For a number years we have been following, and promoting, the research by Betsan Corkhill and others that shows that knitting and crochet is good for our mental and our physical health. Our very own Bronagh has even knitted on live TV while wearing a heart monitor to prove how calming and relaxing making one… Continue reading Knitting, practical mindfulness and the benefits of “craftfulness”
When we are teaching and encouraging people to knit and crochet at yarn shows round the country, we are often approached by people with a very specific request. These are usually groups of two or three people where one person is keen to teach their companion(s) some aspect of knitting or crochet and ask if… Continue reading Find a space to share your skills
We are running our Annual Christmas Stocking Appeal again this autumn. We are asking knitters and crocheters across the country to join to help us spread some festive cheer by making mini stockings for care homes, lunch clubs, hospices and foodbanks. Last year we distributed more than 1,500 stockings to organisations all over the country.… Continue reading Christmas stocking appeal
The UK Hand Knitting team are big fans of knitting in public. Wherever we are, if there is a chance for a sit down (or even a wall to lean on), it is likely a project or two will appear - and we are really happy to chat to people about what we're doing. So… Continue reading Get ready to knit in public
We noticed that in the USA April is volunteering month so, even though we are in the UK, it seemed like a good opportunity to talk about the benefits of volunteering and suggest a few ways to link it to your crafting skills. One of the UKHK team in particular is a very keen volunteer.… Continue reading Volunteering with your craft skills
Are you planning to watch the Winter Olympics in just a few weeks time? Will you be knitting or crocheting along while you watch? If so, or even if you are not fans of winter sport, why not participate in a worldwide crafting challenge at the same time? The Ravellenic Games is a global event… Continue reading Take an Olympian approach to your knitting
One thing we know about the knitters and crocheters we meet and talk to through the year is that you are a very knowledgeable bunch. We also see how great you are at sharing your knowledge and skills, giving tips on social media and helping people at events. So we have a suggestion for 2018.… Continue reading Share a skill in 2018
The kids have gone back to school but are you planning to learn anything this autumn. It is a great time to learn new craft skills because there are lots of different classes around to access. Learn at your local yarn shop Your local yarn shop can be a great place to find both one-off… Continue reading Take your stitches back to school
We are going to be out and about at a range of shows this autumn, starting with our two yarn doctors holding surgeries Yarndale at Skipton Auction Mart, 23-24 September. The yarn doctors are two expert knitters and teachers, Juliet and Bronagh, who will be available to show you new techniques, offer advice and help sort out problems you… Continue reading Join us at a yarn show or two this Autumn
If you take a look at our knitting and crochet event calendar you will see there are plenty of yarn fairs to visit over the next two or three months. With this in mind here are our top tips for getting the best out of a summer yarn show. Take some time to research and… Continue reading Get the best from summer yarn shows
