Hand Knitting Courses London: City Lit

Experimental hand knitting

This course is designed to introduce and facilitate a passion for hand knitting, colour and texture. For improvers and advanced knitters, you will learn advanced textural stitches and play with colour, striping and unconventional materials.

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Key course information

Dates
13/01/12 - 17/02/12

Day(s)
Fri

Duration
6 weeks

Time
18:00 - 21:00

Fees
Full fee: £133
Senior fee: £133

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
VX965

Availability
This course has finished

No concessionary fees are available as the limit has been reached.

This course has finished

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Still got questions?
visualarts@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 7492 2700

Course outline

What is the course about?

The course is designed to develop your passion for hand knitting, colour and texture. For improvers and advanced knitters.

What topics will we cover?

During the course you will:
- be taken through a variety of textural stitches using 5mm needles and basic cream yarn such as lace, fur aran knitting and dropped stitch variations.
- learn 'I-cords', flowers, leaves and knitted buttons and bobbles for embellishment
- be encouraged to put together a visual mood board around a theme. This will be used to design future swatches and projects.
- experiment with different yarns and stitches, playing with colour and texture to create stripe designs and swatches, and mixing them together to create more interesting, textural and experimental structures.
- experiment with fibres and materials not usually associated with knitting, such as plastics, string, ribbons, wire and tape.
- begin to learn the basics of designing your own swatches for adapting patterns, and designing your own projects if you so wish.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

- Demonstrate confidence in working with hand knitting and fibre in an experimental way.
- Present several sample pieces of experimental knit, stripe alternatives and those which play with texture.
- Understand the importance of the correct tension and begin to design your own swatches with an eye to adapting a pattern or making a garment.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

The course is for basic and proficient knitters who would like to explore and experiment with the medium, beyond following patterns. You must know at least the basic stitches of knitting.

You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion. You should be able to use numbers and be able to do simple measurements and calculations.

Please look at the rest of the course outline carefully to decide if you may benefit from support in your English and Maths skills to help you to take part fully in this class.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

The course will be hands-on, and you will learn by repeating and practising the advanced techniques of knitting. You will be taught by demonstration, group and individual tuition. You will be taken through the techniques with a group demonstration and then individually as necessary.

Each separate technique will be practised, and then a sample made for reference in a file or sketchbook. You will be encouraged to begin a knitted techniques folder or book in which to keep samples, swatches, handouts and any note-taking you find useful. There will be recommendations for relevant books and shops, and a website list, which will help develop your skills outside the class.

You will be encouraged to practise each new technique throughout the week, in between the classes, to ensure progression and also to research knitting patterns and designs so that you have an idea of the techniques and textures you want to achieve.

You will be shown how to take ideas through to knitting with the use of visuals for colour and texture and you will be shown a variety of research sketch books and professional mood boards.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

Please bring along a pair of 5 or 6 mm needles and a ball of cream wool (correct thickness for needle size) for practsing new advanced stitches. Sketch books or files are also advisable so you can collect visual information, record any new techniques and collect handouts.
Basic experimental materials will be provided but you are encouraged to bring along any needles or fancy yarns and materials you may wish to use and experiment with.
Digital cameras are also useful to record any new stitches/fabric and mark-making done during the course.

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

No.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

There are a range of courses in textiles at City Lit including a City & Guilds in embroidery, 'Improver's knitting' and courses in felt-making, incorporating knitted structures. Advice will be given on other courses and classes to develop skills you have learnt.

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2700

visualarts@citylit.ac.uk

Please email us for advice or call us during these times:

Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays - 9.00 -12.00 & 15:00-18:00

Thursdays - 9.00-12.00

Saturdays - 14.00-17.00

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.

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Visual arts