Workshops with Zanete Knits
Bovey Castle: 9-14 May 2027
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
Ladderback Jacquard: The Key To Stunning Stranded Knitting
During the workshop we will cover the following topics:
- Basic principles of stranded colourwork knitting
- Tension and float management techniques
- Deep dive into the ladderback jacquard method and its advantages over other techniques
- Practical demonstration showing how to apply this method
- Working together on a practice swatch to experience the technique firsthand
Requirements
- Basic knitting skills: knitting, purling, and knit increases
- 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
Workshop 2
Fearless Finishes: Transform you Knitting with Steeking
During the workshop we will cover the following topics:
- The history and purpose of steeking
- How to set up a steek within your knitting
- Step-by-step demonstration of the crochet steek securing method
- Hands-on practice: knitting a colourwork swatch, securing the steek, and cutting it with confidence
- Finishing techniques for neat, stable edges after cutting
Requirements
- Experience with stranded colourwork
- Fingering to DK weight wool in two solid, contrasting colours
- Circular or DPN needles appropriate for chosen yarn
- A crochet hook
- Lace to fingering-weight wool for securing
- Tapestry needle
Workshop 3
Buttonhole Brilliance: Techniques & Placement Formula
During the workshop we will cover the following topics:
- Three versatile buttonhole methods
- When to use each method and what works best for different band types
- A formula for calculating precise buttonhole placement so your buttons are spaced evenly
- Hands-on practice working each method on a swatch
Requirements
- Basic knitting skills: casting on, knitting, and purling
- DK weight yarn in a light colour
- Knitting needles for the chosen yarn (flat knitting)
- Four locking stitch markers
Workshop 4
Diving Deeper into the Retreat Designs!
During the workshop we will cover the following topics:
- Behind-the-scenes look at each retreat design’s inspiration and story
- Yarn and gauge details
- Sizing guidance and how to choose the best fit for your measurements
- Construction breakdown showing how previous workshop techniques integrate into the designs
- Additional techniques featured in the patterns and when you’ll encounter them
- Customisation possibilities and modification strategies to make the designs uniquely yours
- Open Q&A session to address your specific questions about the retreat patterns
Requirements
- No requirements or materials needed
Gift bag
Each knitter will receive an exclusive Artisan Retreats gift bag!