4th to 6th September 2026. Convention is fully booked – applications made now will be placed on a waiting list.
Our venue for 2026 is Eastwood Hall, Mansfield Road, Nottingham, NG16 3SS.
Convention runs from 4 pm Friday 4th September to 4 pm Sunday 6th September. Our Annual General Meeting (AGM) starts at 11:00 am on Saturday 5th September.
Join us for a weekend of keynote talks, workshops and sociable crafting. This exclusive weekend is available to Guild members only.
Updated: 18 May 2026.
The Location
Convention will beheld at Eastwood Hall, Mansfield Road, Nottingham, NG16 3SS. You can find more about the venue on their website. Eastwood Hall recommend that you use Google Maps to plan your journey.
Cost of attending Convention
Convention runs from 4pm Friday to 4pm Sunday.
We can only accommodate a limited number of delegates at Convention. Anyone who applies when we are full will be placed on a waiting list.
- Full delegates receive full board accommodation, refreshments during Convention and AGM, and attendance at Convention.
- Day delegates receive refreshments and lunch and attendance at the morning and afternoon sessions of Convention on the day their ticket is valid.
- You may register to attend the AGM without attending any Convention activity.
Full delegate (4pm Friday to 4pm Sunday)
- Sole occupancy: £350.
- Room shared with another delegate: £260 each.
- Booking to share a room with a guest or carer: £490.
- Booking for you and a guest or carer to have separate rooms: £624.
Saturday day ticket
- Delegate only: £74.
- Delegate with carer: £111.
Sunday day ticket
- Delegate only: £74.
- Delegate with carer: £111.
Weekend day ticket
- Delegate only: £134.
- Delegate with carer: £208.
AGM (Saturday morning. No refreshments or use of facilities included.)
- Free.
Additional nights
We are able to offer Bed and Breakfast accommodation for Thursday and Sunday nights.
- Shared room £109 (if you are sharing with another delegate, we will invoice you for half and the other delegate for the other half).
- Single occupancy room: £99 per night for each room.
Discounts
If you are delivering a workshop, we will give you a discount of £28 off the total cost when we acknowledge your booking and send you payment details.
Book your place
Only members can attend Convention.
In case of emergency
If you are attending Convention and someone needs to contact you in an emergency and you do not answer your own phone, the first point of contact should be the reception desk at Eastwood Hall (01773 532 532). You may also give them the members-only number below if they cannot reach you.
Members – login to see the member-only emergency contact number.
Code of conduct
The Knitting & Crochet Guild aims to be an inclusive, friendly and welcoming organisation. It’s important that everyone interacting with the Guild feels valued and are treated with respect. Sometimes – intentionally or unintentionally – this doesn’t happen.
The principles are simple: be kind, be courteous, be aware that others may not be able to hear or see you clearly or – conversely – that you can be overheard. Please be mindful and refrain from inappropriate conversations. In addition, respect how people wish to be addressed. When referring to people, pronouns express someone’s gender identity and using the pronouns someone prefers shows respect. Don’t assume everyone prefers ‘he’, ‘she’ or ‘him’, ‘her’, and try to avoid phrases like ‘girls’ or ‘boys’ when addressing a group, or even ‘ladies and gentlemen’, as some non-binary people may not identify in that way.
The Guild reserves the right to ask anyone who bullies or harasses another attendee, or who makes comments that are disrespectful to someone else, to leave an event. There is no right to a refund in such cases. We would, however, ask anyone who feels disrespected to let someone in a position of responsibility know so we can try to address the issue before it escalates to that extent. I.e. A Guild representative local to the occurrence, for example, branch co-ordinator or event leader.
Please remember that the Guild is operated by volunteers and we all want to enjoy our time at events. Although we treat any issue seriously and address them as quickly as we can, sometimes these involve things outside our control. Please be patient while we try to resolve them.
Outline Programme
You may download a copy of the programme. Note: this downloadable version of the programme does not include what you need to bring to workshops (see below for this) or the locations of workshops. There will be a full paper copy of the programme in your “goody bag”.
