Learn how the palace origins influenced the design and layout of each. x
    • 11
      Greek Palaces Come to Roman Italy
      Two men, Marcus Claudius Marcellus and Lucius Licinius Lucullus, were largely responsible for the transformation of Roman architecture; their story is one of political strategy, Persian influence, and sheer determination. Consider why Lucullus may be the most important yet underrated figure in the history of palace creation. x
    • 12
      Masada: Herod the Great between East and West
      Herod the Great is a well-studied, yet controversial, figure. Examine in depth his brilliant methods and materials, including the construction of Masada, which involved many logistical challenges as giant marble tesserae slabs were shipped across the desert and hoisted up as walls. Discover Herod's most startling and mesmerizing architectural invention. x
    • 13
      Herod the Great's Summer and Winter Palaces
      Herod was a complex king whose royal image was defined by insecurity, innovation, and a need to reflect his Jewish identity. Starting with his heated Roman baths in each palace, understand how the king was a master of the land and was able to give his people a marvelous oasis in the desert. x
    • 14
      Caligula's Floating Palaces
      Taking inspiration from Cleopatra as well as the ancient Hellenistic rulers, Caligula's Floating Palaces included all the amenities you would expect to find onboard modern cruise ships: spacious baths, banquet halls, and live music. Caligula, himself, is also quite fascinating, as is the story of the ships' rediscovery. x
    • 15
      Nero's Domus Transitoria at Rome
      A huge fan of spectacle, Nero sponsored grand chariot races and began an architectural revolution. We find Nero's palaces made of a new Roman concrete where bespoke designs could finally replace the utilitarian boxes of stone, thus making way for domed ceilings, custom columns, and any form he desired. x
    • 16
      Nero's Golden House: A Roman Palace Theater
      Nero built the infamous Domus Aurea (Golden House), a 124-acre Xanadu that enraged the rich whose land he occupied. It featured a lavish watered garden with incredible rotating sculptures that could spray perfume. Walking distance from the Colosseum, this palace was literally covered in gold. x
    • 17
      Rome's Great Imperial Palace of Domitian
      The word "palace" comes from the Palatine Hill in Rome, which housed Domitian’s 200-year-old palace. This structure—impeccably built and placed—was essentially the White House for Roman emperors. Learn why the enormous residence and its innovative design was mythologized by poets, who compared Domitian to Jupiter. x
    • 18
      Hadrian's Villa, Tivoli
      Hadrian was an artistic genius who personally designed the palace of his dreams to reflect his many passions, including his love of Greek philosophy. His luxurious villa, now a UNESCO world heritage site, set the standard for Roman architecture. Understand more about Hadrian, a figure so influential that he redefined the concept of Virtus, or manliness. x
    • 19
      Diocletian's Retirement Palace, Split
      Diocletian came to power in the 3rd century AD, a turbulent time for the Roman Empire, which had seen 25 emperors over the course of 50 years. Learn how Diocletian, a visionary and problem-solver, brought stability to the empire and how his palace represented a radical departure from traditional styles. x
    • 20
      Constantine's Palace, Constantinople
      Constantinople was a fresh start for the then-600-year-old Roman Empire, becoming the greatest European city of the Middle Ages. Its founder, Constantine, was (supposedly) a devout Christian. Explore his palace, which featured colossal sculptures and the famed hippodrome, where chariot races, animal hunts, and prisoner executions were held. x
    • 21
      China's Endless Palace: Weiyang Palace
      Weiyang, China's Endless Palace, represented not only an emperor but the very concept of ever-expanding empire itself. Covering an area of 1,200 acres, it was the largest imperial palace ever built. You'll learn how the construction of the palace reflected imperialism as well as Confucianism, the cornerstone of Chinese philosophy. x
    • 22
      The Palace of Montezuma II at Tenochtitlán
      The Aztec capital, founded in a swamp, developed into the largest city in the Pre-Columbian Americas. Meet Montezuma II, creator of Tenochtitlán, a staunch believer in omens, and father to hundreds. Learn how a Spanish army of a few hundred men led by Hernan Cortes conquered an empire of millions. x
    • 23
      Renaissance Palaces and the Classical Revival
      Here we visit such highlights of Renaissance architecture as Kensington Palace and the Tuileries Palace and discover how they were influenced by classical forms. Perhaps most impressive is the Palace of Versailles, which boasted Europe's largest orange tree collection and now attracts tourists from all over the world. x
    • 24
      Palaces in a World of Democracies
      In this final lecture, reflect on the timeless themes explored in this course. First, investigate the White House, where each decorative decision reflects political agenda (and defiance to the previous administration). Then, discover the surprising connection between the Amazon headquarters and ancient imperial palaces as ancient ideas come full circle in our modern era. x
  • Math and Magic
    Course  |  Math and Magic

