Top-Down Raglans Knit to Fit!
Wow, it was a loooong time ago that I started this top. I’ve got just the sleeves to go, but got sidetracked with other, more secret projects (for winter publication). But I’m hoping to squeeze out the time to wrap it up this week because on Saturday (August 22nd) I have the first of a 4 class series on knitting top-down raglans to fit at My Sister Knits (the blog)
This class is a bit more free form than my past classes. I’m leaving the actual pattern selection up to each student and can even help them make a design of their own if desired. There are several pattern options in Stefanie Japel’s Fitted Knits
and Wendy Bernard’s Custom Knits
if one is wanting to purchase a book of patterns. While not all of the projects in either book are top down raglans, much of what I’ll be teaching will aid in knitting the non-raglan projects in those books in the future. If one is wishing to dip their toes into designing a top-down raglan I would recommend Knitting from the Top
by Barbara Walker. There are of course a few free options if you just want a basic top-down raglan, including a freebie from Stephanie Japel and a great calculator that generates a pattern just for you for just that yarn and needle combo. You can also peruse Ravelry for top-down raglan options as well.
We’ll be meeting 1-3pm on Saturday. The first two weeks will be back to back as this week we’ll choose yarn and patterns and do measurements, then you’ll come back the following week with a washed and blocked swatch and we’ll go over any adjustments that need to me made to accommodate your size or differing gauge etc. We’ll also discuss what kind of shaping will be required - waist shaping? Short-rows for bust, belly or butt concerns? The remaining classes will be spaced out so homework is realistic. You should have a wonderful sweater completed hopefully before the snow flies (though the way the summer has been I will not guarantee that).
The official class description:
Want to dip your toe into the pool of sweater designing? Or want to knit a sweater that fits all your curves? The top-down construction makes it possible to try on the sweater as you go, ensuring a great fit. Designer, Kristi Schueler, will discuss fitting tricks such as short-row shaping for larger busts or bellies and waist and hip shaping as well as walk you through any math. Please bring a generous sized washed swatch (6×6 inches or larger preferred) that includes any stitch patterns you would like to accent the sweater with if desired and your favorite, best fitting sweater (bonus if it has raglan or yoke construction) to the first class. CLASS LIMIT 6 STUDENTS.
To sign up, stop in or call My Sister Knits - 970-407-1461.
