I’m really excited to tell you about a new, Special one off, face-to-face knitting workshop I’ll be running in Sheffield next February. It’s been more than two and a half years since my last in-person workshop, which I did with Hope and Elvis, so I’m particularly happy to be doing this in my own hometown, sharing something I feel really passionate about: using the yarn we already have, experimenting with colour and texture, learning new skills and opening ourselves up to new ideas.
And what better way to do that than by making a chunky knitted vest using my vest pattern for ease?
A workshop for knitters who love to experiment
This workshop is for anyone who can knit and loves playing with yarn. You don’t need to buy lots of new materials or find the perfect yarn for a pattern. Instead, we’re going to explore the possibilities of your own stash and discover how to turn those odd balls, forgotten skeins and yarns you’ve been saving into something lovely.
The pattern is a fun, chunky knit vest, and fluffy yarn works particularly well. We’ll look at how to combine your yarns, experiment with different textures and ply strands together to create your own chunky yarn.
You’ll learn some useful techniques along the way, and, most importantly, you’ll have a go!
Here are some examples of the chunky knit vests that I have made in the last few months. The pattern becomes and addictive knit.
What will you learn?
During our day together, you will:
- Make your stash work for you. Learn how to use the yarn you already own to make this great little vest, experimenting with different combinations and textures.
- Learn to knit in the round. If you haven’t done this before, I’ll show you how to cast on and knit using circular needles.
- Create your own chunky yarn. Learn how to ply your stash yarns together to make a thicker yarn suitable for the pattern.
- Get started on your vest. You’ll begin knitting your own vest during the workshop and take it home to finish in your own time, using your own favourite stash yarn and your own reliable needles.
I’ll be there throughout the day to help you, answer questions and work through any tricky bits with you. You don’t have to know everything before you arrive. That’s what the workshop is for.
What do you need to bring?
The idea is to use your own stash, so please bring the spare yarn you’d like to experiment with and use for your vest – maybe 15 balls – or a carrier bag of yarn. Fluffy yarn is particularly good for this pattern, but part of the fun is discovering what your own yarns can do when you combine them. I will be on hand to give you ideas of how to mix your own yarns and how to place colours next to each other.
You’ll also need to bring your own:
- 10 mm UK circular knitting needles
- 12 mm circular knitting needles
Because you’ll be using your own yarn and needles so that you can continue working on your vest at home after the workshop.
I’ll provide the knitting pattern on the day, and I’ll also bring some extra yarns for the middle of the table. Christina, from Woodseats Community Garden (the hosts of the workshop) will also be on hand as a volunteer.
And, of course, there will be plenty of biscuits and tea and coffed and Ginger cordial!
The practical details
When: Saturday 6 February 2027, 10.30 am–4 pm
Where: Woodseats Community Garden Arts Space which is at, Chad’s Community Hub, 54–56 Abbey Lane, Sheffield, S8 0BP.
Cost: £95 for the full-day workshop.
Please bring a packed lunch. There are a couple of sandwich shops very close by, if you fancy a little wander at lunch time.
Getting there
There is street parking available.
The number 76 bus from Sheffield, stops directly across the road at Abbey Lane Primary School. The numbers 24, 25, 43, 44, 75 and X17, also from Sheffield, stop on Chesterfield Road, approximately a 5–10 minute walk away.
A note about accessibility
I’m sorry that this workshop space is not wheelchair accessible. The arts space is on the first floor of the building and can only be reached by stairs. Unfortunately, there is no step-free access to the workshop room.
I wanted to make sure this was clear before anyone books, so that you can make an informed decision about whether the venue will work for you.
Come and spend a day knitting with me!
I’m genuinely excited about this workshop. After such a long time away from face-to-face teaching, I’m looking forward to being in a room with other knitters, sharing ideas, helping you experiment and seeing what happens when we bring our different yarn stashes together.
I love the idea that we can make something new from what we already have. We’ll learn, try things out, make decisions about yarn, and discover possibilities we might not have thought of on our own.
You’ll leave with your own vest underway, a pattern to continue working from, and some new skills to take into your future knitting.
Places are limited to just 10 people, so the workshop will be small and friendly, with plenty of opportunity for individual help.
I’m sharing this with my website subscribers first, so you have the first opportunity to book before I share it more widely.
If you’d like to join me, please visit the workshop page on my website and follow the link to PayPal to book your place. – or link here
I can’t wait to get knitting with you!
Tracey x
