Adult Crafting Workshops
Creativity and inspiration...
Hello! At Birkhill House, we know that crafting is therapy. But it also provides the opportunity to unlock whole new worlds by learning new skills. There is so much on the schedule here to help with this discovery. And if you can't see what you need, visit our Bespoke Crafting Database for more options.
Open Crafting Sessions 2023
No booking necessary, just drop in!
Tuesday open session & spinning wheel group: 6-8pm
November 7th, 14th, 21st & 28th
December 5th, 12th & 19th
Fridays open session: 10am-12noon
November 10th, 17th & 24th
December 1st, 8th & 15th
The open sessions are for members of our community who would like to come along to work on a crafting project, share a laugh & a cuppa and generally soak up the creative vibe here At Birkhill House. We encourage attendees to breathe life back into neglected projects or take the plunge and start something new.
The Tuesday evening sessions will also be open to fibre spinners, keen to gather and get some spinning done together in the company of other spinners. We have seven wheels here (three Ashfords, a Kromski, a double treadle, a Hebridean and an old flax upright), which are all available for use - or feel free to bring your own. We also have a lot of different sheep fleeces here in our growing fleece library, as well as our own alpaca. These are competitively priced and we sell them alongside prepared rovings, some of which have been acid-dyed and some of which have been dyed with homegrown materials from our natural dye garden.
All are free to attend, although a nominal cost of £3 donation toward tea/coffee/cake helps us to cover costs would be much appreciated.
* Please note: the spinning sessions are not teacher-led; they are for experienced spinners looking for company whilst they spin.
Wooly Wednesdays
No booking necessary, just drop in!
Wednesdays 2-4pm
29th November & 6th December: Bluefaced Leicester & Cheviot
13th & 20th December: Bowmont & North Ronaldsay
We are delighted to be organising the Fleece Market at Tangled Fibre Festival next year (Friday 31st May – Saturday 1st June 2024)!
For the past two years, we have been collecting and cataloguing fleeces grown in the Borders and working with local farmers & smallholders to ensure that no fleece is left behind.
In the run-up to Tangled 2024, we will be hosting weekly workshops to experiment with the fleeces here and create info boards for each breed that will include a profile, stats, samples, feedback and reviews from seasoned fibre experts and new fibre enthusiasts alike.
These sessions will run weekly on Wednesdays from 2-4pm. We will focus on a couple of different breeds each fortnight. This will entail sorting, skirting, washing and preparing little bits of fibre for experimenting. Knitting, crochet, weaving, spinning and other, finer work may factor in at the end stage but jobs along the way will be a mixed bag.
These sessions are free and open for all to attend. We would love for this to be a truly community-led project so come join us to explore these different fibres.
Wreath Week 2023
Saturday 2nd December - Saturday 9th December 2023
For a second year running, we are hosting Wreath Week!
From 2nd-9th December, join us for a whole week of festive-themed wreath workshops using different materials and techniques. We are offering traditional pine wreaths, tartan rag wreaths, origami folded wreaths and fleece wreaths. Our workshop spaces will be festive and cosy, and refreshments are provided. What better way to spend a few wintry hours?
On Sunday 3rd of December Katie Forbes will be here with her band, performing songs from their new album, "Earth Songs for our Natural World" at 11am and 2pm. We're also hosting an open shopping afternoon from 10am-5pm to browse our shelves and do some Christmas shopping, while also supporting our not-for-profit.
See individual listings for more details and to book - booking goes live at 7pm on Monday 6th November!
Introduction to Fair Isle Knitting
Saturday 20th January 2024, 10am-1pm
Join Helen Houston for an introduction to Fair Isle knitted pattern work while using the traditional making method on three double pointed needles. You will look at how you can achieve an even tension while working with two colours in one knitting row, and knit a small Fair Isle square that can be turned into a lavender bag.
You will also have time to look at Helen’s family collection of Fair Isle knitwear patterns.
This workshop best for competent knitters wishing to expand their knitting skills. Teenagers welcome if accompanied by an adult.
This workshop is free to attend thanks to a generous grant from the National Lottery. Tickets are limited to two per booking.
All materials and refreshments are provided.
FREE, adults only, 8 people max, booking essential
Introduction to Linocut
Saturday 27th January 2024, 1-4pm
Spend an afternoon at Birkhill House learning linocut printing with Emma Jones (Wee Blue Press). Linocut printing is a great introduction to printmaking, and one that requires little specialist equipment. A design is carved into the lino block, then is covered in ink and printed. The design can be simple or complicated – the possibilities are endless.
You will create a simple linocut design to make a small edition of prints, and can then take your design away to print at home. You will also learn what you need to get started at home.
All tools and materials provided. Some design ideas will be provided, but please feel free to bring along images, sketches or thoughts to work from.
No experience necessary. Suitable for beginners/refreshers and those wishing to experiment. Old clothes and an apron advisable.
£55 per person, ages 16+, 6 people max, booking essential
Shaping Through Knitting
Saturday 24th February 2024, 10am-1pm
In this workshop with Helen Houston you will knit in the round on double pointed needles to create a ladybird lavender bag. Using increase and decrease technics along with grafting (Kitchner stitch) to create a 3D shape. A fun project looking at skills required for knitting socks. We will also have time to look at other 3D knitted shapes. Tea/coffee included.
Workshop best for knitters wishing to expand their knitting skills. Teenagers welcome if accompanied by an adult.
This workshop is free to attend thanks to a generous grant from the National Lottery. Tickets are limited to two per booking.
All materials and refreshments are provided.
FREE, adults only, 8 people max, booking essential
