Amaze yourself by creating your very own woven vessel! Join Philippa for the day to explore contemporary weaving techniques and materials.

Teacher: Philippa Taylor

Workshop Duration: Full day

Description:  Philippa will guide you through this small scale basket weaving technique and show you how to attach and weave off a pre made ceramic bowl to create your very own woven sculptural vessel.

This weaving technique can be later used to make other small woven vessels or baskets.

Comprehensive notes will be included.

Materials:  There will be a $30 materials fee for this class.

Takeaway: You will take away your very own woven sculptural vessel.

Level:  Beginner 

Prerequisites: You will need to be able to thread a fine needle and make small stitches.

You probably know a few embroidery stitches by name already: French knots, back stitch and running stitch, but can you do a chain stitch, a bullion or a blanket stitch? And, most of the simple embroidery stitches can be linked with other stitches. For instance, you can create an embroidered rose using just interlocking bullions and chain stitch. Spend the day learning embroidery with the wonderful Elizabeth Barnett! Elizabeth has created a unique sampler design especially for the Craft Sessions.

Teacher: Elizabeth Barnett

Workshop Duration: Half Day

Description: Embroidery has long played an important role in interpreting the world around us by way of interesting, beautiful and sometimes complicated interlocking designs, made up of a series of simple embroidery stitches. Many of these stitches have stood the test of time as tried and true methods in achieving different patterns and designs.

This class is aimed at teaching you some essential embroidery stitches that will introduce you to the world of embroidery or build your knowledge further. We will showcase these stitches and designs in a embroidery sampler on linen, using your own colour palettes of embroidery threads.

Samplers are traditionally a way of showing off different stitch techniques, designs and patterns. Because some people like to follow a pattern strictly, and others like to use it as a touchstone to build their own pattern from, Elizabeth has designed a pattern that can be followed or altered to suit each student. Elizabeth will bring a reference library of more complicated embroidery stitches and will be happy to guide students in trying different things out if the time allows.

Materials to bring: Students will be provided with a piece of linen and a needle for their sampler but will need to bring 3-5 cotton or silk threads to work with. Elizabeth used a combination of DMC cottons, pearl cotton and silk threads for the sample. There are many brands of embroidery threads out there so have a look around and see which ones you like the look of. Try and choose at least one dark, one light and one mid-tone colour. For example, Elizabeth used a midnight blue, copper, yellow ochre, denim blue, mushroom brown, cream and gold.  Variegated silks are also fun to try.
Some suppliers of embroidery thread include;
- L’ucello, The Nicholas Building, Melbourne
- Treehouse Textiles, Mornington
- Mill Rose, Ballan
- Amitie, East Brighton
- Spotlight or Lincraft.

Takeaway: Students will come away with a finished sampler on a piece of beautiful off-white linen fabric in their own colours that they can frame, turn into a wall hanging or make into a cushion.

Level: Beginner

Prerequisites: This class is aimed at beginners who want to broaden their range of embroidery stitches. A general knowledge of embroidery will help but is not essential.

Spend the morning with Adele learning about the history, techniques and practicalities of drop spindling.

Teacher: Adele Moon

Workshop Duration: Half Day

Description:  You will learn how to spin a 2 ply yarn using a top whorl drop spindle as well as where to source fibres and what they can make with their own hand spun wool. You will also learn a little about the history of drop spindling and its significance in textiles all over the world

Materials: There will be a $30 materials fee which will include a small bag with spindle and a selection of different local natural fibres for spinning - Granite Haven Gotland and Llama roving, Fairfield Finns Finn/cashmere tops, Wool/Alpaca blends from Cashmere Connections and Border Leicester locks from local Fleece

Takeaway: You will take away 1 or 2 different examples of hand-spun fibre that can be used for knitting or weaving or other fibre crafts. You will also have notes to review what we have done in class.

Level:  Beginner 

Prerequisites: no previous spinning experience required

Spend Saturday morning with Helen learning how to sew one of our favourite patterns - The Lou Box Top - a basic short-sleeved top in a woven fabric. If you can sew a straight seam you can sew this top.

Teacher: Helen Duckham

Workshop Duration: Half Day

Description:  The Lou Box top is a versatile kimono-sleeved tee by Sew DIY patterns and the relaxed design means that minimal fitting is required.

