Crochet your own raffia shopping bag or handbag with this 4 week course which allows you to create a unique bag.

The course covers shape, sizing, stitch combinations and types of handle. Design your own bag using the techniques we learn in class or follow one of my patterns.

Skill Level

You must be confident with basic stitches. Working with raffia takes a bit of getting used to, so I would not recommend this course for anyone that has only recently started crocheting.

Materials

You will receive one ball of raffia as part of the course (no colour options). This is for practicing the stitches and techniques. You can either purchase your own raffia for a bag or I have added the option of buying enough raffia to make a shopper sized bag. Please note, I have only purchased 2 sets of each colour so the colours will be allocated on a first come first serve basis.

If you are buying your own, you will need at least 405m of raffia yarn that is suitable for knitting/crochet. Please note that not all raffia sold is suitable for crocheting with – some of it will be designed exclusively for crafting/flower arranging etc and will not be nice to crochet with.

Colours

About the Raffia

Please note, this is in effect “paper yarn” and not traditional raffia which would have been made from leaves and is not very easy or cost effective to crochet with.

Dates

• Week 1 – Monday 15th April 7:30-9:30pm
• Week 2 – Monday 22nd April 7:30-9:30pm
• Week 3 – Monday 29th April 7:30-9:30pm
• NO CLASS ON Monday 6th May as it is a Bank Holiday
• Week 4 – Monday 13th May 7:30-9:30pm

Venue

Esher Meeting Room
3 Claremont Lane
Esher
KT10 9DP

Parking

Park for free in the Berguette car park across the road.

Important : Online Resources

Please note: This particular in-person course does NOT have 100% video coverage for all techniques. I have taught this class before so there are videos but the majority of the teaching takes place in the class. You will not be able to do the course online only.

Booking

Bookings are secured with the receipt of a full payment. Please read the cancellation policy carefully before booking.

Important – Cancellation Policy

Should you need to cancel, refunds for the course can only be given up to 14 days before the start of the course and are subject to an administration fee of £15. The cost of any materials ordered cannot be refunded. After this time, i.e. 01/04/2024, I am unable to issue refunds as I have already committed to the hire of the venue and the purchase of all course materials and it doesn’t leave me enough time to find a replacement student to make the course financially viable for me. Additionally, refunds are not given if you are unable to attend some of the classes. Of course, full refunds will be given in the event that the course is cancelled due to the venue or I cancelling the course. Thank you for your understanding.

SOLD OUT

“Design & Make Your Own Granny Square Sweater Course” is a 5 week masterclass, spread over 7 weeks, which allows you to create a unique garment.

The course covers layout, shape, sizing and colour placement. Design your own sweater using the classic granny square pattern. We’ll cover different types of joining techniques from Join-as-you-go to the continuous Japanese method. Using either DK or 4ply/fingering weight yarn, you’ll learn how to get the right fit – whether you’re making the sweater for yourself or someone else.

Skill Level

You must be confident with basic crochet stitches and techniques – not suitable for complete beginners.

Course Location

Riverhouse Barn Art Centre
Studio (in courtyard at the back of the Riverhouse)
Manor Road
Walton-on-Thames
Surrey KT12 2PF

Course Dates

This is a 5 week course, running on Tuesday evenings.

Week 1: Tuesday 25th March 2025, 7:30-9:30pm
Week 2: Tuesday 1st April 2025, 7:30-9:30pm
Week 3: NO CLASS – EASTER HOLS – students will be making their motifs.
Week 4: NO CLASS – EASTER HOLS – students will be making their motifs.
Week 5: Tuesday 22nd April 2025, 7:30-9:30pm
Week 6: Tuesday 29th April 2025, 7:30-9:30pm
Week 7: Tuesday 6th May 2025, 7:30-9:30pm

Cost

• £120 for 5×2 hour sessions, exclusive online resources & support throughout the 7 weeks via email.

Please note : the cost of materials are not included in the course fees.

Expectations

The purpose of the course is to teach you how to plan out and implement the design, get you started with the project, as well as cover some of the other key elements of making a granny square sweater. It is up to you whether you go at your own pace or attempt to complete the sweater over the 7 week time span. It goes without saying, that you will need to spend time outside of the class making the motifs and other elements of the sweater.