    Professor Arthur T. Benjamin, Ph.D.

    Available Formats: Video Download, DVD

    Taught by award-winning math professor and professional magician Arthur T. Benjamin of Harvey Mudd College, this course shows the math behind magic through dozens of tricks based on mathematical principles. You’ll learn the algebra that explains card tricks, the shortcuts to lightning-fast mental calculations, and other marvels of the magician’s art—all while impressing your friends, family, and yourself.

    View Lecture List (12)

    Taught by award-winning math professor and professional magician Arthur T. Benjamin of Harvey Mudd College, this course shows the math behind magic through dozens of tricks based on mathematical principles. You’ll learn the algebra that explains card tricks, the shortcuts to lightning-fast mental calculations, and other marvels of the magician’s art—all while impressing your friends, family, and yourself.

    View Lecture List (12)
    12 Lectures  |  Math and Magic
    Lecture Titles (12)
    • 1
      Mathematical Card Tricks
      Begin the course with card tricks in which mathematics is clearly being used, but the secret is not easy to figure out. Learn the invariant principle: Some qualities stay the same in a deck even though the order of cards is changing. End with what Professor Benjamin calls the tear-able" trick, being careful to use cards that you don't mind wrecking." x
    • 2
      What's Your Deal?
      Explore card tricks in which the cards are shuffled, dealt, and flipped over in interesting ways, leading to surprising outcomes. Discover Hummer's principle-an endless source of mystifying, crowd-pleasing tricks, based on random mixing of cards combined with a simple procedure that preserves a pattern that seems positively magical. x
    • 3
      Look like a Card Shark
      Professor Benjamin shows how to play cards like someone who would be thrown out of a casino. Learn the Jonah principle for always winning at poker. Get a feel" for counting cards and develop the knack for telepathically communicating a hidden card to an assistant. Finally, who could claim to be a card shark without a trick that turns up four aces every time?" x
    • 4
      The Deck Is Stacked
      Investigate tricks based on the cyclic method of card ordering, or stacking," popularized by magician Si Stebbins and tracing originally to one of the first books on magic, published in Italy in 1593. Learn how to seemingly weigh a deck of cards in your hands and other miraculous feats based on this simple principle." x
    • 5
      Perfect Shuffles
      Professor Benjamin introduces a special guest, mathematician and magician Brent Morris, master of the perfect shuffle (also known as the faro shuffle), in which two equal halves of the deck are interlaced perfectly. You will learn two versions of this virtuoso technique-the in-shuffle and out-shuffle-along with sequences of shuffles that lead to very interesting symmetries. x
    • 6
      Riffle Shuffles
      Explore results of an ordinary riffle shuffle, where the deck is cut roughly in half, and the cards are interlaced approximately-but usually not perfectly. Depending on how the cards are arranged beforehand, intriguing effects are possible, based on Gilbreath's principle of patterned sequences. Study several of these magic showpieces. x
    • 7
      Magic with Numbers
      Master an impressive medley of number-guessing tricks, involving the golden ratio, the Fibonacci series, and other notable numbers. In analyzing how the tricks work, discover how straightforward algebraic expressions are secretly pulling the strings. The feats include the very first mathematical magic trick that Professor Benjamin learned. x
    • 8
      Look like a Genius
      You don't have to be a genius to look like one. Drawing on young volunteers, Professor Benjamin shows easy strategies for mentally multiplying numbers by 11, dividing numbers by 91, multiplying any numbers near 100, squaring numbers ending in 5, and other seemingly fearless feats of arithmetic, without use of a calculator. x
    • 9
      The Magic of Nine
      Admire the magic of the number nine. An ancient technique called "casting out nines" lets you pick out the missing digit in a bewilderingly long series of operations. Then learn to determine two-digit cube roots and also find the age of a volunteer who has hidden the number in a complicated calculation-all with the help of the number nine. x
    • 10
      Look like a Psychic
      Hone your psychic powers by developing tricks such as these: Have someone scramble their birthday in a seemingly unbreakable code, which you decipher with ease. Calculate the hidden spots on a stack of dice. Use the parity principle to guess where your partner has landed in an alphabetic array. Also learn the magician's toxic" calculation principle." x
    • 11
      Geometric and Topological Magic
      Explore mathematical mysteries that seem geometrically or topologically odd. Consider a paper strip with a half twist, joined end-to-end, known as a Mobius band. What happens when there are more twists or if the shape is cut? Create an analogous shape by slicing a bagel. Also, solve puzzles with disappearing figures, including a rabbit. x
    • 12
      Magic Squares
      Since ancient times, magic squares have given endless hours of fun through designing grids of numbers where each row, column, and diagonal produces the same sum-as if by magic. In this last lesson, learn to create magic squares quickly from numbers provided by your amazed audience or based on your volunteer's birthday. Finally, end the course with a magic matrix based on the number pi. x
  • Knitting 101
    Course  |  Knitting 101

