Classes this March

Knitting and crochet classes at knitshop.co.uk this March
Mothering Sunday gifts and Easter decorations feature heavily in our March knitting and crochet workshop programme. Our Knit A Mother’s Day Gift class on Saturday 14 March focuses on small knitted items that you can make in time for Mother’s Day. You have the choice of making a pair of wrist warmers, a flower corsage or fancy boot-toppers.

Knitted Rose - the perfect flowers for Mother's Day!

If crochet’s your thing, sign up for our Crochet A Mother’s Day Gift class on Friday 13 March. Here, we’ll give you a refresher lesson in crochet techniques (or teach you how to crochet) then let you apply what you’ve learnt while making flowers, wrist warmers or a coaster.

Crochet Daffodil, the perfect spring flower!

For something slightly different try our Tunisian Crochet workshop, which introduces a very firm, tight crochet technique that has elements of both knitting and crochet. It’s ideal for making hardwearing homewares.

Tunisian Crochet Workshop for a different type of crochet!

On Saturday 21 March and Friday 27 March we’ll be showing you how to Crochet An Easter Egg Decoration. The brightly-coloured orbs made a striking alternative to Easter chicks and flowers. The techniques used here are fairly easy to master, so these classes are fine for both beginner crocheters and those with some experience.

Crochet Easter Decoration - learn how to make your own.

If you’d prefer to learn the basics first and then on your own projects at a later date, our introduction to knitting and crochet workshops are just for you. The Beginner’s Crochet class on Friday 6 March takes you through holding the crochet hook and manipulating the crochet yarn, creating foundation chains and working your first crochet stitches. Master these elements and you’ll soon be able to crochet your first items.

If you want to make something both Spring-like and a potential Mother’s Day present, check out the Crochet Daffodil pattern in our pattern library. It’s easy to make and all the proceeds from the sale of the pattern go to Marie Curie Cancer Care.

Workshop at the Boutique Outlet in Lee Green.

Don’t worry if you get in a pickle with the projects you start in our workshops. We offer plenty of post-workshop phone and email support and also hold free Knitting and Crochet SOS clinics at the end of each month where you can bring along a project and get advice on how to get it back on track. Just follow the link to book your place.

Some people love to make socks and can’t seem to stop making them once they learn how. Making socks involves specialist techniques such as turning a heel and grafting the toes, so we’ve split our Toe Up Sock Making workshop into two parts. You’ll also need to be confident at increasing and decreasing and at knitting in the round. Toe Up Sock Making Part I is on Saturday 21 March, with Sock Making part II the week after on Saturday 28 March. 

Long knitted Socks and Boot Toppers are perfect for the changing seasons!

Finally, if you’re after a challenging new crochet project, why not join us for our Crochet A Lace Shawl class on 27 March where we’ll be using very fine crochet hooks and lace yarn to make a delicate wrap. We’ll give you a thorough grounding in how to read both European and American crochet patterns and help you with any crochet stitches you’ve not encountered before. As with all our classes, full support is provided, so you can embark on this rewarding crochet project with confidence.

All knitshop.co.uk workshops are taught by fully qualified tutors and are held in our south-east London boutique outlet at 326 Lee High Road, Lewisham SE13 5PJ. Classes last two hours and run from 11am to 1pm. Full instructions and materials are provided. To book a class just follow its link and choose ‘self pick-up’ at the checkout.


Links to this blog:

March workshops list: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/243-march

Beginner’s Crochet class: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/workshops/2920-beginners-crochet-workshop.html

Crochet a Mother’s Day gift: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/workshops/2985-crochet-mothers-day-gift.html

Crochet a Lace Shawl: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/workshops/3049-lace-crochet-shawl.html

Crochet A Decorative Easter Egg: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/workshops/3233-crochet-easter-egg-decoration-workshop.html

Crocheted daffodil pattern: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/knitshop-pattern/3028-daffodil.html

Knit A Mother’s Day gift: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/workshops/2979-mothers-day-gift-knitting-workshop.html

Knitting For Beginners: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/workshops/2017-07-mar-beginner-knitting-learn-workshop.html

