About Knit-together Project

Knit-together is an artist led, collaborate contemporary craft project based in the Rochford/Rayleigh/Hockley area in Essex. It is for knitters and crocheters who would like to share their skills and those that would like to learn. During May 2012 Jess Worley, a textile artist, will be teaching young people how to knit and working with them to make installations/artworks for the Hockley Wild Woods festival similar to the ones shown below created by the guerrilla knitters of the world.

As well as working with young people, Jess is running a number of sessions for adult knitters and crocheters to contribute to the artwork. This group will also have the opportunity to pass on their skills to young people, visitors to Hockley Wild Woods and visitors to the Sparks will Fly Olympic Torch relay stop event at Chelmsford Hyland Park.

Why Knitting together?

Knit-together is a great opportunity for local communities to work together creatively.  Knitting is increasing in popularity year on year, there are hundreds of social knitting groups across the country and people are looking for the sense of satisfaction you get by making something with their own hands. Many knitters are using their craft in fun and surprising ways (have a look at the links section) using their work to decorate and dress public environments. The Knit-together project with similarly use traditional skills and materials to customise the environment at Hockley Wild Woods and Highlands Park Chelmsford.

Knitting is a valuable and exciting craft because:

• Knitting is a skill for life. Not only do you get bespoke for free but also the sense of satisfaction of saying – I made that!
• Knitting is a very social activity. It can be brought with you where ever you go, you can talk and knit and you can make things together.
• It is low cost, all you need is yarn, needles and a little know-how (and you can even do it without needles).
• It encourages you to be green. Knitters often use up old yarn, there is a project for every find! You can also up-cycle old clothes and plastic bags and make them into something new.

So come along and knit-together!

If you have any questions about the project or would like to get involved have a look at the upcoming sessions page or contact Jess on essexknit-together@yahoo.co.uk.

Knit-together is an Essex Cultural Olympiad project and is kindly supported by Essex County Council, Rochford District Council and The UK Hand Knitting association.