You will learn how to lay out and cut your pattern from your chosen fabric, make and attach neck bindings, make a button loop and sew a lovely hem finish. This is a great starter pattern for those of you wanting to make the leap to garment sewing!

This class will show you how to make the design in a woven fabric such as cotton voile, chambray or light linen, with a choice of either the scoop neck or crew-neck version with button closure.  

Materials to bring: 
- fabric for your top, pre-washed (more information on choosing fabric below).
- 1 shank button, approximately 3/8 inch  (9.5cm) wide
- a copy of the Lou Box top pattern which can be found here on Sew DIY’s website
- all purpose polyester thread to match your fabric
- sewing machine
- your sewing kit including fabric scissors, embroidery scissors or snips (small sharp scissors), pins, tailors chalk, machine sewing needle suitable for woven fabric, hand sewing needle, seam ripper and measuring tape.

More on fabric: Recommended fabrics are light, woven fabrics with some drape such as cotton voile, light linen or chambray.  If you chose a heavier fabric such as quilting cotton or heavier linen will the top will be more ‘boxy’.   It’s best to avoid slippery fabrics like silk or silky-polyester unless you are comfortable sewing with them.

You will need 1m of 150cm wide fabric for sizes between 31-42cm bust and 1.5m for 44-51cm.  If your fabric is narrower than 150cm you will need 1.5m for all sizes.

Takeaway: At the end of the session you will have a fabulous new top to wear!

Level: Adventurous Beginner 

Prerequisites: This class is aimed at adventurous beginners who want to learn how to sew a basic short-sleeved top in a woven fabric. You need to be familiar with using a sewing machine.

We've all fallen for Sydney. She makes you feel like you are wearing a blanket, while making you look like a champ. Spend the day with Helen learning about sewing with coating fabrics, and walk away with this sensational coat.

Teacher: Helen Duckham

Workshop Duration: Full day

Description:  The Sydney jacket by Tessuti patterns is fun and interesting to make. It is an oversized, draped jacket with a relaxed collar, back yoke, extended cropped raglan sleeves and side pockets - perfect for layering over long sleeved tops or dresses.

In this class you will learn to fit together unusually-shaped pattern pieces, sew overlapped seams and discover an interesting way to construct pockets. The Sydney can be made in boiled wool for a warm version or in ponte as a lighter layering piece. Because all the edges are raw it is only suitable for fabrics that do not fray (more information below).

Materials to bring: 
- fabric for your top such as boiled felted wool,  boiled wool knit  or ponte double knit (more information on choosing fabric below).
- copy of the Sydney jacket pattern which can be found here on Tessuti fabrics website
- all purpose polyester thread to match your fabric
- sewing machine
- your sewing kit including fabric scissors, embroidery scissors or snips (small sharp scissors) pins, tailors chalk, machine sewing needle suitable for your chosen fabric, hand sewing needle, seam ripper, measuring gauge and measuring tape.

More on fabric

Recommended fabrics are boiled, felted wools, or mid-heavy ponte double knit. You can test whether a fabric will fray by gently pulling on the threads on a cut edge.

You will need between 1.65m and 2m of 140cm wide fabric depending on which size you choose to make and slightly less for wider fabric.  For a longer sleeve, add an additional 30cm to the fabric amount for your size.

Takeaway: At the end of the session you will have a stylish new jacket!

Level:  Advanced Beginner/Intermediate with some garment making experience.

Prerequisites: This class is aimed at adventurous beginners who want to learn how to sew an outerwear garment – no tailoring skills required!  You need to be familiar with using a sewing machine and be confident about tackling thicker fabrics.  

Explore the exquisite intricate technique of textile jewellery by spending the day with Philippa Taylor of Ouch Flower.

Teacher: Philippa Taylor

Workshop Duration: Full Day

Description:  Philippa will guide you through this basket weaving technique and show you how to make your very own woven disc earrings.

This technique can later be used to make a basket or vessel.

You'll be taught how to embellish your woven disc with seeds, beads or a tassel fringe as well.

Materials: There is a $20 materials fee for this class. You will be provided with cotton rope, weaving yarns and sterling silver ear wires.

Takeaway: Your very own pair of woven earrings. 

