Gather and Yarn Workshops
We have such an amazing crafting community in Australia and we wanted this event to engage with working creatives who contribute so much to us all.
We’re bringing together a fabulous line up of teachers to inspire and guide you, with confirmed teachers below. You can find more detailed workshop information below.
Workshops will be largely hands-on and a chance to try (or refine):
Knitting skills like Lacework, Mosaic Colourwork techniques, Sock Knitting, Learning to knit in the round, Shadow Knitting, "Reading" your Knitting and trying out Continental Knitting.
Crochet skills like trying amigurumi, learning new crochet joining methods, working on a garment pattern & tips for adjusting, (Almost) Beginner Crochet, incl crochet pattern reading and working a crochet in the round project, plus exploring the stitches and techniques to raise your granny square game!
Plus, we'll have a Botanical Yarn Dyeing workshop too (held at BWM, about 5 minutes from the All Seasons).
How do I choose my two Gather & Yarn workshops?
You’ll be participating in TWO creative 3-hour workshops over this weekend, with 15-18 people in each class, plus some shorter skills sessions on the Saturday afternoon.
Once you’re booked for this event, around mid-December you’ll be sent a list of all fabulous workshops that will be running across the weekend. You can submit your request for your top five workshop choices (in order) and we’ll then match you with everything possible. We may not be able to match you with all your preferred workshops but we know you’ll enjoy any workshop you are part of.
Confirmed Workshops & Teacher Bios
CONTINENTAL KNITTING
Vera Marcu (Vera Loves Knitting)
This workshop is for people who already know how to knit but are interested in the continental style of knitting, with the yarn tensioned on the left hand’s index finger. You will learn two different ways to purl and how they can help you become a faster, more efficient knitter. Attention will also be given to “reading” the fabric as that is a valuable tool in understanding different stitch patterns.
Through having a limited number of participants, one on one time will be spent so that at the end of the workshop you will have a good foundation of this technique. A video tutorial is available for future reference.
Vera Marcu is the designer behind Vera Loves Knitting. She learned knitting as a child and is still fascinated by this mindful and rewarding activity that brings joy to so many people. As an “intuitive” knitter who likes to improvise, Vera prefers to let the yarns guide her in the designing process, so she has rarely followed a knitting pattern. During the quiet times of lockdowns an idea of sharing these designs with the knitting community became a reality and in 2021 Vera published her first pattern on Ravelry; since then she has published almost 40 patterns independently. Vera likes to design things that are fun to knit but also stylish and practical to wear.
MAGICAL MOSAIC: An introduction to mosaic knitting
Join us to demystify the magic of mosaic colorwork with this introductory class. You will learn all about this deceptively simple colorwork style while working on a small, charming project. This workshop is for a confident beginner knitter, comfortable with casting on, off and garter stitch.
With a background in painting, Ambah has a deep passion for color and engaging design. Making has always been a fundamental part of her life, stemming from a childhood spent surrounded by my mother's textile art and design, often scavenging through her fabric scraps. She discovered knitting relatively late, taught in 2012 by her then eight-year-old son, who was a stickler for fixing my mistakes! In knitting, Ambah has found a craft that truly resonates. The slow, rhythmic nature of stitching has become a way to express creativity, produce practical items, and enjoy soul-soothing benefits. This quickly developed into a design obsession. When she couldn't find patterns to match the specific visions in her mind, ambah began creating her own. Her designs are influenced by everything - fashion, nature, hand-dyed yarn, and art. They are straightforward, size-inclusive, and wearable, enabling knitters to express their own creativity through color choices. In addition to design, Ambah actively fosters community by creating spaces for knitters to "k2tog" (knit together), regularly hosting Knit-Alongs (KALs) and community activities within her Ravelry group. Ambah's ultimate goal is to design knitting patterns that are both creative and flexible, allowing knitters to fully express their personal creativity while working on them.
