May knitting and crochet workshops

knitshop.co.uk has a full workshop programme in May, with a particular emphasis on colourwork and crochet. First up on Friday 3^rd May is an Introduction to Intarsia Knitting. This technique involves changing colour partway through a row of knitting rather than simply at the end of a row. Intarsia is ideal for adding motifs into knitted designs. Before attempting intarsia knitting you will need to master knit and purl stitches.

Attendees at this workshop will be given full instructions on how to follow patterns that include elements of intarsia colourwork as well as learning how to change yarn colours so the transition looks seamless. 

Crochet fans will also have a chance to learn colour skills as we have a Crochet in Colour workshop on Saturday 11 May. At least a basic knowledge of crochet will be needed in order to get the most from our Colour Crochet workshop.

  

Crochet Chocolates using Coquette.
Crochet with Colours, learn how to change colour
and how to work the ends into your crochet.

If you haven’t yet learned how to crochet, or need a bit of help creating double and treble crochets, our Beginners’ Crochet class on 24 May is just for you. As with all our classes, full instructions and materials are provided and we are happy to offer advice on projects you undertake using the techniques you learn in our classes.

With the May half-term coming up at the end of the month, you might want to consider our Swing The Needles kids’ knitting class on Saturday 25 May. A Beginners’ Crochet class aimed at kids is being held on May 31. Adults are also welcome to attend either of these classes. 

Halloween Kids Knitting Workshop,
October half term.

Knitters looking for a new challenge may also be interested in our two-part Toe-Up SockKnitting class. Taking place on consecutive Fridays, this fun class shows you how to create your first pair of socks. Part I covers casting on and working increases while knitting in the round. Part II shows you how to shape the heel. You may find it easier to master sock knitting if you’ve already tried knitting in the round, but really only need to know how to knit and purl.

We’ve got eight shades of sock yarn for you to choose from. Once you started knitting socks, many people find they can’t stop. The great news is we also sell Cotton Plied Wool yarn, which knits to a similar tension and comes in a range of plain and variegated colours. So there’s no excuse if sock knitting turns out to be ‘your thing’. 

Bonneterie Socks, Pattern by Sarah Wilson
using Mustard Gold Socks Yarn

All knitshop.co.uk classes take place between 11am and 1pm at our outlet boutique at 326 Lee High Road, London SE13 5PJ. Classes cost £15 each per adult and £10 per child under 16.

Links to this blog:

May workshop schedule: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/245-may

Intarsia Knitting workshop: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/workshops/2743-intarsia-knitting.html

Kids’ Knitting classes: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/319--kids

knitshop,co.uk Sock Yarn: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/165-socks-yarn

knitshop.co.uk Cotton Plied Wool yarn: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/167-cotton-wool-yarn

New knitting classes in March

knitshop.co.uk has some brand-new classes in March to help bolster your knitting and crochet skills.

First up are our two-part sock knitting classes. Most socks are knitted from the cuff down. These workshops cover the less-straightforward toe-up knitting technique. The first part of the course shows you how to cast on and shape the toe, while the second part looks at turning a heel.

Sock knitting can be daunting, but many people find they really enjoy the process once they get started. Sign up here and find out whether you’re destined to become a sock addict.

Toe Up Sock Knitting Part I is on Friday 8 or Saturday 9 March. Part II is on Friday 15 or Saturday 16 March. 

 

We’ve got another new class likely to be of interest to those who already know the basics of knitting. On Saturday 22 March we are running a class on Finishing Techniques and Fixing Mistakes. If your seams tend to be lumpy or you often drop or make stitches, this class is the one for you.

Crochet fans can explore new chain options in our 23 March class on Crocheting A Corsage. Simple stitches and luxurious yarn are used to stunning effect.

We’re always keen to encourage new knitters, of course. We’re offering lessons in how to learn to knit on 30 March. The £15 class will show you how to hold your needles, create your first stitches and create rows of knitting. Using these skills you’ll soon be able to make your first mittens or scarf.

Alongside the Beginners’ Knitting Class, we’ll be running a kids’ class. Swing The Needles introduces under-16s to needlecraft and shows them the basics of either knitting or crochet, depending on their preference. 

