The Sweatshop of Love

I takes a while to learn new things, and Allyson was very patient and very helpful and supportive through my learning process. Also she is very affordable, unlike some of the other places and stores I looked at. Another big thing for me was how quickly she could get me in for a class, I didn’t have to wait for a few weeks to get in! Which means I got to start my project on time, In the next week I plan on starting my first project and Allyson has told me that I can email her with any questions I may have or come back to a group knit for extra assistance!
Thanks to Allyson and The Sweatshop of Love I honestly enjoy knitting so much (I missed my stop the other night I was so into it) But if you are looking for a place that is relaxed and supporting that can also work with a busy schedule and is very affordable I would highly recommend The sweatshop of Love!!!

After the email exchange I had with Allyson on Wednesday, I feel compelled to write this review. First, I will take you back to September of 2010; it was not my finest hour by any means. I had graduated from college that May and had been sitting around the house collecting dust ever since. Once you have been unemployed long enough to see Family Feud go through two hosts, you know that the time had come to once again give your life purpose, so I actively began to tackle items on my bucket list. Through some research on handy-​dandy Unilocal,I discovered Sweatshop of Love.
Last September, I started with Allyson’s ‘Holiday Present Prep’ class (which she is repeating again this year). It is basically the class you make out of it. Everyone in the class contributes to a Google Doc list of homemade gifts that they would like to make for their friends and family. All class participants can access and alter it so everyone can encourage each other and get ideas for their gifts as well.
During this 10-​session course, I learned not only the knitting basics, but also how to make scarves, socks, mittens, gloves, bags, the ever popular beer cozy, and 80% of a sweater (I ran out of steam on it toward the end; smaller projects provide more instant gratification!). Granted, I was knitting like it was paying the rent and the rent was due tomorrow, but I couldn’t believe the quality and amount of instruction I was able to receive for $ 95. Allyson is so sweet and patient; she will never say anything but encouraging things to you in class. I may not have had a job, but I still had the satisfaction of knowing I could make practical items for myself, which was (and still is) so invaluable.
Almost immediately after Holiday Present Prep finished, I landed a job… and started a lunchtime knitting group. The student had become the teacher? Not quite Allyson caliber, but I knew enough to teach a group of ladies at work how to make ‘Grandma’s Favorite Dishcloth’. I felt like such a proud parent when my coworkers would come up to me on Monday morning and show me the progress they had made over the weekend.
Anyway, this Wednesday, Allyson sent out an email regarding her upcoming fall classes, which included another item on my bucket list: learn how to crochet. Nice! If you are not ready to make that 10-​week commitment, she also offers a one-​night introduction to knitting and individual one or two-​night projects you can choose to work on. If you are completely new to this and don’t know where to begin, Allyson will also buy your supplies for the first day for an additional fee.
So to sum it all up, you can learn some yarn arts at a reasonable price with a friendly group of people in a cozy coffee shop in Logan Square. If you have always wanted to learn how to knit or crochet, this is a great place to start! The only thing you stand to lose is that trip to Target when you need a new pair of socks.

The Sweatshop of Love totally rocks!
I had my first class with Allyson last year and she was super patient and understanding with me and my clumsy fingers. After she taught me how to knit, I wanted to take it up a notch and learn how to crochet. I went to her beginner’s crochet class with a friend and we had a great time! We all chatted and drank coffee and had so much fun! She always takes the time out to help you and she never makes you feel stupid for not getting something the first (or second, or third) time. BONUS: She always sends detailed notes and instructions following a class so you don’t forget what you have learned!
I would HIGHLY recommend The Sweatshop of Love for your knitting and crocheting education!

Let’s just put it this way, Allyson won’t let you let yourself quit. Encouragement, encouragement, encouragement. That’s what she’s all about. If you see a sweater pattern that’s absolutely gorgeous, but you’re still knitting scarves– what would Allyson say? «Go for it!» This isn’t some hoity toity knitting class! This is for everyone! It’s tough walking into a place and not knowing anyone, but five minutes into your first class, and it’s like you’ve known everyone for years. Allyson sets up such a comfortable atmosphere. She welcomes questions with a kind of patience that’s genuine, that comes through determination. You can finish a project. Sign up for a class, and if you are willing, you WILL finish a project. Allyson believes in you!

If it weren’t for Allyson, I would have never figured out how to knit. Period. She is super patient, hilarious, more than helpful and keeps you motivated to tackle projects and see them through. It’s seriously the best way to learn how to knit in the city if you’re a newbie. It’s also perfect if you just want to take on a project with a little assistance – or want to hang with some cool gals in a comfy coffee joint and knit for a spell!

Allyson taught me to knit. When I forgot, she taught me again. She is amazingly patient with a sweet voice and edge that makes it even better. Allyson is a great teacher who never gets flustered but doesn’t lie and tell you everything is fine if you just hosed yourself. I like that. I have gone from 0 knitting or yarn arts skillz to making gifts for everyone I know, designing my own patterns (basic ones, but still) and feeling very confident. The price is right and this is a fun way to meet people and make something cool.

Allyson is an excellent teacher and designer!!! I had tried to learn to knit at least three previous times since I was about 8 years old. I was told I was unteachable. After my first beginners’ workshop with Allyson, I made a pair of gloves!!! That was over 4 years ago and I have been knitting ever since! I may have a few questions on different patterns but really there is nothing that I can’t figure out and knit.
Some of the projects I have knit in Allyson’s classes have been socks, sweaters, hats, gloves, purses, bracelets, shawls, blankets, toys and toilet seat covers. I have learned to knit not only with yarn but with fabric and wire as well.
Also, in every class there is always good people and good conversation too! I have made a lot of friends, including Allyson, from taking these classes!
So, if you ever wanted to learn to knit or just hang out and talk while improving your skills or learning a new project, contact Allyson today!

Right before Christmas last year I was in big trouble because I started a few knitting projects that were intended as gifts for my family that were a LITTLE too difficult for me. I needed help and quick! I started doing some research on-​line, found the Sweatshop of Love, saw that there were some last min. holiday gift classes and decided to give it a shot. I’m really happy I did! Allyson is a really great teacher, with a TON of knitting knowledge, the classes are small and really laid back. I quickly signed up for more classes (socks and sweater club) which have both been great. I’m learning new things, and Allyson is always willing to answer my questions, and be patient when I don’t quite get it the first (or fifth) time.