ROWAN CONNECT
SPRING TERM 2025
Customise a Classic
with Fiona Ellis
This six-session/eight-week live online course guides you through the process of making "Cornwallis", an easy fit raglan sleeve classic nautical inspired stripe sweater designed by Martin Storey.
It has all the classic elements of a garment that you will wear over and over. So, in addition to it reflecting something of your own personal style, you will want it to fit and flatter.
By crafting it with care and attention to detail, using the finest materials, you can transform this sweater into a couture piece—one that feels uniquely yours.
Join Fiona as she guides you step-by-step through selecting a colour palette, customising the pattern for a flawless fit, and adding your own creative flair. Over the course of six spring-term sessions, you'll create your own classic raglan sweater while building skills to elevate your garment-knitting expertise for future projects.
With her background in education, passion for fashion history, and deep understanding of design principles, Fiona brings an added layer of inspiration to each session, making the experience both enriching and enjoyable.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP - LIMITED PLACES AVAILABLECustomise a Classic - Class Summary
Session 1 - Stripe Sequences & Colour Choices
In the first session we will focus on how to select the palette for your project to suit the wearer. We take a brief look at colour theory & the moods created by colour combinations to aid in making our yarn selections. Then we will move onto playing with stripe pattern rhythms.
We will also explore the history of the Breton Sweater.
Session 2 - Adding or Changing the Finishing & Edges
The pattern calls for simple stocking stitch edges but what other possibilities might there be and how might we work them? In this session, before we cast on, we will explore the possibilities for a personalized neckline, cuff and lower edge treatments. Fiona will also include how to work a provisional cast-on to allow for adjusting edges later.
Fiona will also showcase & discuss several ideas for edges that you may wish to consider for this or future projects.
Session 3 - Looking at Fabric Qualities & Gauge
The type of stitch pattern that we work has a noticeable effect of the type of fabric we make. In this session we will explore making samples worked in a few different stitch patterns: St St, garter, rib, simple openwork, etc. Which in turn will produce the gauge swatches needed for the project.
We will also look at blocking swatches.
Session 4 - Adjusting for a Better Fit
A personalised fit requires that we spend some time measuring the body or a favourite sweater. Then consulting the schematic to choose which size to make. We can then determine what adjustments need to be incorporated: adding width at hips or the bust, adding waist shaping, lengthening or shortening your sweater, working short rows for a curved hemline.
We will also look at basic silhouette styles.
Session 5 - Looking at the Sleeve
Part of making the garment suit our needs might include modifying the length of the sleeve. These modifications might be for style (3/4 length, elbow length) or for fit (length of arms).
We will also explore the variations in sleeve shapes.
Session 6 - Modifying Raglan Shaping
In this session we will focus on creating a good fit for the raglan. Beginning by measuring the underarm drop. Then working with gauge to adjust the raglan shaping. And including a look at a hybrid method of shaping for snug underarm fit.
We will also look at how Raglan sleeves came into being and how the patterns for them are drafted.
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Dates and Times
Please note, this class isn't on every Thursday, check the schedule carefully.
Classes: Thursdays 23rd & 30th January, 20th & 27th February and 6th & 13 March – 7.00-9.00pm GMT
GMT is the time zone we are currently using in the UK. Check your time zone here.
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Recordings
All classes and Q+A sessions are recorded and will be available to view on demand for 12 months.
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Price
£162
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