Level:  Beginner 

Prerequisites: Ability to thread a needle and to work with small stitches.

Spend the day with the ever lovely Georgie Nicolson of Tikki Knits learning her favourite tips and tricks for seamless circular sweater knitting. The class will tackle basic lace and include chart reading, and Georgie's fabulous underarm trick.

Teacher: Georgie Nicolson

Workshop Duration: Full Day

Description:  Using the well-loved Granny’s Favourite pattern, this class will have you fearlessly tackling lace patterns as you learn skills for conquering lace and perfecting your sweater finishing. This class explores the elements of seamless, circular knitting. Participants will knit a baby sized version of Granny’s Favourite and will learn all the tools necessary for successfully conquering lace; reading your knitting, how to use charts to your advantage, the saving grace of lifelines and how to use stitch markers to ensure you keep your place!  With lace conquered we’ll look at a number of other sweater finishing techniques that you can use on other projects to bring your sweater knitting to the next level. Create button-bands that sit neatly, underarms that don’t need darning and sleeves that please even the fussiest wearer. Learn how blocking finishes off your garment like nothing else can.

Materials to bring:
- approximately 250 yards/230 metres of DK weight yarn. A woollen based yarn is recommended.
- an 80cm circular in the size required to achieve stocking stitch tension (22 sts and 30 rows = 4”. See notes below regarding knitting a swatch).
- an 80cm circular two sizes smaller than that required to achieve tension
- preferred option for small circumference knitting in needle size that you achieved tension with; one long circular for magic looping, two circulars, double pointed needles, or even teeny 20cm circulars.
- 12 stitch markers. 
- waste yarn, darning needle, measuring tape and scissors.

Knitting a swatch: It is recommended that knitters swatch prior to this class. You will be looking to knit this garment at a tension of 22 stitches and 30 rows over 4 inches.  Georgie would suggest casting on about 40 stitches to ensure you have a nice big swatch to measure from. Measure and adjust your needles for both garter and stocking stitch.

Takeaway: At the end of the class you will walk away with an increased confidence with lace knitting and the knowledge to improve the finishing on other sweater patterns you knit. You will also have a partially completed sweet wee baby cardigan to cluck over. 

Level:  Advanced Beginner / Intermediate.

Prerequisites: Ability to cast on, knit, purl and work basic increasing and decreasing stitches.

Explore the rich history and learn the how-to of beautiful British fisherman’s knits.

Teacher: Julia Billings

Workshop Duration: Full Day

Description: 

We’ll begin by delving into the history, regional styles and construction methods of that knitter’s hallowed ground, the fisherman’s jumper, and explore the elements that make it immensely practical and very beautiful. We’ll take a look at both traditional and contemporary materials and how contemporary taste is altering the shape, fabric and aesthetic of the original jumper.

After learning to work cables (both with a cable needle and without) and knit/ purl textures, we’ll explore some common and more unusual stitch patterns and tackle the issues and challenges involved in designing with a combination of stitch patterns, putting pencil to paper to come up with personals designs for a shoulder bag.

Materials to bring:  Because this class involves combining different stitch patterns to make your own design for a bag, yarn requirements will vary depending on the stitches you use and so can only serve as an estimate. For this reason, Jules would recommend using stash yarn that you have plenty of (or are happy to treat as a large sample for the real project if you run out!) or buying more than you may need. Just as a guide for your planning, the use of cables in your design will increase the amount of yarn you will need, while knit-purl combinations will require less.

400-500m of DK/ light worsted-weight woolly yarn sturdy enough to hold the shape of the bag and relatively plain in texture and colour in order to highlight complex stitch patterns. Suggested yarns: Cascade 220, Isager Jensen and Moeke Elena.

Please bring a 40cm and 100cmm circular needle in the size required to get 24st/ 10cm (suggested size 3.5mm), as well another needle and a crochet hook in one size smaller, a cable needle, 4 stitch markers, a few different-coloured pencils and an eraser.

Takeaway:  Students will begin knitting a shoulder bag in class and will take away an understanding of the history and the essential skills involved this style of knitting, as well as comprehensive notes on the techniques and processes and a pattern for the basic bag.

Level: Advanced Beginner/Intermediate.

