ROWAN CONNECT
SUMMER SCHOOL 2026
Technique Taster
With Fiona Ellis
Join Fiona as she presents a specially prepared menu of knitting techniques, designed to give knitters a well-balanced diet of stitches to work and explore.
Over four weeks we will savour four different methods for creating knitted fabric. Drawn from the basic “food groups” of knitting techniques we will sample: Lacework, Cables, Stranded Colour-work and Intarsia.
And, as with any platter of delights, Fiona will add pairings and garnishes along the way, encouraging participants to fully enjoy the nuances and pleasures of each technique.
Five supporting Rowan patterns are included so you can fully experiment with each of the techniques and put your new skills into practice.
These workshops will give students from advanced beginners to experienced knitters the ingredients for success.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP - LIMITED PLACES AVAILABLETextures Intensive - Class Summary
Week 1: Lace
As with most tasting menus we will start with the basics to whet the appetite. Looking at the fundamental building blocks of increases and decreases, sampling a few different ones and considering at how they can be combined to create a lacy openwork patterning.
The garnish for this week’s sample will be how to handle shaping a garment piece when working lace patterning.
The included Rowan pattern Dottie by Martin Storey provides an excellent opportunity to explore and practise these techniques.
Week 2: Cables
To Fiona, cables are the comfort food choice that she returns to over and over. This week we will sample working cable crosses in several different ways. We will also look at chart reading & consider yarn choices for creating luscious cables.
The perfect pairing for this week’s offering is a look at trouble shooting those pesky things that often trip us up when working this technique.
The included Rowan pattern Curlew by Martin Storey provides the perfect opportunity to practise and enjoy these cable techniques in a beautiful finished project.
Week 3: Stranded Colour-work
The next course will excite our colour taste buds. We will explore working with multiple colours in a row, how to handle stranding & floats and how this technique impacts the elasticity of the knit fabric.
To help us really relish this technique Fiona will showcase ideas for creating great colour combinations. She will also demo how to work duplicate stitch for those times when we need to correct a glitch in patterning.
The included Rowan pattern Gardenia by Martin Storey provides a wonderful opportunity to explore and practise these stranded colour-work techniques while creating a beautiful finished piece.
Week 4: Intarsia
And no taster is complete without a finale of something special. This week we will dive into the Intarsia technique. How it differs from other colour-work techniques, when to use it and how best to approach it, allowing us to savour its full essence.
An added cherry-on-top will be a brief look at adding borders to your sample and how the swatches might be made into a cushion cover or as the beginning on an heirloom blanket.
The included Rowan pattern Hadid Cushion by Chloe Thurlow offers an accessible and enjoyable way to practise Intarsia techniques, while the much more intricate Berenice by Marie Wallin showcases the stunning possibilities that can be achieved as your confidence and skills develop.
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Dates and Times
Classes: Mondays 3rd, 10th, 17th & 24th August, 6.30-9.00pm BST
Q&A sessions: Wednesdays 5th, 12th, 19th & 26th August, 5-6pm BST
BST 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: £185
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