Friday 4th September 2026
| Start | End | Event | Room |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12:00 pm | 2:00 pm | Visit Framework Knitters Museum | Your own transport |
| 4:00 pm | Ongoing | Registration | Reception |
| 5:00 pm | 5:30 pm | Welcome and introductions | Barber Room |
| 6:00 pm | 7:00 pm | Dinner | Chatterley Suite |
| 7:30 pm | 8:30 pm | Show & Tell | Chatterley Suite |
Saturday 5th September 2026
| Start | End | Event | Room |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8:00 am | 9:00 am | Breakfast | Restaurant |
| 9:30 am | 10:30 am | Keynote: ‘The Healing Power of Knitting’ by Dr Mia Hobbs and Dr Paula Redmond | Chatterley Suite |
| 10:30 am | 11:00 am | Break | |
| 11:00 am | 12:00 pm | Annual General Meeting | Chatterley Suite |
| 1:00 pm | 2:00 pm | Lunch | Restaurant |
| 2:00 pm | 4:00 pm | Workshops | Various |
| 4:00 pm | 4:30 pm | Break | |
| 4:30 pm | 5:30 pm | Keynote: ‘Making Moorit – behind the scenes of a crochet magazine’ by Alyson Chu | Chatterley Suite |
| 6:30 pm | 7:30 pm | Dinner | Chatterley Suite |
| 7:30 pm | Fringe events; craft & chat in communal areas | As notified during Convention |
Sunday 6th September 2026
| Start | End | Event | Room |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8:00 am | 9:00 am | Breakfast | Restaurant |
| 9:30am | Deadline for clearing rooms and checking out | ||
| 9:00 am | 11:00 am | Workshops | Various |
| 11:00 am | 11:30 am | Break | |
| 11:30 am | 12:30 pm | Keynote: ‘The Game of Wool’ by Ailsa Stephen | Chatterley Suite |
| 1:00 pm | 2:00 pm | Lunch | Restaurant |
| 2:00 pm | 3:00 pm | Closing remarks and raffle | Chatterley Suite |
| 3:00 pm | 4:00 pm | Socialising (refreshments available) | Communal areas |
| 5:00 pm | Deadline for leaving |
Detailed Programme
Although we will do our best not to change the programme, sometimes we have to for a variety of reasons. We will inform you if a workshop you are allocated has to change.
Workshops are categorised by their craft; talks are of general interest.
Important note
We hope that by the time of Convention the sound system in the room used for plenary sessions will include a hearing loop and that this will help those who use hearing aids. If you wish to speak during these sessions, please use a microphone so that everyone can hear you. Equally, if you are near a microphone, remember that what you say may be heard by anyone in the room or watching the recording.
Please bear in mind that we plan to record keynote talks and the AGM. If you speak, or are in front of the camera, during these sessions you may be included in the recording.
Keynote speakers
Our speakers have generously offered their time and expertise. We intend to record these sessions for those members who are unable to attend in person. All the talks are of interest regardless of the crafts you practise.
Friday
Friday 4 September 12:00 pm
Friday 4 September: 12:00pm to 2:00pm – Visit to Framework Knitters Museum
The additional cost is £9 per person (this will be added to your Convention invoice). Members are responsible for their transport to and from the museum ...
Friday 4 September 4:00 pm
Registration
Sign in and collect your room keys from the Eastwood Hall reception desk.
Your badge will give you access to your bedroom. Please return it at the end of your visit.
If you arrive on Friday before 5pm, visit the Convention registration team in the reception area to receive your delegate badge.
If you arrive after this registration period, please collect your key and ask the Eastwood Hall Reception Team to direct you. All our volunteer team have paid to attend Convention, so you may need to wait until the end of a session to register fully and receive your goody bag.
Friday 4 September 5:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Welcome
Sarah Whitelaw will open Convention, welcome delegates, and give general information about Convention.
Friday 4 September 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Dinner
We have reserved tables in the dining room.
You are welcome to sit at any of our reserved tables.
We realise that it can be daunting to join what appears to be an established group, so at least one table will be designated as “I want to meet other people.” Please do not join this table as a group – though we really hope that you will feel part of a group by the time you leave it.
Friday 4 September 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Show & Tell
Show & Tell
Craft: Hand Knitting, Crochet, Machine Knitting
Experience: Suitable for all
Summary: Our popular Show & Tell returns to give you another chance to show off your creations to other crafters ...
Friday 4 September 8:30pm – late
Craft and chat
Pick up your project and make your way to the bar or a lounge to chat and craft with other delegates.
Saturday
Saturday 5 September 8:00 am – 9:00 am
Breakfast
We have reserved tables in the dining room.
You are welcome to sit at any of our reserved tables. We realise that it can be daunting to join what appears to be an established group, so at least one table will be designated as “I want to meet other people.” Please do not join this table as a group – though we really hope that you will feel part of a group by the time you leave it.