    Taught By Multiple Professors

    Available Formats: Video Download, DVD

    In Knitting 101, three experienced instructors lead you through 36 hands-on lessons across four modules, each centered on different methods and levels of experience. You will cover the basics and beyond, from understanding your needles and yarns to mastering various stitches and shapes, so you can create amazing hats, gloves, scarves, and much more.

    View Lecture List (36)

    In Knitting 101, three experienced instructors lead you through 36 hands-on lessons across four modules, each centered on different methods and levels of experience. You will cover the basics and beyond, from understanding your needles and yarns to mastering various stitches and shapes, so you can create amazing hats, gloves, scarves, and much more.

    View Lecture List (36)
    36 Lectures  |  Knitting 101
    Lecture Titles (36)
    • 1
      Module 1 - Lesson 1: Intro to Knitting
      Meet Susan B. Anderson and get a brief introduction to knitting. Then jump to the best part of knitting: the yarn! Learn about the different fibers and sizes to choose from, as well as the best types for beginners. x
    • 2
      Module 1 - Lesson 2: What You Need
      One of the best things about knitting is that it doesn't require a lot of supplies. In this lesson, Susan helps you choose what you need for your projects and shares a few additional tools to stock your knitting bag. x
    • 3
      Module 1 - Lesson 3: Casting On
      This is when the fun begins! Susan shares her tried-and-true method for getting your stitches onto your needles. Then cast on for your very first project: a pair of hand warmers. x
    • 4
      Module 1 - Lesson 4: The Knit Stitch
      Explore the knit stitch, the most basic unit of knitting, and use it to create garter stitch. Then try your hand at two different knitting styles, Continental and English, and decide which one works best for you. Afterwards, you'll add the first rows to your hand warmers. x
    • 5
      Module 1 - Lesson 5: The Purl Stitch, English
      In this lesson, you'll learn the English-style purl stitch. Then, explore a new stitch pattern, the stockinette stitch, by alternating rows of knits and purls. x
    • 6
      Module 1 - Lesson 6: Ribbing, English
      Using the English style of knitting, complete your hand warmers by working the rib stitch pattern. By alternating knits and purls in the same row, you'll create a textured, stretchy finish. See how to manage your yarn as you switch between stitches. x
    • 7
      Module 1 - Lesson 7: The Purl Stitch, Continental
      In this lesson, you'll work the Continental-style purl stitch, holding the yarn in your left hand. Then explore a new stitch pattern, the stockinette stitch, by alternating rows of knits and purls. x
    • 8
      Module 1 - Lesson 8: Ribbing, Continental
      Complete your hand warmers by working the Continental-style rib stitch pattern. By alternating knits and purls in the same row, you'll create a textured, stretchy finish. Learn how to manage your yarn as you switch between stitches. x
    • 9
      Module 1 - Lesson 9: Binding Off
      Whether you’re knitting English- or Continental-style, you'll need a way to get your stitches off the needles and keep them secure. In this lesson, Susan explains what binding off is as you practice on your hand warmers. x
    • 10
      Module 1 - Lesson 10: Finishing
      Once you've finished knitting your hand warmers, seam them and weave in any loose yarn ends. Afterwards, uncover the magic of blocking as you learn to block your own knits. x
    • 11
      Module 1 - Lesson 11: Reading a Pattern
      In order to tackle your favorite knitting projects, you'll need to know your way around the pattern. In this lesson, Susan walks you through each part of a knitting pattern and helps you understand how written instructions translate to actual knitting. x
    • 12
      Module 1 - Lesson 12: Knitting in the Round