Free Knitting SOS clinic: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/workshops/2980-free-sos-clinic.html
Marie Curie Cancer Care: https://www.mariecurie.org.uk

Tunisian Crochet workshop, 20 March: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/workshops/2924-beginners-tunisian-crochet-workshop.html

Toe-Up Sock Knitting workshop: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/workshops/2706-sock-knitting.html

knitshop.co.uk Christmas patterns and workshops

With Christmas looming, knitshop.co.uk is focusing on gifts and decorations. Check out our patterns library for free patterns to download including the cheerful Christmas Tree Cosy. We’ve also got lots of Yuletide ideas for you to try at our weekly Friday and Saturday workshops.  

On Friday 5 December you can either try your hand at crocheting baubles to hang on your Christmas tree or learn how to make a dainty snowflake. The Crochet Christmas Ornaments course covers a range of crochet techniques and stitches which will help you take your crocheting to the next level.

Christmas Mini Stockings for small presents or the tree.
Knitted using Coquette Vintage Cotton Yarn.

If you’re more of a knitter, sign up for our Knit A Christmas Stocking class on 13 December when we’ll be making tiny Christmas stockings. These cute multi-coloured socks are knitted in the round, so they’re seam-free. The tricky part is turning the heel, but you’ll be fine once we show you how. You need basic knitting and purl skills for this class. We’ll show you the rest. Your finished stockings will look great on the tree filled with chocolates or other treats.

The last weekend before Christmas is all about handmade gifts. Our class on Friday 19 December covers Crochet Christmas Gifts and we’ll show you how to make a range of gifts. If you know basic crochet, you’ll learn to make a flower or a pouch- why not fill it with scented soap? If you’re ready to learn how to crochet in the round, we’ll help you get started with a wristwarmer or a cowl. 

Velvet Purple Wrist Warmer
quick to knit and a great present!

 

Knitters also get the chance to tackle a delicate pair of wristwarmers or a chunky cowl in our Saturday 20 December Last-Minute Knitted Christmas Gifts class.

Finally, if you’ve already embarked on a knitting or crochet project and need a hand, we’re holding a free SOS Class on Friday 19 December. Bring along a stalled project and we’ll help you work out where you’ve gone wrong and help you get it back on track. Who knows, you might be able to complete that planned Christmas knit after all. Please note that the SOS Class is free to attend but you need to book in advance by following this link.

A variety of yarns are available at the Lee Green Boutique Outlet.

knitshop.co.uk workshops take place from 11am to 1pm at our boutique outlet at 326 Lee High Road, SE13 5PJ. Each class costs £15 and can be booked by following the links below and selecting ‘self-pickup’ at the checkout. Instructions, materials and refreshments are provided, as is post-class phone and email support.

Links to this blog:

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

Christmas Tree Cosy pattern: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/knitshop-pattern/2632-christmas-tree-tea-cosy.html

Crochet Christmas Gifts, 19 December: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/workshops/3116-knit-a-cowl.html

Crochet Christmas Ornaments, 5 December: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/workshops/3113-crochet-ornament.html

Free SOS clinic, 19 December: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/workshops/3100-free-sos-clinic.html

Knit A Christmas Corsage, 6 December: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/workshops/3114-christmas-corsage.html

Knit A Christmas Stocking, 13 December: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/workshops/3115-christmas-stocking-knitting.html

Last-Minute Knitted Christmas Gifts, 20 December: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/workshops/3117-knit-a-cowl.html

December Workshops & Christmas Party

There’s no ignoring the fact that Christmas is just around the corner, so this month’s workshops focus on all things festive.

We start with Crochet a Snowflake on Friday 13 December on how to create a Christmas snowflake. The delicate crochet decorations are made using a combination of double, treble and slip stitches.

We recommend this class for anyone who knows the basics of crocheting and who is looking for a small project they can work on while learning new crochet skills. We’ll show you how to work each crochet stitch and how to read the chart needed to complete your snowflake. Once you’ve mastered how to Crochet a Snowflake, you’ll be able to make more at home and decorate your window, Christmas tree or even embellish gifts with them. They’re made using knitshop.co.uk’s 4ply Cotton Yarn or Coquette Vintage Cotton Yarn in Snow. 

