Our venue for 2024 was High Leigh Conference Centre, Lord Street, Hoddeston, Hertfordshire EN11 8SG.
Updated: 07 January 2025.
The Location
Full directions are available on their website: https://www.cct.org.uk/high-leigh/how-to-find-us. You can also download travel directions here.
Outline 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. You may download a copy of the programme.
Friday 6th September
| Start | End | Event | Room |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4pm | Ongoing | Registration | Reception |
| 5pm | 5:30pm | Welcome and introductions | Yew Tree Hall |
| 6pm | 7pm | Dinner | Dining Room |
| 7:30pm | 8:30pm | Keynote: Vikki Haffenden | Yew Tree Hall |
Saturday 7th September
| Start | End | Event | Room |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8am | 9am | Breakfast | Dining room |
| 9:30am | 10:30am | Keynote: Sue Maton | Yew Tree Hall |
| 10:30am | 11am | Break | |
| 11am | 1pm | Annual General Meeting | Yew Tree Hall |
| 1pm | 2pm | Lunch | Dining rooms |
| 2pm | 4:30pm | Workshops (3pm – half hour break) | See below |
| 4:30pm | 6pm | Yarn Amnesty open | Mulberry Hall |
| 6pm | 7pm | Dinner | Dining room |
| 7pm | 7:30pm | Any fringe events organised by attendees | See Notice Board |
| 7:30pm | 8:30pm | Keynote: Lily Kate France | Yew Tree Hall |
| 8:30pm | Craft and chat | Communal areas |
Sunday 8th September
| Start | End | Event | Room |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8am | 9am | Breakfast | Dining room |
| 9:30am | Clear rooms and check out | ||
| 9:30 am | 10:30am | Show and Tell | Yew Tree Hall |
| 10:30am | 11am | Break | |
| 11am | 1pm | Workshops | See below |
| 1pm | 2pm | Lunch | Dining room |
| 2pm | 2:30pm | Closing remarks and raffle | Yew Tree Hall |
| 2:30pm | 4pm | Socialising (refreshments available) | Communal areas |
| 4pm | Deadline for leaving |
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.
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 6 September 4:00 pm and ongoing
Registration
Sign in and collect your room keys from the High Leigh reception desk.
Your badge will give you access to your bedroom and to the Convention buildings. Please return it at the end of your visit.
Then visit the Convention reception team in the reception area to receive your delegate badge.
If you arrive after this registration period, please collect your key and ask the High Leigh Reception Team to direct you to the main meeting room and register for Convention there.
Friday 6 September 5:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Welcome
Dianne Chan (Chair of the Knitting & Crochet Guild) will open Convention, welcome delegates, and give general information about Convention.
Friday 6 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 6 September 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Keynote
Vikki Haffenden – ‘The Fashionable Craft: A fresh Look at Machine Knitting’
Craft: General
Experience: All
Summary: Vikki Haffenden, the author of ‘Single and Double Bed Machine Knitting; the Designer’s Guide’ and ‘Translating Between Hand and Machine Knitting’ will talk about her books are contributing to the new wave of interest in machine knitting. She will discuss the historical and contemporary contexts of machine knitting and explore some of the misconceptions held about this fascinating and often neglected creative field. …
Friday 6 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 7 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 7 September 9:30 am – 10:30 am
Keynote
Sue Maton – ‘Crochet, Craft & Community’
Craft: General
Experience: All abilities
Summary: Using examples of her designs, and course members’ work, Sue will explain her design process, what inspires and drives her, and how she sees her work developing in the future …
Saturday 7 September 10:30 am – 11:00 am
Break
Enjoy a hot drink and snacks.
Saturday 7 September 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Annual General Meeting
All delegates to 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.
