Knitting in different directions: Experimenting and understanding stitches, and encouraging creativity
Alison Ellen is a British designer from Farnham in the county of Surrey, celebrated for her individual exploratory approach to hand knitting. She’s been designing and teaching for 40 years,
Alison says: “My aim in teaching is to encourage people to gain confidence by experimenting and understanding how stitches work: something there is never time for at home!
“We’ll begin our Watermill week with some simple set exercises and a explore how knitting in different directions can create seamless designs in a simple, logical way. “This encourages people to think creatively and develop ideas towards their own projects.”
The week-long course will look at ways of ‘building’ shapes (with no seams) starting with knitting circles and squares, and developing ideas for hats, bags or cushions. It is suitable for any knitter willing to try something new, beginning with basic knit and purl, and with plenty of scope for taking it into more intricate stitches. There will be time to complete a project, or to work on several ideas to take home and make.
Among the techniques we’ll explore are modular (domino) knitting, picking up stitches and short-row shaping, and log-cabin stitch. We’ll also experiment with 3-D knitting. Alison says: “Knitting in different directions is a great way to make simple, bold designs in the most basic stitches in plain or striped patterns.”
We’ll also learn about design with colour, texture and pattern: “In my own work I am inspired by colour and texture in landscape, gardens and natural forms, and by traditional textiles. I’m always exploring the endless possibilities of this wonderfully free technique of hand knitting.”
“Another important element is designing for real people, says Alison. “ We are all different, and the challenge is to create designs for people to feel confident, special and comfortable, and to enjoy wearing for many years-“