Prerequisites: Casting on and off, knit and purl, increasing and decreasing, reading a knitting pattern.

Learn to knit intricate colour patterns. This is a new half-day class giving participants the chance to try stranded colourwork under the expert guidance of one of our favourite knitting teachers.

Teacher: Julia Billings

Workshop Length: Half day

Description: Designed to give knitters an introduction to the thrills of stranded colourwork, this three-hour session combines a bit of theory with lots of hands-on and uses a warm winter hat as a focus to learn the fundamental techniques. Please note that the pictures on this page are just to give you an indication of the types of things you will be able to try after this class. Julia is designing a hat pattern especially for you to make on the day.

We’ll get straight to work with needles and yarn, learning the tricks to knitting with two colours at once - the various ways to hold the two yarns, carrying the unused yarn neatly at the back, working in the round, colour dominance and more. At the same time, we’ll take a brief look into the traditions of colourwork knitting and discuss the basics of colour theory and working with colour charts.

Materials to bring: Two (or more) shades of woolly, non-superwash, 10ply yarn. Participants will be required to work the band of the hat before the class. Instructions for this, as well as the required yarn quantities and needle sizes, will be provided before the event.

Takeaway: The beginnings of a hat and the confidence to take on more complex colourwork designs.

Level: Adventurous beginner/intermediate.

Prerequisites: Participants should be comfortable with casting on and off and knit and purl prior to this class. Some experience knitting in the round would be helpful.

Fit is an essential skill in garment making, but it is one that is rarely taught. Spend the afternoon and morning with pattern maker Nita-Jane gaining vital fitting and basic pattern making skills that will help create garments that you really want to wear.

Teacher: Nita-Jane McMahon

Workshop Duration: Full day

Description:  Using the Willow tank as a base you will learn how to fit and or alter a basic top. Techniques will include taking measurements and pattern mapping, pivoting and adding darts, fixing gapes, analysing pull lines and reshaping necks and arm holes. 

Materials to bring:
- Willow pattern. This is available to purchase from Grainline Studio.
- a pre-made Willow top in calico - no finishing, sewn darts, shoulders and side seams; add stay stitching around neck and armholes at seam line.
- paper scissors
- fabric scissors
- pins
- tape measure
- french curve 

Takeaway: You will leave with a new pattern with all adjustments translated. If fitting the Willow isn't an issue, you can use techniques to redesign style lines.

Level:  Advanced Beginner 

Prerequisites: Garment making experience of at least three tops.

Spend the day with Kate James of Valley Maker leaning how to mordant yarn before trying various techniques to dye the skeins using natural dye extracts. In this class experimentation will be encouraged as trial and error is considered a crucial part of the learning experience. It will be a playful workshop, especially suited to knitters who want to create their own unique yarns.

Teacher: Kate James

Workshop Duration: Full day

Description:  Kate will begin by introducing natural dyeing to the class. There will be plenty of examples and samples to get everyone talking whilst they prepare their skeins.  Kate will guide you through the steps involved in pre-mordanting their yarn (this is usually not done in a botanical dyeing class due to time constraints). Whilst our pots are heating on the burners Kate will discuss the various techniques you can try including gradient dyeing, dip dyeing, hand painting, and speckled or variegated dyeing. Usually created using acid dyes, Kate will show that these processes can work just as well without the use of any chemicals. An example of each process will be demonstrated to show how to achieve various effects.

In the afternoon, the skeins will be removed from the mordant pot ready for you to begin dyeing. This part of the workshop will be led more by you the participants as you prepare your chosen colours and start playing. The morning will be relaxed with plenty of opportunity to ask questions, experiment and have fun with new techniques.

Materials: A materials fee of $15 will cover the use of all dye extracts, squeezy bottles, gladwrap, gloves, trays, pots, etc.

Participants will need to bring 300g of woollen yarn preferably in 6 x 50g skeins (as opposed to balls). The yarn must be a protein fibre (eg. wool or alpaca). It must NOT be cotton, bamboo or a blend, or any synthetic fibre as these will not work for this workshop.

Kate recommends purchasing wool that is not too precious or pricey as you will be experimenting and need to feel relaxed about trying new things out.

Takeaway: This class is focused on technique and will enable the participant to go home with the confidence and ability to make their own multi-coloured yarns. A class booklet will be provided.

