 
Experimenting with creative stitches and exciting yarns. Learn how to
develop unique and exciting knitted stitches and try knitting with new and
exiting materials. For those who can already knit.
19th & 26th October 2008
Sundays 2pm - 5pm
Afternoon workshops (total of 6 hours: £75*)
Experimenting with stitches.
Learn how to develop unique and exciting experimental knitted stitches.
- Introduction to experimental knitting.
- Demonstrate how basic knitting skills can be used to create exciting stitches.
- Study how to rework knitting stitch book patterns in order to create original stitches.
- Produce a collection of unique knitted stitch samples and discuss what interesting yarn could make them more exciting.
Experimenting with exciting yarns.
Experiment with using different materials as yarn.
- Knit with a range of materials e.g. Plastic, leather, old fabric, rope, metal, ribbon etc.
- Look at combining conventional yarns with exciting found fabrics.
- Finishing techniques such as embellishment, painting, pressing, printing etc.
- Produce a collection of knitted samples that are original and establish what samples could be used for.
Each student will produce a collection of exciting knitted samples in a variety of different yarns and have a clear idea what these samples could be used for.
Designing and starting to make the final piece. Practical skills needed to make up chosen final designs.
- Tension swatches, paper patterns, working out the correct quantities of yarn.
- Start making piece using the skills and structures learnt in lessons.
By the end of the course each student will have the knowledge of how to go about developing knit structures and the relevant skills to translate these ideas into a final piece.
Taught by Laura Long.
As a child Laura Long was fascinated and surrounded by textiles. Her grandmother constantly knitted mittens for local charities and every member of the family had at least 3 pairs! In 1999 Laura embarked on a textiles degree at Central St Martins. It was here that she developed a love for creative knitting. After graduating with a 1st Class Honors she was awarded a prestigious Textprint prize to exhibit at Indigo, Paris and she has been working as a knitwear designer ever since, exhibiting at both Paris and London fashion weeks.
Her love for experimental knitting began while working in Ireland for the fashion designer John Rocha.
Fascinated by Irish crafts, Laura spent weekends researching historic techniques and scouring flea markets for antique lace. She then reworked and reinvented the traditional Irish crafts using experimental knitting techniques which she combined with unconventional yarns to create stunning show pieces for John Rocha’s London fashion week catwalk shows.
Laura has been involved on freelance design projects for several designers and is a regular designer for Rowan Yarns, creating hand knitted garments and accessories for their seasonal magazines.
Antique markets and thrift shop snooping provide the inspiration for her own collections. By Combining experimental techniques and a creative use of texture with her love of traditional crafts and antiques, Laura ensures that each piece is not only unique but looks and feels sensational.
To sign up to any classes, please call or stop by the shop
*Classes are held in the shop. Maximum of 7 students per class. 100% deposit is required at registration.
Cancellation policy
Full refund of deposit will be given for cancellations made up to 2 weeks prior to the first day of scheduled class. After this time, refunds will be given only if the spot can be filled by another student. Please be considerate. |
