Have you always wanted to learn to knit but not sure where to begin, or do you simply wish to develop your knitting skills?

This course taught over 2 x two hour sessions is will take you step by step through all the basic skills needed to learn how to knit.

Along with your Beginners Kit, you will have everything you need to complete your 1st knitting project~ a pair of Stripy Mitts.

Week 1:

• Learn how to cast on and be introduced to the two most important stitches, knit and purl and how to combine them for different stitch patterns.

• How to use 2 contrasting coloured yarns for knitting stripes.

• Begin simple pattern reading.

Week 2:

• Continue working on techniques from Week 1, as well as

• Looking at simple finishing techniques- including casting off, “blocking” and sewing up your work (mattress stitch seam).

This course will take place on Saturday between 2-4pm (Saturday 1st and 15th March).

The cost of this course is £75 which includes materials, plus tea, coffee and delicious homemade cake.

To book, head to this link.

Within the session, we will explore the theme of portraiture, finding inspiration in example images and photobooks, before working both individually and in pairs/groups to create new work and inform broader discussions about photographic techniques and ideas. We will then have time to review and evaluate the images that have been made and consider how to develop our approach in the future.

You will be required to bring your own camera, whether that’s a DSLR, mirrorless or your phone. Preferably you would have a camera that has the potential for full manual controls, but if you are confident using your phone, that will be sufficient.

Workshops are designed to be suitable for all levels and abilities. Simon will be able to offer bespoke advice and support for each photographer dependent on individual needs, including the basics of exposure and how to set up your camera to photograph the relevant theme. At the end of the workshop you will have created a new collection of images as well as learnt the required skills in order to continue photographing in your own time.

This workshop takes place on Sunday 9th March from 10am to 1pm; it costs £55 per person. If you wish to book onto the complete four sessions, there is a booking discount available.

To book, follow this link.

If you have any questions, please email: simonj.bray@gmail.com

Simon Bray is an award photographer based in Hampshire. 

His work has been shown at The Southbank Centre, Manchester International Festival, Open Eye Gallery, Brighton Photo Biennial, and featured by The Guardian, British Journal of Photography and on BBC One. 

He has previously worked with The Washington Post, The Guardian, The Telegraph, BBC Radio3, BBC Radio4, Audible, V&A, National Geographic Traveller, The Wildlife Trust, NFU, NHS & Waitrose.

He previously worked as creative producer for photographer Martin Parr and is currently a lecturer in Photojournalism at Bournemouth University.