Summer craft workshops in Bristol

by Sara Moore - 25 June 2021

With holidays abroad not on the agenda for most of us this year, it's time to find some activities you can enjoy locally. What better way to spend the summer than by learning a new skill, you'll be ready to spend those cosy, autumn evenings crafting away. You might even be able to get ahead on some of those handmade Christmas presents. Here is a little round up of the best crafty, yarn based workshops that are being held in Bristol over the summer.

Discover bundle yarn dyeing with Ria Burns

Why not start at the beginning with learning how to dye your own yarn.

You'll be learning with Ria Burns, a sustainable knitwear designer who naturally dyes yarn using plants grown in her backgarden before knitting up on a domestic hand knitting machine.

Using a sock blank you will learn how to experiment with selection of seasonal, homegrown and responsibly foraged flowers, leaves and even vegetables to create your own unique skein of yarn.

Crochet a cotton basket with Stitching me Softly

You can never have too much storage, but wouldn't it be nice to make your own? Once you've learned the relaxing technique of crochet you'll be whipping these up in no time. Not only perfect for storing your craft supplies they make a lovely little plant pot cover too.

Come along to this intermediate crochet workshop with Emma from Stitching me Softly and make your very own crochet basket.

Weave a wall hanging with Mary Maddocks

The perfect workshop to combine nature and craft. 

A three hour experience involving a nature walk and a weaving workshop. First you will go on a nature walk to gather inspiration and then you will be taught by Mary how to incorporate this into a nature inspired woven wall hanging. Suitable for those without any textiles experience you will learn how to warp a loom, design and plan your weaving and carry out a variety of weaving techniques. As well as experimenting with a range of different yarns and patterns.

Punch needle wall hanging with Whole Punching

A round-up of Bristol craft workshops wouldn't be complete without a punch needle workshop.

Come and join me (Sara) and spend the morning making your own piece of modern textile art. Using a pre-prepared hoop you will choose a design (or go your own way) and use 100% cotton yarn to make your own punch needle hoop. A relaxing workshop, perfect for those who are new to punch needle and want to learn the basics in a friendly and warm environment.

I hope to see you at a punch needle workshop soon and if not, I hope you have a lovely summer.