Franklin Habit is the author of It Itches: A Stash of Knitting Cartoons (Interweave Press), featuring the wonderful Dolores the Sheep,  and proprietor of the Panacopticon  one of the most popular knitting blogs on Internet. He writes a regular column on historic knitting patterns for Knitty and his work has appeared in Vogue Knitting, Yarn Market News, Interweave Knits, Interweave Crochet, PieceWork, Cast On: A Podcast for Knitters, St Denis Yarns Premier Issue and Twist Collective.

Classes with Franklin will take place in the Cottrell Building

Yarn for Franklin’s class is being kindly donated by Jamieson and Smith

Elizabeth Zimmermann’s Tomten Jacket (and Garter Jacquard)

In this intense but fun full-day class we’ll tackle an iconic design by a legendary knitter, working through a doll-sized version from cast-on to cast-off. In addition, we’ll learn the beautiful, little-known garter stitch jacquard technique and touch on such topics as I-cord edgings and buttonholes, afterthought pockets, garter stitch grafting and more.  A copy of the pattern will be provided.

When: Tuesday, 9.30 - 5.00

Level:
Advanced Beginner -  Intermediate

Class Skills: Comfortable with all basic stitches, completed at least one or two projects

Cost: £75

Class Length: 6 hours

Please bring with you:

1 pair straight 10" or longer needles or equivalent circular needle, size 4.5mm (US 7)

2 or 3 double-pointed needles of either the same size as above, or 1 size smaller

Notebook and pen or pencil for taking notes (important!)

Notions: scissors, yarn needle, stitch markers (at least two), and stitch holders (2) or lengths of contrasting scrap yarn to hold live stitches

Homework: None

Minimum number of students: 8 Maximum number of students: 20

Photographing your fibre

The ability to capture handsome, well-crafted images of your fiber work is both a joy and an asset, especially in our age of blogs, online shops and Ravelry.com. Bring your own camera and a small project or two, and learn the basics of lighting, depth of field, styling and common fiber-photography problems like capturing true color, focusing on stitch definition and photographing lace. Learn how to make and use your own light box, easily and cheaply. No prior knowledge of photography necessary. The emphasis will be getting the best possible shots using your camera.

When: Wednesday, 9.30 - 12.30 and Friday 9.30 - 12.30 (the same session running twice)

Level: Beginner +

Class Skills: None, comfortable with your camera

Cost: £37.50

Class Length: 3 hours

Please bring with you:

Your camera and some yarn!

Homework: None

Minimum number of students: 8 Maximum number of students: 15

Working with Antique and Vintage Knitting Patterns

Don’t let the tiny type and archaic language fool you: there’s a goldmine of beautiful, functional designs waiting to be rediscovered within the pages of Victorian and Edwardian books and magazines. In this session, we’ll discuss the history of patterns; the selection of appropriate yarns and needles; methods for deciphering and troubleshooting arcane recipes; and “reverse engineering” from photographs and extant pieces. You don’t need to be a historian or re-enactor to enjoy this class–just a knitter with a curious mind.

When: Thursday, 9.30 - 12.30

Level: Beginner +

Class Skills: Comfortable with basic knit stitches and an interest in old knitting patterns

Cost: £37.50

Class Length: 3 hours

Please bring with you:

3.75mm (US 5) needles, notepad and pen

Homework: None

Minimum number of students: 8 Maximum number of students: 20

Franklin’s Prarie Spring Tunic from St Denis Yarns’ Premier Issue

Image © Véronik Avery

Designing for babies and children

No form of knitwear offers greater opportunities for mixing beauty, whimsy and practicality than designing for babies and children. Build your creativity, expand your skill set and indulge your inner child while creating functional, wearable designs that will be cherished and appreciate. In this session, we’ll consider the fundamentals of sizing, structure, and materials; and explore methods of alteration, adaptation, and decoration. We’ll also discuss practical design skills such as pattern drafting and speed swatching.

When: Thursday, 2.00 - 5.00

Level: Intermediate +

Cost: £39

Class Length: 3 hours

Please bring with you:

Sketchbook or notepad; pencils and eraser (preferable) or pens for sketching;  1 x 4.5mm (US 7) circular needle

Homework: None

Minimum number of students: 8 Maximum number of students: 15

All images © F Habit unless stated