As you may know, designer Jared Flood was in fibre space™ this weekend, teaching three workshops: top down sweater design, colorwork and his Girasole pattern. Those who were speedy enough to sign up within moments of the workshop becoming available will tell you that it was a wonderful series of workshops. I have had lots of great feedback. I wish that I had been able to hover outside the door for all of the workshops – I learned a ton! Jared is an amazing teacher and an exceptionally educated knit wear designer. I think, more than anything, that he is curious to learn more and investigate everything, and this has made him a very very good educator and designer.

He took a particular liking to Heinz..plopping down on the floor of our backroom to pet him. Heinz was quite smitten with Jared too.

Had he not been returning on the train, I think I may have convinced Jared to take the dog. We all know that I am desperate to get rid of this whining dog and his crafty ways. I think he is plotting my death (the dog, not Jared). My husband won’t let me give him away, unfortunately.

Ok, back to the workshops. Those who attended, please share your favorite tip or the most amazing thing you learned this weekend! I was most fascinated by the stranded colorwork technique that he taught – holding both strands on the right hand and flicking the wrist back and forth to put the color desired around the needle. I have long stranded with both hands but am hoping to practice this method for a bit.

This is Jared demonstrating how to properly measure knitted fabric. He tossed the sweater up in the air, like a pizza,  before laying it onto the floor and measuring it, demonstrating how not to stretch the fabric while straightening it out or putting the tape measure on it.

If you were in a workshop, please share what amazing thing you picked up while he was here…

Follow Jared and his gorgeous designs and photography on his blog, on twitter or on flickr.