Responsive Resource Series: Wool workshops-Knitting

On the 27th of November, the third in the series of textile workshops we were joined by Eve Taylor of Sandwith Studios an independent knitwear brand based in Stockport. After graduation in 2022, Eve found there was a lack of independent knitwear brands in the north, particularly in Manchester, that focussed on ethical and sustainable design. Eve then set out creating Sandwith.studio to help rebuild Manchesters textile industry, focussing on traditional hand-crafted techniques to create wearable designs for the everyday. 

Eve took part in the panel discussion earlier in the month and it was brilliant to have her back for her first ever workshop, giving her the opportunity to share with participants all the skills she has learnt working with wool and founding her own business. 

Eve taught us the basic of knitting, selecting wool and knitting needles (a more complex process than you might think)  and how to process the balls of yarn so they can be best utilised. Eve also brought with her two domestic knitting machines that had been refurbished, many in the class had never seen one before so it was brilliant to experiment and play with their capabilities. Together we made many swatches for the communal wall hangings and the enthusiasm of the participants has led us to create a monthly textile meet up for members of the community to share their projects and skills.