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Iris Bishop Iris Bishop is an artist and designer with an innovative approach to textile design. She was attracted to the world of 'constructed textiles' and gained a BA(Hons) degree in that subject at Winchester School of Art (UK). Although her main subject was weaving, the appeal of the knitting machine was, and still is, its immediacy and versatility. She also enjoys translating her drawings and sketches into knitted fairisle designs. Much of her work has been published in magazines and in her own range of design collections for machine knitters. Following her degree course, she was accepted into the RCA (Royal College of Art) and received 2 travel scholarshops, enabling her to travel and study in Eastern and Western Europe. Iris then worked for 7 years as the 'Head of Design and Promotions' for Knitmaster Ltd. in London, linked with its parent 'Empisal' company in Cologne, during one of the most exciting periods in the machine knitting industry. She helped to promote machine knitting on television, in galleries and exhibitions, while working as a freelance designer in the fashion retail industry. The educational side of knitting has always played an important part in Iris's life, and for many years she was a 'visiting lecturer' on a number of textile/ fashion degree courses in the UK. In recent years, she has been invited to lecture and lead workshops in the UK, the USA, Australia and New Zealand. She is always regarded as a great source of information and inspiration, attracting newcomers to the art of machine knitting and exciting the interest and vision of more experienced knitters. She continues to push the boundaries with enthusiasm, always adapting to new circumstances, styles and materials. Note: some of Iris' latest books can be seen on the Sales page. Friday: 1. * FUTURE FAIRISLE - 2 hrs - for single bed machines Although traditional designs are timeless, the 'fashion' for fairisle garments ebbs and flows. Starting with some new inspiration for the basic technique, Iris demonstrates some of her more adventurous ideas, from delicate lacey fabrics to decorative textural effects. There really is more to 'fairisle' than meets the eye...... 2. * RAGS to RICHES - 1 hr - for single-bed machines An innovative way of creating unique 'textiles' on the knitting machine that disguise their knitted construction. From unusual decorative edgings to one-off garments and accessories, this is a very timely method of integrating recycled fabrics into your knitwear...... 3. * MAKING WAVES - 1 hr - for single-bed machines The 'slip' and 'tuck' stitch pattern techniques take on a new lease of life with Iris's lightweight, reversible, softly draping fabrics. They are particularly suited to sideways-knit garments and can incorporate a wide range of yarns, from the latest trends, to 'part cones' in your existing stash...... Saturday: 1. * RIBS, PLEATS and ORIGAMI - 2 hrs - for double-bed machines The beauty of double-bed work is that by playing with the basics like 'needle arrangements' and 'racking', straight pieces of fabric can be created that naturally shape into the body, without further finishing. Iris will also demonstrate how she has developed the traditional 'pleat' into extraordinary 3-D fabrics with a will of their own, and a twist or two...... (note: for Japanese machines + ribber, but most techniques applicable to Passap.....) 2. * BESPOKE - 1hr - mainly for single-bed machines Iris shares her latest experiments with a variety of techniques, creating unusual stitch pattern combinations and unexpected effects on both sides of the fabric. She also finds some interesting ways of introducing handwork into knitted fabrics, as an integral part of their construction...... 3. * YOKES - 1hr - for single-bed machines Circular yokes that 'self shape' around the neckline have always been such a classic but unique feature of knitted garments. Iris's techniques involve a lot less manual work and are more flexible than traditional methods, including her latest 'all-in-one' method...... * denotes that class is suitable for most gauges and machines Return to Classes Return to top

Cardiknits, 92 Cardinal Drive, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, L9A 4H7
(tel) 905-389-9336 (e-mail) cardiknits@mountaincable.net