Art Diploma Blog Ellie Fisher: Knitting

In the Textiles specialised workshop, we continued to gain new skills and techniques through traditional processes which included the method of "knitting". This process is defined as "the act of forming fabric by looping a continuous yarn together with needles and wool". Through the development and skill of the process, patterns can be developed and clothing can be created. Samples of handmade knitting are presented below.

Handmade knitting is a longer process which includes more concentration and skill compared to an industrial machine. I was curious to start the task as I never used the process previously and it was a skill and area I was aiming to achieve. Also, I was curious to complete the task as the method can be a challenge but also enjoyable through different perspectives and opinions. To task the task, I collected a ball of wool and knitting needles and started to cast onto the tool. For the needle, I decided to use a thin tool because it allowed me to gain the skill and develop my confidence with the process. As I develop my confidence with the process I will develop my confidence with using larger knitting needle tools. To start the process I used the technique "cast" to join the wool onto the needle accurately. We were given different methods and processes to allow us to gain the skill individually. I discovered that I gained the skill through demonstration as it allowed me to gain the confidence of working independently and repeating the technique to gain the method required. We were also given videos and hand out instructions but I found them less effective because they were challenging and made the process confusing through my opinion. The instructions were the most challenging as I couldn't gain the technique through word as I am a more practical student. Once I competed the cast process, I started to gain the skill of knitting a simple row with 20 stitches. At first I found the task challenging because I couldn't achieve the process required to complete the stitch. However, as I gained confidence and repeated the process I continued to create the rows required to make the piece. Another problem I faced with the rows was that I wasn't counting the original amount given which allowed me to increase the number to 40 rows. This would make the outcome uneven within the knitting pattern. However, to solve the problem next time I will count the rows effectively and develop my confidence with the technique further.

Throughout the task, health and safety instructions were followed to avoid the risk of injury. Coats and bags were placed away safely to avoid the risk of tripping hazards and injury to others.

Through my specialised workshop task, I will continue to develop my confidence further with the technique and create further knitting samples.