      Take your knitting from flat to round by knitting in the round! Discover the best way to cast on and start your round, plus tips for keeping track of where you are and which direction you should be knitting. x
    • 13
      Module 1 - Lesson 13: Waffle Stitch Cowl
      Practice knitting in the round by working the Waffle Stitch Cowl pattern included in your class materials. And, while you're at it, try a new stitch pattern! x
    • 14
      Module 1 - Lesson 14: Shaping
      Shaping opens up a whole new world of creative possibilities for your knitting. In this lesson, you'll practice basic increase and decrease stitches to make your knitting wider or narrower. x
    • 15
      Module 1 - Lesson 15: Changing Colors
      Have fun with your knitting by playing with color! Susan shows you how to knit stripes, both flat and in the round, and shares tips and tricks for changing colors with different stitch patterns. x
    • 16
      Module 1 - Lesson 16: Striped Hat
      Build on your skills by working your next project: a striped pom-pom hat. Practice working in the round, knitting stripes, and using decreases to shape the top of your hat. x
    • 17
      Module 1 - Lesson 17: Fixing Common Mistakes
      Remember, no one knits perfectly the first time around. In this final lesson, Susan helps you fix some common beginner mistakes, and identify what went wrong in the first place! x
    • 18
      Module 2 - Lesson 1: Getting Started With Cables
      Meet Allyson Dykhuizen and begin class by going over everything you'll need to get started. Then dive into your first project, a bulky cabled headband! x
    • 19
      Module 2 - Lesson 2: Cabled Headband
      Get started on your cabled headband. Allyson walks you through the simple cable pattern and how to knit it. You'll practice changing colors and working from written instructions to complete your project. x
    • 20
      Module 2 - Lesson 3: Cabled Hat Setup
      Tackle a slightly more challenging cable pattern as you work your second project, a hat. Allyson reviews the yarn and tools you'll need to get started. Then cast on and start working the bottom of the hat. x
    • 21
      Module 2 - Lesson 4: Cable Charts
      Explore a variety of different cable stitches as you work the pattern repeat for your hat. Find out how to work from a chart and written instructions, and use stitch markers to keep track of your pattern. x
    • 22
      Module 2 - Lesson 5: Finishing the Hat
      Once your cables are done, it's time to finish your hat. Allyson shows you how to decrease for the crown and work on double-pointed needles as your hat gets smaller. After that, weave in the ends and, if you'd like, add a pom-pom! x
    • 23
      Module 2 - Lesson 6: Troubleshooting
      Allyson ends class by troubleshooting common mistakes. Plus, see how to work a cable without a cable needle, a handy trick for those of us that always seem to lose it! x
    • 24
      Module 3 - Lesson 1: The Knit Stitch
      Meet Lorilee Beltman and get started on learning the knit stitch, Continental-style. Whether you're a new knitter or a longtime English-style knitter, you'll appreciate Lorilee's clear instruction for tensioning and positioning the yarn in your hands and making knit stitches flow along your needles with maximum comfort and efficiency. x
    • 25
      Module 3 - Lesson 2: The Purl Stitch
      Get a handle on the purl stitch as Lorilee shows how to hold your yarn and move it into place for your needle to grab quickly and easily. You'll see how to keep awkward movements at a minimum and make sure your stitches are correctly oriented on your needles. x
    • 26
      Module 3 - Lesson 3: Sizing Stitches for Even Knitting
      Depending on how you make your stitches, your knitting might end up too loose or too tight. Lorilee shows how this happens and explains how to make your stitch size just right. x
    • 27
      Module 3 - Lesson 4: Time Savers: Using Knit & Purl Together
