- 2304/23/2023No events
- 2404/24/2023
Learn to Knit
The Italian Cultural Foundation at Casa Belvedere79 Howard AvenueLearn to Knit at Casa Belvedere! An eight-week program for adults and teens 13+
Mondays, April 17 to June 19, 2023, 5 to 6:30 pm
(no classes May 1 and Memorial Day)$210 members, $240 non-members
In these classes, you will learn how to hold knitting needles and yarn, and you will learn all the basic knitting stitches: Casting on, knit stitch, purl stitch, ribbing and binding off. Specific materials needed for each lesson are listed below, with links to Michael’s online at the bottom of the page. Students should bring the required materials to each class.
Week 1: Casting On & Knitted Swatch & Binding Off: Using the size 7 circular bamboo knitting needles, cast on 20 stitches. Materials needed for Week 1:
- size 7 circular bamboo knitting needles
- one skein of yarn
- scissors
Week 2: Purl Swatch: Using the size 7 circular bamboo knitting needles, cast on 20 stitches. Materials needed for Week 2:
- size 7 circular bamboo knitting needles
- one skein of yarn
- scissors
Week 3: Ribbing Swatch: Using the size 7 circular bamboo knitting needles, cast on 30 stitches. Materials needed for Week 3:
- size 7 circular bamboo knitting needles
- one skein of yarn
- scissors
Week 4: Hand Warmers: Using the size 7 circular bamboo knitting needles, cast on 36 stitches. Materials needed for Week 4:
- size 7 circular bamboo knitting needles
- one skein of yarn
- scissors
Week 5: Second Hand Warmer: Using the size 7 circular bamboo knitting needles, cast on 36 stitches. Materials Needed for Week 5:
- size 7 circular bamboo knitting needles
- one skein of yarn
- scissors
Week 6: Basket Weave Scarf: Using the size 7 circular bamboo knitting needles, cast on 35 stitches. Materials needed for Week 6:
- size 7 circular bamboo knitting needles
- one skein of yarn
- scissors
Week 7: Basket Weave Scarf: Using the size 7 circular bamboo knitting needles.
Materials needed for Week 7:
- size 7 circular bamboo knitting needles
- one skein of yarn
- scissors
Week 8: Basket Weave Scarf/Students Choice. Using the size 7 circular bamboo knitting needles or needles to fit Student’s Choice project. Materials needed for Week 8:
- appropriate size circular bamboo knitting needles
- number of skeins of yarn for project
- scissors
Learn to Crochet
The Italian Cultural Foundation at Casa Belvedere79 Howard AvenueLearn to Crochet at Casa Belvedere!
Mondays, 7 to 8:30 pm
$210 members, $240 non-membersLearn how to crochet and discover a relaxing hobby you will enjoy for life! Crochet is portable – you can always have a project with you on the go. If you can hold a pencil, you can crochet. You will learn how to comfortably hold a crochet hook and the yarn, you will learn the basic crochet stitches; the chain stitch, slip stitch, single crochet and double crochet and as you progress we may get into the shell stitch as well. Specific materials needed for each lesson are listed below, with links to Michael’s online at the bottom of the page. Students should bring the required materials to each class.
Lesson 1: CHAIN STITCH: Using the small hook (B or C) and cotton thread, students will learn the chain stitch, then string beads to create a necklace or bracelet. Materials needed: Size B or C crochet hook (metal recommended), 1 Ball of Aunt Lynda’s Classic Cotton Thread (lighter colors recommended – not black.)
Lesson 2: SLIP STITCH: Using cotton thread and a piece of fabric, make a coaster using the slip stitch and chain stitch. You will also learn the picot stitch. Materials needed: Size B or C crochet hook (metal recommended), scissors, 1 ball of Aunt Lynda’s Classic Cotton Thread (lighter colors recommended – not black), Teacher will supply a square of sturdy fabric or felt.
Lesson 3: Single Crochet swatch using yarn. Materials needed: Size H or I Crochet hook, scissors, 1 skein worsted weight yarn, (i.e. Red Heart Super Saver, Caron One Pound, Caron Simply Soft or Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice).
Lesson 4: Double Crochet swatch using yarn. Materials: Size H or I Crochet hook, scissors, 1 skein worsted weight yarn, (i.e. Red Heart Super Saver, Caron One Pound, Caron Simply Soft or Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice).
