British Yarn

Robin Melanson is a freelance knitwear designer living in Toronto, Ontario. She is the author of Knitting New Mittens and Gloves (STC Craft, 2008). Robin's designs have been published in Interweave Knits, Knit.1, Knitscene, Knit Simple, Knitter's Magazine, Twist Collective, and Vogue Knitting. She also designs patterns for yarn companies. Robin's work appears in Color Style (Interweave Press, 2008), Folk Style (Interweave Press, 2007), Handknit Holidays (STC Craft, 2005), and Wrap Style (Interweave Press, 2005). Robin created custom knitwear for the stage productions of The Lord of the Rings (Princess of Wales Theatre, Toronto) and Mary Poppins (New Amsterdam Theatre, New York). Visit her at www.robinmelanson.com.

Classes with Robin will be taking place in the Cottrell Building

All yarn for Robin’s workshop is kindly being provided by Jamieson and Smith

Robin’s Gothic Snowfall from St Denis Yarns

Franken-Isle

Love colourwork and searching for a way to expand your repertoire? Learn to combine traditional and innovative techniques to create unique work of unusual beauty. Explore different ways of combining colours and textures using the two-handed Fair-Isle method. Create delicate floating lattices, introduce purl stitches to your colourwork, learn Latvian Braid, and practice weaving, floating, quilting and dipping with multiple colours.

When: Tuesday, 9.30 - 5.00

Level: Intermediate/Advanced

Class Skills: Ability to work stranded Fair-Isle with two hands

Skills you’ll learn: As described above

Cost: £78

Class Length: 6 hours

Homework: None

Bring with you:

· Double-knitting weight wool yarn in six colours

· Set of five 3.75mm double-pointed needles

· Stitch markers

Getting Inspired: Creating Mood Boards

Aspiring knitwear designers will learn how to make mood boards and develop the skills required to get inspired on a deadline, to think up fresh ideas from season to season, and to incorporate their own style with current trends.  If you’ve ever felt that it is difficult to get motivated, or that you have so many ideas that it is hard to express them individually, learn some creative exercises to help you get from vague inspiration to executed garment.

When: Wednesday, 9.30 - 12.30

Level: Beginner plus

Class Skills: n/a

Skills you’ll learn: Creative thinking and organization

Cost: £30

Class Length: 3 hours

Homework: None

Bring with you:

· At least 5 or 6 current fashion, style, or home decoration magazines or catalogues (that you will not mind cutting up)

· Scissors

· Glue stick

· Sketchbook and pencils

Minimum number of students for class to run: 10 Maximum number of students: 25

Knitting Perfectly-Fitting Gloves

Class description: Learn to knit gloves that are a perfect fit for you! Students will work on a glove in class, learning methods for achieving ideal shaping for the wrist, thumb and finger areas. Also, learn tricks and methods from an expert glove knitter on finishing, adjustments, and different thumb styles. Students are encouraged to think of ways in which they can personalize or embellish their projects; help will be available for those who wish to make their own changes to the class pattern.

When: Thursday, 9.30 - 5.00

Level: Intermediate plus

Class Skills: Ability to work in the round with double-pointed needles

Skills you’ll learn: As described above

Cost: £75

Class Length: 6 hours

Homework: None

Bring with you:

· Set of five 3.25mm double-pointed needles

· Stitch markers

· Waste yarn

Minimum number of students for class to run: 10 Maximum number of students: 20

Project Class: Evening Light

Students will work on Evening Light from Knitting New Mittens & Gloves, making a garter stitch fingerless glove, worked side-to-side with a gored thumb, with a choice of bead motifs. We will learn how to string the beads in preparation for working, how to place the beads according to the chart, and how to create your own beaded designs. A black and white copy of the pattern will be provided.

When: Friday, 9.30 - 12.30

Level: Intermediate plus

Class Skills: Ability to work in garter stitch and follow a chart

Skills you’ll learn: Knitting with beads

Cost: £35

Class Length: 3 hours

Homework: None

Bring with you:

· 3.5mm needles

· Stitch markers

· Waste yarn or stitch holder

· 250 size 6/0 beads

· Wire beading needle

· Needle-nose pliers

Minimum number of students for class to run: 10 Maximum number of students: 20