Below is a rough guide to the curriculum, this may vary depending on how quickly we get through things and how much help people need for their individual designs.

Week 1 : Introduction and overview of the types of sweater you can make. Joining techniques. How to swatch.

Week 2 : Using your swatch to plan & design your sweater layout.

2 Weeks over Easter: no classes – you’ll be using this time to make the bulk of your motifs. Email /WhatsApp support is provided for checking/approving designs.

Week 3 : Neck shaping & seaming.

Week 4 : Cuffs and hems.

Week 5: Finishing techniques.

Materials Required

How much yarn will I need? – Unfortunately, it is a bit of a chicken and egg situation. If you already know what yarn you’re using, please bring it to the first class. If not, the first class will help you decide. During week 2 we work out the precise quantities.
Example: I am a size 12, for a regular granny square sweater, I usually need just under 6 x100g skeins of 4ply, that’s roughly 2000m or 2190 yds.

How many colours? – I recommend at least 5 colours, but you can use more or less depending on your personal preference.

Yarn thickness – my preferred yarn thickness for these kinds of sweaters is 4ply/fingering or sock weight yarn because they are very wearable and have good drape. However, you can use DK weight yarn but please be aware that this will create a reasonably bulky and very warm garment. I do not recommend yarn thicker than DK as it makes a very bulky, boiling hot sweater that may not drape well.

Yarn composition – I would strongly recommend natural yarns such as merino wool or cotton or blends thereof. Or at least yarns with less than 20% nylon/synthetic material. Acrylic yarns do not work very well in these types of garments because the yarn has no stitch memory and poor drape. Additionally, I try to discourage the use of acrylic since it’s a product of the petro-chemical industry, is toxic to manufacture and leaches microplastics in to the environment.

What to bring to the first class? – When you sign up, you’ll receive more information about what’s required on the first session.

Hooks – You’ll need the correct hook size for your yarn. This will range from 2.5mm to 4mm depending on your yarn choice, personal gauge and again, this is discussed in the email when you sign up and the first class.

Course Size

Currently the course size is limited to a maximum of 10 students.

Student Resources

I have a dedicated student resource page with a login (which you’ll receive once you’ve signed up) where you’ll find all the class notes and an extensive collection of useful videos to watch at your leisure.

Course Sign Up & Payment

Bookings are only secured with the receipt of a full payment. If you have any problems paying, please message me through the “Contact Me” page.

SOLD OUT

Please join the waitlist by completing the form below.

Important – Cancellation Policy

Should you need to cancel, refunds for the course can only be given up to 14 days before the start of the course and are subject to an administration fee of £15. After this time, i.e. 11/03/24, I am unable to issue refunds as I have already committed to the hire of the venue and the purchase of all course materials and it doesn’t leave me enough time to find a replacement student to make the course financially viable for me. Of course, full refunds will be given in the event that the course is cancelled due to the venue or me cancelling the course. Thank you for your understanding.

SOLD OUT

Well that was popular! Did you want to do this course but missed out? Please message me via the Contact Me page and let me know! I’ll make sure you’re the first to hear about the next booking.

---

Due to popular demand, I will be running this lovely workshop for parents/grandparents/guardians and their children/grandchildren at the Riverhouse Barn Arts Centre, in Walton-on-Thames, Surrey!

This workshop is designed as an introduction to crochet. I’ve developed a small project that the parent and child (9+) can each make, learning together and includes a coffee/soft-drink and cake from our community cafe during our halftime break.

You’ll be making a small bowl which will teach you how to hold the hook and yarn, chain, make a single crochet (UK double crochet), how to slip stitch and fasten off. You’ll also have the opportunity to embellish your bowl to make it unique.

Please read the next section carefully before signing up. Parents/guardians are best suited to determine the suitability of the class for their child and hopefully an understanding of the way I teach my classes will help you make your decision!

Class Structure & Guidelines

• This workshop is aimed at students aged 9 and above with a participating adult (parent or guardian aged 18+).
• No previous crochet experience is required from either the parent or child.
• This is a 2 hour workshop.
• We will have a 15 minute break halfway through, in the cafe.
• For this workshop, I will teach a maximum of 6 students (3 adults & 3 children).
• We learn through demonstration, practical application and the use of our class notes & photo tutorials.
• I am not qualified to teach students with severe disabilities and learning difficulties.
• All students should understand that during the learning process we make mistakes and it takes repetition and a willingness to try again, in good faith, in order to progress.