Let It Snow - Snowflake crochet in Coquette Vintage Cotton
by Julieta Brandao

On Saturday 14 December we continue with Knit A Christmas Tree Decoration. Here, you’ll learn how to knit tiny two-colour Christmas stocking that you can hang on the tree, with or without a hidden chocolate-y treat.

You’ll need to know how to knit and purl, but the class will show you other techniques including knitting in the round, working with two or more colours at once and reading a pattern.

Depending on your level of experience and confidence, you can make either striped Christmas stockings or more complex stranded Fairisle ones. Of course, once you know how to make tiny Christmas stockings, you’ll be all set to explore the addictive world of sock knitting. 

Mini Stockings knitted in Coquette Vintage Cotton Yarn
colours: Snow, Flame and Highland by Julieta Brandao

Our second December workshop, also on Saturday 14 December, shows you how to knit Fairisle Christmas gifts. With Nordic Christmas patterns being all the rage at the moment, we show you how to use this impressive colourwork technique to make either a pair of wristwarmers or a small bag. Either will make lovely handmade Christmas gifts.

As with the Knit A Christmas Tree Decoration workshop, you’ll need to know how to knit and purl, but we’ll show you how to do everything else. You’ll learn how to work in colour changes in the same row in order to build up your Fairisle pattern and how to read a chart showing where the colour changes need to be made. We’ll also show you how to knit in the round so your wristwarmers are seam-free.

On Saturday 14 December we’ll be showing knitters how to make a Christmas corsage to pin on a jacket or bag. As well as knitting and purling, we’ll look at how to use continental knitting techniques to create a slightly different knitted effect. The corsage flower also involves increasing stitches within a row, so we’ll also show you how to do this. 

Christmas Tree Tea Cosy knitted in
Alpaca Fino Yarn

Everyone loves to get cosy knitwear as a Christmas gift and on Friday 20 December we’ll be showing you how to Crochet a cowl. The workshop introduces you to crocheting in the round and also explains how to give your cowl a twist by adding a Mobius loop. Using the technique we demonstrate, you’ll go on to be able to crochet wristwarmers and hats using your crochet-in-the-round skills.

If you like the idea of making a cowl but you knit rather than crochet, our final pre-Christmas workshop is for you. On Saturday 21 December in our Last-minute Christmas Gifts workshop we’ll be knitting in the round and making a cowl. We’ll show you how to knit this way if you’ve never done so before.

Once you’ve joined the round you just knit, knit, knit and your cowl will grow really quickly. If you like the technique, there’s a gorgeous next project for you to try too: our brand-new Kolibri wristwarmer pattern is also knitted in the round. 

Purple Velvet Wrist Warmer knitted in
Kolibri Wool Yarn by Julieta Brandao

All knitshop.co.uk workshops take place at our Boutique at 326 Lee High Road from 11am to 1pm. Full instructions, patterns and materials are provided, along with post-class support to help you complete your project. To book a workshop, add it to your shopping basket and then choose self-pickup at the checkout. Workshops cost £15 to attend. 

AND our CHRISTMAS PARTY with MINCED PIES and MULLED WINE on Friday 20 December from 11am onwards. 

Links to this blog:

December workshops at knitshop.co.uk: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/252-december

Crochet a Snowflake workshop, 13 December: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/workshops/2882-crochet-snowflake.html

Knit a Christmas Corsage workshop, 14 December: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/workshops/2900-christmas-corsage.html

Crochet a Cowl workshop, 20 December: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/workshops/2901-knit-a-cowl.html

Last-minute Christmas Gifts workshop, 21 December: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/workshops/2902-knit-a-cowl.html

Coquette Vintage Cotton Yarn: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/323-coquette-vintage-cotton

Coquette Vintage Cotton Yarn Snow: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/coquette-vintage-cotton/2801-snow-coquette.html

Kolibri Wristwarmers pattern: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/knitshop-pattern/2896-purple-velvet.html

Snowflake crochet pattern: http://www.knitshop.co.uk/knitshop-pattern/1972-free-pattern-let-it-snow-snowflake.html

Let It Snow - Snowflake

Winter is knocking on our doors, Christmas is just around the corner and it would seem that the snowy weather could be upon us in the next few weeks.