Saturday 7 September 1:00 – 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 7 September 2:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Workshops (including time for refreshment break)
Hand Knitting
Casting on – let me count the ways with Rachel Lemon
Craft: Hand Knitting
Experience: Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced
Summary: You don’t have to cast on or off in the same manner for every item you knit – how stretchy do you want your rib? Fancy knitting toe-up socks? We’ll cover ribs, crochet and casting-on in two directions at once. I’ll have samples so you can choose which to try. …
Let’s learn intarsia together with Steve Foreman
Craft: Hand Knitting
Experience: Confident Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced
Summary: After this workshop you will be able to use a chart, plan your intarsia project, and knit motifs using intarsia when knitting flat. If you are experienced in knitting in the round and knitting flat intarsia there may be time for you to learn intarsia in the round. …
Making and using T-shirt yarn with Clare Griffel
Craft: Hand Knitting, Crochet
Experience: Basic
Summary: Learn the best way to make old T-shirts into yarn, and make a start on knitting or crocheting an item using the yarn …
Machine Knitting
HP is SO saucy with Vikki Haffenden
Craft: Machine Knitting
Experience: Intermediate / Advanced
Room: Mulberry Hall
Summary: A practical, inspiring workshop exploring the potential of holding position for short rows, 2D and 3D surface pattern and shaping. The technique is possible on all single bed machines that have holding position (HP), including the simple, plastic-bed models such as the Silver Reed KL150 and Brother KX390/395 …
Crochet
Making and using T-shirt yarn with Clare Griffel
Craft: Hand Knitting, Crochet
Experience: Basic
Summary: Learn the best way to make old T-shirts into yarn, and make a start on knitting or crocheting an item using the yarn …
Mastering Texture and Dimension in Crochet: A Hands-on Demonstration of Back/Front Post Techniques, Cables, Ribs, and Edgings with Amanda Hutcherson
Craft: Crochet
Experience: Intermediate
Room: Boardroom
Summary: An immersive workshop designed to elevate your crochet projects from simple to spectacular by adding texture, depth, and intricate details …
Tunisian crochet – it’s in the (little) bag with Pam Mitchell
Craft: Crochet, Machine Knitting, General
Experience: Confident Beginner / Intermediate
Summary: Learn Tunisian Crochet …
General interest
Begin to spin using a drop spindle with Lynda Fiendly
Craft: General
Experience: Beginner Room: Yew Tree Hall
Summary: An introduction to using a top whorl drop spindle …
Saturday 7 September 4:30 pm – 6:00 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. As an example, Branch Coordinators at Convention will have a get-together.
Saturday 7 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.
Saturday 7 September 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Keynote
Lily Kate France – ‘Knitting & STEM & Social Media’
Craft: General
Experience: All abilities
Summary: Lily will discuss the considerable overlap on the science / creativity Venn diagram and how it impacts her work …
Saturday 7 September 8:30pm – 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 8 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 7 September 9:30 am
Please vacate your room and check out by 9:30 am.
There will be space for you to leave your bags in the main meeting room until 4:00 pm..
Sunday 8 September 9:30 am – 10:30 am
Keynote
Show & Tell
Craft: Hand Knitting, Crochet, Machine Knitting
Experience: Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced
Summary: Our popular Show & Tell returns to give you another chance to show off your creations to other crafters …
Sunday 8 September 10:30 am – 11:00 am
Break
Enjoy a hot drink and snacks.