What’s included?

As well as the tuition provided in class, the course also includes detailed class notes with photo tutorials, everything you need, including hook, yarn, needles & stitch markers. You’ll also receive a login so that you can access video tutorials of everything covered in class.

Additionally, the cost of the course includes a piece of cake and tea/coffee/soft drink for each student.

Parent & Child Crochet Taster Session – Sunday Afternoon 2024

Sunday 18th February 2024 2:00-4:00pm

Cost

The course costs £58 for both the parent and child and includes all materials, drinks, cakes and access to online resources.

What you might want to bring

• Notepad & pen.
• Scissors.
• Drink.
• Reading glasses if you wear them.

This is a great way to learn a new hobby in a friendly setting where you can meet other students with similar interests as well as supporting your local arts centre.

Venue

Riverhouse Barn Art Centre
Studio (in courtyard at the back of the Riverhouse)
Manor Road
Walton-on-Thames
Surrey KT12 2PF

SOLD OUT

Well that was popular! Did you want to do this course but missed out? Please message me via the Contact Me page and let me know! I’ll make sure you’re the first to hear about the next booking.

FAQ

Q: The dates of this course don’t suit me, will you be running another course and if so, when?
A: Yes, I run my beginners classes regularly. The best way to stay up to date with my courses is to sign up to my newsletter here: Mezzacraft Newsletter .

Q: What is your cancellation policy?
A: Please read about our cancellation policy in our terms and conditions: Terms & Conditions

Running on Tuesdays from 7:30-9:30pm at the Riverhouse Barn Arts Centre, in Walton-on-Thames, Surrey!

My beginners crochet course, consists of four, two hour classes where you will get to grips with all the basics needed to get you competent and confident in the art of crochet.

I have developed a special project that covers starting off, chaining, the basic stitches and joining motifs together for a finished item.

This course is for you if you are :

• a complete beginner and you’ve never even picked up a hook.
• someone that has dabbled in crochet but never really got to grips with it.
• someone that may have crocheted many years ago but need refreshing on the basic techniques.
• self-taught from the internet but want to make sure you’re not picking up any bad habits.

As well as my expert guidance and hands on practical work, the course includes detailed class notes with photo tutorials AND everything you need, including hook, yarn, needles, stitch markers and a handy project bag.

You’ll be making a small item which will teach you how to make a traditional and solid granny square.
You will learn all the essential techniques that can be applied to most basic projects such as:

• choosing the right size hook and yarn
• how to hold your hook and yarn
• chaining
• slip stitch, single & double crochet
• crochet chart symbols
• how to make a square
• how to change colours
• how to join motifs using sewing and crochet
• how to make a cord
• how to finish off

Learn to Crochet Course – Tuesday Evening Dates 2024

Week 1 – Tuesday 16th April 2024 7:30-9:30pm
Week 2 – Tuesday 23rd April 2024 7:30-9:30pm
Week 3 – Tuesday 30th April 2024 7:30-9:30pm
Week 4 – Tuesday 7th May 2024 7:30-9:30pm

Cost

The course consists of 4 x 2 hour session and costs £80 – this covers all materials needed & exclusive access to the online student resources.

What you might want to bring

• Notepad & pen.
• Scissors.
• Drink.
• Reading glasses if you wear them.

This is a great way to learn a new hobby in a friendly setting where you can meet other students with similar interests as well as supporting your local arts centre.

Venue

Riverhouse Barn Art Centre
Studio (in courtyard at the back of the Riverhouse)
Manor Road
Walton-on-Thames
Surrey KT12 2PF

Course Sign Up & Payment “Learn to Crochet Walton-on-Thames”

SOLD OUT

FAQ

Q: Why is the course 4 weeks long?
A : I have seen many day classes and classes that are a couple of hours long, promising to teach you to crochet. Of course there are some that can pick things up very quickly, but a key element of learning to crochet is muscle memory… this is very difficult to achieve in a short, one off class. In fact, a large percentage of my students had previously attended these kinds of classes and not quite managed to commit the techniques to memory. My immersive courses allow you to go home and practice what you’ve learnt in class and come back to me the following week for help with anything you’re unsure of. This 4 week structure really allows the skills to sink in and stick!

