Learn to Knit

Knitting is one of those amazing skills where you not only create the garment but the fabric at the same time! Once you master this skill you will find it a slow, relaxing and meditative practice you can pick up and do almost anywhere - watching TV, riding on the bus, sitting in a (boring!) meeting, or with friends at a cafe... Being a slow practice it sits very comfortably with the Slow Fashion movement and the circular economy, which is what we're all about.

In this workshop you'll learn the absolute basics of knitting and how to:

• cast on
• do a knit stitch
• a purl stitch
• cast off

We'll also go through the 'tools' of knitting, the different types of yarn, and how to read the labels on a ball of wool.

For those who already know the basics of knit and purl stitch Kirsty will show you pattern stitches you can make with these basic stitches such as:

• moss stitch
• rib stitch

Other ReDress Hub workshops will teach you how to read a knitting pattern, repair knitted garments and progress your knitting skills.

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Who is this workshop for?

This workshop is suitable for absolute beginners and those wanting to know some more stitch types. Children and adults of any age, can do this workshop including children over 8 yo. (Children between 8 and 10 must be accompanied by an adult)

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What do I bring?

All materials are supplied for this workshop. We have different size needles for you to use to see what is a better fit for you to learn on.

However, if you want to take your knitting home with you to keep practicing we advise bringing your own knitting needles and wool. For beginners, we recommend either:

• 4mm (3.5 or 4.5mm also fine) size knitting needles (metal, timber or plastic is suitable) with a 50g ball of 8 ply wool
• 7mm (6.00-8.00mm also fine) size knitting needles (metal, timber or plastic is suitable) with a 50g ball of 10ply or 12ply wool

The ReDress Hub has odd balls of wool you will be able to use and full balls to purchase, but otherwise, we recommend doing a charity shop crawl for your materials as you will certainly find what you need without buying them new.

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Group bookings:

The workshops at The ReDress Hub are perfect for group bookings - sharing these experiences with a group of friends, family or colleagues can not only create memorable occasions but are also perfect for sharing laughs, ideas and resources between you.

If you bring a group of 5+ people we'll not only offer you a group discount, but organise some special treats for you all to enjoy. Please contact us directly for more details.

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Where do I go?

We're excited to be able to run our workshop face-to-face in our new hub space.

The ReDress Hub is located at:

Shop 4, Quadrant Plaza, 94 York St, Launceston, Tasmania.

You can find us just behind Toyworld in Dell Lane :)

Super handy access to parking in the Care CarPark next door, with great cafes close by to fuel you up for all your workshop needs.

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What if I don't feel well?

If you have been or could have been exposed to COVID19 through travel or a close contact, please consider your attendance and or wearing a mask at the event.

If you have any symptoms and don't feel well please don't attend your workshop and get in touch with us for more details.

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More information or questions...?

For further information about The ReDress Hub please check out our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ReDressHub

Don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions, our best contact is [email protected] or reach out via our social media.

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We hope to see you at The ReDress Hub soon!

Kirsty Mate is a professional designer, educator and artist with a passion for sustainability and design as well as for knitting.

Her passion for knitting started when she was a young girl learning the skill wrapped within the arms of her mother as she helped her wind the wool around the needle and off to create a stitch. Kirsty has not only knitted many, many garments but in 1986 she won a national knitting design competition to design a jumper for Lady Di, providing her with her first journey to Europe. In more recent years, she has explored how different materials such as licorice and plastic can be transformed through the art of knitting and how knitting can be a social activity in public places.

As well, with over 30 years of experience in sustainable design, you could say she is a pioneer. Her career in design has crossed many disciplines including architecture, interior design, textiles design, exhibition design, and performance art; has taken her around the world and into a successful career in academia as well as industry. She is widely published and has exhibited her work in both design and art.

With these two passions, she is excited to be able to teach knitting to beginners and how this skill can advance us towards a slow and circular approach to clothing.

Host or Publisher The ReDress Hub