Sunday 8 September 11:00 am – 1:00pm
Workshops (with refreshment break)
Hand Knitting
Knitting to Amuse Others with Judy Jones
Craft: Hand Knitting, Crochet
Experience: Beginner
Room: Beech 3
Summary: The workshop will cover Finger knitting, Arm knitting, Sociable Knitting and Crochet. This is aimed to help members who are Knitting in Public to engage with the visitors and encourage participation and learn a new skill …
Knitweave with Lynda Fiendley
Craft: Hand Knitting
Experience: Beginner
Room: Yew Tree Hall
Summary: You will learn what knitweave is and how to apply it to a project …
Machine Knitting
Knitweave with Heather Hofmeyr and Pat Banyard-Smith
Craft: Machine Knitting
Experience: Basic to Intermediate
Room: Mulberry Hall
Summary: You will have a chance to view the various base and weaving yarns available, learn about the advantages and disadvantages of knitweave, and see by means of garments, swatches, etc. what the possibilities are. You will then knit a cowl or small bag trying out various yarns and patterns …
Crochet
Broomstick Crochet with Lindy Zubairy
Craft: Crochet
Experience: Intermediate
Room: Beech 1
Summary: Broomstick Crochet is a fun way to extend your crochet range while creating a beautiful, lacy effect that may be incorporated in multiple projects and designs …
Knitting to Amuse Others with Judy Jones
Craft: Hand Knitting, Crochet
Experience: Beginner
Room: Beech 3
Summary: The workshop will cover Finger knitting, Arm knitting, Sociable Knitting and Crochet. This is aimed to help members who are Knitting in Public to engage with the visitors and encourage participation and learn a new skill …
Learn lacis crochet with Helen Jordan
Craft: Crochet
Experience: Confident beginner / Intermediate
Room: Beech 2
Summary: Learn how to use lacis crochet to create open fabric …
General Interest
Craft and Chat with Marjorie Needham
Craft: Hand knitting, Crochet, Genearal
Experience: All levels
Room: Communal area
Summary: Marjorie is leading Craft and Chat for anyone wanting a relaxed session
with their WIPs or an opportunity to learn how to knit a mitred
square …
Have a go at being a designer with Angharad Thomas
Craft: Hand Knitting, Crochet, Machine Knitting
Experience: Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced
Room: Boardroom
Summary: This workshop will be a fun, hands on introduction to designing your own textiles – these might be garments, blankets, or any knitted or crocheted item. You will need a picture, or pictures, for your inspiration, some plain paper, coloured pencils if you have them, and any bits or scraps of yarn you may have. You will use the time to think about what you want to make, how you would make it, colours, who it for … and so on. …
Wear your Dorset button inspired brooch or hang your hanging with pride with Janet Collins
Craft: General
Experience: All abilities
Room: Beech 4
Summary: In this workshop you will learn the 5 simple steps needed to make your own Dorset Button inspired broach. …
Sunday 8 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 8 September 2:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Raffle draw and closing remarks
Stay for the big reveal – who has won a prize in our raffle?
Dianne Chan will close Convention.
We would like to thank the following for their kind donation of raffle prizes.
- Alyson Chu of Moorit (5 prizes)- Issues of Moorit magazine.
- Debbie Abrahams (2 prizes) – Knitting kit (Amour mitts and Cowl), book Kaleidescope.
- Gill Gardiner – project bag.
- GMC Publications – one year subscription to Knitting Magazine.
- Immediate Live (4 prizes) – Knitting & Stitching Show Alexandra Palace (10th – 13th October 2024) tickets for two.
- Knit McIntosh – Set of Knitpro crochet hooks.
- Lily Kate France of Joli House (2 prizes)- a pattern by Lily Kate of the winner’s choice.
- Lynda Fiendly – Hand-spun wool.
- Lindy Zubairy of Yo Crochet– Popcorn & Puffs to Crochet by Lindy (book).
- Mandy Mellican (2 prizes) – Vintage Crochet by S. Cropper (book), Sophie’s Universe CAL (book).
- Nicole Hawkesford (3 prizes) – patterns by Nicol of the winner’s choice.
- Pat Banyard-Smith (2 prizes) – project bag.
- Sasha Kagan – Knitwear by Sasha Kagan (book).
- Shakeh Manassian (2 prizes) – Amazon gift tokens.
- Sue Maton of The Mercerie – online crochet course of winner’s choice.
- Susannah Matthews – Crochet kit.
Sunday 8 September 2:30 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 7 September 4:00 pm
We have to leave High Leigh by 4:00 pm.
We look forward to seeing you again in 2025!
