Knitting - Improvers (by Claire Montgomerie)

Knitting - Improvers (by Claire Montgomerie)

1st Lesson:

After a short introduction you will learn how to read patterns, why tension squares matters and how to check your own tension. Lesson 1 will also cover how to shape a garment and small alterations.

To summarise you will learn:

• Reading patterns and understanding abbreviations
• Tension/gauge squares
• Shaping
• Alterations.

2nd Lesson:

You will learn how to knit with several colours simultaneously using both Fair Isle and Intarsia methods. The benefits of knitting in the round and how to do Aran knitting will also be covered.

To summarise you will learn:

• Introduction to Fair Isle and Intarsia techniques
• Knitting in the round
• Aran knitting: how to do cables.

3rd Lesson:

The lesson will focus on finishing techniques such as how to sew up your garment but also cover stitch combinations and an introduction to Lace.

To summarise you will be taught:

• An introduction to Lace
• Basic stitch combinations: moss and rib
• Finishing techniques: back stitch and picking up stitches.

Classes are held in the shop.

Maximum of 7 students per class.

Taught by Claire Montgomerie.

Introduced to knitting and crochet at a young age by her mother, Claire Montgomerie never really took to either discipline until the age of 18. She decided to embark on a textiles degree at Middlesex University after being told by an art tutor that she would become a textiles designer. This was an idea she had at first dismissed out of hand, wondering what on earth textile designers do. she still sometimes wonders!

Initially thinking she would like to become a weaver, she was re-taught to knit by a lovely lady called Faith (you don't forget who taught you to knit) and never looked back. Claire never felt the same affinity with weaving as when she was wielding a pair of needles and feeling the yarn running through her hands, hand knitting a garment.

From Middlesex, she progressed to a Masters degree at the Royal College of Art, where she was taught by the talented knitters Sarah Dallas and Freddie Robins among others. Since graduating in 2004, Claire has begun work at Barnet College as a Textiles Technician, (where as well as teaching knitting techniques, she now has to weave again!)

As an able hand and machine knitter, Claire has designed samples for knitwear companies and also designs her own 'Monty' collections of accessories and toys, some of which are on sale at Loop.

She also enjoys working with younger children, delighting in introducing them to the world of art, textiles and knitting.

Cancellation Policy

Full refund of deposit will be given for cancellations made up to 2 weeks prior to the first day of scheduled class. After this time, refunds will be given only if the spot can be filled by another student. Please be considerate.