There is something exciting about a new year. It’s full of anticipation for what the year ahead has in store for us. New friends we will make, and new things to discover and learn. What better time of year to set yourself a challenge. This could be something simple like revisiting a forgotten past time, or something altogether more challenging like a completely new craft.

If you are looking for that new year skill to see you through 2020 and bring many rewarding hours over the following months, then look no further. Below I have put together a collection of perfect new skill ideas to give you some help in discovering your new obsession for 2020!
Workshops are a great way to get learn from some talented tutors. We have some great Learn to Knit classes and Beginners Guide to Crochet as well as other workshops that appear throughout the year.
Learn To Knit

Learn To Knit workshops are perfect for inspiring a new knitter and starting an obsession of a life time. In this workshop you will learn the basics of knitting over two sessions and end up with a wonderfully snuggly snood made by your own fair hands.
The first evening will cover an introduction to knitting, how to cast on and the basic knit stitch. The second evening will see you finish off your snood, learn how to cast off and sew the snood up
The workshops are run by Cassie, who is passionate about knitting and passing on the knitting love. Cassie runs parents and babies knitting groups and knits for both stage and film.
Check our workshops page for upcoming dates.
Learn to Crochet

Learn to Crochet workshops are a great way of trying out a different fibre craft. If you are already a knitter and not sure where to begin with a hook then the Beginners Guide to Crochet is for you.
In this class you will learn all the basic stitches that you need as an introduction to Crochet. Absolute beginners welcome, but also suitable for anyone who already has some knowledge of crochet and wants to develop their skills further.
You can either pick a pattern to make yourself a scarf or to start on your very own Granny Square blanket. Alternatively you can start to make an amigurumi animal or toy, and learn how to crochet in 3D!
However, the class size is small enough to tailor the session to each student’s preference of project, in a choose-your-own-adventure kind of way! If you already have an idea in mind of what you wish to learn to crochet, we can help you find a pattern or read one that you may have brought with you. Even better, get in touch beforehand about what you are interested in making, and between us we can discuss it all ahead of time to make sure you get the most out of the learning experience.
Check our workshops page for upcoming dates.
Learn to Make a Silver Ring

If you fancy something a little different our sister shop Of Cabbages and Kings also host workshops. Like this Make a Silver Ring Workshop.
In these unique 2 hour workshops you will be taught how to cut, shape and finish your own silver ring. The workshop is the perfect introduction for anyone keen to try jewellery making using traditional silversmithing techniques. What you will learn: How to thread and use a piercing saw to cut metal. How to use a jeweller’s bench peg, How to solder a ring, How to finish your design ready for wear.
… and at the end of the session you will have a completely unique piece of silver jewellery made entirely by you! (All tools and materials provided)
Check their workshops page for upcoming dates.
Discover Many Different Knitting Possibilities

Knit How is a great book for those new to knitting as well as those who want to try something new. Project by project learning starts nice and simple and introduces new techniques throughout the book.
The only guide a novice will need to start a journey through the world of yarn, Knit How is a friendly and easy-to-use introduction to knitting. The book includes ten knitting patterns for accessories and garments, along with illustrated techniques and essential top tips for the beginner knitter, all in Pom Pom’s signature style.
Packed full of tutorials and advice, Knit How guides you through the wonderful world of knitting, from your first few shaky stitches through a host of projects, each increasing in complexity until you have truly mastered your craft! Want to pick and choose? The choice is yours! These patterns offer something for everyone. All you need to know is ready and waiting, pick up your needles and let’s cast on!
Learn to Dye Yarn

Hey Mama Wolf’s Natural Dye Kit’s are a great introduction into the world of natural dyeing. Containing everything you need to dye your own skein of yarn. Like this Hibiscus Flowers Kit above.
Natural dye kit contains: Instructions, + 100 gr organic wool Hey Mama Wolf #03, 260 m ~ 100 gr // 3,6 oz ~ 284 yards // 3-ply + Dried Hibiscus flowers 100 g // 3,6 oz + alum + cream of tartar + dye instructions. You will need a stainless steel pot, a vessel, a scale, vinegar and something to stir.
Learn to Eco Print Fabric

Hey Mama Wolf has also put together Natural Dye Kits for Eco Printing onto fabric. These kits are a fun way to experiment with getting colour from nature.
This natural dye kit contains: Instructions + two fat quarter (ca. 50 cm x 70 cm) pieces of vintage/reclaimed cotton and/or linen fabric + 200 gr (7.2 oz) of dried plant material like walnut husks, madder root, birch leaves, hollyhock flowers… + Tannin (oak gall powder) + alum + washing soda + piece of copper + piece of steel wool + dye instructions You will need a stainless steel pot, a vessel, a scale, vinegar, a stick and something to stir with.
Learn to Weave a Bracelet

This Bracelet Loom Kit is a simple way to introduce yourself to weaving and a great way of using up leftovers and small scraps of yarn.
This lightweight and portable loom is ideal for making bracelets. The wooden loom is made of birch, and measures approximately 20cm x 7cm (8″ x 2.75″) with a weaving space of 18cm x 6cm (7″ x 2.375″).
Bracelet Loom kit includes: – Step-by-step colour photo instructions. Metal tapestry needle. 5cm/2″ wee weaving comb. 2 x clips for securing the warp threads. Reusable cotton carrying bag. 2 x sets of jewellery findings to make two different width bracelets (colours and metal finishes may vary).
Learn to Crochet a Snoopy

New to crochet? This PEANUTS – Snoopy Amigurumi Kit is aimed at giving a stress-free experience in learning to crochet. This kit contains everything you need to get started and learn the basic techniques.
Nothing quite beats Stitch & Story’s latest classic collaboration that invites you to take a trip down memory lane with the much-loved Peanuts comic strip, created by Charles M. Schulz. This new exclusive knitting and crochet collection is centred around happiness and the imaginative storylines behind the sentimental comic. So, indulge in the magic of storytelling and knit a classic Charlie Brown hat using the Stitch & Story merino yarns.
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