Improving Creativity in the Education Sector
Knitting is used to combine wool into fabric generally using two needles. The word “knitting” comes from the word “knot”. Socks were the first known piece of clothing created using the knitted technique. These socks were made using a single needle and thread.
Previously people were employed to use this skillful method to make many different items like gloves and cushion covers. There were cases of whole families who knitted as their job and it became their main source of income. Sweaters were one of the major items that were knitted because they were useful to local fishermen. Over time various elaborate designs were developed.
Previous Experience:
After teaching myself to knit via YouTube a few years ago, I can now knit basic squares, triangles and scarves. These are useful for blankets, bunting and basic crafts such as phone cases, cuddly bunnies, etc...Further development is needed to follow patterns and make intricate items but that comes with more time and experience.
Experimenting:
Based on previous experience, I attempted to knit as many squares as possible with the aim of turning them into a double bedspread or snuggle blanket. I set about knitting 15cm x 15cm squares in various colours to create a bright, bold, blanket. This craft could be completed anywhere as you need minimal resources which are easily transportable. I tended to complete these in the evening as it helped me to wind down after a busy day with the family. With every square complete comes more experience, therefore the process speeds up. I found that ones square could be completed in fifteen minutes.
Completed Work:
After knitting one hundred and fifty squares, taking a total of thirty seven hours, I decided a blanket seemed bland so decided to adapt the end result into a colourful wall hanging. This would be more eye catching for a display and more appropriate for schools as a burst of colour can liven up any blank wall and aid inspiration. Brighter coloured wool was used to create tassels at the bottom which took an additional two hours and a cane added to hang accordingly. This project would be beneficial for pupils who need to improve concentration levels and would help to develop fine motor skills. Each student could make separate squares and then after a period of time, they could be collated together to form the piece below. This would be long term project, perhaps more suitable for a lunch time or after school club.
I only had one care home visit this week. They had requested a 'Tea Party' theme so I gathered precut shapes linked to cups, cakes, teapots, etc... and printed off some small images based around Alice In Wonderland for some character. This group of residents were wonderful and deeply enjoyed decorating the shapes with various paints to add to their collaborative piece. The results were fantastic and put plenty of smiles on both staff and residents faces.
