Upcoming Classes
Intro to Mosaic Knitting
Saturday, October 17 • 2-4 PM
Taught by Kathryn Smith
Curious about knitting with two colors? This class introduces the basics of mosaic knitting, a colorwork technique that allows you to create 2 color patterns but you only know with one color at a time. It's perfect for beginners and experienced knitters alike. If you can cast-on, knit, and purl, you can do mosaic knitting!
In this class, we'll discuss the mechanics of mosaic knitting, how to read the chart, and manage two strands of color. Once the basics are discussed, you'll create a pot holder [or wash cloth?] using a provided pattern. Or you can create a pattern of your own!
We’ll be making fun mosaic-knit squares in festive patterns! A pattern will be provided.
Please bring your own yarn or come at least 20 minutes early and we’ll be happy to help you pick the perfect supplies.
Materials Needed:
Worsted or Aran-weight 100% natural fiber yarn in at least two contrasting colors
Size 7/8 (4.5-5mm) needle with a 16" or longer cable. You can also use straight needles, but you'll want 16"+ in length. Or needle size for your selected yarn.
Notions: stitch markers, tapestry needle
If you’d like to use your finished square as a hot pad or trivet, please bring 100% cotton or 100% wool yarn. Acrylic and other synthetic fibers can melt when exposed to heat.
Come ready to knit, learn a fun technique, and make something festive for the season!
Necessary skills:
Basic knitting stitches (cast on, knit, purl, bind off)
Willingness to learn and have fun :-)
Biography
With roots in crafting that go back to childhood, Kathryn Smith comes from a family of fiber artists. Her mother, aunt and grandmother were prolific makers, crocheting or knitting everything from blankets to dresses. They passed on their knowledge and skills, teaching Kathryn how to knit and crochet in grade school. Professionally, she is a research coastal scientist and educator, and knitting provides a creative and meditative balance to her work. She loves helping knitters build their confidence and expand their skills. She has taught private lessons in both knitting and crochet, as well as group colorwork classes at the Common Thread!
Join us for Scrappy Hour, every Friday from 6pm-9pm, & first and third Tuesdays from 5pm-8pm!
These weekly socials are all about community, creativity, and connection. Bring your project, get support, and meet fellow fiber-loving friends. Come knit, crochet, embroider, needle felt and more - if your craft is fiber related and considerate of table space, it’s welcome!
🎟 Details:
We have comfortable indoor seating for 20. Seating is first come, first served. If you’re coming later and want to be sure you have a comfy spot, feel free to bring a folding or camp chair!
$10 admission includes $5 off any cafe beverage (BYOB welcome).
Bring a couple bucks to tip your hardworking baristas - it is much appreciated!
Active Students (anyone who has taken a class with us in the last 7 days) and Forever Thread Members get in free, but must still reserve a ticket in advance so we can get a headcount.
If you can no longer make it, please let us know so we can offer your spot to another stitcher
Parking lot is on the east side of the building in the Rad Power Bikes / Golfology shopping center.
Shop will be open if you’d like to browse yarn & supplies
Kids under 16 are welcome with with a supervising adult; each attendee must reserve a seat
Please leave pets at home (service animals always welcome)
Parking lot is on the east side of the building in the Rad Power Bikes / Golfology shopping center.
Come stitch, sip, and make new friends at The Common Thread!
NOTE: Walk-In registrations for Scrappy Hour are welcome if we are not already sold out online. We appreciate you registering in advance!
Saturday, October 10th • 2–4 PM
Ever wondered why everyone tells you to swatch, and whether you really have to? This workshop takes the mystery (and dread) out of swatching and blocking, giving you the tools to make garments that actually fit and finished projects that look their best.
Join designer and educator Elizabeth Margaret (One Wild Designs) for an interactive, conversational deep dive into the what, how, and why of swatching and blocking, for both knitters and crocheters. Elizabeth will share practical tips, real-life examples, and a brief blocking demonstration, along with the rare and magical moments when you can skip a swatch (yes, really).
This workshop is open to all levels and welcomes curious questions. No supplies are required, but you’re welcome to bring yarn and needles/hooks to swatch along, or a current project you’d like guidance on.
You’ll leave feeling confident, informed, and empowered to make better-fitting, better-looking projects without the guesswork.
About the Instructor:
Elizabeth Margaret is a St. Pete local by way of NYC and the designer behind One Wild Designs. She’s been knitting and crocheting since childhood and has published over 50 patterns since 2020. Elizabeth has taught technique and fit workshops in yarn shops across the country and online, helping makers of all levels feel more confident in their craft.
Saturday, October 24, 2026 • 2:00–5:00 PM
$65 per person • All Ages
Instructor: Emilie Hernandez
All supplies included • Seats are limited
Join Emilie Hernandez, published author of two doll-making books (available in most bookstores) for this special event. During this 3-hour workshop, participants will create and complete a doll with clothing and accessories to take home and cherish!
Guests will explore the magic of doll-making while designing their doll's face, choosing a hairstyle, and customizing accessories.
The techniques covered include doll face design with either embroidery or paint markers and hand-sewing to complete the dress. To complete the experience, each participant will sew a mini bag for their doll and take home a finished creation to treasure for years to come.
No prior sewing experience is necessary. Suitable for beginners and creative makers of all skill levels.
Materials included:
A choice of a pre-sewn blank doll offered in a variety of skin and hair colors
Cotton fabrics and pre-sewn parts to create the clothing, lace, pompoms, ribbons, patches, and iron-on transfers
Fabric markers, fabric paint, needles, and embroidery threads to create the doll's face.
Bio
Emilie Hernandez is the founder and designer behind Mani Mina, a doll-making and embroidery studio. She grew up in France, lived in New York for 18 years, and is now based in St. Petersburg, Florida. She previously created a successful children's clothing brand that later transitioned into offering doll-making classes and live embroidery experiences. Her doll-making parties won the 2023 Pitch Tank competition in New York. She now offers doll-making experiences for children and live embroidery events for adults in the Tampa Bay area. She has an engaged community of 136,000 followers on Instagram and published two books with major publishing houses in both the US and France in 2026. Mani Mina's mission is to turn memories and special moments into unforgettable keepsakes while sharing the joy of doll-making through books and events.
Welcome!
TheCommonThread is St. Petersburg’s home for coffee lovers, yarn crafters, and anyone who just needs a soft place to land.
Sip, stitch, hang out — no fiber arts experience necessary.
Whether you’re here to knit, crochet, or just chill with a latte, you’re in good company. Visit us daily during the week, or join us for our weekly Scrappy Hour socials.
Sip. Stitch. Stay Awhile.
Stop by in person during our Business Hours:
Tuesday-Thursday: 10am-5pm
Friday 10am-9pm (Scrappy Hour 6-9pm!)
Saturday: 10am-5pm
Sunday: 10am-4pm
Monday: Closed
Our café is open daily, serving locally baked pastries, house-made sodas, and freshly roasted coffee from our neighbors at Look Alive. Come on in to browse our curated fiber selection in-person. We’re excited to help you with your next project!
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The Coziest Spot in St. Pete!
The Common Thread
2462 5th Ave S.
St. Petersburg, FL 33712
Designated parking available on east side of building in Rad Power Bikes / Golfology parking lot.
General inquiries: (727) 210-5757 hello@commonthreadstpete.com
Lessons: (269) 468-9276 lessons@commonthreadstpete.com