Shirley Paden - As an internationally recognized hand knitwear designer, Shirley Paden’s design and articles have appeared in magazines such as Interweave Knits, Interweave Crochet, Vogue Knitting, Knitters, Family Circle and Knit it! as well as in the collections of leading yarn companies. She has taught and lectured on various aspects of hand knitting and crochet over the past 18 years. In her book, Knitwear Design Workshop, she brings to in life in print, her most popular class, Knitwear Design, for all those who want to explore designing their own garments or altering commercial patterns.
Class Title: Design Basics (Design Master Class)
In this class students will learn to custom-make their own sweater patterns. They will work through organizing the components involved in constructing two different types of pullovers, one with a round neckline and one with a V neckline. The first is the Classic Body silhouette that is based on the bust measurements. It is worked straight to the armholes, then, the armholes and neckline are shaped. The second is the Double Tapered Body silhouette. This sweater type is shaped along the natural curves of the body to the armholes, then, the armholes and neckline are shaped. Both pullover types will be planned with set-in sleeves. Students will work through planning a tapered sleeve with a set-in cap. They will also be walked through accurately measuring a swatch, taking body measurements, writing a pattern, and calculating yarn amounts. Measuring a garment will also be reviewed.
Pre Class Assignment
Each student is expected to come to class with a planned garment. They are expected to have completed a sketch or to have a photo of their planned piece and to have completed a swatch. The swatch should be knit with their planned pattern stitch. Select the sweater silhouette and sketch the garment. Next, select the stitch pattern and the yarn. When that is done, knit one or two swatches. Note: Swatches should be approximately 8"x 8" in order to achieve a more accurate garment knitting gauge.
Bring to Class: Tape Measure, 2 Pencils with erasers, Writing Paper, Calculator, Sketch of Sweater, Swatch, Swatch Calculations, ball bands.
