This course is designed to provide students with both a practical and cultural understanding of knitting. We will examine knitting from a variety of perspectives. While our focus will be on hand knitting, we will look at how mechanization affected the art and craft of knitting in our discussions. We will look at the historical background, the role it plays in different cultures, the ebb and flow of the popularity of knitting. On the practical side, we will build knitting skills by knitting swatches that demonstrate a variety of stitches and techniques. Also, on the practical side we will learn about fibers, colors, and design. In particular, we will look at how the science of dyes plays into creating designer yarns.
This course is open to all students, no prior knowledge or skill in knitting required, just an interest in learning about cultural impact of knitting, how to knit, and about design elements. Students with prior knitting experience should find the development of specific skills as well as the opportunity to choose individual projects allows them to enhance their knowledge of this art form as well.