give it a go…
This month, our Homes Editor Laurie grabs some needles and falls for yarn
Our Homes Editor Laurie tries out a knitting workshop
Knitting used to be considered an old-fashioned hobby, but thankfully those days are gone and it’s now a trendsetting art, with new knitting clubs and workshops popping up all over the country.
Keen to learn more about this age-old craft, Laurie from the Style at Home team took part in three 1-2-1 sessions with Riannon, the founder of I Make Knots. This London-based company offers workshops, parties and 1-2-1 lessons for anyone who fancies learning how to knit, crochet, weave or macramé. Here’s how she got on.
Aiming big
‘At my first session, I explained that I knew roughly how to cast on and do the basic knit stitch,’ Laurie says. ‘So, Riannon taught me how to use large Manuosh 45mm circular knitting needles and chunky merino wool. The needles are great fun to use once you get the knack. And merino wool is so soft and fluffy – it’s lovely to work with. In just one day, I’d made a cosy woollen throw.
Crochet time
‘The following week, I got to use a 25mm Tunisian crochet hook to make a cushion cover using Afghan and waffle stitch. It was good fun learning the different stitches and I found myself getting slightly speedier. I loved the lilac colour of this wool, too – so pretty! At the end of the session I got to take home the beautiful wooden Manuosh needles and the remainder of the merino wool to practise.
I’ve got it covered!
‘On my final session, I set about making a fun lampshade cover, and Riannon let me choose from several different-coloured yarns – I couldn’t resist the vibrant pink! To make this I needed to learn herringbone, stockinette and linen stitches, and it was easy to pick them up. So much so, that I also had time to tackle making a rope yarn crochet basket, which meant learning how to make a foundation chain (this is the first step of crochet), how to increase in double crochet stitch and how to double crochet in the round. Riannon was extremely patient and is so knowledgeable. I couldn’t believe how much I achieved in just a few sessions.’