Q: I would like to attend your course but I am not able to make all the classes.
A : You can still get a lot out of the course, even if you have to skip some of the weeks, however,  Week 1 & Week 2 are mandatory. It’s very difficult for me to re-teach a whole missed class for one student and then fit in the content for the scheduled class. I have tried to do this in the past and ends up being unsatisfactory for the the student trying to catch up and also for the other students who didn’t miss a class. You will be sent class notes and videos (where applicable) for any classes missed and I’m happy to help via email/WhatsApp. The full cost of the course also applies, even if you can only make some of the classes.

Q: Is this class suitable for children (under 18s)?
A: This is not a straightforward answer, please click this link to read my full policy on teaching children.

Q: I do not need the starter kit as I have my own yarn and hooks.
A: After many years of teaching crochet to beginners, I have found that the hooks and yarn used make a massive difference to how easily the student picks up the technique and how much they enjoy the experience. Students that bring unsuitable equipment invariably end up frustrated so I have made the decision to provide and include all the materials in the cost of the course.

Q: I am a knitter. I’d like to crochet but I’m worried I won’t be able to.
A: Yes, I have come across this concern many times. There still seems to be a misconception that you either knit or crochet… of course you can do both! Often those with previous experience of knitting or other types of handicrafts can find picking up a new skill relatively easy.

Q: I use a wheelchair, is there wheelchair access to the studio?
A: Yes, there is a ramp into the studio. Please get in touch when you book and I will double check with the staff at the Riverhouse that everything is set up correctly for you.

Q: The dates of this course don’t suit me, will you be running another course and if so, when?
A: Yes, I run my beginners classes regularly. The best way to stay up to date with my courses is to sign up to my newsletter here: Mezzacraft Newsletter .

Q: What are your terms & conditions?
A: Please read our full terms and conditions here: Terms & Conditions

Important – Cancellation Policy

I have hesitated to implement this policy in the past, although it has always been in place as part of my terms & conditions. However, due to a high dropout rate for some of my recent courses, sometimes days before the course starts, I have been left in a situation where I am often not covering my costs and/or earning even a minimum wage. Therefore, I regret that I will now have to implement the policy so that I am able to continue teaching. Should you need to cancel, refunds for the course can only be given up to 14 days before the start of the course and are subject to an administration fee of £15. After this time, i.e. 2/4/24, I am unable to issue refunds as I have already committed to the hire of the venue and the purchase of all course materials and it doesn’t leave me enough time to find a replacement student to make the course financially viable. Of course, full refunds will be given in the event that the course is cancelled due to Riverhouse Barn or I cancelling the course. Thank you for your understanding.

During this 4 week course, you’ll learn some new stitches which focus on colour and texture.

Course Schedule

• Weeks 1 & 2 you’ll be learning a series of stitch sequences.
• Week 3 you’ll be planning your design.
• Week 4 you’ll be working on your design.

Do not panic if you don’t want to create your own design – I will also have a pattern you can follow and make if you’d prefer.

Skill Level

You must be confident with basic stitches. This is a great next step for students that have taken my beginners course, whilst also being fun project for my more advanced students.

Materials

You will receive 2x50g balls of cotton aran yarn and a 5mm hook included in the course fees. This is enough for practising the sample stitches – the amount of yarn you require for your final project will depend on your design (you’ll get help working out how much yarn you need for your final project.)

Dates

• Week 1 – Thursday 22nd February 10:00am-12:00pm
• Week 2 – Thursday 29th February 10:00am-12:00pm
• Week 3 – Thursday 7th March 10:00am-12:00pm
• Week 4 – Thursday 14th March 10:00am-12:00pm

Venue

The Craft Cabin
Whichcraft Wools
17 The Broadway
Cheam, SM3 8BH

Online Resources

This particular in-person course does not have 100% video coverage for all techniques. It will include online resources for the stitches students need the most help with and I have provisioned in time to create one custom video per week which will be voted for by the students.

Course Sign Up & Payment

Bookings are only secured with the receipt of a full payment. If you have any problems paying, please message me through the “Contact Me” page.

