British Yarn

Pat Ashforth and Steve Plummer are internationally known for their large-scale mathematical wall hangings.  Much of their work is based on simple geometric shapes, though they have a more frivolous side as seen in their toilet roll covers, puppets, toys and word-play in the titles of their work.  They have a huge following on Ravelry, where their group currently has well over 7000 members.  You can find out more about their work on their website.

From Square to Eternity

Modular knitting the Woolly Thoughts way!  We will begin with the basic and before you leave you will know everything you need to design your own sweater, bag, afghan, or whatever else you want to make - without ever having to make a tension square!  We aim to fire your imagination to take our ideas and put your own twist on them.  Many previous students have commented that the class has been inspirational and made them look at their knitting in a whole new way.  The workshop will be accompanied by an illustrated talk.

When: Tuesday, 9.30 - 5.00

Level: Advanced beginner plus

Class skills: Knitters should be comfortable with basic knit stitches

Cost: £76

Class length: 6 hours

Homework: None

Bring with you: Yarn of your choice, in two or more colours, all of the same type (e.g. all DK, all worsted, all aran) and needles of your choice

Minimum number of students for class to run: 8  Maximum number of students: 25

Illusion Knitting

Illusion (or shadow) knitting can range from a subtle colour effect to a detail portrait that may be invisible, depending on where you are viewing it from.  Illusion knits can look very simple or very complex.  Whatever impression they give, they are all easy to knit.

Firstly, we will knit a small sample showing a very simple design, to get you accustomed to the method, so complete novices will have no problems.  We will then move on, through various stages, to arrive at a very complex-looking sample which will be easy knitting but requiring concentration.  You will be provided with a small chart to knit a piece that will appear to have three colours even though you will only be using two shades of yarn.  The only skills required are knit, purl and ability to count squares.  We have devised our own method of charting these designs and we will give you an introduction to creating these charts for yourself to enable you to go on to produce you own illusion knits in the same way that we created the Mona Lisa, Harry Potter and others.

When: Wednesday, 9.30 - 12.30

Level: Intermediate plus

Class length: 3 hours

Level: Advanced beginner plus

Bring with you: Smooth DK in two contrasting colours.  Needles need to be smaller than you would normally use for DK - either 3mm or 3.25mm

Cost: £40

Homework: None

Minimum number of students: 8  Maximum number of students: 25

Ochohats and Mathemagical mittens

We will teach you how to make a hat, based on mathematical princiiples, and hundreds of ways to adapt it.  Don't be frightened off by the thought of Maths! You don't even need to do any measuring or tension squares, and we will still guarantee the hat will fit.  Let your imagination take over and make it as simple or elaborate as you wish.  You will not have time to finish the hat, because we want to leave time to show you how to make matching mittens.  By the end of the class, you will know everything you need to know to finish the projects by yourself and to go on and make many more.

When: Thursday, 9.30 - 5.00

Level: Advanced beginner plus

Class skills; Knitters should be comfortable with basic knit stitches

Cost: £78

Class length: 6 hours

Bring with you: Needles and yarn (in a variety of colours) of your choice

Homework: None

Minimum number of students: 8 Maximum number of students: 25

Crochet spirals

Most crocheters have made a spiral at some time in their lives but have you ever made one in two colours?  What about 3 or 4 or 6? We will even be showing you square and triangular spirals and as many variations as we can fit into the time.

When: Friday, 9.30 - 12.30

Level: Advanced beginner plus

Class skills: Comfortable with basic crochet

Cost: £37

Class length: 3 hours

Bring with you: Yarn of your choice, in three or more colours, all of the same type and appropriate sized hook

Homework: None

Minimum number of students: 8 Maximum number of students: 25