Level:  Beginner 

Prerequisites: none

Spend the afternoon with Georgie focusing on the two techniques that often turn knitters away from patterns; Kitchener stitch (which is often called grafting) and short rows. 

Teacher: Georgie Nicolson

Workshop Duration:  Half Day

Description:  If you’ve ever baulked at a pattern because it contained either Kitchener stitch or short rows, then this is the class for you.

Kitchener stitch is commonly used to provide a neat finish to cuff-down sock toes, longies and soaker crotches and joins live stitches flawlessly and invisibly. This technique class explores how to Kitchener stitch in both stocking stitch and garter stitch, as well as explaining what is actually happening when you join those live stitches. After this class you will never need to google instructions again!  

The second half of this class will de-mystify short rows. Short rows are basically used to create wedges in knitting, these are used to shape shoulders, heels, hemlines, shawls and create extra ease in the bust area. We will explore a number of different ways to work short rows. We will look at the traditional wrap and turn, German Short Rows (a personal favourite), yarn over short rows and Sunday short rows. We will also look at tips for resolving short rows in circular knitting.

Materials to bring: Participants will need to prepare a couple of swatches for this class. Please knit these in a light coloured DK/8ply weight wool and bring to class still on the needles. Do not cast them off.

Kitchener swatches: 
- two swatches each of 40 stitches and 30 rows in stocking stitch
- two swatches each of 40 stitches and 30 rows in garter stitch

Short row swatch: 
Cast on 40 stitches. Work 6 rows of garter stitch. Then work 16 rows of stocking stitch. 

Darning needle and yarn in a contrasting colour

Takeaway: Skills and techniques to finesse your knitting forever.

Level:  Intermediate

Prerequisites: Ability to cast on, knit and purl and work basic increasing and decreasing. An understanding of basic knitting terminology.

Spend the day with Anna, exploring the simple beauty of hand quilting by learning to hand stitch a cushion top or wall hanging.

Teacher: Anna Farago

Workshop Duration: Full day

Description:  The workshop will start with the essentials of how to prepare and secure the layers of a quilt. Once the layers are prepared, options for marking where to stitch will be shown and explained. Finally the hand stitching will be the focus. You will have plenty of time to get your hand quilting technique worked out, practiced and applied. Binding will also be on the agenda. 

Materials to bring: 
- top fabric for cushion: 21 x 21 inches OR
- top fabric for cot sized quilt: 1 metre of fabric which is at least 115cm wide
- base fabric for cushion: 21 x 21 inches for backing. Preferably something plain and simple like calico or cotton OR
- base fabric for cot sized quilt: 1 metre of fabric which is at least 115cm wide. eg. flannelette or brushed cotton for back of the quilt

- batting
- rotary cutter and cutting mat (if you have one. Some will be supplied if you don't) 
- water soluble fabric marker, greylead pencil, ruler and masking tape
- Perle 8 or sashiko thread
- sturdy long needle with large eye – Sashiko or Straws 

Samples and examples of quilts and cushions made using the techniques and methods to be used during the workshop will be on show. Quilting pins and clips are provided.

Takeaway: Depending on designs and stitching time, you will leave with a near finished hand quilted cushion top or small quilt and the knowledge and instructions on how to finish it off. 

Level: Beginner

Prerequisites: none

Learn how to extend the life of your knits with the wonderful Jules of Woollen Flower!

Teacher: Julia Billings

Workshop Duration: Half Day

Description:  Through the use of traditional darning methods, you can not only prolong the life of your knits (and wovens) but also reinvigorate them through the addition of colour and texture.  In this class, you will learn to darn holes both large and small, using a variety of knitted and woven techniques such as grafting, simple and advanced swiss darning and scotch weaving, as well as also explore ways to fix or replace worn areas, such as elbows, necks or cuffs.

Most of the workshop will be dedicated to practicing on knitted swatches but we will also spend some time looking at damaged pieces in order to assess how to deal with holes and problems in your own well-loved projects. Please feel free to bring in your damaged knits but, please, no items with moth holes!