Important – Cancellation Policy

I have hesitated to implement this policy in the past, although it has always been in place as part of my terms & conditions. However, due to a high dropout rate for some of my recent courses, sometimes days before the course starts, I have been left in a situation where I am often not covering my costs and/or earning even a minimum wage. Therefore, I regret that I will now have to implement the policy so that I am able to continue teaching. Should you need to cancel, refunds for the course can only be given up to 14 days before the start of the course and are subject to an administration fee of £15. After this time, i.e. 8/2/24, I am unable to issue refunds as I have already committed to the hire of the venue and the purchase of all course materials and it doesn’t leave me enough time to find a replacement student to make the course financially viable. Of course, full refunds will be given in the event that the course is cancelled due to Whichcraft Wools or I cancelling the course. Thank you for your understanding.

I will be running my ever popular Riverhouse Owl crochet course on Tuesdays from 10:00-12:00pm at the Whichcraftwools, Cheam, Surrey!

This is a 4 week course (4 x 2 hour sessions) where you will learn the basic techniques of Amigurumi toy making by creating the Riverhouse Owl. I use it as a doorstop but it could also be used as a toy!

Please advise if you have an allergy to wool.

This course is for you if you :

• have taken my beginners course and are looking for your next project.
• have basic crochet skills and want to learn some new techniques.
• are a more advanced crochet student but fancy a fun project.

As well as my expert guidance and hands on practical work, the course includes detailed class notes with photo tutorials, videos AND everything you need, including hook, yarn and stuffing.

Owl Crochet Course Dates 2024

• Week 1 -Tuesday 9th January 10-12pm
• Week 2 -Tuesday 16th January 10-12pm
• Week 3 -Tuesday 23rd January 10-12pm
• Week 4 -Tuesday 30th January 10-12pm

Cost

The course consists of 4 x 2 hour session and costs £80 – this covers all materials needed & exclusive access to the online student resources with full video tutorials of everything covered in class.

What you might want to bring

• Notepad & pen.
• Scissors.
• Drink.

This is a great way to practice your hobby in a friendly setting where you can meet other students with similar interests as well as supporting your local yarn store.

Booking

Bookings are secured with the receipt of a full payment. Please read all Terms & Conditions before booking. Please read my cancellation policy below.

If you have any problems with the payment form, please let me know!

Important – Cancellation Policy

I have hesitated to implement this policy in the past, although it has always been in place as part of my terms & conditions. However, due to a high dropout rate for some of my recent courses, sometimes days before the course starts, I have been left in a situation where I am often not covering my costs and/or earning even a minimum wage. Therefore, I regret that I will now have to implement the policy otherwise I am no longer able to continue teaching. Should you need to cancel, refunds for the course can only be given up to 14 days before the start of the course and are subject to an administration fee of £15. After this time, i.e. 26/12/23, I am unable to issue refunds as I have already committed to the hire of the venue and the purchase of all course materials and it doesn’t leave me enough time to find a replacement student to make the course financially viable for me. Of course, full refunds will be given in the event that the course is cancelled due to Whichcraft Wools or I cancelling the course. Thank you for your understanding.

Learn the basic Tunisian crochet stitches before moving on to the various different methods of creating Tunisian Crochet Entrelac. Once mastered, Tunisian crochet is an easy and very satisfying technique!

Venue

Esher Meeting Room
3 Claremont Lane
Esher
KT10 9DP

Parking

Park for free in the Berguette car park across the road.

Cost: £60 (for 4 weeks)

Techniques covered:

1. Basic Tunisian crochet stitches.
2. Increasing and decreasing.
3. Corner to corner Tunisian Entrelac.
4. Tunisian Entrelac worked in rows.
5. Tunisian Entrelac from the centre out.

We’ll also explore how gradient/striped yarns work up in entrelac.

As usual, all my classes come with photo-tutorial class notes that you will receive either by email or hard copy so that you can practise between classes.

Skill Level

You will need to be confident with basic crochet stitches such as sc/UK double, dc/UK treble, chaining & slip stitching.

What can I make?

Once you’ve mastered the stitch and decided which variation you’d like to use, I can help you to design a simple cushion cover or custom fit case for an iPad, glasses or kindle.

