Jyväskylä Summer Knit Festival started on Friday, July 15 with classes taught by knitting super stars. I wanted to continue with my plan to learn from the best, so I signed up for "Beyond the raglan" by Ysolda Teague. The class was about top-down construction and the many different ways to do it.

Example of different increases

Ysolda started by explaining the different construction options: compound raglan, round yoke, saddle shoulder, set-in sleeves and modifications to them. We also looked at the different ways of increasing, be it raglan or any other shaping. Then she explained how to take measures and calculate increases to achieve the desired construction. We also got to do some hands-on exercise in knitting a set-in sleeve mini sweater sample. After the knitting break it was time to do some math, and we did example calculations for the different construction types. Ysolda had brought some samples with her, so we could also take a closer look at some of her designs.


The hands-on part of the class was especially nice in that it provided an opportunity to chat with other knitters in the class. The finished sample turned into a souvenir for Troll princess - after we found a doll whose head is small enough to fit, as neckline adjustments were omitted.