KNITTING workshops at Exbourne Village Hall this weekend will be offering the opportunity to learn the innovative Elizabeth Zimmerman technique. Elizabeth Zimmerman, who died in 1999, lived most of her adult life in the USA and was one of the most revered and innovative knitters of her generation. The new knitting technique which she developed involves using circular needles and a minimum of purl. It leaves very few seams to sew at the end, and makes knitting with two colours far easier. The workshop is being run by Elizabeth Zimmerman's niece Tricia Holman, who grew up knitting with the method, on Wonnacott Farm at Lewdown. Tricia will take participants through knitting a hat using the Zimmerman method. Apart from practical knitting, she will also be talking about design, and will be encouraging knitters to break free of other people's patterns. The two-day event costs £60, or £40 for those on benefits or in full-time education. Included in this price are the materials needed to make a hat: one circular needle, a set of pointed needles, and two balls of soft Shetland wool, in a choice of colours. Tea and coffee will be provided, but participants should take along their own picnic lunch. The workshops begin at 9.30 and end at 4 on both Saturday and Sunday. For more details, please call the organiser Louise Webb on 01837 851374.
