Sunday, December 5, 2010

Shirley in Review

I have been waiting all year to meet her. Her name is Shirley Paden. For those who are non-knitters, she's a world-renowned hand knitwear designer. And I had the privilege of attending her Design Basics Course which is based on her best-selling book, "Knitwear Design Workshop: A Comprehensive Guide to Handknits".

I love learning, knitting, and learning about knitting. And there's nothing like learning from the best. Shirley Paden is certainly that. Anyone who knows her work knows that her patterns are not for the faint at heart. Just in case you didn't know, her class is no different. Take a look for yourself...



We spent an entire day learning to take accurate measurements, configuring garment pieces, and crunching numbers in specific mathematical formulas. But it wasn't all for naught. Despite our bewildered expressions and Shirley's gentle (and at times, not so gentle) nudging, we were able to translate those formulas into actual knitting patterns. In the end, she "felt our energy" and we did her proud.

I now have a greater sense of design technicalities such as the importance of swatching. I am also inspired and encouraged in my ability to envision a garment and create it. In looking back, I'm determined not to let the time, experience, and money invested go to waste.

I LOVE to knit!!!

Until next time...

NOTE: I was unable to reformat the video image.

6 comments:

cici said...

I am so happy you finally got to meet her personally. I can't wait to see your creations♠

Cheryl said...

Uh oh... ROFL!! Thanks, Cici.

Unknown said...

good accounting of her class. It's almost all about the swatch, isn't it?

Cheryl said...

It really is, Ava, and you know what? After we finished the class I realized that I have to select another yarn and do another swatch.

ChampagneMaker said...

You silly, you can write that Nieman Marcus pattern all by yourself! DO IT!!! and let me know when you're finished! xov

ForMyKnittas said...

I love her line about the difference between "homemade" and "handmade"!