hail and well met!
come join me on my knitting quest!
hi there! I'm Jack, and I want to teach you to knit!I also love to contribute to my community - check out my Giving Back page for more information on ways I can contribute and what you can ask for!
hail and well met!
hi there! I'm Jack, and I want to teach you to knit!I also love to contribute to my community - check out my Giving Back page for more information on ways I can contribute and what you can ask for!
all images on this site are photographs of my own work and are © Jack McShane 2025. all rights reserved.
would you like to learn to knit?
well, you're in the right spot!I've been knitting for 25 years, worked at two local yarn stores, and have taught students of many ages, skill levels, and learning styles. I retired very young, but spent over a decade working with marginalized children and youth with a heavy emphasis on education. teaching and knitting are my two big passions!I charge on a sliding scale up to a maximum of $25 per one hour of instruction. I understand that finances can be a barrier and would like to remove as many barriers as possible!I am extremely flexible in terms of times, days, and locations - my only caveat being that I must be able to access any given space in my wheelchair.I also offer runs of workshop style classes for groups - and consider gifting a lesson package!
would you like to learn to knit?
well, you're in the right spot!I've been knitting for 25 years, worked at two local yarn stores, and have taught students of many ages, skill levels, and learning styles. I retired very young, but spent over a decade working with marginalized children and youth with a heavy emphasis on education. teaching and knitting are my two big passions!I charge on a sliding scale up to a maximum of $25 per one hour of instruction. I understand that finances can be a barrier and would like to remove as many barriers as possible!I am extremely flexible in terms of times, days, and locations - my only caveat being that I must be able to access any given space in my wheelchair.I also offer runs of workshop style classes for groups - and consider gifting a lesson package!
all images on this site are photographs of my own work and are © Jack McShane 2025. all rights reserved.
about jack
he/they;
hair, beard, and piercings subject to change without notice
so you've come to learn more about me... I too have a curious nature. in this, we are brethren.I am queer, multiply disabled, and currently in my mid thirties. I was forced to retire due to the nature of my diagnoses, and extremely lucky to be able to afford to do so. now I spend my time seeking ways to give back and engage with my community in a meaningful and compassionate way.when I was a wee child my maternal grandmother taught me to knit - after I pestered her nonstop for lessons! she passed during the height of the lockdown, and I like to carry the memory of her kindness, warmth, generosity, and ludicrous skill forward in every way I can; in this way, she will live on endlessly.I have a deep and enduring love for children and youth and a drive to see young people learn, succeed, and thrive in areas that capture them. I also do my best to hold myself accountable and to be conscious of the ways marginalization affects my communities (both local and global), and make changes and choices in my own life to combat, call out, and challenge bigotry, colonialism, and oppression. I am extremely passionate about social justice and try to use the privilege I hold to uplift and centre voices that are often ignored.
about jack
he/they;
hair, beard, and piercings subject to change without notice
so you've come to learn more about me... I too have a curious nature. in this, we are brethren.I am queer, multiply disabled, and currently in my mid thirties. I was forced to retire due to the nature of my diagnoses, and extremely lucky to be able to afford to do so. now I spend my time seeking ways to give back and engage with my community in a meaningful and compassionate way.when I was a wee child my maternal grandmother taught me to knit - after I pestered her nonstop for lessons! she passed during the height of the lockdown, and I like to carry the memory of her kindness, warmth, generosity, and ludicrous skill forward in every way I can; in this way, she will live on endlessly.I have a deep and enduring love for children and youth and a drive to see young people learn, succeed, and thrive in areas that capture them. I also do my best to hold myself accountable and to be conscious of the ways marginalization affects my communities (both local and global), and make changes and choices in my own life to combat, call out, and challenge bigotry, colonialism, and oppression. I am extremely passionate about social justice and try to use the privilege I hold to uplift and centre voices that are often ignored.
all images on this site are photographs of my own work and are © Jack McShane 2025. all rights reserved.
hello... is it me you're looking for?
I certainly hope so or you're in the wrong spot!
are you looking for lessons? want to inquire about community giving? something else entirely? just want to tell me I'm pretty?drop me a note here!
hello... is it me you're looking for?
I certainly hope so or you're in the wrong spot!
are you looking for lessons? want to inquire about community giving? something else entirely? just want to tell me I'm pretty?drop me a note here!
all images on this site are photographs of my own work and are © Jack McShane 2025. all rights reserved.
giving back
kindness is key!
given that I have quite a lot of time on my hands these days, as well as a crafting supply stash that could completely bury an average sized human... I'm always looking for ways to contribute my time and skills to those who need it!if you are interested in discussing:
➥ custom made stickers or pins to support your cause
➥ knitted items for those in need (baby items such as hats and sweaters, cold weather accessories for impoverished or unhoused folks, etc)
➥ or donations of yarn and/or other materials (I regularly destash)
please don't hesitate to reach out!to the right you can see my portfolio - but my giving is definitely not limited to items like these! if you can dream it, I can (probably) do it.drop me a note with your vision, and let's chat!
