Pauline Gallagher the force behind The Knitting Class is a professional knitting teacher and designer from Ireland. Pauline considers herself to be a teacher first and foremost. Her passion is diving deep into all aspects of knitting, creating classes and workshops to share this knowledge with her students. In teaching new techniques Pauline hi-lights the ‘why’, not just the ‘how to’ imparting a deeper understanding of the craft. She passionately believes that this understanding will allow you to become a better more intuitive knitter.
WHY did Pauline launch The Knitting Class?
‘to create and teach so that others might learn and grow in their craft ”
Through The Knitting Class I also want you to meet other members of your ‘tribe’ and make lasting friendships’
‘Carrick-a-rede’ by Pauline Gallagher inspired by the dry stone walls of Ireland
Here’s what Pauline has to say
When you take a class with me I want you to be so inspired that you pick up your needles and implement your new knowledge immediately ! If not sooner!!!! As you continue on your journey to becoming fully immersed in your craft with The Knitting Class, know that you are supported 100% of the way.
So why should you trust me to take you on that journey ?
I have been knitting since I was a child in Derry, N. Ireland where my mum taught me the basics and I continued to learn with the nuns at school. Many’s the time I remember knitting with awful nylon yarn, creating stitches so tight that I couldn’t move them on the needle. Did that put me off? No it did not! I continued to knit through my childhood, through college and when my children were born.
Cut to 2008 and the economic crash. I had been a stay at home mother for a few years and was ready to get back in the workplace when the crash happened.
I had been knitting and people had been saying ‘I’d love to learn how to knit.’ So I decided to share my knowledge and teach knitting classes.
In 2010 I met Marina owner of Winnie The Wool Wagon, a travelling knitting shop, who was planning on opening a bricks and mortar wool shop and cafe. She needed a teacher…I was looking for a venue .
I started in my new venue in late 2010 and continued to teach regular knitting classes, workshops and knitting ‘clinic’s at Winnie’s until the advent of Covid-19 in March 2020. We welcomed many knitting tour groups who enjoyed a workshop with me , the hospitality of the cafe and a great stash-enhancing opportunity!
Alongside this I taught knitting in the community through courses and workshops I created for clients such as Dunlaoghaire Rathdowne Libraries , and The Ark , a cultural centre for children in Dublin. I am a regular teacher on knittingtours.com south of Ireland tours, have facilitated classes on Knitting& Yoga retreats and have also taught a number of private clients.
science and fashion graduate
My background is in science. I have an Honours degree in Chemistry from University College, Dublin. I also happen to love art , design and fashion.
I was lucky to be able to bring these interests together when I worked in cosmetic science as chief chemist and head of R&D creating skincare products, toiletries and cosmetics for a global chain of franchised shops. Later I launched my own fragrance line ‘Irish’Rain’ in the tourist gift sector.
I returned to college to study Fashion Design in 2012.
In my knitting career both interests contribute greatly to my work in that I love to research…research…research all aspects of knitting [ techniques…history…folk knitting styles and techniques…global knitting styles … fibers.. tools… yarn sources] and I have a well developed aesthetic sensibility which impacts the advice I give in class, especially on colour knitting such as Fair Isle and in guiding knitters to create flattering garments.
Having taug
ht hundreds of knitters of all abilities from complete beginners taking their first steps in a new craft, right through to advanced knitters keen to design their own garments I learned to impart knowledge clearly at all levels. I pride myself on this.
Satisfied students have returned to my classes time and time again, responding to my patience, encouragement and clear teaching style. I have no problem going over a technique as many times as it takes for the knitter to ‘get it’. And when the penny drops, I am genuinely thrilled.
I am passionate about continually researching developments in hand knitting, expanding my knowledge and passing this knowledge on to you through carefully crafted classes and workshops.
See the full list of knitting classes LIVE and BY ZOOM here
Click here to BOOK a private 1-to-1 class with Pauline
What’s different about The Knitting Class?
I believe in bringing knitters of different abilities, who are at different stages of their knitting journey, together . This mix makes for a lively interactive class in which newer knitters especially benefit from seeing what they can aspire to.
Inspired by their fellow knitters, newbies move from first picking up needles to trying more complicated patterns like cables much more quickly than they would otherwise have done.
Testimonials……. see what real students say about Pauline’s classes
Learning to knit with Pauline was one of the nicest experiences of being taught anything in my life. Her love of the craft shines through in her passion and knowledge, her patience is incredible (even through the odd occasion of my tears and frustration!). She is so talented and kind, I cannot recommend her enough. I could never imagine going to anyone else to continue in learning and nor would I want to. I hope Pauline never stops bringing her knowledge and joy to others.
Amy xx
I’m not from Ireland, can you teach me?
In my classes over the last ten years I have had the pleasure of teaching knitters from many parts of the world, such as these Icelandic ladies.
What’s your style?
- Continental,
- American
- English ,
- picker,
- thrower,
- flicker
- Eastern,
- Combination,
- Portuguese,
- Lever
- Norwegian
- Irish Cottage
rest assured that I have successfully taught knitters with all these styles !
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