Just in time for the Christmas season Julieta is teaching how to make a crochet snowflake and she has designed a new snowflake pattern which will be released in time for the Crochet Workshop at the Boutique Outlet in Lee Green. This crochet workshop is an improver - advance class, it is best for candidates that have basic crochet knowledge and are looking to improve or refresh their skills. In this Snowflake workshop students will be shown the necessary techniques to achieve decorative snowflake textiles pieces.

Let It Snow Snowflake Pattern using fine crochet thread

Julieta and her knitshop.co.uk team will be focusing on the ideal way of holding yarn and needle, feeling comfortable as you crochet and achieving a smooth technique. The pattern uses basic crochet stitches as well as trebles and double trebles which are demonstrated by the tutor during the class. The two hour workshop will be a dedicated class with a maximum of eight students so that everyone goes at their own pace and as much attention as possible is focused on each student.

The class will also progress onto a variety of crochet techniques to achieve the decorative snowflakes. Each candidate will be able to complete at least one project during the 2 hour workshop or will be well instructed to finish the project in their own time and be able to carry on making snowflakes and similar projects at their own pace from home and beyond.

knitshop.co.uk will provide all materials necessary to complete one project and you'll be able to take home your work. The team at knitshop.co.uk are also keen to teach students to read patterns and charts so students skills can be applied to further own projects well after the class is over. Julieta and the team will be teaching students how to translate patterns into crochet and will answer and questions and qualms regarding this difficult, but useful, art.

If this workshop sounds like your kind of hobby, then come on down and take part. Whether it's for fun and make friends or if you are a keen crocheter. The next Snowflake workshop will be held on the 2nd November, from 11am until 1pm and again on the 7th December. This two hour workshop is a steal at just £15. All materials are provided as well as refreshments and smiles from the team!

Let It Snow Snowflake Pattern using 4ply cotton yarn

 

Make sure you book your place before the snow comes down! Call the knitshop.co.uk team, check-out online or simply visit in store to book your spot.

Can't make the workshop? We have plenty more workshops on offer to keep your cockles warm through-out the winter. But we are also offering a free snowflake pattern. Make sure you place this in your shopping basket online and checkout, to download your pattern, Free!

http://knitshop.co.uk/knitshop-pattern/1972-free-pattern-let-it-snow-snowflake.html

Links to this post:
FREE Crochet Snowflake Pattern
Crochet Workshops at the Boutique Outlet in Lee Green
Location and opening hours of the Boutique Outlet in Lee Green

Autumn treats

Autumn, the summer has past, leaves are falling and the days are slowly becoming shorter. Autumn is the time to craft and reflect after a busy summer full of activities and days out. A cup of tea in front of the fire place with candle light, lighting up the room, working on something precious that you keep to yourself or give to your loved ones as a Christmas present. Well, at least this is how I always imagined. I haven't got a fire place but I most certainly enjoy a cup of evening tea with lemon and honey and work on my aran cardigans and jumpers.

I think craft skills are something wonderful to have and I believe skills should be taught from a young age but equally you'renever too old to learn something new.

This autumn and winter, I will be teaching a range of different classes at our Boutique Outlet in Lee Green. The knitshop.co.uk workshop schedule includes beginners' classes, master classes and childrens' workshops as well as FREE Taster Sessions.

If you are interested in finding out more about the knitshop.co.uk workshop schedule for this autumn and winter, please visit our website www.knitshop.co.uk.  All workshops can be booked online, in person at the Boutique Outlet for via telephone. 

Here are a few workshops that I think are most exciting:

Kids Knitting & Crochet Workshops

Fridays and Saturdays during school holidays, 11am - 1pm

Traditionally in school holidays knitshop.co.uk is offering knitting and crochet workshops. We are dedicated to teach creative minds how to finger knit and crochet. We actively encourage students  to knit or crochet something to take home with them after the workshop. 

All childrens' workshops are priced at £10 for two hours and include all materials needed for the workshop.  These workshops are a brilliant activity to keep the children entertained during the school holidays. All students under 18 must attend with a parent, carer or guardian, who can also take part in the knitting fun!

