Latest reviews

7 Dec 15'

Allison Connor reviewed: Hand-stitched leather tote, satchel or messenger bag course

"Fabulous weekend spent with Gaynor and Enya learning how to make a Tote bag. I came away feeling very proud after learning many new skills. I will definitely be back to learn more. Thank you so much for sharing with me, your skills and knowledge. You truly are very talented. See you soon. Allison"

7 Dec 15'

Helen reviewed: Soy Wax Candle Making Workshop

"Not only did we learn how to make candles but received invaluable advice and ideas for setting up a business and beyond. Fab lady! Thank you."

7 Dec 15'

Emma reviewed: Soy Wax Candle Making Workshop

"Exceeded all my expectations! Fun, informative, inspirational and creative. Outstanding presentation/demonstrations and coaching! Thank you"

7 Dec 15'

Halina reviewed: Soy Wax Candle Making Workshop

"Had a great day, great fun!"

7 Dec 15'

Janine reviewed: Soy Wax Candle Making Workshop

"I had a great day and made some fantastic candles."

7 Dec 15'

Julie reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"I feel enabled to try anything!"

7 Dec 15'

Jean Colbourn reviewed: Beginners crochet with Myra McKay

"I have done quite a few of Myra's courses, and really enjoyed every one. I have learned so much, Myra has so much knowledge and patience they are great days out.planning my next course even now."

6 Dec 15'

Peter reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"As a complete hands-on novice (although I had read some books and watched videos) I wanted a good introduction to the world of woodturning. I chanced on Mark''s website and encouraged by his reviews I made contact and booked an introductory day -which was yesterday. Mark turned out to be the best sort of enthusiast. Friendly and welcoming and with a very genuine desire to pass on as much of his 20 years experience in one day as possible. Mark has clearly put lot of thought into what he does and is eloquent in explaining the reasons why he does it. His approach to the art of wood turning was a little different from what I had read about but not the least bit gimmicky. The main difference seemed to me to be that he has questioned why things are done the way they are in "the mainstream" and spotted where it's simply a case of received wisdom or old habits dying hard. He has then worked out ways of working that address the issues he has identified. Mark is very interested in design and form in woodturning and is outspoken with regard to shortcomings in these areas- his own signature work in my humble opinion falling more into the realm of art than craft (in the best possible sense) albeit backed up with finely honed craft skills. In a genuinely action packed day Mark was able to introduce me to all the basic skills, reinforce what I had already learned and fill in gaps in my knowledge and advise me extensively on lathes, tools, timber, clubs etc. I now feel I have the knowledge needed to set myself up with a lathe and tools and to start to practice the basics at home. Once I have done so I am sure I will go back to Mark to refresh my skills with a view to take them to a higher level. I would not hesitate to recommend Mark as a woodturning teacher. He was unstinting with his skills and knowledge yesterday and has already sent me a lot of additional inormation which arose out of our discussion and is far above and beyond the call of duty. Thank you Mark."

6 Dec 15'

Grant Mealyou reviewed: Beginners 10 week woodworking course NO LONGER RUNNING

"I missed the first two weeks due to other commitments but Ciaran has able to help me catch up with the others. Over the course I gained more and more confidence and ended up maing a piece of furniture I was proud of, despite constantly thinking I messed up every time, especially when chiselling the wood or joints. Ciaran has the patience of a saint as there were times that I thought I ruined the wood but he was able to help me and teach how not to make the mistake again. I also had some tools that needed re-sharpening that he was able to repair them as well. I will definitely be using these skills for making new pieces of furniture and other works."

6 Dec 15'

Graham reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"The course was a birthday present and it was a fantastic gift. Had a great day working with Nigel and 2 other students. We worked at our own pace and Nigel was great offering help and guidance. And best of all got to bring several piece I made home with me to impress family and friends. I would recommend it to anyone. I will be back."

5 Dec 15'

Caroline Clark reviewed: Weekend Stained Glass Course

"This was a gift from my husband for my birthday and what a fab time I had... Cheryl is a very patient and enthusiastic teacher and I went home feeling very proud of what I had achieved"

4 Dec 15'

diane chapman reviewed: Beginners crochet with Myra McKay

"I have done a few of Myra's courses at knitwise, they are always well organised. Myra explains things so well and makes it seem easy. She is very knowledgeable and so helpful (even after the courses). I have really enjoyed the classes i have done and found them great value for money."

4 Dec 15'

Clive Fountain reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"What an amazing day I had on this course. Nigel is so friendly and welcoming, and so knowledgeable. I immediately felt relaxed and like an old friend. Made a number of items and got to experiment with a number of techniques. Could not have wished for a better day or a better teacher. Nigel really is a master craftsman who's passion for his work is infectious. I will definitely be booking again and coming back to learn more. I stayed over in one of the shepherd's hut in the grounds and would also recommend this to anyone. Waking in the very cosy and comfortable hut, nestled amongst the sculptures and surrounded by nature is the icing on the cake of a brilliant weekend."

