Patchwork Knitting Workshop with Fiona Morris - 9th October

I didn't really know what to expect from this workshop so I went with the required materials of wool in different colours but a similar thickness and suitable knitting needles to go with it and then hoped it would go well! There were 13 of us in the main room all spaced apart and doors and windows left open. There was another group of members in the smaller room who were not taking part in the workshop and some people outside who were being more cautious. I was prepared for this as it can be a cold room even in normal times! (t shirt, woolly jumper and thick woolly coat). I took some handspun and hand dyed wool - small amounts. 

Fiona started by showing us some of her knitted garments including blankets, cushions, shawls and bags. They were beautiful - she must have spent hours knitting them. She makes her own designs and sells the patterns and she has a new book being published in January about patchwork knitting. She showed us a video of her cast on method which gives an elastic edge and then we watched how to make the basic square, with decreases in the centre of the rows which makes a mitred diagonal line when completed. We also had printed instructions and everyone worked at their own speed to complete their square, some people using 2 colours to make stripes. Then Fiona showed another very clear video about joining the squares. I was able to follow the instructions as long as I was concentrating!

Everyone was enjoying the knitting and getting enthusiastic about their work and what they could make in future. We are looking forward to the book and I think many of us will be buying our own. We could see lots of possibilities to use up small quantities of yarn which all knitters seem to accumulate. We worked all day and I think some people would have stayed past 4 o'clock if they could!

Here are some photos of Fiona's work and our samples. Fiona was an excellent and inspiring teacher and was able to give very clear instructions. We all succeeded and no-one felt they had failed.

www.fionamorrisdesigns.co.uk
@fiknits (instagram)
Also on Ravelry as Fiona Morris
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Fiona's designs

Our samples