Lessons 5, 6, 7 & 8: Student Driven. Students (with help from the teacher) will decide what type of project they would like to work on. Projects could be a scarf, snood, granny squares, bag or basket or other ideas students may have. Materials needed: Appropriate sized hook, scissors, yarn needle, worsted weight yarn and project ideas/pattern.
About the instructor: Margaret Rucci is a first-generation Italian who learned to sew, knit, crochet, cook and all that good stuff from her maternal grandmother, her Nonna and her mom. Margaret teaches hand stitching to high school students during the day and loves teaching and sharing her crafty passions by night.
Materials needed for this program: Be sure to bring materials to each class. You can purchase supplies at any craft store or online. Here is a list with live links to Michael’s, or bring what you have from home.
- Scissors: ($3.99 1 per each person)
- Hooks: B or C & H or I ($2.49 -2 needles per person)
- Thread: ($4.99 one roll per person)
- Big Eye Needles: ($2.69 4 needles per pack)
- Beads: ($4.99 one string per person)
- Yarn: ($5.99 one skein per person, or as determined by project Lesson 3)
- Steel Yarn Needles ($.99) OR Plastic Yarn Needles ($.99)
- 2504/25/2023
Children Italian Language Classes
The Italian Cultural Foundation at Casa Belvedere79 Howard AvenueSPRING SESSION
Classes take place from April 18 – June 20 • 10 classes
Children Italian: Tuesdays 4:00 to 5:00 pm (ages 4 to 8)
Parliamo Italiano – These classes focus on introducing Italian language to children. They offer an interactive approach to the language, designed to get students comfortable speaking Italian. During our sessions, we explore and experiment with basic vocabulary and expressions. Worksheets and videos are also used during the sessions to assist in learning.
TARANTELLA FOLK DANCE AND DINNER
The Italian Cultural Foundation at Casa Belvedere79 Howard AvenueTARANTELLA FOLK DANCE AND DINNER
Tuesday, April 25th • 6:30pmA extraordinary performance not to be missed!
A special concert and dinner event on Tuesday, April 25 featuring the internationally renowned TARANTELLA FOLK DANCE. This mystical and sensual production highlights historic healing trance dances from the regions of Puglia, Campania, Sicily and Calabria, with ritual drumming and chants.
Featuring Alessandra Belloni (artistic director, vocal and percussion); John La Barbera (guitar and mandolin); and dancers Francesca Silvano and Peter De Geronimo.
Buffet dinner at 6:30 pm, followed by the performance. Wine, beer and soft drinks available for purchase. $45 pp members, $55 pp non-members.
- 2604/26/2023
Children Cooking Class - Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake • Children Class (Ages 6-14)
The Italian Cultural Foundation at Casa Belvedere79 Howard AvenueWednesday, April 26 • 4:00-5:00 pm
Chocolate Chip Cookie CakeHeld in the 2nd floor Galleria studio with views
- 2704/27/2023
Chess at Casa Belvedere
The Italian Cultural Foundation at Casa Belvedere79 Howard AvenueCHESS AT CASA BELVEDERE
Learn to play chess with master instructor Louis Fraser
A two-hour class for all ages: children (age 5 and up), teens, parents, guardians and grandparents will learn together and have fun playing chess. Students will learn the essentials of chess, including vocabulary, rules, etiquette and respect. Parental involvement is welcome and encouraged. Personal chess sets are recommended but are not required.
Chess is played worldwide, including in Italy, where one of the most famous chess games is held annually in Marostica. Click here to learn more.
Four Thursdays at 4:30 pm in the 2nd floor Galleria “studio with a view”
April 20, April 27, May 4, May 11Four-week session:
$80 per person members
$100 per person non-members - 2804/28/2023
Zumba
The Italian Cultural Foundation at Casa Belvedere79 Howard AvenueFITNESS AT CASA BELVEDERE
Fridays at 9:30am
April 21, April 28, May 5, May 12Zumba with Michelle Beyer
Zumba is a 60-minute fitness class that works the whole body while focusing on cardio and Latin-inspired dance moves. Please wear sneakers or dance shoes.
Held in the 2nd floor Galleria studio with views
- 2904/29/2023
Serene Yoga and Meditation with Savasana and Mocktails
The Italian Cultural Foundation at Casa Belvedere79 Howard AvenueSaturday April 29, 9:30 to 11 am
Experience a guided meditation and series of breath-work to cultivate inner peace, flow through Pilates/yoga movement, deep relaxation during a hands-on savasana (restorative pose) with lavender essential oil, and conclude with a hydrating and healthy refreshing mocktail.