Learning something new

It's the time of year when taking up a new skill or perfecting an old one comes to mind, so this month we're concentrating on equipping you with the best possible expertise! We've revampled our schedule a bit this autumn. In addition to our very popular beginners' courses, we're offering a Level 2 course both for knitting and for crochet, so if you've got the basics already and are wondering where to go next, we've got you covered. Our Level 1 knitting beginners' course happens, like before, over three weeks, and you'll learn right from the ground up with our experienced teachers. If you've never touched needles in your life, or if you're reviving skills from years ago, this is where to start. Through two simple projects, you'll master casting on, working both flat and in the round, simple decreasing, casting off and assembling your work for that expert finish. What's more, the cost of the yarn and needles for both projects (a pair of handy fingerless mitts and a dotey child-sized hat) is included in the price, and the classes happen right here in the shop in the most relaxed setting you can imagine! Our new Level 2 knitting course equips you to make garments, and again there's two projects: a child's topdown cardigan and the sweetest wee booties. You'll learn shaping using increases and decreases and making buttonholes and picking up stitches - in fact, everything you need to embark on adult-sized garments! Before starting this course, you'll need to know how to cast on, knit, purl, cast off, weave in ends and knit in the round using the Magic Loop technique (if you have already completed Knitting Level 1 with us then you'll have all this covered, though). And after it, the sky will be the limit! And we've got your crochet desires covered too. The Level 1 crochet beginners' course will cover how to work a foundation chain, double crochet and seaming up crocheted pieces. You'll also learn simple increases and decreases, and work half-double crochet and treble crochet stitches on a small motif. So if you've never crocheted at all, or have the dimmest memories of working with a hook, this is the place to start. In the Level 2 crochet course, we'll build on the Level 1 skillset: pattern and chart reading, working in the round, working trebles, changing colours and working square motifs are all covered, and you'll make a baby hat with a charming flower decoration and a granny square pattern that can become a cushion cover, or the coziest scarf, or even a blanket. So click on over to our booking page to find out more about all these classes! Knitting and crochet are fun and easy and waiting for you, so come on in!