February 2022

I’m very excited to share that on the weekend of 4th – 6th March I’ll be teaching my first weekend course at West Dean College.

Located just up the road from me, near the city of Chichester, West Dean or to use it’s full name, West Dean College of Arts and Conservation is part of The Edward James Foundation. A registered charity comprising of West Dean Gardens, West Dean Estate and West Dean Tapestry Studio.

The college is renowned for being a centre of excellence and through its tireless work aims “To inspire creativity, champion traditional art and craft practices and advance the care of heritage objects.”

In addition to full time degrees and diplomas in subjects such as horology, fine art, tapestry weaving and building conservation, the college offers a number of short courses covering a broad range of disciplines. Held over a weekend, from Friday night to Sunday lunchtime these short courses enable students to fully immerse themselves in a creative subject. And, because students stay overnight in the college’s own accomodation there’s plenty of time to learn while experiencing the history and magic of this unique building where both art and craft skills are nurtured and honoured.

As you know from my Knit Stars Beaded Colourwork Masterclass I love anything bead focused but this class is diferent as it’s aimed at those at the start of their bead-knitting journey. That means all you need is a good knowledge of knit and purl plus of course, lots of enthusiasm. We’ll be working from charts but don’t worry if you haven’t used charts before, I’ll cover that along with lots of other techniques and tips. In fact I’ll have you beading like a pro before you know it.

Visit the West Dean College website for lots more information and to book your place. I really hope to see you there.

J x

I know it’s been a few weeks since I opened Waltham Abbey Wool Show but it’s never too late to have a good old nosey at what I brought home. So enjoy!

The day started with my main duty as VIP, cutting the ribbon to open the show at 10.00am. Here I am with the lady Mayor of Waltham Abbey, Jodie Lucas – both of us desperately trying not to be upstaged by the show’s sheep mascot.

As you can see there was no shortage of yarn inspiration

I’m not easily tempted at yarn shows however this time I was shopping with purpose; gift hunting for a close friend who’s a talented colourwork knitter. There’s something particularly satisfying about buying with someone else in mind and imagining the reaction when they’re finally unwrapped.

It was great to finally meet Lydia and Hannah of indie dye brand Weku Yarn and to re-connect with Marcia of online yarn shop Yarnsulike who stocks a fascinating range of vegan, eco- friendly and sustainable yarns.

One of my other duties as VIP was to judge the crocheted toy competition. There was so much talent on show that it wasn’t easy. Here I am with the 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize winners.

Lastly here’s my haul. Starting clockwise from at top left;

Fab stationery from Julie Tilly Flop

Laser cut birch coasters from Under The Olive Tree Knits

Shea butter crafters balm from The Lonely Knitter

A ball of Bica by Rosarios 4 from Yarnsulike. This yarn is made from sugar cane! Yep I know, my mind was blown too. To find out where Marcia will be selling next follow Yarnsulike on Instagram

Ceramic mug by Emily Cross

Here’s to a year where we can finally get back to enjoying in-person events – Covid permitting of course. Stay safe and well. Next show for me is Unravel next week. Maybe I’ll see you there,

J x