 

We’ll also be running our popular Knitting In The Round class on Saturday 29 March. Using this technique you can create seam-free items such as gloves and hats.

knitshop.co.uk’s adult classes are £15, while kids’ classes are £10 each. Check our regularly updated workshop schedule for details of classes and events, as well as special discounts on particular workshops.

Links to this blog

Toe Up Sock Knitting part I (Friday 8 March)

http://www.knitshop.co.uk/workshops/2706-sock-knitting.html

Toe Up Sock Knitting part I (Saturday 9 March)

http://www.knitshop.co.uk/workshops/2708-sock-knitting.html

Toe Up Socking Knitting part II (Friday 15 March)

http://www.knitshop.co.uk/workshops/2709-sock-knitting.html

Toe Up Socking Knitting part II (Saturday 16 March)

http://www.knitshop.co.uk/workshops/2709-sock-knitting.html

Beginners’ Knitting Class http://www.knitshop.co.uk/workshops/2712-beginners-knitting-workshop.html

Swing The Needles knitting or crochet for kids

Crochet A Corsage http://www.knitshop.co.uk/workshops/2714-crochet-corsage.html

Knitting In The Round http://www.knitshop.co.uk/workshops/2711-knitting-in-the-round.html

The World of Socks

Sock knitting is one of the oldest forms of domesticated knitting, hand-made socks make the perfect gift for new born babies as well as young children and recently hand-made socks are becoming the ideal gift for men and women. Knee high socks have dominated the fashion industry, a stylist must-have and since Britney Spears' school uniform and knee high socks combination music video have socks been so pivotal to a young woman's outfit.

This revolution has grown so quickly that knitting books are dedicated to sock knitting, developing techniques and patterns to enhance sock performance and sock comfort.

Cookie A is a Californian knitter who specialises in sock knitting. Up until 2009 her work was developed by hand, but a course of machine knitting enabled her to develop machine knitted patterns as well as hand knits. Her work is published across several of her own books, entirely dedicated to socks. Her work combines traditional techniques as well as experimental stitches creating very beautiful socks. Find her work in her latest book 'Knit. Sock. Love.'

And Sarah Wilson, better known as The Sexy Knitter, has knitted these fabulous mustard colour knee high socks that were features in issue 29 of The Knitter. Using stocking stitch as well as a beautiful cable detail incorporated up the outside leg this is a truly masterful pair of socks. Finished with a delicate lace stitch around the top, these would look fab over boots or just lounging around.

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bonneterie-socks

Sock knitting is clearly not the easiest garment to master, as much as it takes a little getting use to knitting in the round, the heel formation is a real tricky task not everyone can master. There is nothing wrong with knitted socks without the heel section, and sleepy mornings I'm sure most people appreciate to not have to fumble with twisting and positioning the heel to the right place. However, the heel makes a perfect finish and something all knitters should at some point tackle.

The knitshop.co.uk, inundated with queries regarding sock knitting and the habitual challenges knitters have discovered, have devised an entire two hour workshop to help knitters knit the perfect sock. The workshop will also teach students how to work with double pointed needles, how to incorporate traditional sock knitting techniques and features as well as 'the heel bit'!

Julieta and the knitshop.co.uk team will host the workshop at the Lee Green Shop on the 2^nd of July. This workshop is set to be very popular so book you place in advance. The workshop is suitable to knitters who have a basic knowledge of knitting to experienced knitters. Materials will be provided as well as refreshments and students will be able to take home their work to continue! Places are limited, the workshop will have a maximum of 8 students so there is a lot of one-to-one tutoring and all queries can be dealt with. The workshop is a steal at just £12 for a two hour session and you can book your place over the phone, online by clicking 'self pick-up' at the checkout, or in person at the knitshop.co.uk.

Can't make the 2^nd of July? Julieta introduces 'knitting in the round' a two hour workshop on the 9^th of July dedicated to knitting in the round, techniques, tension and much much more.

Useful Links: 

Knitshop.co.uk - Workshops
Bonneterie Socks

Cookie A

Sarah Wilson - The Sexy Knitter

Socks Yarn
The Knitter