giving back
kindness is key!
given that I have quite a lot of time on my hands these days, as well as a crafting supply stash that could completely bury an average sized human... I'm always looking for ways to contribute my time and skills to those who need it!if you are interested in discussing:
➥ custom made stickers or pins to support your cause
➥ knitted items for those in need (baby items such as hats and sweaters, cold weather accessories for impoverished or unhoused folks, etc)
➥ or donations of yarn and/or other materials (I regularly destash)
please don't hesitate to reach out!below you can see my portfolio - but my giving is definitely not limited to items like these! if you can dream it, I can (probably) do it.drop me a note with your vision, and let's chat!
all images on this site are photographs of my own work and are © Jack McShane 2025. all rights reserved.
workshops and structured classes
because everyone deserves to learn.
in addition to one on one lessons, I am experienced in facilitating group lessons and workshops for up to a dozen participants.while there is a base cost, I am pleased to offer my time free of charge to community organizations that would benefit from my skills and cannot afford to pay an instructor.lessons I am confident facilitating in group settings include:
➥ introduction to knitting (basics: cast on, stockinette and garter, bind off, simple shaping)
➥ toques, fingerless mitts, and other small accessories
➥ cable or lace knitting
➥ intro to baby sweaters
➥ shawlsI can provide basic materials as necessary - beginner friendly knitting needles, yarn, etc.I am also open to personalizing a lesson plan depending on the skill level and age of the group in question. send me a message for a quote, or with information about your organization and what you're looking for!
workshops and structured classes
because everyone deserves to learn.
in addition to one on one lessons, I am experienced in facilitating group lessons and workshops for up to a dozen participants.while there is a base cost, I am pleased to offer my time free of charge to community organizations that would benefit from my skills and cannot afford to pay an instructor.lessons I am confident facilitating in group settings include:
➥ introduction to knitting (basics: cast on, stockinette and garter, bind off, simple shaping)
➥ toques, fingerless mitts, and other small accessories
➥ cable or lace knitting
➥ intro to baby sweaters
➥ shawlsI can provide basic materials as necessary - beginner friendly knitting needles, yarn, etc.I am also open to personalizing a lesson plan depending on the skill level and age of the group in question. send me a message for a quote, or with information about your organization and what you're looking for!
all images on this site are photographs of my own work and are © Jack McShane 2025. all rights reserved.
give the gift of slowing down
slow fashion is always in style!
if you're interested in lesson packages, I offer runs of five lessons for a base cost of $100. this is like getting one lesson for free! of course, as with the rest of my fees, this can be adjusted or even waived dependent on your financial situation.base packages include:
➥ five one hour sessions, extendable as necessary
➥ one on one consultation to establish your pattern
➥ a yarn store visit with you to find you the right yarn for your project
➥ email or text check ins between sessions for any questions you may have
and are adaptable to a range of ages and skill levels.contact me to arrange your gift package today!
give the gift of slowing down
slow fashion is always in style!
if you're interested in lesson packages, I offer runs of five lessons for a base cost of $100. this is like getting one lesson for free! of course, as with the rest of my fees, this can be adjusted or even waived dependent on your financial situation.base packages include:
➥ five one hour sessions, extendable as necessary
➥ one on one consultation to establish your pattern
➥ a yarn store visit with you to find you the right yarn for your project
➥ email or text check ins between sessions for any questions you may have
and are adaptable to a range of ages and skill levels.contact me to arrange your gift package today!
all images on this site are photographs of my own work and are © Jack McShane 2025. all rights reserved.
social drop ins
come hang out and craft with me!
as you can probably tell, I place a high value on community engagement and social connections. for this reason, I currently run one social lap crafts drop in (Stitch & Share) and am in the works to start another, in order to make sure as many people as possible benefit from the connections inherent in creating art together.Stitch & Share is a small capacity after hours drop in at a cafe in the Oakridge area, Feast & Fallow, with tea, coffee, and baked goods. all small lap crafts are welcome - knitting, crochet, cross stitch, embroidery, etc! if you'd like to join us, just swing by! there's no cost.
poster credit: Giulia Matinata
social drop ins
come hang out and craft with me!
as you can probably tell, I place a high value on community engagement and social connections. for this reason, I currently run one social lap crafts drop in (Stitch & Share) and am in the works to start another, in order to make sure as many people as possible benefit from the connections inherent in creating art together.Stitch & Share is a small capacity after hours drop in at a cafe in the Oakridge area, Feast & Fallow, with tea, coffee, and baked goods. all small lap crafts are welcome - knitting, crochet, cross stitch, embroidery, etc! if you'd like to join us, just swing by! there's no cost.
poster credit: Giulia Matinata
all images on this site are photographs of my own work and are © Jack McShane 2025. all rights reserved.