Workshops with Melanie Berg
18-23 October 2026
For all the workshops, there will be one teacher and a skilled assistant to help you, ensuring personalized guidance tailored to individual learning speeds.
Workshop 1
Understanding Colour
During the workshop we will cover the following topics:
During this class, you will unlock the language of color to make your projects truly expressive. This isn’t just about picking shades that “look nice.” Melanie dives into the mechanics of color relationships, contrast, and harmony. The class explores how small accents can transform a piece, playing with layering, fading, and intentional tension. Whether aiming for subtle elegance or bold impact, knitters will leave with the confidence to make color decisions that feel authentic to their vision.
Requirements
- No materials required.
- BUT: You're welcome to bring past projects that you don't like to wear because of the colour choices.
Workshop 2
Design your own Mosaic Shawl
During the workshop we will cover the following topics:
This workshop is all about building creative independence. Using the foundations of texture and color, Melanie will guide you through the essentials of shawl shaping, pattern rhythm, and flow. This class moves past the “how-to” and into the “why,” providing practical strategies to adapt patterns to personal style and body type. It’s a supportive space to play with mosaic techniques and leave with the blueprint for a piece that is uniquely yours.
Requirements
- Basic knitting skills: casting on, knitting, and purling (decreases helpful but not essential)
- Fingering, Sport or DK weight yarn in different colours
- Knitting needles that match your yarn's weight
- Pens or pencils for sketching your own pattern designs
Workshop 3
Texture Unleashed
During the workshop we will cover the following topics:
Texture is so much more than surface interest. It influences the flow of a garment, highlights stitch patterns, and completely changes how color is perceived. For this retreat, Melanie designed a brand-new sweater in Fruity Knitting Sport that focuses specifically on these tactile elements. In this session, the group will experiment with different stitches, layers, and combinations. Participants will learn how to use texture intentionally to create movement and depth, gaining the skills to add a sophisticated, professional touch to their knitwear.
Requirements
- Fingering, Sport or DK weight yarn in different colors
- Colourwork experience helpful but not required
- Circular needles or DPNs appropriate for chosen yarn
- Fingering to DK weight yarn in two high-contrasting solid colours
Gift bag
Each knitter will receive an exclusive Artisan Retreats gift bag!