Materials to bring:  
- a stocking stitch swatch measuring approximately 25cm x 25cm. You will need to block your swatch before the class so that it lays flat and is easy to work on. Gauge is not important but Jules would recommend using smooth, light-coloured wool in 8ply or thicker to make it easy to see your stitches.
- a small amount of the same yarn or similar yarn to darn with
- the knitting needles you used to make the swatches
- two double-pointed needles (the same size or smaller)
- a pair of small, sharp scissors
- a blunt-ended wool needle. 

Please feel free to bring in pieces that need repairing (but only if you are certain they are not moth eaten as they can contain eggs).

Takeaway:  Students will take away the knowledge and confidence to repair holes and worn areas safely, as well as comprehensive notes on the techniques and processes covered.

Level: Beginner

Prerequisites: no knitting or sewing experience is required

Our use of colour - how we use it and combine it - is vital to the success of most of our craft projects. Spend the morning with Anna Farago learning some tips and tricks to working with colour, adding depth to your craft practice.

Teacher: Anna Farago

Workshop Duration: Half Day

Description:  Anna will talk through examples of the use of colour in her own work and how some history and theory of art and design can be used to inform making. You will be given time to experiment using grids, create designs using coloured pencils, watercolour or collage. These designs can then be used (or not) to make a series of ‘fabric sketches’.

Materials to bring: 
- a set of coloured pencils and/or a set of watercolours and/or a set of colour paint samples from a hardware/paint shop
- sewing machine and notions (optional)
- fabric scraps (optional)

Fabric sketches and quilt examples, some fabric scraps, cutting mats and rotary cutters will be supplied. 

Takeaway: fabric sketches & designs on paper

Level:  Beginner 

Prerequisites: none

Boro embraces the beauty of irregular stitching to extend the life of your clothes. Spend the afternoon with Anna Farago exploring the use of boro stitching as a mending technique or for decorative effect.

Teacher: Anna Farago

Workshop Duration: Half Day

Description:  Boro is an Japanese method of stitching which was traditionally used in peasant farming communities to mend and repair clothing. Informed by this tradition, the connection with sustainability, and a Japanese ‘wabi-sabi’ aesthetic, this class will introduce stitching methods which can used for mending of clothing or for decorative effect. You will use scrap fabrics to explore stitching patterns and uses. You are invited to bring along clothing in need of mending, your own fabric scraps or just use the materials are supplied.

Materials to bring: 
- Perle thread (8,10 or 12) or sashiko thread
- sturdy long needle with large eye – Sashiko or Straws
- clothes that need mending 

Fabric scraps will be supplied

Takeaway: Boro samples and/or mending of clothes

Level:  Beginner 

Prerequisites: None

Spend the day with Kate James exploring the incredible process of using plants to dye fabric. Botanical dyeing is an immensely satisfying craft that is also very addictive.

Teacher: Kate James

Workshop Duration: Full day

Description:  In this hands on class we will cover the fundamentals of botanical dyeing including plant selection and preparation, different ways of mordanting cellulose fibres, making a dye bath, experimenting with different modifiers to achieve colour changes, as well as lots of tips to help you start dyeing from home. This is quite a lot to learn in one workshop, however you will quickly get the hang of the various steps involved and thoroughly enjoy seeing the colours emerging from the dye pots.

Materials: A materials fee of $30 will provide you with pre-mordanted fabrics that you will use during the day, a class booklet, the use of all materials and collected dyestuffs.

Takeaway: At the end of the workshop you will take home your sample swatches, an information booklet and the confidence to start creating your own palette of coloured fabric in beautiful hues, ready to do with as you please.  

Level:  Beginner

Prerequisites: None

Spend the day with Nita-Jane learning how to sew with knit and stretch fabric including fool proof neck bands, seaming and finishes.

Teacher: Nita-Jane McMahon

Workshop Duration: Full day

Description:  This class will tackle stretch sewing methods from cutting to final finish with extra focus on getting neck bands fitted and finished. Choose from the two tee-shirt styles from Pattern Fantastique. 

