Take your knitting and crochet up a notch

As the calendar rolls over to April, knitshop.co.uk reveals a raft of new knitting and crochet workshops. This month there’s another chance to try Tunisian Crochet – a hybrid of knitting and crochet that uses a very long needle with a hook at one end. Using this easy to master needlecraft you can create distinctive and hardwearing homewares such as mats and rugs. 

Experienced crocheters will find it adds another string to their crafting bow and that some stitches are worked in the same way. Our Tunisian Crochet class was extremely popular when we ran it last year, so sign up now to secure your place. 

Tunisian Crochet Workshop at the Lee Green Outlet.

Knitters wanting to boost their skills should take a look at our Knitting In The Round class on Friday 10 April. Here, you’ll learn how to knit on circular or double-pointed needles and which to use when making hats, gloves and jumpers. We’ll get you started making a pair of wristwarmers and give you the pattern to take home to complete them. Choose from the Purple Velvet Wristwarmers or Lacet Wristwarmers pattern.

If sewing up and neat edges are a challenge, choose The Perfect Finish on 17 or 24 April. This finishing techniques workshop introduces you to Kitchener stitch – an invaluable stitch the creates a firm but flat seam on knitted items. Of course, if you’ve mastered our Knitting In The Round class you won’t be knitting many more items with seams and can choose from the many seamless designs in the knitshop.co.uk Pattern Library. 

Knitting in the round with cable feature.
Gabriele Wrist Warmer knitted in Natural Angora Soft.

We’ve also got kids’ crochet and knitting classes at £10 each and a Last-Minute Decorative Easter Egg crochet class this coming weekend. Note that children must be accompanied by an adult.

You can sign up to any of our classes online and head down to knitshop.co.uk’s boutique outlet at 326 Lee High Road, London SE13 5PJ for 11am. All classes last two hours and come with email and phone support so we can help ensure you complete your new project. 

Knitting Workshop at the Lee Green Boutique Outlet.

For help in person, look out for our free SOS classes where we help you get those knitting and crochet UFOs (unfinished objects) off the needles and ticked off your to-do list. 

Links to this blog:

April workshops: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/244-april

Knitshop.co.uk patterns: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/161-knitshop-pattern

Crochet a Last-Minute Easter Decoration, 4 April: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/workshops/3249-5-august.html

Crochet Your Own Socks workshop, 18 April: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/workshops/3256-7-june-crochet-a-sock.html

Free Unfinished Object class, 18 April: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/workshops/3258--ufo-workshop-come-with-your-unfinished-project-finish-or-start-new.html

Free Unfinished Object class, 24 April: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/workshops/3245-free-sos-clinic.html

Kids’ Crochet Class, 4 April: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/workshops/3242-lets-get-hooked.html

Kids’ Knitting Class, 10 April: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/workshops/3243-swing-the-needles.html

Kids’ Crochet Class, 11 April: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/workshops/3244-lets-get-hooked.html

Knitting In The Round workshop, 11 April: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/workshops/3255-knitting-in-the-round.html

The Perfect Finish, Finishing Techniques workshop, 17 April: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/workshops/3247-finishing-techniques.html

The Perfect Finish, Finishing Techniques workshop, 24 April: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/workshops/3246-15-july-crochet.html

Tunisian Crochet workshop, 11 April: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/workshops/3248-11-april-tunisian-afghan-crochet.html

Addi circular lace needles: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/addi-knitting-needles/3199-25mm-addi-circular.html

Bamboo double-pointed needles: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/275-bamboo-dpn

Lacet Wristwarmers pattern: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/knitshop-pattern/2701-lacet.html

Purple Velvet Wristwarmer pattern: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/knitshop-pattern/2896-purple-velvet.html

July Workshops

Boost your crochet skills this July

Summer lends itself to cool cottons and lighter knits, so this month’s workshops focus on some of the more delicate projects you can get stuck into.

We start July with a crochet class covering how to read a pattern containing instructions for lacework. Our Lace Crochet workshop on Friday 12 July is ideal for anyone who knows how to crochet and wants to learn how to combine the tight chains of double and treble crochet with the more open fabric that you can create with lace. We’ll build on the basic doubles you know to how make and show you how to make double doubles, slips and half trebles to add variety to your crochet design. We’ll be using fine crochet threads and small steel crochet hooks, so prepare to concentrate in order to complete your first lacy crochet project. 

If you like the idea of crochet but haven’t yet mastered holding a crochet hook and turning chains, our Crochet For Beginners class on Friday 19 July is just for you. We’ll use the techniques demonstrated in this two-hour class to get you started on your first crochet ‘make’. Choose whether you’d prefer to crochet a flower or to learn how to make a classic Granny square. 

Crochet Cotton Granny Square

With the school holidays starting later this month, we’ll also be offering two classes aimed at under-16s. Our Let’s Get Hooked class on Friday 19 July and 26 July shows kids aged over five how to knit with their fingers. Those who quickly master the technique of finger-knitting will then get the chance to try their hand at crochet.