Saturday 5 September 9:30 am – 10:30 am
Keynote
Keynote: ‘The Healing Power of Knitting’ by Dr Mia Hobbs & Dr Paula Redmond
Craft: General
Experience: Suitable for all
Summary: We will use our psychological expertise to provide an exploration into the science behind how and why knitting benefits our mental health. We will introduce the Creative Restoration model which summarises the main themes arising from research ...
Saturday 5 September 11:00 am – 11:30 am
Break
Enjoy a hot drink and snacks.
Saturday 5 September 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Annual General Meeting
All delegates at Convention are registered to attend the Annual General Meeting (AGM).
Members who are unable to attend the AGM in person will be able to register to attend by video conference. Members will be told how to do this in the formal notification of the AGM. Once published, the documents for the AGM will be available on the AGM 2026 page.
Saturday 5 September 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Lunch
We have reserved tables in the dining room.
You are welcome to sit at any of our reserved tables. We realise that it can be daunting to join what appears to be an established group, so at least one table will be designated as “I want to meet other people.” Please do not join this table as a group – though we really hope that you will feel part of a group by the time you leave it.
Saturday 5 September 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Workshops
Hand Knitting
‘Knitting patchwork shells’ with Lynda Fiendley
Craft: Hand Knitting
Experience: Confident beginner
Summary: We will knit small shell shapes and learn how to join them to make a larger item ...
‘Stranded knitting’ with Steve Foreman
Craft: Hand Knitting
Experience: Confident Beginner
Summary: By the end of this workshop you will know what stranded knitting is, when it is an appropriate method to use, how to read a chart for colour knitting, and how to knit an object using stranded knitting. We will cover knitting with more than one colour, choice of colour, colour dominance, managing floats, and making increases and decreases ...
‘Top-down Jumpers’ with Rachel Lemon
Craft: Hand Knitting
Experience: Beginner
Summary: We’ll consider different types of top-down jumpers – raglan, yoke, with fitted sleeves. . ...
Machine Knitting
‘Machine knitting a Teddy Bear’ with Judy Jones
Craft: Machine Knitting
Experience: Beginner with basic knowledge of machine knitting.
Summary: Machine knit and finish a small hand sized toy Teddy. Bring your own knitting machine. ...
Crochet
‘Introducing Double Filet – the Double Granny Square’ with Rose Bowers
Craft: Crochet (double filet crochet)
Experience: Beginner
Summary: This will be an easy introduction to double filet which involves simultaneously creating two interwoven pieces of filet mesh, sometimes also known as interlocking ...
‘Introduction to crochet cables’ with Lindy Zubairy
Craft: Crochet
Experience: Confident improver
Summary: This workshop introduces raised (or round-the-post) crochet stitches that can be used to create highly textured fabrics such as ribs and embossed work. Alongside crossed stitches, they also form the basis of the crochet cable stitches we will look at ...
General Interest
‘Garments that fit’ with Nicole Hawkesford
Craft: Hand Knitting, Crochet, Machine Knitting
Experience: Suitable for all
Summary: In this workshop we will cover key body measurements for well-fitting garments, understanding ease, and what to think about with different styles of jumper/constructions. You’ll come away with your own personal measurement set and knowledge of how to get that perfect-fitting garment ...
‘Mood boards in design’ with Angharad Thomas
Craft: General
Experience: Suitable for all
Summary: This workshop is an opportunity to play with colours, yarns, images and found objects - ribbon, shells, feathers, sweet papers and so on – with the aim of getting ideas for your projects. These can be anything from a garment to a decorative piece. This method is also useful when planning to decorate a room or choose curtains and so on ...
Make use of hotel facilities
Saturday 5 September 4:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Break
Enjoy a hot drink and snacks.
Saturday 5 September 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Keynote
Keynote: ‘Making “Moorit” – behind the scenes of a crochet magazine’ by Alyson Chu
Craft: General
Experience: Suitable for all
Summary: Join publisher and founder of Moorit, Alyson Chu, in a behind the scenes look at what goes into making a crochet magazine ...
Saturday 5 September 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Dinner
We have reserved tables in the dining room.
You are welcome to sit at any of our reserved tables. We realise that it can be daunting to join what appears to be an established group, so at least one table will be designated as “I want to meet other people.” Please do not join this table as a group – though we really hope that you will feel part of a group by the time you leave it.
Saturday 7 September 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Self-guided activities
It is “Delegates’ choice” as to which events take place in this slot and which you attend! The bar, lounges and garden will be available for socialising. In addition there will be:
- Yarn Amnesty. Bring your unwanted yarn, tools and books so that others can benefit from your donation and contribute funds to the Guild. We are only able to accept cash.
