Category: Knitting for Improvers

MONDAYS 10-12.00pm

• Week 1 Feb 10th

• Week 2 Feb 17th

• Week 3 Mar 10th

• Week 4 Mar 24th

Over a series of 4 workshops, I will teach you step by step all the different techniques needed for knitting a Top-Down jumper. Knitted seamlessly from the neck down, in-the-round, means there are no individual pieces needing to be sewn together at the end. You are also able to try on the jumper as you go, therefore enabling you to adjust the final fit.

You can find out more about this method of garment knitting by reading my post Top Down Jumpers

Each session is carefully structured for the different abilities in the class and supported with worksheets and additional video tutorials to help with any new techniques.

NB I have spaced out the workshops so that after each session you will have enough time to knit each section without feeling rushed. Although you may not complete every step of the jumper during the course, you will have all the techniques needed for finishing in your own time.

Cardoon by Isabell Kraemer

For this project, we will be knitting Cardoon, which features a beautiful colour-work yoke, from one of my favourite knitting designers, Isabell Kraemer. Her collection of patterns can be found on Ravelry, a wonderful networking website for patterns and designers.

KAL (Knit -along) PREPARATION

This course is for experienced knitters and although you may not have knitted a Top-Down jumper before, you must be able to knit, purl and rib with confidence. If you are not sure if this course will be the right level for you or for help with any of the ‘prep’ steps, please email or call and I will be happy to talk over the project with you.

For this KAL you will need to purchase the pattern directly from Ravelry Cardoon  for your PDF download.

Swatching and gauge (tension)

It is always tempting to skip this step and cast on, but by spending a bit of time and effort ‘swatching’ will prevent disappointment later on.

Knitting a tension or gauge swatch is important, so that your finished garment will be the size and measurements you are expecting.

If you are unsure about how to knit a tension square or about choosing yarns etc, my Pattern Prep workshop will give you all the help you need for this or any future projects.

 KAL COURSE

YARN

I have knitted my Cardoon in  Rowan Felted Tweed Dk, a  soft wool & alpaca yarn which comes in a range of beautiful tweedy shades, but you may want to choose an alternative yarn for your jumper.

When you have booked your place, I will send you info with advice for choosing contrast shades for colour-work, stranded knitting.

SIZING

The pattern recommends 4″ of positive ease which describes the fit of the final jumper in relation to the size of the body wearing it. E.g. if you have a 34” bust and you knit a sweater with 4″ ease, the final garment will measure 38″ at the bust.

Therefore if you have a 34″ bust choose Size 2 giving you the final garment measurement of 38.5″= 4.5″ positive ease.

Yarn Amounts:

• Size 1 35.25″ bust  Size 2 38.5″ bust (final garment size) requires MC 6 x balls CC 1 x ball of Felted Tweed DK

• Size 3 42.50″ bust  Size 4 46.5″ bust (final garment size) requires MC 7 x balls CC 1 x ball of Felted Tweed DK 

When you have purchased and downloaded your Cardoon pattern, you will be able to see more information about sizing.

OTHER MATERIALS YOU WILL NEED

As experienced knitters, I may already have your own preferred needles to work with, but please email me if you would like advice for purchasing circular needles for knitting in the round. Below are the suggested needle sizes given in the Cardoon pattern.

• Needles

Size 3.75 mm 16″ (40 cm) and 32″ (80 cm) circular needle and DPNs (or longer circular needle for magic loop) for neck CO, body and sleeve ribbing.

Size 4 mm 16″ (40 cm) and 32″ (80 cm) circular needle and DPNs (or longer circular needle for magic loop) for body and sleeves.

The needle sizes are just suggestions and it may be necessary to adjust needle size to achieve correct tension (gauge)

• Stitch holders or waste yarn,
• Stitch markers
• Tapestry needle
• Blocking tools.
  

  

  If the class is showing fully booked please email me so I can add you to the waiting list and let you know when the next class will be taking place.

  The class sizes are small (maximum 5 people) and fill up quickly!

   ” I thoroughly enjoyed doing this KAL… It’s such a pleasure to meet like minded knitters too. I always learn so much, you are an apparently endless source of knitting knowledge…”

  ” loved the worksheets and mini videos. They really helped when back home on our own!”

  ” As well as really enjoying the sessions (including the cake) and learning a lot, I have a very wearable jumper at the end of it…”

  ” lots of personal attention in the small group.”

  ” I am loving my Cardoon and it gets lots of admiration! “

  ” Your worksheets and tutorials were amazingly helpful but the best was your personal touch in the classes. Your patience is incredible. “

  ” Thank you so much for producing such a wonderful course in which we, as a group, all succeeded in achieving beautiful Cardoon jumpers thanks to your inspiration.”

  ” Those mornings sat around your table were very enjoyable as was the coffee and cakes. Thanks to you, I now feel confident to tackle any knitting projects.”

Bookings