Wild Purls has been teaching knitters for about 5 years now, and in that time, we've seen so many of our knitters become better knitters, and then the better knitters turn into very proficient knitters. And then occasionally, we see these proficient knitters take it to the next level, the Master Knitter program. Right now, Wild Purls has 6 or 7 of our knitters pursuing this extraordinary challenge.
What is the Master Knitting Program? Here is an excerpt from the official website of The Knitters Guild Association:
"A Brief History
The Master Hand Knitting Program was announced in the Fall 1987 issue of Cast On as a way for members of The Knitting Guild Association (TKGA) to have their knitting evaluated using specific criteria and guidelines. It was designed as an educational process, not a competition or contest. (While it is an educational program, it is not for new knitters. If you want help learning to knit, please consider enrolling in the Learn to Knit or the Basics, Basics, Basics correspondence courses offered by TKGA.) Although the program has evolved over the years, at its core it hasn’t changed much. Knitters work through three levels, each building on techniques demonstrated in the previous level. Each level is completed independently, and evaluated by the Master Hand Knitting Committee, before the knitter goes to the next level.
This program requires you to research the technique as you work the swatches and projects. This program emphasizes independent and involved learning on the part of the knitter. You may not have some of these skills when you begin the program, but through research and practice you can acquire them. It is not enough to demonstrate that you can perform a technique. To pass a level, you must go beyond basic ability to perform techniques to a mastery of those techniques.
Experienced knitters may require less practice to master a technique while less experienced knitters may need to rework a swatch many times. Both can become Master Knitters. By the time you finish the program you should have a complete mastery of knitting techniques. You will have a knowledge of knitting-related topics such as care of knitwear, the history of knitting, and knitting traditions. You will have experience in design and writing your own patterns and instructions. But more importantly you will have the confidence in your own abilities. Where this confidence takes you is up to you. "
There is more to read, and you can find it at TKGA.
Cindy Dell is one of these motivated knitters. As well as being one of our local experts, she also teaches at MSU-B. Earlier this year, Cindy decided to pursue her Master Knitting Certificate. She has knit her swatches for the first level and has passed. Wild Purls is extremely pleased to announce that she is offering her new found knowledge with us through a class this summer.
Class #1 Beyond the Long Tail Cast On: Monday, June 13—Six interesting cast on techniques will be covered in this class including cable, knitted, tubular, picot, provisional and Estonian. Expand your horizons with this series of classes.
Class #2 Seaming Techniques: Monday, June 20– Learn seaming techniques to give your projects a professional looking finish. A good finish can make or break a project.
Class #3 Increase and Decrease Techniques: Monday, June 27—Learn three decreases and four increases to provide shaping techniques for your projects. Knowing a trick or two can help you with all your knitting projects.
We challenge YOU to challenge yourself and your knitting skills. Become a BETTER knitter!
Posted on
Tue, May 17, 2011
by Linda Heins