Flex your creative knitting muscles and go from “I knit sweaters” to “I design sweaters.” In this two‑part workshop, knitwear designer Reah Janise Kauffman will guide you through transforming that “someday sweater” idea into something you can actually cast on. This hands‑on class walks you through the full design process—from first sketch to a clear, knittable pattern.

We’ll explore the major sweater shapes (raglan, yoke, drop shoulder, set‑in sleeve) and dig into the perks and pitfalls of each. You’ll learn how to take measurements, plan ease, sketch proportions, map construction, and mae smart fabric choices that support your design. And this isn’t just a basic stockinette blueprint—you’ll be able to incorporate stranded colorwork, lace, cables, textured motifs, pockets, and more.

By the end, you’ll leave with a personalized sweater blueprint and the confidence to bring your unique design to life.

Reah Janise Kauffman is a knitwear designer. She teaches at Heavenly Yarns in Belfast and designs for Good Karma Yarns & Soap. You can find her patterns on Ravelry https://www.ravelry.com/designers/reah-janise-kauffman.

When: October 10, 2026, 10:00-1 p.m. AND October 17, 2026, 10:00-1:00 p.m.

Where: St. Margaret's Episcopal Church, Belfast, ME

Note: This workshop will only be held with a minimum of three (3) attendees. Call your friends!

What to Bring:

Bring two knitted swatches of about 5 by 5" using the yarn desired for sweater.

· 1 swatch should be in stockinette

· 2nd swatch should be in the pattern desired for the sweater, such as a stitch pattern, stranded colorwork, cables, lace, etc.

If the desire is to knit a stockinette sweater, then only 1 swatch is required.

Both swatches should be washed and blocked.

Other supplies participants should bring: Pencil, paper, calculator, measuring tape, ruler, 1 skein of yarn being used for the sweater, set of needles for working the yarn. For instance, if it is worsted weight yarn, bring US size 5, 6, 7, and 8 needles.