All classes are held at our Outlet Boutique at 326 Lee High Road, SE13 5PJ from 11am to 1pm. 

Workshop at the Boutique Outlet

We’ll provide all the materials needed for each class and, where relevant, give you a pattern to take away with you so you can complete a project you started in our workshop at home. We’ll also provide plenty of support, so feel free to email or call us should you get stuck with a project we’ve shown you in our classes.

Note that children need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times when attending knitshop.co.uk classes. Hot and cold refreshments will be provided.

Once you’ve learned the basics you’ll be able to try making some of the downloading projects in our pattern library or featured in our magazines. We’ve a great selection of cotton yarns and crochet hooks to get you started.

Links to this blog:

knitshop.co.uk Cotton Yarn range: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/22-cotton-yarn

Metal crochet hooks: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/311-metal-crochet-hook

Crochet For Beginners, 19 July http://www.knitshop.co.uk/workshops/2793-beginners-crochet-workshop.html

Let’s Get Hooked, 19 July http://www.knitshop.co.uk/workshops/2791-lets-get-hooked.html

Let’s Get Hooked, 26 July http://www.knitshop.co.uk/workshops/2792-lets-get-hooked.html

Shepton Mallet Stitch & Creative Craft Show

knitshop.co.uk comes to Shepton Mallet

The Creative Crafts Show is coming to Shepton Mallet and knitshop.co.uk will be in attendance on all three days.

The SCC Creative Crafts Show Shepton Mallet takes place at the Bath and West Showground from 25 to 28 April and offers plenty of interest for the knitting, crochet and needle craft fan. By way of temptation, we’ve even got five pairs of tickets to the show to give away.

As well as our stall showcasing our all-natural yarns, knitshop.co.uk will be teaching workshops on how to knit, crochet or create felted jewellery.

knitshop.co.uk’s founder and designer Julieta Brandao will be running three workshops a day during the event. The first class of the day is for anyone who would like to learn crochet. Attendees learn how to make double and treble crochet stitches and how to use these techniques to make a granny square. The hour-long class starts at 11am and is suitable for beginners.

From 12.30 till 1.30pm Julieta will teach knitting in the round. You’ll learn how to distribute your yarn across three or four double-pointed needles and join them up to create your first ‘round’. Knitting in the round allows you to make seam-free three-dimensional items such as socks, mittens, toys and hats. Imagine, no more boring seams to sew!

Our felting class runs from 2pm to3pm each day. Discover how to felt items and then apply small pieces of felt to baubles to create felted beads. Unlike some forms of felting, you don’t first have to knit your item in order to felt it. Instead, you work with merino wool tops or merino silk tops. Having mastered wet-felting you’ll be able to make unique necklaces, bracelets and decorations.

Each class at the Shepton Mallet show lasts an hour and costs £5. The crochet class is from 11am to noon;the knitting in the round workshop is from 12.30 until 1.30pm, and the felted beads class is from 2pm to 3pm.

Sessions can be booked through knitshop.co.uk, or you can book a slot (if places are still available) at the show.

Entry to the SCC Creative Crafts Show, Shepton Mallet costs £7.95 per day, or £6.95 for concessions. The show is open from 10am to 5pm on Thursday 25 to Saturday 27 April and 10am to 4pm on Sunday 28 April.

To be in with a chance of winning a pair of tickets (to be used on any day), simply email info@knitshop.co.uk by 5pm on Friday 19 April. We will email you to let you know whether you’ve won.

The knitshop.co.uk boutique in LeeGreen, south-east London, will be open as usual during the show. Classes on offer at our boutique include Fair Isle Knitting and LaceCrochet.

Feedback from Braintree Stitch and Creative Craft Show:

"Thank you so much for your patience and time at the early workshop on the first day of the Braintree show. I came away with some very useful advice – aswell as needles and yarn! I hope the rest of the show went well for you."

 Pictures of Shows knitshop.co.uk attended:  

 

 

 

 

Links to this blog:

SCC Creative Crafts Show Shepton Mallet: http://www.sccshows.co.uk/13sm_proceed.html

knitshop.co.uk Merino Wool Tops:http://knitshop.co.uk/24-merino-tops

knitshop.co.uk Merino Silk Tops:http://knitshop.co.uk/25-merino-silk-tops

Fair Isle Knitting workshop:http://knitshop.co.uk/workshops/2742-fair-isle-knittig.html

Lace Crochet workshop:http://knitshop.co.uk/workshops/2738-lace-crochet.html

Workshop schedule at knitshop.co.uk:http://www.knitshop.co.uk/156-workshops

Knit & Stitch It Show

Brand new for 2013 - knitshop.co.uk will be teaching at the debut Knit & Stitch It Show in Farnborough at the start of March. The first ever Knit & Stitch It Show runs from 1 to 3 March and is a tandem show to the popular Make It Papercrafting Show. Both events are held at Farnborough FIVE, the huge exhibition venue at Farnborough airfield on the Surrey/Hampshire border.

knitshop.co.uk will be offering classes on all three days of the Knit & Stitch It Show. If you know the basics of crochet – or are keen to learn – the Crochet A Square class is a great option. We’ll have you turning chains and crocheting doubles and trebles in no time.