Materials to bring:  

- a copy of your preferred t-shirt from Pattern - Fantastique: The aeolian tee or the glacial tee
- fabric: merino or cotton basic stretch in a flat knit. You can opt to bring a rib contrast neck band. No poly, nylon, silk, ponti or tricky to handle fabrics or high lycra fabrics.                                                 - sewing machine in good working order
- scissors and pins           
- matching thread
- sewing needles ball point
- twin sewing needles (only for machines that have extra spool holders)
- vilene stay tape
- wooly nylon thread in similar colour (doesn't need to match perfectly)  

- alternatively you can purchase a Tee Shirt Starter Kit here which includes vilene stay tape, stretch nylon thread, 5 ball point needles and 2 stretch twin needles for pick up at the retreat.  

Takeaway: heaps and heaps of skills, tricks and knowledge and a completed knit tee.

Level:  Advanced Beginner 

Prerequisites: Basic understanding of how to use your sewing machine and some garment sewing experience. 

Spend the afternoon with painter Elizabeth Barnett delving into the serenity and beauty of painting with watercolours.

Teacher: Elizabeth Barnett

Workshop Duration: Half Day

Description:  An introduction to watercolour painting with artist Elizabeth Barnett. Elizabeth will guide you through some watercolour basics including what materials to use, how to mix colours and developing your own style within the medium. This class is aimed at beginners who want a taster in watercolour painting or intermediates who want a different take on the medium. 

Materials: $40 material fee includes, a brush, pencil, eraser, watercolour paper and a palette with paints.

Takeaway: we will paint a little still life scene comprising of found objects, floral arrangements, fruit and foraged foliage.

Level:  Beginner 

Prerequisites: None

For the shawl curious, a workshop to demystify construction and techniques involved in knitting shawls. Spend the day with prolific designer Ambah O'Brien, exploring the beauty and intricacy of lace and mosaic knitting. 

Teacher: Ambah O'Brien

Workshop Duration: Full Day

Description:  We’ll start our day with a discussion on shawl construction, looking at popular shapes and how they are created. Next we’ll cast on and knit a mini shawl each. This is a hands on workshop to learn a variety of techniques commonly used in shawl knitting including: reading charts for lace and mosaic colourwork knitting, working lace and mosaic stitches, shaping and a fun bind off. A demonstration and discussion of blocking your shawl project will follow.

While we knit together, Ambah will share her favourite tips and insights.

Materials to bring:
- knitting needles 3.75mm or appropriate needle size to match your style of knitting ie. tight or loose
- pen for making notes
- tapestry needle to weave in ends

Takeaway: A mini knitted shawl

Level:  Advanced Beginner / Intermediate.

Prerequisites: Ability to cast on, knit and purl and work basic increasing and decreasing. An understanding of basic knitting terminology.

Spend the morning with Georgie exploring small circumference knitting in all its glory and look at a number of different techniques for knitting sleeves and socks efficiently and seamlessly. 

Teacher: Georgie Nicolson

Workshop Duration: Half Day

Description:  This technique class will focus on learning and perfecting a number of different approaches to small circumference knitting; double pointed needles, magic loop, two circular needles, travelling or single loop and small circulars. In looking at each technique we will talk about how to best hold your needles, avoid ladders and consider issues of tension. We will discuss the pros and cons of each technique and situations that are more suited to the different techniques. 
These techniques are instrumental in seamless knitting be it knitting socks, sleeves, mittens and gloves or even the crown of a beanie. 

Materials to bring: 
- DK/8ply weight yarn - you may wish to bring a different colour yarn for each technique
- an arsenal of needles in a size range suitable for DK/8ply weight yarn, eg: 3.5mm, 4mm, 4.5mm (we won’t be too fussy about exact tension)
- a set of 5 (five) double pointed needles (wooden needles are best for those unfamiliar with dpns)
- 2 x 80 - 100cm long circular needles in the same needle size (even better if the cables are different colours but not essential)
- 20cm/9” and/or 30cm/12" circular needle (if you can’t access one, fear not we will have some spares) 
- darning needle and scissors. 

Takeaway: You will walk away from this class with a nifty little sampler that explores each of the techniques as well as an understanding of their ideal applications. 

Level: Advanced Beginner / Intermediate.

Prerequisites: Ability to cast on, knit and purl and work basic stitches. An understanding of basic knitting terminology.

Spend the afternoon with 

Teacher: 

Workshop Duration: Half Day

Description:  

Materials:

Takeaway: 

Level:  Beginner / Advanced Beginner / Intermediate.