SHADOW KNIT MITTS
Debra Kinsey (Debra Kinsey Knits)
In this workshop, you will learn how to make a pair of mitts using the shadow knitting technique. Shadow knitting is a mix of very easy colourwork and texture using 2-row stripes and off-set garter ridges on a background of stocking stitch.
The workshop will cover working from the written instructions and chart reading, techniques for working stripes, how to read the knitting, counting rows, mattress stitch seams and finishing techniques. This workshop is for advanced beginner level and up. Knitters should be able to cast-on and off, and work knit and purl stitches across the same row.
From Debra: I have been lucky to spend most of my career in the world of hand-knitting. I have worked with yarn companies, magazines, and yarn shops in a number of roles, including as a pattern writer, sample knitter, hand-knitting teacher, technical editor, and studio manager. I also opened a yarn shop. For five years, The Knitters Workshop sold yarn and patterns, ran classes, gave advice, and created designs. I loved the community of hand-knitters that came with owning a yarn business. Drawing on my industry experience and a Graduate Diploma in Editing and Publishing (RMIT), I launched my pattern publishing business in 2016. Today, my print patterns are stocked in yarn shops, and my digital patterns are available on my website at debrakinseyknits.com, Ravelry and Lovecrafts. I love to teach knitting skills and meet fellow crafters.
PATTERN MODIFICATIONS THAT WORK FOR YOU: Crocheting Juliet's Lavender Haze Top
Juliet Rose (SewHookedCrochet)
Ever wanted to crochet a garment, but the size or pattern wasn't quite right for you? In this workshop, you'll start on Juliet's Lavender Haze Crochet top. Juliet will walk you through modifications you can make to the pattern and where, and how, to make this top right for you! The workshop would suit Confident Crocheters who've already taken a step into the world of creating garments.
Hey! I’m Juliet - the founder of Sew Hooked Crochet and Craft Cinema Nights. I began crocheting to keep myself busy in the Melbourne lockdowns in 2020 and have been creating my own crochet patterns since 2021. One of my favourite things to do is dupe crochet clothes I see in the wild - including of course, Taylor Swift’s crochet dress and her Lavender Haze top (which I wore to the Eras Tour!). I started Craft Cinema Nights in 2024 because I was sick of leaving the house without my craft in hand plus I wanted to connect with other local crafters.
AROUND THE GRANNY SQUARE
Join Shelley for the Around the Square Workshop. This workshop is a hands on session designed for those with a basic understanding of crochet stitches, eager to improve their granny square skills. In this workshop, we’ll delve into some of the intricacies of granny squares, exploring various stitches and techniques to create seamless designs.
Whether you want to make blankets, accessories, or other items from granny squares, this workshop will provide you will the skills to improve your granny square crochet. With personalised guidance, tips, and a supportive atmosphere, you’ll leave with the skills to make your granny squares sing.
This workshop would suit confident Crocheters who can read a pattern or chart. Familiar with most crochet stitches and techniques
Shelley Husband is a designer, author, and serious supporter of making crocheting easy and enjoyable. While Shelley learned crocheting as a child, it took her almost 40 years to crochet her next granny square — and she hasn't stopped since. Soon after that square, Shelley realised she had a new design in mind, and then another, and ... well, let ’ s just say, there's no slowing the new designs that continue to have her granny square community buzzing. From her first book, Granny Square Flair, winning UK's Best Crochet Book in 2019, to a total tally of eleven books, Shelley enjoys giving her community what they want. Now with an App, online group, and regular workshops across the country, Shelley loves getting the curious hooked on granny squares! Old and new crocheters fall in love with the way Shelley designs patterns to be practical to grow their crochet confidence, one square at a time.