Felted Beads And Necklace Making Workshop

Saturday 29th October, 3pm - 5pm

Our jewellery design workshop is available to all skill levels and are a great new skill to learn this autumn to create some unique and inspired jewellery. Participants will be shown the techniques of achieving three dimensional felted pieces perfect to create beads or sculptural shapes for decorative jewellery.

Taught by Julieta, the course includes all the materials necessary for the two hour workshop as well as a project to take home and keep you inspired and creative. The workshop is available to be booked online for just £19.00.

Knitting & Crochet Workshops

every Friday and Saturday 11am - 1pm
Our regular knitting and crochet sessions are running every Friday and Saturday. Do you want to learn to crochet, refresh your knitting skills or simply enjoy good company? - Visit our Boutique Outlet for one of our creative sessions and join the fun. Remember to book your place to get the discounted pre-booked rate, book now online or call 020 8144 4523.

We have some amazing new classes this autumn, but also our traditional classes that have been running for over 3 years at the Boutique Outlet. 

Crochet A Christmas Snowflake

Knit A Mobius Cowl - A Cowl With A Twist

Learn To Knit or Crochet

To name just a few, If you want to learn a new skill, book your space now at knitshop.co.uk and join the handmade craft revolution by making something for yourself or your loved ones!

Happy Stitching

Julieta and the knitshop.co.uk Team

Links to this post:

Patterns available at knitshop.co.uk

How to find the Boutique Outlet in Lee Green

October, November and December workshop schedule

Christmas Gifts

The knitshop.co.uk understand how difficult it can be to find the perfect gift for someone special. Christmas is just around the corner and many of you will be thinking of what you can find for relatives and friends.

We have conveniently put together some ideal gift sets that would sit perfectly under the tree and make a knitter, crocheter and felter very happy. These gifts are also a fantastic idea for crafty people who are perhaps interested in becoming involved in knitting, crochet and felting and need a little encouragement.

Firstly, the knitshop.co.uk offer gift vouchers. All year round and especially at Christmas our gift vouchers, for varying amounts, are purchased for keen knitters who may need to top-up on yarns, needles, patterns and books. We recommend knitshop.co.uk vouchers for anyone who may not know what to buy a knitter, the vouchers can be used in-store and online and are valid for anything the knitshop.co.uk offer including the various workshops and courses on offer.

We also create knitting, crochet and felting kits, which we feel is a fabulous gift for beginners or improver looking to work on their skills. Our kits will contain all tools and materials needed to achieve one complete project as well as the all important instructions and handy-tips leaflet.

The kits make a great gift for children and adults and the instructions are easy to follow for all ages. We endeavour to make sure the skills picked-up from the kits can further be applied to projects the artist can later work on by their selves. An endless gift of learning and improving is priceless. Our felting kits start at £4.98.

Books are a welcome gift any time of year. From pattern books to inspirational books and magazine, knitshop.co.uk offers all of these, and we are happy to help you find the perfect book or magazine for that someone you love. We have a huge variety of coffee table books with beautiful images and inspirational projects, to dedicated pattern books and even beginner books and self-teaching books. A book is something that is kept for many years, can be referred to over and over again and most people will appreciate a book under the tree!

Magazine are also ideal, we offer several key knitting magazines that offer several monthly patterns, regular articles about knitting artists and designers and have up-to date information about materials, boutiques and emerging techniques, machinery and more. 

We also recommend our workshops and courses as a perfect gift for a creative loved one. knitshop.co.uk offers a huge amount of regular workshops during the week and at weekends. Designed for beginner, improver or technically advanced knitters, crocheters and felters there is a workshop for everyone.

Workshops will last for two hours and have a maximum of eight students. Julieta Brandao will lead the workshop and her and the knitshop team endeavour to go at a pace that all students can manage and each person will receive individual attention. The workshop will also include all tools and materials necessary to achieve the project and the two hours should be enough for everyone to complete a finished project. The skills learnt at the workshop can be used in further projects within the students own time.

knitshop.co.uk also offer 6 week courses for knitting, crochet and felting. In these courses, beginners and improver can learn the basic skills to begin knitting, crocheting or felting and progressively through the weeks the candidate will learn useful techniques, how to read patterns and how to choose yarns for each project. These valuable skills will hopefully encourage students to carry-on in their own time and progress further within their chosen discipline.