For knitters there’s the sophisticated Knit A Rose class. This two-tone flower is worked using knit and purl stitches and creates a stunning corsage or accessory.

Finally, if you’ve never tried it before, we’ve a great introduction to felting. Our felted beads workshop involved felting wool tops on to baubles to create a unique bracelet or necklace.

Each class costs £7 and lasts an hour. All the materials you need are provided. For details and to book see http://knitandstitch-it.org.uk/workshops-kns.php.

knitshop.co.uk can be found on stand G33, which is also where our classes in crochet, knitting and felting will take place. Classes can be booked online or on the day.

As well as being able to admire firsthand the natural yarns offered by knitshop.co.uk, you’ll be able to explore plenty of other knitting, crochet and needlecraft stalls. Knit & Stitch It was put together in response to demand from needlecraft fans and has attracted around 100 exhibitors.

The Knit & Stitch It Show takes place from Friday 1 March to Sunday 3 March. Doors open at 10am (9.30am for disabled visitors) and close at 5pm. The show finishes at 4pm on Sunday. Tickets cost £7.50 per adult, per day, or £15 for the full three days (advance purchase only). Tickets on the door are £9.50 per adult or £8 for concessions. Under-16s are free.

Farnborough FIVE is served by three train stations – Farnborough, North Camp and Ash Vale – as well as being well-connected by road. It’s just next to the M3/M4 intersection. Parking is free and there are shuttle buses from each of the nearby train stations.

knitshop.co.uk will also be at the Creative Crafts Show in Malvern from 28 Feb to 2 March.

Please note that due to our involvement in these events, the Lee Green Boutique Outlet will be closed on 1 and 2 March.

Details of workshops held at our Boutique Outlet can be found here: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/156-workshops

Links to this blog

Knit & Stitch It Show: http://knitandstitch-it.org.uk

Make It Show: http://www.make-it.org.uk/

Creative Crafts Show, Malvern: http://www.sccshows.co.uk/13mv_proceed_shrt.html

knitshop.co.uk workshop schedule: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/156-workshops

The Creative Craft Show Malvern

Knitting and craft workshops at Creative Craft Show Malvern

At the end of February knitshop.co.uk will be exhibiting at the Creative Crafts Show near Malvern where we will be running three separate workshops. The show takes place at the Three Counties Showground from 28 February to 2 March and offers plenty of interest for the knitting, crochet and needlecrafts fan.

JulietaBrandao, knitshop.co.uk’s founder and designer, will be teaching three classes daily at the show.

The first of the day is for anyone who would like to learn crochet. Attendees learn how to make double and treble crochet stitches and how to use these techniques to make a granny square. The hour-long class starts at 11am and is suitable for beginners. 

 

From 12.30 till 1.30pm Julieta will be teaching the invaluable technique of knitting in the round. You’ll be shown how to distribute your yarn across three or four double-pointed needles and join them up to create your first round. Once you’ve mastered this useful technique you’ll be able to create seamless three-dimensional items such as socks, mittens and hats. 

 

The final class runs from 2pm to 3pm each day. In this workshop you will discover how to felt items and then apply small pieces of felt to baubles to create felted beads. Once you master the process you’ll be able to make unique necklaces, bracelets and decorations. 

 

The crochet class is from 11am to noon; the knitting in the round workshop is from 12.30 until 1.30pm, and the felted beads class is from 2pm to 3pm. Each class lasts an hour and costs £5.

The Creative Crafts Show Malvern takes place from Thursday 28 February to Saturdauy 2 March. The show is open from 10am to 5pm each day and costs £7.95 per adult or £6.95 for concessions.

Classes can be booked through knitshop.co.uk, or you can book a slot (if places are still available) at the show. 

 

knitshop.co.uk will also be participating in the Stitches and Creative Crafts Shows in Shepton Mallet from 25 to 28 April.

If you can’t make any of these dates, check out the schedule of classes in knitting, crochet and felting at our Lee Green Boutique Outlet.

Links to this blog:

SCC Creative Crafts Show Malvern: http://www.sccshows.co.uk/13mv_proceed_shrt.html

Workshops at SCC Creative Crafts Show Malvern: http://www.sccshows.co.uk/13mv_see&do.html

SCC Creative Crafts Show Shepton Mallet: http://www.sccshows.co.uk/13sm_proceed.html

Workshop schedule at knitshop.co.uk: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/156-workshops