SOCK KNITTING: Let's knit the Mini Melbourne Socks
Kath Martin (Designer & Mindful Melbourne Maker Knitting Podcast)
Embrace the joy and adventure that is sock knitting with a fun and relaxed class that teaches you the basics of sock knitting and allows you to explore a world of cuffs, heels and patterns - all in miniature! During the 3 hour workshop, you will knit your way through a baby-sized sock picking up tricks and tips for all aspects of knitting any sized sock, with different heel and cuff options discussed.
Designed for adventurous beginners and above, this workshop will be fun for all knitters!
Kath Martin is an avid knitter and designer from Melbourne, Australia. Creativity is a key part of Kath’s life – she is an accomplished musician, and also loves knitting, sewing and crocheting as a way to bring peace and balance to an otherwise busy and demanding life as an executive and mother. Kath is the host of the Mindful Melbourne Maker Knitting Podcast on YouTube and also designs fun, easy-to-follow knitting patterns that are intended to build confidence for those wanting to learn new techniques, especially in relation to sock knitting. Kath has independently published more than 15 sock, shawl and accessory patterns on Ravelry.
INTRODUCTION TO BOTANICAL DYEING
Sue Connor (Playing with Fibre)
Spend a morning immersed in colour from mother nature. This workshop will introduce you to the magic and beauty of natural dyeing. You will learn which plants and kitchen waste can be used for dyeing, how to effectively mordant both protein and cellulose yarn, the use of natural additives to modify colour and the technique of extraction dyeing. Through extraction dyeing and the use of modifiers you will create 4 colours to dye samples of wool and cotton yarn for you to take home.
I am a Textile and Fibre Artist with approximately 10 years exploring natural dyeing. I create colour from nature. Flowers, leaves, bark, roots, berries, fruits and seeds give me the pigments that I need to dye natural fibres. I work with raffia, wool, linen, cotton, bamboo and silk. The fibres, yarns, threads and fabrics I dye I use in my artwork. I use a variety of tradition techniques such as basketry, contact dyeing, hand stitching, crochet and tapestry weaving to make sense of the world around me. Working with my hands, manipulating fibres is my way of expressing myself. It allows me to be still, to be present in the moment. Using traditional techniques enables me to stay connected with my ancestry. I am very passionate about sharing my love of texture, colour and traditional skills with
LET'S GET LACEY: Starter Lace Knitting
Kai Crosson, Bendigo Woollen Mills
Patterns with lace knitting are perfect for ethereal summer wraps and light, graceful garments. In this workshop you'll work on a lace 'sampler' project, learning and using the most common stitches needed in lacework. We'll work from written instructions and a corresponding chart, to help you master understanding both. We'll also learn about how and when to use 'lifelines' in your lacework knitting. This workshop is suitable for confident beginner knitters and above.
Kai first started knitting back when she 7 – she was taught by her favourite Aunt. After a long break she picked the knitting needles up in her early twenties and hasn’t looked back. She joined BWM in 2012 as a junior in the pattern writing/yarn development team and has worked her way up where she is now the General Manager. She is currently working on the the Knitters Guild of NSW’s Knitting Certificate.
CUTE CREATIONS: Let's try Amigurumi!
Learn the basics of making amigurumi as we make a cute little crochet bear together from one of Anika's patterns. You'll be crocheting in the round, joining, increasing and decreasing and bringing it all together to create some amigurumi magic! This workshop will be for an adventurous beginner. It will require basic knowledge of crochet stitches.
Hello! I'm Anika, the maker behind Handmade by Ani and I'm thrilled to be a part of Bendigo Woollen Mills Gather & Yarn 2026. I first picked up a crochet hook in 2017 after seeing a cute amigurumi bear and I haven't put it down since! What I love about amigurumi (the art of crocheting or knitting stuffed dolls) is the limitless creativity it offers, transforming a ball of yarn into anything you want it to be. Making and designing amigurumi has been a perfect way to express my creativity as well as a way to wind-down after work. Outside of crochet, I like to keep active by going to yoga and pilates classes as well as try new recipes.
