Joan McGowan-Michael
Designer, Author, Teacher
I would love to visit your shop/local guild and help you present an event that will challenge and inspire your customers/members.
Below are just some of the classes I offer:
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Konquering Krista
Do you love the look of
knitted lace but afraid it's
over your head? Have you always
knitted accessories but have yet
to venture into knitting a
garment?
The Krista Tee is the
perfect starter project!
Joan will teach you the ins and
outs of making and fitting this
very lovely top that will add a
special feminine touch to your
wardobe. Learn to measure for
and choose your proper size,
read a simple lace chart, and
what and where to tweak for a
perfect fit. By the time
we're finished you'll be so
surprised and delighted at how
simple Krista really is that
you'll want one in every color
and fiber!
Students will receive a
copy of this pattern sized from
33" to 56" and we will make a
mini front of Krista in class.- 3 hours.
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Rockin’ the Stockins’!
Everyone loves to knit socks, but have you tried stockings? Elevate your fashion quotient thigh high with stockings shaped and fitted to your very own leg!
Learn to measure your leg properly, then work a simple toe-up construction that allows you to shape the stocking as you go and simply bind off when you reach the height you want. Get a custom fit that assures comfort and wearability.
6 hours
Crochet for Knits
Have no fear; if you can knit , you can also crochet!
Sometimes knits cry out for the
stability, prettiness or just the fine
finishing touch of a crocheted edge.
Learn how to handle a hook and work a
dozen simple
crocheted finishes that lend added depth to
your knitted garments. 3 hours
Whip Your Knits into Shape!
Adding designer shaping touches to your knitted garments is easy once you know a few simple rules and how to apply them. Flatter your figure by shaping any garment as you knit it
and know where to nip and tuck with key
measurements.
Darts, ease, and short row shaping are all important elements for a custom fit. Learn which ones to use to play up your specific body type to it’s best advantage.
Students will come away with a complete set of their own body measurements and the skills needed to customize knits to fit their shape. 3 hours
(Note: I offer another, more
intense 6 hour workshop based on this class
and very worthwhile if you or your customers
are hard-to-fit . Students come away with a custom pattern to fit their body and the know-how to use it to design their own sweaters.)
My Fair-Isle!
Learn the secret of knitting with two
colors at a time AND knitting with both
hands. This will also open
the door to the Continental style of
knitting for those who desire to learn that
simple, useful technique.
Working
off of a chart and using the knit
stitch only, students will make the cute,
wearable wide headband shown above. -3 hours
Knitting for Crocheters
Many crocheters lament that they “just
do not ‘get’ knitting”.
There are more similarities between the
two skills than differences!
Learn how to apply what you already know
about crochet to knitting and bypass
much of that awkward learning curve!
Use your crochet muscle memory to learn
a lightning fast way to knit.
Students will come away with beginning
knitter’s skills and will make a small
mitered handbag in class.
-3 hours
Fundies: Knit Your Own Lingerie!
The lingerie influence is all over fashion runways this year. Go straight to the source and learn how to knit your own undies, nighties and intimate apparel.
Joan is a former designer for Frederick’s of Hollywood and the author of the very popular book “Knitting Lingerie Style” (STC Publishing, 2007). She will show you the ins and outs of pretty, feminine under-dressing.
Knitters will make either a lacy vintage inspired wedding garter, or a cute bobbled thong panty in class.
-3 hours
Bead Embroidery for Knits
Joan’s collection of vintage beaded sweaters lend the inspiration for knitters to bead their own items.
A plain cardigan or pullover becomes a gorgeous heirloom in a matter of a few hours! Hand beaded sweaters sell for big $$. Learn how to duplicate this luxurious look easily for very little money by making a fancy beaded sunglass case in class. 3 hours
Dress You Up! : Knit a Dress
Combine yarn and fabric to create a unique outfit that you'll never see on anyone else. Learn how to fit a knitted bodice to a fabric skirt and end up with a beautiful dress. Apply this idea to making casual summer dresses, girls dresses, nighties and even a lovely wedding gown! Participants will receive a kit and
pattern to make a child's dress in class. 6 hours
Get a Foot Up on Toes-Up!
Learn to knit socks and stockings from the toe up and discover the joy of never having to graft in order to finish. When the knitting is completed, the sock is done! Try on as you go and completely eliminate sizing guesswork. Students will make a child-sized sock in class. 3 hours
Call (916) 247-5580 or email me for more details and a sample contract
outlining fees and requirements.
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