What’s included?

★ Tunisian crochet hook suitable for DK yarn.
★ Exclusive access to videos and other resources that support what you’ve learnt in class.

What to bring?

• Minimum of 2 x 100g DK yarn of your choice. In different colours. Solid, gradient or striped yarns are all good. Cottons work really well with Tunisian crochet. Please avoid novelty yarns & yarns with too much texture.
• Wool/tapestry needle.
• Scissors.
• Locking stitch markers.

Dates

• Week 1 – Monday 8th January, 7:30-9:30pm
• Week 2 – Monday 15th January, 7:30-9:30pm
• Week 3 – Monday 22nd January, 7:30-9:30pm
• Week 4 – Monday 29th January, 7:30-9:30pm

Course Sign Up & Payment

To book your place, a full payment must be made. If you have problems paying via the form, please get in touch via the Contact Me page.

SOLD OUT

Did you miss out? Please make sure you are signed up to my newsletter and hear about my courses before I put them online.

Important – Cancellation Policy

I have hesitated to implement this policy in the past, although it has always been in place as part of my terms & conditions. However, due to a high dropout rate for some of my recent courses, sometimes days before the course starts, I have been left in a situation where I am often not covering my costs and/or earning even a minimum wage. Therefore, I regret that I will now have to implement the policy otherwise I am no longer able to continue teaching. Should you need to cancel, refunds for the course can only be given up to 14 days before the start of the course and are subject to an administration fee of £15. After this time, i.e. 25/12/23, I am unable to issue refunds as I have already committed to the hire of the venue and the purchase of all course materials and it doesn’t leave me enough time to find a replacement student to make the course financially viable for me. Of course, full refunds will be given in the event that the course is cancelled due to the venue or I cancelling the course. Thank you for your understanding.

Fancy making a unique set of Christmas baubles? Do you have basic crochet skills? Live in or around Walton-on-Thames, Surrey? Join me for this one off crochet workshop! These baubles make attractive decorations and are prefect gifts.

Skill Level

You must be confident in crocheting basic stitches – i.e. sc/UK double crochet, dc/UK treble crochet, slip stitching, chaining & know how to count your stitches.

Dates

This is a one off course, on a Monday afternoon:

★ Monday 4th December, 12:30-2:30pm

Cost

The course is £33 for the class and includes a kit with almost everything you need to make a set of baubles.

★ Yarn (3 colours of cotton with lurex gold or silver)
★ 2x plain baubles.

Kit Choice

I will have 3 kits available…see images below.

A. Poinsettia – red, green, cream & gold.
B. Ice Flower – blues, white & silver.
C. Lucky Dip Brights – 4 random bright colours with gold or silver bauble fitting.

You can select the kit when booking the course.

Materials Not Included

What to bring!

★ A 3mm hook – if you don’t have one, please let me know when you sign up and I’ll bring one to the class that you can purchase for £3.50.
★ Tapestry needle.
★ Scissors.

Class Format

This class comes with detailed class notes and pattern. I provide samples and practical demonstrations of all techniques. Along with the class notes, if the project hasn’t been finished in the allocated time, the students will be able to continue & complete their project in the comfort of their own home, with relative ease as there are exclusive video tutorials. I am also happy to offer help by email, after the course, should any student have any questions.

Venue

Riverhouse Barn,
Manor Road,
Walton-on-Thames,
Surrey KT12 2PF

SOLD OUT

Important – Cancellation Policy

I have hesitated to implement this policy in the past, although it has always been in place as part of my terms & conditions. However, due to a high dropout rate for some of my recent courses, sometimes days before the course starts, I have been left in a situation where I am often not covering my costs and/or earning even a minimum wage. Therefore, I regret that I will now have to implement the policy otherwise I am no longer able to continue teaching. Should you need to cancel, refunds for the course can only be given up to 14 days before the start of the course and are subject to an administration fee of £15. After this time, i.e. 27/11/23, I am unable to issue refunds as I have already committed to the hire of the venue and the purchase of all course materials and it doesn’t leave me enough time to find a replacement student to make the course financially viable for me. Of course, full refunds will be given in the event that the course is cancelled due to Riverhouse Barn or I cancelling the course. Thank you for your understanding.