knitting workshops

	FINISHING TECHNIQUES
PROFESSIONAL FINISHING TECHNIQUES	It is often the finishing details that make the difference to a garment and this workshop will show you techniques to make sure your garment has a professional finish. You will learn how easy it is to sew up all your unfinished projects using mattress stitch. Topics include: how to sew in ends neatly, blocking and pressing pieces, shaping that makes sewing up easier to do, picking up stitches evenly for a neckband or button band, making neat buttonholes, sewing on borders, and setting in sleeves.
ESSENTIAL TECHNIQUES FOR NOVICE KNITTERS	In this workshop you will learn some of the essential techniques every knitter needs to know to progress from scarves to garments. Work two samples trying different techniques and sew together to make a useful drawstring bag. Topics include: how to knit and measure a tension square, basic pattern reading, different increases and decreases to shape your knitting, finishing techniques such as picking up stitches, blocking, and mattress stitch for sewing up your garment.

	KNITTING TECHNIQUES
MODULAR KNITTING (MITRED SQUARES/ DOMINO KNITTING)	Domino / Modular knitting / Mitred squares are all names for the same patchwork technique. Squares are joined together as you knit so there are few seams to sew and stunning colour effects are created using one yarn at a time. Knit a sample using the basic square and use this as the base for a bigger project. Topics include: picking up stitches, joining shapes together, building on the basic square to make other shapes, ideas for throws, rugs, bags, scarves and sweaters.
FAIR ISLE AND INTARSIA	The basics of both these techniques can be quickly learnt and you will soon using more than one colour in your knitting. In the workshop you will knit a sample of both to make into a drawstring bag. Topics include: How to get an even tension in Fair Isle when stranding yarn, using yarn bobbins to avoid tangles, weaving in ends, how to read charts, and how to hold two yarns at once.
ENTRELAC	Entrelac is a fascinating patchwork technique, making a fabric that resembles woven knitted strips. This effect is created by working rows of blocks that lean either to the right or left. All joined as you knit so no sewing up to do. It looks complicated but the basic steps are easily learnt. In the workshop, you will knit a sample of all the steps so you're ready to start either a scarf or a bag. Topics include: how to knit base triangles, side triangles and rectangle blocks, picking up stitches, short rows, working in two colours, and ideas for projects using stocking stitch and other stitches.
CABLES	Cables look complicated but are simple to knit. Add extra texture to your knitting with traditional cable patterns as well as travelling stitches and more innovative cabling techniques. You will knit samples in the workshop which can later be finished into a bag, cushion or scarf. Topics include: how to read cable instructions and charts, knitting simple and more complex cables, using a cable needle, how to fix a cabling mistake, measuring tension.

	DESIGN
KNITTED BAG DESIGN	Knitted bags are a great way to try out new yarns and stitches. Learn how to design your perfect bag, ranging from simple rectangles to more shaped pieces. In the workshop, we will write a pattern for a bag in any thickness of yarn to begin knitting on the day. Or if you have a bag that you'd like to interpret into knitting, bring it along and we will work out a pattern for it. Topics include: different handles and straps, attach bought handles, add a lining and zip or attaching magnetic closures.
KNIT YOUR OWN DESIGN	Learn how to write a pattern for a casual stocking stitch sweater using your own measurements. Use a tension square worked in a yarn you want to use or write the pattern for any standard thickness of yarn e.g. DK, aran, chunky etc. We will be using simple maths (mainly multiplication) in this workshop. Topics include: alter the basic pattern to create different styles, draw your garment on graph paper for colour knitting, add cable panels and different stitches, take measurements from yourself or a favourite garment, work out yarn amounts, use what you've learnt to alter patterns to fit.
ADVANCED DESIGN FOR HANDKNITS	A more advanced design workshop, introducing shaping into a garment giving a more structured fit. Armhole, waist, and sleeve shaping all add refinements to the basic garment shape. We will be using simple maths in this workshop. Topics include: writing instructions for a stocking stitch sweater with set-in sleeves and side shaping. Alternative necklines. Using different shaping techniques such as darts and full fashioning.
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