Workshop | Knit like a Victorian

Ever wondered how knitters coped before standardised patterns and YouTube tutorials? Join us for a workshop based on the knitting patterns of Victorian philanthropist and naturalist Lady Pleasance Smith.

Have a go at her nature-based patterns for yourself, in the gorgeous setting of our library and under the guidance of an expert in both knitting and historical archives.

In-person | 3-hour workshop | Materials provided | Basic knitting skills required

In the days before standardised knitting patterns and manuals became widely available, knitters were reliant on friends and relatives for advice and pattern ideas. Lady Pleasance Smith (1773-1877), the wife of the Linnean Society’s Founder, received many hand-written knitting patterns from friends, often with a nature theme. Each is as individual as the sender, using different formats and terminology (with the occasional mistake!) and requiring skill and patience to decode.

An expert in historical archives and keen knitter, Sarah Walpole has worked with many of these patterns, painstakingly transcribing the original, and translating the instructions into easy-to-use modern pattern terminology.

In this workshop, you will learn about the history of knitting, have a go at decoding the original patterns yourself, and try some of the patterns that Sarah has created, with her expert help. The workshop takes place in our beautiful library, where you can also take a chance to visit our exhibition.

Skill level

Basic knitting skills are required: cast on and off, knit, purl, increase and decrease stitches.

Please note that this is not a beginner knitting course and these skills will not be taught.

Materials

You are welcome to bring your own knitting supplies, but materials and refreshments will be provided:

• A pair of 3.25mm (UK 10) knitting needles
• 4 ply wool to make practise squares
• Knitting patterns to take home and try out, including basic pattern squares and a pair of slippers.
• Tea and coffee

About Sarah

"I have been fascinated by knitting and its possibilities since childhood, along with having a love of old things and an active collector gene, which has had me seeking out old patterns, books and tools for years. I love them all, but the Victorian period remains my favourite. My work as Archivist and Photo Curator gave me plenty of opportunities for decyphering Victorian handwriting, and I enjoy attempting to make sense of patterns written in very different styles. Some are very tricky, but I get a great feeling of satisfaction if I manage to make sense of them, and love the feeling of bringing these things back to life in some way.

The opportunity to try my hand at Lady Pleasance’s knitting patterns has been a real privilege and a fun challenge."

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Concessions

Please buy the concession ticket if you are any of the below:

• 65 years of age, or over
• Under 26 years of age
• Currently in receipt of UK government benefit (including, but not limited to, Income Based Jobseeker's Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit and Housing Benefit, and Universal Credit).
• Currently in full-time education.

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