ALL TOGETHER NOW: Crochet Joining Methods
Kylie Moleta (Stitched Up Craft)
So you love making crochet shapes and pieces, but you want to find the best method to join them together? Kylie will walk you through four common joins, explain which join works best for what project (and you) plus you'll have a hands on opportunity to try your hand at these joins on squares you bring along with you. This would suit a Confident Beginner (and up) Crocheter.
Kylie Moleta is a freelance crochet designer who has designed for both yarn companies and magazine publishers. She has a love of colour and design, and particularly enjoys creating blankets and granny squares. She shares her latest creations and designs on Instagram @stitchedupcraft, where she has over 62k followers. She lives in Melbourne, Australia.
READING YOUR KNITTING
Learn to truly “see” your knitting and understand exactly what’s happening on your needles. In this workshop, Jaime will guide you through the fundamentals of reading your knitted fabric: understanding stitch anatomy, identifying increases and decreases, spotting mistakes early and learning simple strategies for counting rows with confidence. You’ll discover how to interpret your work visually, giving you greater control, clarity and ease as you knit. No more guessing or second-guessing. You’ll walk away feeling empowered to handle your knitting with a whole new level of understanding.
This workshop is suitable for knitters of all levels, as long as you know the basics (i.e. knit, purl, increase, decrease). If you’re ready to knit more confidently, catch mistakes sooner and feel more connected to your craft, this class will transform the way you approach every project.
Jaime is an award-winning independent knitwear designer from Melbourne, Australia. Spending her entire childhood in dance classes and competitions, school musicals, singing lessons and concerts, Jaime has always considered herself a creative person. However, it wasn’t until 2018, after she finished school, that Jaime discovered her passion for making her own clothes when she learned to crochet. She picked up knitting a year later, and soon after, Jaime Creates was born! Joining the online knitting community on Instagram enabled Jaime to share her work with the world and develop her style, giving her the confidence to start designing her own unique, colourful pieces and patterns. In 2024, Jaime's first pattern book Fast and Fabulous Knits: 18 Speedy Sweater and Top Patterns for Busy Knitters was published. Her designs have also been featured in two of Laine Publishing's 52 Weeks books. Jaime loves supporting her fellow designers in the online community and regularly purchases and test-knits patterns written by other designers.
INTRODUCTION TO FAIR ISLE / STRANDED COLOURWORK KNITTING
Chris Warren
Time to have some fun with stranded colourwork knitting! In this workshop, you'll learn tips and techniques to build your Fair Isle confidence. We'll start on a beanie project together, which you can try flat or in the round. This workshop would suit a confident knitter who is looking to refine their skills, and have the opportunity to ask questions, in a supportive environment.
Chris is a long time knitter, who's shared her knowledge via knitting classes at Sunspun across a range of knitting and crochet classes and topics, plus workshops for the 2025 Yarra Valley Wool & Handicrafts Show. She co-hosts a knitting group in the Macedon Ranges and is a Committee member for the Arts, Craft & Cookery competitions at the Royal Melbourne Show.
(ALMOST) STARTER CROCHET: Let's make a bag!
Chloe Hickey
In this workshop, you'll work on a small bag project, with Chloe working with you on new techniques like successfully crocheting in the round, joining your rounds, colour changing and more. Ideal for someone new to crochet, who is looking to improve their skills in a supportive environment. You should already know the basics, like chains and double crochet.
Chloe is a passionate crafter, who specialises in custom crochet creations under the brand Secrets By Sisters. She has been a keen crocheter for fifteen years, and has a Diploma in Crochet from The UK Centre of Excellence. She's undertaking the Level 1 Crochet Instructor Course with the Crochet Guild of Australia. Chloe has been working with BWM for seven years as a test crocheter, helping develop our BWM crochet patterns for release.
Please Note: We reserve the right to make variations to teachers and workshops should the unfortunate need arise. We'll ensure any replacements are of equal quality and value.