- Fringe events. Anyone can set up a fringe event – just tell the Convention organisers at the start of the day so we can let people know what you are planning. They are opportunities to get together to talk about a particular activity.
Fringe events notified before Convention
Saturday 5 September 8:30 pm – late
Craft and chat
Pick up your project and make your way to one of the bars and lounges to chat and craft with other delegates.
Sunday
Sunday 6 September 8:00 am – 9:00 am
Breakfast
We have reserved tables in the dining room.
You are welcome to sit at any of our reserved tables. We realise that it can be daunting to join what appears to be an established group, so at least one table will be designated as “I want to meet other people.” Please do not join this table as a group – though we really hope that you will feel part of a group by the time you leave it.
Sunday 6 September 09:00 am – 11:00 am
Workshops
Hand Knitting
‘Colour your cables’ with Steve Foreman
Craft: Hand Knitting
Experience: Intermediate
Summary: Learn how to knit cables that are a different colour from the background ...
‘Entrelac knitting’ with Margaret Callaghan
Craft: Hand Knitting
Experience: Suitable for all abilities
Summary: Learn the interesting entrelac technique and make a small pouch ...
‘Knitting Multi-Shade Shawls: Exploring Stripes, Fades and Gradients’ with Emma Vining
Craft: Hand Knitting
Experience: Suitable for all
Summary: Knitting a multi-shade shawl involves creatively blending colour, pattern and texture to create a unique design. Join Emma to explore designing and knitting shawls with stripes, fades and gradients ...
Machine Knitting
‘Triangular bandana with integral icord edging’ with Pat Banyard Smith
Craft: Machine Knitting
Experience: Confident beginner
Summary: Use your oddments to make an on-trend bandana for yourself, friends and family or even your dog! ...
Crochet
‘Experimenting with Irish Crochet techniques’ with Maureen Wheeler
Craft: Crochet
Experience: Knowledge of basic crochet stitches
Summary: An opportunity to find out more about Irish Crochet techniques with or without using a padded cord. Make a motif of a flower, scroll, shamrock or rose ...
‘Have a go at freeform crochet’ with Helen Jordan
Craft: Crochet
Experience: Advanced beginner
Summary: Have a go at freeform crochet and maybe add a few techniques to your toolkit ...
‘Mosaic crochet’ with Kelly Ferguson
Craft: Crochet, Machine Knitting
Experience: Basic crochet skills
Summary: Mosaic crochet is a technique that uses two or more colours of yarn to create intricate colorwork patterns. We will be learning the overlay technique which involves working on the front only and changing colours every row creating a textured look ...
General interest
‘Gadgets, Successful and Otherwise’ with Barbara Smith
Craft: General
Experience: Suitable for all
Summary: A look at some of the tools and gadgets in the Guild collection, some that sold in large numbers and others that didn’t, maybe because they were impractical or too expensive. ...
‘Garments that fit’ with Nicole Hawkesford
Craft: Hand Knitting, Crochet, Machine Knitting
Experience: Suitable for all
Summary: In this workshop we will cover key body measurements for well-fitting garments, understanding ease, and what to think about with different styles of jumper/constructions. You’ll come away with your own personal measurement set and knowledge of how to get that perfect-fitting garment ...
Make use of hotel facilities
Sunday 6 September 11:00 am
There will be space for you to leave your bags in the main meeting room until 4:00 pm.
Please vacate your room and check out by 11:00 am.
Sunday 6 September 11:00 am – 11:30 am
Break
Enjoy a hot drink and snacks.
Sunday 6 September 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Keynote
Keynote: ‘The Game of Wool’ by Ailsa Stephen
Craft: General
Experience: Suitable for all
Summary: Ailsa will talk about her experience as a contestant on Channel4’s The Game of Wool ...
Sunday 6 September 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Lunch
We have reserved tables in the dining room.
You are welcome to sit at any of our reserved tables. We realise that it can be daunting to join what appears to be an established group, so at least one table will be designated as “I want to meet other people.” Please do not join this table as a group – though we really hope that you will feel part of a group by the time you leave it.
Sunday 6 September 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Raffle draw and closing remarks
Stay for the big reveal – who has won a prize in our raffle?
Sarah Whitelaw will close Convention.
Sunday 6 September 3:30 pm – 4:00 pm
Craft and chat
Pick up your project and make your way to one of the bars and lounges to chat and craft with other delegates.
Sunday 6 September 5:00 pm
We must leave Eastwood Hall by 5:00 pm.
We look forward to seeing you again in 2027!
