Knitting

[hallsa]

Hi Ladies. I am looking for some advice. I am thinking of hosting knitting classes in my home (Ayrshire)to teach women, particularly young women how to knit. Do you think this is a good idea and what sort of format do you think it should take? Last year I went on a knitting retreat, which was fabulous and stayed away for 3 nights but I am aware that most young mums would not be able to do this. Any advice or suggestions would be most welcom

I would love to come, I can knit too (basics, scarfs, mittens, socks, small things) and wld love to share ideas on little simple projects. I get help at work, two older ladies get me started or check, reknit things for me. Invaluable, they are more petient than my mum ever was! Barbara, Edinburgh

Are you a member of Ravelry (Ravelry.com)? They have local groups (not sure whether there is one near you, but that's easily found). Their knitting conference is in Scotland this year, not quite sure where.
I think there is a great need for people to learn to knit and think you have a great idea there.
I am setting up a knitting club in a centre connected with our church next week, not with the specific purpose of teaching to knit, although it would be lovely if people came for that purpose.

I will check it out! And one day I will do a cardigan!

You need to have cake and lots of tea.

And if at all possible make it possible for people to bring young children along. My knitting group was my saviour while on maternity leave.

The woman who run my knitting group charge £3 for 2 hours. They sell some wool and needles/hooks at cost price in case people need them. They don't specifically have the group to teach but both can teach knitting and crochet to beginners.

Try Freecycle for yarn, needles and patterns for people to use.

I'd come! I need someone to make me feel better about my hurrendous inability to knit and not laugh! I am going to try a knit and natter group next week to see what thats like.

I'm with bumperlicious I would love a group like that esp. the part about bringing babies and lots of tea and cake. £3 a bargain!

Also charity shops are good for knitting needles and crochet hooks. They tend not to have them out but if you ask they often have them out the back.

Wish me luck:- I'm starting a knitting club tomorrow with coffee and cake (dh made it, bless him), but I have no idea if anybody will come.

Good luck - and don't forget crocheters as well!

Four people came, all knitters. We had a lovely morning and are hoping to meet again next week.

`Thank you for your replys. I wasnt really thinking of starting up a knitting group, it was more of a commercial venture that I had in mind. I am already a member of a local knitting group but thought that if I put on courses where I actually taught people how to knit and gave a bit of pampering (tea & scones in the morning, light lunch etc)then I could run workshops in my home. Have been made redundant and trying all sorts!!!

hallsa, perhaps you could link up with a local wool shop and run classes there. Could also offer 1:1 tuition initially?

Do you have any qualifications/experience (published patterns, garments sold, years of experience etc)? You could use these for advertising.

You could offer a make-up service for people who want things that are beyond their ability (I've done a few things along those lines recently).

I am also doing craft fairs selling crochet and knitted goods and sell through a website also (set it up myself to keep costs low)

Make up some leaflets and don't be afraid to give them to as many people as you know. Also let people see what you make (wear it or take projets with you when you go out). Its amazing how many people will come up and start chatting...

hth and good luck