Drawing on the textile element of Yelena Popova’s exhibition Made Ground, and specifically her hand-knitted wall-hanging, this workshop allows people of all ages and abilities to try out the age-old craft of knitting!

Dumfries and Galloway once had a booming textile industry and several mills and knitwear companies are still fully functioning in the border regions. The village of Sanquhar remains famous for the Sanquhar knitting pattern which inspired Popova’s work. 

Em will bring along an array of yarns and needles and several year of knitting teaching experience to get you started even if you’ve never picked up these tools and materials before. If you do already know how to knit, please still feel free to come along, knit together and show off your skills. All knitting abilities and ages are welcome, from complete beginners to more advanced knitters.

Knitting is a lifelong skill with so many proven benefits. The textures and colours of yarn allow for creative expression and it can be soothing and mindful activity. Through its repetitive nature knitting can also induce relaxation making it great for mental health and well-being, and helping improve concentration levels. It can also help develop numeracy, fine motor and problem-solving skills. Knitting in a group is also great for meeting people and being part of a friendly community.