4 Dec 15'

Kay Brennen reviewed: Beginners crochet with Myra McKay

"Thoroughly enjoyed every minute. Myra has the patience of a saint ( much needed with me ). A real pleasure to meet the other ladies booked on. I would highly recommend."

4 Dec 15'

Joanne Driscoll reviewed: Beginners crochet with Myra McKay

"I loved the crochet classes, I'm sorry they're over so soon, loved my Wednesday get together. Myra is very knowledgeable and patient. I was a complete beginner 5 weeks ago and now I'm making a shawl for my nieces christening. Would highly recommend this course. And thank you Margaret for the lovely cups of tea!"

4 Dec 15'

Kath Elliott reviewed: Beginners crochet with Myra McKay

"Can't recommend this shop enough! We are so lucky to have it here along with Myra (who is the font of all knowledge by the way).... Knitwise is definitely my new favourite shop !! Just finished the beginners crochet class .. It was brilliant. I looked forward to every week to learn something new. I was an absolute beginner and now I can crochet !! Will miss it but intend to go on the crochet days in the new year."

4 Dec 15'

Cathy Wright reviewed: Beginners crochet with Myra McKay

"Myra has an amazing amount of knowledge and is so generous with it. I'd definitely recommend her courses- I have been on quite a few of them and I can tell you she is patient patient patient."

4 Dec 15'

Francesca reviewed: Beginners crochet with Myra McKay

"I couldn't rate Myra and her courses/workshops highly enough, she really is an expert in all things yarny! and has the patience of a saint. I have learnt all my crochet from her and have learnt other techniques such as broom stick crochet and the brain frying interlocking. If you want to learn crochet (or anything else she is offering) you really could want for a better teacher/course."

4 Dec 15'

Ami Lowman reviewed: Introduction to Frame Loom Weaving

"I had a really enjoyable day learning the art of weaving with Alice. Based at Make in Fratton we had a cosy set up and a small group meant that help was there when you needed it! Alice is incredibly knowledgeable and patient with everyone especially as everyone was working on different designs! Left feeling utterly inspired, my new purchased loom in hand I've started my second weave already! Thank you Alice!"

3 Dec 15'

Laure reviewed: Silver jewellery Pendant making workshop

"I wanted to create something for my 35th birthday. I had a broken ring, and I loved the stone. Sarah was the perfect petson to help me out! I had an amazing time, learned so much, laughed, shared!!! Perfect birthday present! Her studio is a gem, feel good to step out of the real world for few hours. Now, I have a beautiful ring, a lot of compliment about it and I made it! Meeting Sarah was great, and I can't recommend her enough. She took some pictures of me during the day, which I didn't expect, and they are fabulous! Thank you, thank you thank you Sarah! Ps: I have just realised it is me on the picture below! Lol ;-)"

3 Dec 15'

Alison Ross reviewed: Beginners Weaving with the Rigid Heddle Loom - at All in a Spin

"After a rather stressful week, a day spent weaving in Dunja's beautiful farmhouse learning to use a rigid heddle loom was a tonic. Dunja is a very calm and thoughtful tutor. Although I had some problems with the weave pattern I picked, she sorted them out and I learnt from the mistake. I would recommend this workshop."

3 Dec 15'

Alison reviewed: Glass fusing for beginners - one day course

"A great session. I enjoyed it so much that I booked in for two, back to back. Students were given a range of projects to choose from which focused on developing glass fusing skills but had the option to 'freestyle' and make something different. Debbie was an excellent teacher and knows just how to make a workshop fun, engaging and creative! I will definitely go back again."

3 Dec 15'

Natalia reviewed: Glass fusing for beginners - one day course

"My mum and I booked onto this session as a Christmas fun day out and had an absolute blast. Debbie covered all of the important skills but leaves enough flexibility for everyone to pursue their own projects if they wish. There was a brilliant range of tools and glass supplies, so plenty to experiment with! Most importantly, Debbie was lovely, completely encouraging, supportive and inspiring. We are already planning when to go back for another session!"

2 Dec 15'

Sue reviewed: Needle felting course with FURZIE at Trumpet Corner Tea Rooms, Ledbury, Herefordshire

"A thoroughly enjoyable course! Michelle is a great teacher and full of ideas for bringing animals to life."

2 Dec 15'

Jonathan and Laura reviewed: Pottery throwing day course in the South Downs

"I booked a two hour session for me and my partner for her birthday as she had always been keen to try pottery on a wheel. Rowena was really friendly and very knowledgeable and very accomodating especially as I forgot to tell her my partner was 24 weeks pregnant - oops! My partner made a far better pot on the wheel in one try (it took me two attempts to make a good one) and then as it was very strenuous for her she rolled out a lovely oven dish while I took photos of her crafting. we had a lovely time, and six weeks later (exactly as Rowena had said) I collected the finished articles which we were really impressed with! Full marks to Rowena for a brilliant experience."