Thrown into delight

Ok, so I am going to share one of my weakness with you now… I can’t resist a throw. I LOVE them. I simply cannot resist soft, silky, snuggly blankets. My partner eye rolls every time I bring another one home – to which I respond; “it was on sale so I couldn’t not get it!” And I justify these purchases to myself as a good investment:

• For as little as £5 (yes, I have picked up some absolute bargains) you can use throws to keep warm instead of putting on the heating. Invest a little to save a lot of money on energy. In turn this is also helping the environment – double benefit!

• Throws can be used for a multitude of things, mats to sit on and have picnics with friends, tents and sunshades for the kids, dens when you are feeling under the weather (or hungover!) to name just a few.

• And last but not least, they make any sofa, bed or garden seating look instantly inviting and amazing.

I just can’t resist

When I saw a Facebook event for arm knitting a throw at my local community space The Base, I instantly knew it was going to be my try something new this month. I was preparing myself when clicking through to reserve my space for booking a day off work, as often these workshops seem to be run during the day. To my surprise, there was an evening workshop advertised from 7-9pm for £55. I was also baffled that I would be able to learn and make a whole throw in two hours!

The wonderful workshop

Upon arrival I was met by a friendly lady called Sophie from A Boat Full of Wool – now known as Forest & Dot. I was able to select the colour of my 2kg wool from six different colours. Arriving early is advisable if you are particular about the colour you would like. After a brief explanation about the wool, how to knit with it and wash it, we got started.

I’ve knitted with my nan before, so I understand ‘needle knitting’ and it’s very similar. That said if you have never knitted before, not to worry as I found arm knitting easy. I think it was made so effortless by Sophie’s excellent tutorial. In less than 10 mins I had 14 stitches lining my arm ready to knit my throw. And after an hour and a half, I was casting off and proudly admiring my very own ‘hannahmade’ throw*.

The perfect knit

I wrapped myself up in my ‘learn something new’ this month.

Sophie is brilliant. I attended the workshop on my own and felt very welcome. I met some fabulous and friendly ladies. The process of arm knitting was almost therapeutic. Being able to make something in less than two hours (Sophie can make one of these in 40 minutes!) that looks amazing, gives such a great feeling of achievement.

The whole experience was perfect.

Whilst some may think; “I can buy a chunky throw online for under £20”, your exactly right, but I can assure you that you won’t get anywhere near the same feeling of self-satisfaction from clicking order now.

If you fancy giving this a go take a look at Sophie's workshops, or if this is not for you then maybe some of the other things I’ve tried will inspire you.

*Sorry if you were expecting to learn how to make an arm knitted throw from this blog. I highly recommend attending a workshop to get the know-how from an expert. After all, sitting at home alone isn’t as much fun as getting out, meeting new people and absorbing the whole experience, is it!