Intermediate

Florence Spurling

Design, Inspiration

Knitting is a perfect background for embroidery and embellishment. The fabric is flexible, and its grid-like surface provides an inspiring canvas for hand manipulation. This class introduces participants to simple but visually effective methods of adding another layer of surface interest to their hand knitting. Explore how you can use basic knitted structures and stitches as "guides" for adornment. Key examples demonstrated in class include: - Creating running stitch "plaids" and checks—utilizing a simple striped garter stitch fabric and similar yarns to create a couture tweed look or contrasting yarns to create a contemporary graphic look. - Knit and purl patterns—exploring combinations of knit and purl stitches that give an all over pattern and utilizing embroidery and embellishment to reinforce the fabric’s prominent structure. - Eyelets—experimenting with thicker cords that can be woven through lace holes. Eyelets can be used as a base grid to be used as embroidery points. In some cases you might not even see the eyelets any more! - Cables—adding interest to the ropes or the background fabric. Cords can be laced through some structures, and embroidery can beautifully define the pronounced tactility of cabled knits. - Borders—exploring how to make the edges of a garment or accessory pop with unique additions. The instructor will have a broad and inspiring range of manipulated swatches to illustrate all techniques to the class. Participants can knit small samples within class of their chosen fabrics and resulting manipulation, or work on existing swatches they wish to add to. Technique Requirements: Knit/purl; cast on/bind off; cables; beginner lace; chart reading; basic finishing techniques

Sunday