Courses and workshops can be purchased online, in-store or over the phone and will be a much appreciated gift for someone creative. Workshops start at just £12 for a two hour session and are held in Lee Green South London.

Links to this post:

Gift Vouchers from knitshop.co.uk

Courses and Workshops, Schedule and online booking

Felting Kits for Children and Adults

Books, Magazines and Pattern

Knitting A Flower Corsage

Ornate and delicate accessories can really make your everyday fashions look unique and stand-out from a crowd. The knitshop.co.uk team understand how important it is to be able to knit your own floral corsages to adorn your accessories and clothes and have therefore devised an entire workshop dedicated to teaching you how to knit flower corsages.

Not only will participants be able to knit a complete corsage for themselves during the workshop, candidates will also be taught how to choose the correct yarns for their future projects and also shown a variety of knit stitches to achieve desired effects and finished pieces.

The two hour workshop is aimed at knitting beginners, or candidates looking to revise their skills. The workshop also promises to inject a little fun into your day a sociable environment. The students will be taken through every part of the workshop slowly and at the students pace so that everyone can take away their newly learnt skills and continue knitting projects in their own time. The workshop also aims to teach students how to begin knitting, knit and pearl stitches and also increasing a stitch. And participants will be taught how to read a knitting pattern, a very useful skill for all avid knitters. Make sure to check out our free knitting pattern to download and purchase from our online shop.

As described, students will take away a huge range of new skills that can be applied to creating further corsages but also that can be applied to new projects students may wish to tackle.

The workshop is held in the knitshop.co.uk Boutique and will include a maximum of eight students so the class remains small and all questions can be answered and one-to-one help can be given to everyone. Materials will be provided for each student to complete at least one knitted corsage and students can take this away with them to adorn on their favourite accessory!

The knitted corsage workshop will be held on the 29^th of July from 11am. The workshop is charged at just £12 and refreshments will also be provided for the duration of the workshop. You can book you place through the knitshop.co.uk website, making sure you click 'pick-up in store' at the checkout. You can also book your place in-store or over the phone.

Places are limited so make sure you book in advance!

Useful Links:
knitshop.co.uk Workshops
The Boutique at 326 Lee High Road, Google maps
FREE Knitting Pattern - knitshop.co.uk Pattern

Needle Felting Kit review by Knit Today

The knitting magazine Knit Today featured one of knitshop.co.uk's products in issue 50, p50.

Buyer’s Guide - Pattern review: Featuring Knitshop’s Needle Felting Kit with Silk by Julieta:
"This flower makes a nice brooch (it’s easy - you just need to sew a pin onto the back), and is also good to sew onto a coat, or you can even use it to hide an annoying hole or snag in your favourite top! It’s made using needle felting techniques, and the kit is comes in contains everything you need to get started with this hobby: a felting needle, felting pad, merino wool tops, silk tops and fleece, and instructions. Each kit contains wool tops in four colours and there are six different colour schemes for you to choose from. You don’t need a great deal of patience for needle felting - this kit in particular won’t take long to complete. It’s also the sort of project that you can make a start on and then set aside and come back to later on. Once your flower is complete, consider decorating it with beads or Swarovski crystals to add an extra touch of sparkle."

Knit Today Magazine, issue 50, p73, Elizabeth Leight

This needle felting kit is also used in the beginners needle felting workshop at the knitshop.co.uk outlet in Lee Green.

The pattern is a free download from the knitshop.co.uk website, click here to purchase the free pattern.

Needle felting is a great and very versatile hobby. A flower, butterfly or motive of your choice is quick and easy to felt, it can be used as brooch or embellished to pep up your accessories.

The kit contains all necessary equipment and wool for you to start needle felting immediately. The needle felting kit is available from £4.98 without silk fibers and from £11.80 with silk fibers from knitshop.co.uk.