Knitting Classes

Workshops & Events

KNITCLASS

UPDATE 24 JULY 2023

KnitClass is now running each week on a Friday, in the Long Room at Gallery 45. It is a drop in session from 10–12 so no booking is needed. Hot drinks and cake will be provided.

Anyone is welcome to come along and join in. Just bring your current project with you and have a relaxing couple of hours knitting in the company of other knitters. There is no formal teaching during KnitClass but I’m in the shop, just down the corridor, if anyone needs a bit of help to solve a knitting problem!

There will not be a Wednesday KnitClass in future, sorry.

COST:  £6 per 2 hour session including light refreshments.

WORKSHOPS AND EVENTS

I believe that knitting can be fun and relaxing and my workshops are informal in style with lots of laughter and conversation. My teaching style is based on encouragement. I firmly believe that everyone can be creative in some way and I enjoy helping people discover this. 

Workshops currently open for online booking:

Bespoke Workshops

I am offering the chance for small groups of 3 or 4 people to arrange a private workshop in the shop on a Tuesday. (Most workshops and events are now taking place on a Tuesday rather than at the weekend because the shop is not open on Tuesdays, freeing me up to concentrate on teaching without interruptions and continue to give good customer service on shop days.)

If you would like a small group workshop, you can currently choose from the following topics:

• Steeking: We practice steeking with swatches before starting Donna Smith’s Baable mug cosy, which uses a steek to create the hole for the handle.

• Latvian Braids: We use Alex Byrd’s Narbeth Mitts design to try out the simple but effective technique of Latvian Braids.

• Simple Brioche Cowl: A chance to learn the basic Brioche stitches whilst making this straightforward two-colour cowl.

• Two-at-a-time Toe-up Socks: We make a pair of mini-socks to practice the techniques involved.

• Wheelhouse Buttons: Not actually knitting but great fun to make, these simple woven buttons make a great embellishment for your knitwear.

• Finger-down Mitts: We use Ysolda’s Belyse mitts to practice the techniques involved in knitting mitts from the fingers down.

• Creative Casting On and Off: We create a reference folder of swatches while practising lots of different ways to start and finish your projects.

• Cadeautje Slippers: We use thrums (little bits of unspun fleece) while making the cosiest slippers ever.

• Celtic Closed Circle Cables: We use Lucy Hague’s Cinioch Hat to explore the techniques involved in closed-circle cables.

• Sock Knitting Basics: We create a mini sock to practice the various techniques involved in sock knitting

If you are interested in arranging a private workshop for a group of 3 or 4, please email me on judith@finefettlefibres.uk so that we can sort out the details. Please note: I can’t fit more than 4 in the shop, and fewer than 3 people becomes uneconomic, so the numbers are quite specific.

All except the Wheelhouse Buttons require a ‘full’ day (10.30–3.30). Arrangements can be made for a buffet lunch to be included in the package, as well as drinks and biscuits.

If you are a solo knitter but would like to join in with a small group workshop, please let me know which one you are interested in and, if I have enough requests from other solo knitters who would be happy to join up to make a group, I will try and make it work.

Events

I will also be running occasional larger scale knitting events in the Gallery’s Long Room that can be booked online. Any events that are open for booking will be listed here.

As I am now VAT registered, workshop fees now include VAT at 20%.

FANCY MAKING A WEEKEND OF IT?

If you fancy coming to a workshop but live at a bit of a distance, why not check out some of the local B+B and self catering options around Felton and take the opportunity to explore our beautiful county? 

Willowdene House offers self catering Cottage and Shepherd’s Hut accommodation run by Charlotte at her home on a smallholding in Longframlington, just a few miles from Felton. You can contact her via her website. Charlotte also runs creative workshops in felting and willow weaving.

For a touch of luxury why not check out The Northumberland Arms, a very short walk across the river from the Gallery, in West Thirston (a separate village but physically connected to Felton by our ancient and picturesque stone bridge - if you didn't know you, wouldn't guess you were actually in a different borough once you crossed the river!). To see their website click here

Or if you prefer self-catering, have a look at Riverside Cottage alongside the lovely River Coquet in West Thirston and just at the end of the bridge that connects Felton and West Thirston. Click here for more information.

INFORMATION

To arrange a private workshop for a group, please contact me by email on judith@finefettlefibres.uk. Once we have discussed and agreed your requirements, I will email you an invoice for payment. As with my other workshops, payment is in advance.

On receipt of the payment, I will email confirmation of booking. We will agree in advance what materials will be included in the price and whether you need to bring anything with you.

My studio is on the first floor, up a flight of stairs. There is a chair lift up the main flight of stairs to the Long Room on the first floor. Around the corner from this there are another 3 steps with a small hand rail on the wall to the left of them. If you have mobility issues and your group includes members unable to manage the stairs, please ring me to discuss the option of using space downstairs in the Gallery.

A trip to my studio can be combined with a visit to The Running Fox, officially the Coolest Cafe in Northumberland! But early booking on 01670 787090 is advised to avoid disappointment.