      Knitting Continental really comes in handy when you have to alternate frequently between knits and purls, such as in ribbing or seed stitch. Getting the working yarn to the front or back of your knitting is simply a matter of shifting your right hand. Lorilee shows you how to achieve this efficiency and how to keep the transition smooth. x
    • 28
      Module 3 - Lesson 5: Increases, Decreases & Other Maneuvers
      Lorilee walks you through using Continental knitting with all of the common increases, decreases and other stitch maneuvers. With the yarn in your left hand, you'll find you're able to tackle elaborate patterns with ease! x
    • 29
      Module 3 - Lesson 6: Using Continental for Your Favorite Fabrics
      Whether your favorite fabric includes lace, cables, linen stitch or even two-handed colorwork, Lorilee's got you covered. She shares her tips for tackling each with Continental knitting, including how to cable without a cable needle. Linen stitch and colorwork, especially, will be so much easier if you know how to hold the yarn with your left hand. x
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      Module 3 - Lesson 7: Troubleshooting & Practice
      The way you hold your knitting might be causing you some pain. Lorilee shows some common pitfalls to avoid so that you can continue to enjoy your knitting. Similarly, you might find yourself struggling with keeping your tension and your stitches even. Lorilee shares troubleshooting strategies. Finally, learn about some small, fun projects you can work on as you practice your newfound Continental knitting skills! x
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      Module 4 - Lesson 1: Starting Out: Cast-On & Transitional Bands
      Meet popular instructor Lorilee Beltman and start by reviewing the yarn and tools that work best for Continental projects. Then, tackle the provisional cast-on, pick up tips for transitioning between differing stitch counts and find out how to use yarn markers to keep track in your work. x
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      Module 4 - Lesson 2: Slipping Stitches: Tunisian & Linen
      The beautiful Tunisian knit stitch is loaded with yarn overs and slip stitches -- and Continental style lets you streamline all the steps! Find out how, before Lorilee demonstrates a classic Tunisian pattern: the three-color linen stitch. To work this gorgeous pattern, you'll move the yarn from back to front and back again. x
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      Module 4 - Lesson 3: Mosaic Knitting
      Make mosaic stitch faster and easier with Continental knitting! This classic colorwork style only knits one color at a time, slipping stitches after the yarn is brought forward or back. Lorilee will show you how to work it in Continental and help you troubleshoot along the way. x
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      Module 4 - Lesson 4: Textured Solids: Cables & More
      Explore rich textures such as cables to make your knitting pop! Lorilee guides you through cabling without a cable needle or ever having to let go of your yarn. Then, discover some Gansey-style stitch patterns that are achieved by simply switching back and forth between knits and purls. When knit in Continental style these patterns work up faster than ever! x
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      Module 4 - Lesson 5: Vertically Stranded Colorwork & Lace
      Find out how Continental knitting makes vertically stranded colorwork and even colorwork lace easier. Lorilee shows you how to work your main color entirely by picking, throwing in the occasional contrast stitch as you go. Then, get some practice with your cowl's colorwork lace motif to hone your yarn overs, increases and decreases. x
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      Module 4 - Lesson 6: Stranded Colorwork & Finishing
      In the standard style, stranded colorwork requires both of your hands to work together. But in the Continental style, your free hand provides added control for faster, more approachable stranding. Follow along for a step-by-step breakdown before Lorilee walks you through grafting the ends of your cozy new cowl together. x