Image: Mati Ventrillon. Copyright: Daandar.com.

We have been overwhelmed by the positive response to the Selvedge World Fair workshops, with some classes selling out twice over. The virtual workshops include something for all craft and textile lovers. From surface design to knitting, basket-making to upcycling clothes. They are a rare opportunity to learn skills from master artisans who are the best in the world at their crafts. We have added more workshops to the programme, which you can buy tickets for now, and more workshops will be added soon. New workshops include Fair Isle Knitting, Virtual Workshop with Mati Ventrillon (Scotland), Rag Rugs, Virtual Workshop with Multicolores (Guatemala) and Traditional Kyrgyz “ala-kiyiz” Felting, Virtual Workshop with Crafts Support Association's Resource Centre (Kyrgyzstan). All take place on 4 or 5 September during the Selvedge World Fair.

Image: Multicolores.

Mati Ventrillon’s workshop is a taster session in Fair Isle knitting. It includes an introduction to Fair Isle - the location, landscape and heritage - discussion of some traditional and modern samples, and a knitting session, creating a wrist warmer using traditional colours and techniques. In Rag Rugs, Multicolores artists will teach you how to design and hook a rug the Maya way. They will guide you through the entire creation process: design, colour combinations, preparing materials, and hooking technique. Artists will begin by demonstrating their own work and the Mayan handwoven textiles that inspire them. You will learn about the Multicolores design philosophy: how to create vibrant, exciting artwork using original templates, freehand drawing, and bold colour combinations.

Image: Crafts Support Association's Resource Centre.

In Traditional Kyrgyz “ala-kiyiz” Felting, Aidai Chochunbaeva will begin the workshop with a short introduction about her herself and her work, followed by the history of the Kyrgyz felting traditions and “ala-kiyiz” technique. She will introduce you to the raw materials and tools used and will demonstrate the technique, leading you through the process to help you create your own felted mat.

Find out more information at Selvedge World Fair Workshops.