We caught up with Lynn Hall who recently completed our City and Guilds intermediate Knitting course (Skills Stage 3). Having a lifelong passion for knitting and crochet, she joined the course in search of a new challenge and to push her skills beyond using standard patterns. Her key motivation was to formalise her expertise with a recognized qualification and to explore the world of knitting design.
Throughout the course, she mastered new techniques, including dyeing yarn and making buttons, and was especially proud of her ability to create her own knitting patterns. Her assessment pieces received glowing feedback, and she now plans to turn her designs into saleable patterns, opening exciting new doors for her crafting career. This is her #MyStitchJourney.
Lynn Hall
“The course has helped me learn how to research, consider and plan the construction of patterns and many of the skills are transferable to other forms of design, textiles and craft.
I would strongly recommend the courses offered by the SST whatever your level of expertise or area of interest. There is a lot of support from all of the tutors and also other students.”
Motivation
I already had lots of experience of both knitting and crochet. I had been taught as a child by my mother and I’ve loved working on all kinds of crafts throughout my life.
Having become bored with just making garments and accessories from bought patterns, I had been looking for a new challenge for sometime. I knew there was so much more to learn and experiment with and I was looking to increase and develop my knitting skills. I also felt that gaining a formal qualification was a great way to consolidate and recognise the experience and expertise I have gained throughout the years.
When researching what courses were available, many were too basic. But then I discovered the SST City and Guilds courses and knew I had found the ideal thing. I liked the idea of the twelve modules, all focusing on different aspects of knitting and design and felt this would keep it interesting.
The two-year timescale was perfect. I knew this meant that the course would have plenty of content. I have always enjoyed learning and starting each new module was exciting and interesting. Every module led on to the next and the skills learnt were developed further throughout the tasks. I really like that.
Lessons learnt
Even as an experienced knitter I found there was still lots to learn when researching knitting stitches and techniques. This has helped improve the professional standard of my work. I loved the module for dyeing yarn and fabric, something I had very little experience of. The results were amazing and it was very exciting to see the process developing. I also loved the button making which was new to me and I became obsessed with making Dorset buttons!
The main skill I have gained from the course is that of designing and making items from my own patterns. The course guides you through different steps of design work and helps you discover your own style and areas of interest.
Two of my assessment pieces – a knitted example of a band sampler and a patchwork blanket received a great response from my tutor Sally.
My plan is to develop these two designs into saleable patterns. I would then like to produce more designs. I especially like to try producing items in knitted form that are usually made from other textiles.
The course has helped me learn how to research, consider and plan the construction of patterns and many of the skills are transferable to other forms of design, textiles and craft.
Advice for new students
I would strongly recommend the courses offered by the SST whatever your level of expertise or area of interest. There is a lot of support from all of the tutors and also other students. Everyone is inclusive and supportive of each other and just want enjoyment and success for all.
My advice to any new student would be not to be daunted by the tasks, take them one step at a time as it is amazing what flows once you get started. Always ask for help no matter how big or small your problem – there is always lots of advice available. The sense of achievement when you complete the course is amazing.
