Two day festival to be held for knitting nuts

Knitting nuts can share their enthusiasm of purling and crotchet at the fifth annual Farnham Malting's international festival of knitting.

Since its launch in 2009, the two-day event has fast become one of the leading independent events for the craft and was attended by more than 2,500 people last year.

The festival offers the opportunity to share in the resurgence of knitting.

With many celebrities - from Kirstie Allsopp to Hollywood actors Scarlett Johansson and Ryan Gosling - pledging their love of knitting, and sales of wool soaring, it is clear that the craft is making a comeback with younger generations.

Featuring a programme of expert talks, live demonstrations, workshops catering to all ages and abilities, as well as a fashion show, unravel is a chance to celebrate this revival.

Sponsored by textiles magazine Selvedge and supported by Farnham’s Interknit Café, dozens of retailers and smaller artisan producers will be showcasing their yarns, buttons and knitting accessories.

Experts will be on hand to solve knitting quandaries, and visitors will be encouraged to bring along their creations to the ‘Best in Show' competition.                                                              

Arts centre Farnham Maltings, which is situated at the heart of this historic market town, will be transformed into a woollen wonderland for the weekend.

Knitting graffiti will adorn the venue and also public spaces in the surrounding area, created by a group of guerrilla knitters. 

Gavin Stride, director at Farnham Maltings, said of the festival: ‘With unravel we wanted to create an event which is both local and represents the best of its kind across the country. And we must be getting something right because this year 15 people are coming from Iceland to visit the festival.’

So if you're yearning for yarn, you can attend the event between Saturday, February 23 and Sunday, February 24.

Visit www.farnhammaltings.com for details.