A festive knitting workshop at Manfield Crafts shop in Rushden, which was organised to get people making their own Christmas gifts instead of buying them, has sold out.

People are turning to knitting and other crafts to survive the recession and make more personalised gifts for Christmas.

And for anyone who has missed out, there are now other workshops planned to help people get crafty and save money on gifts in the run-up to the festive season.


Knitting has not only taken hold in Rushden, but is the latest celebrity craze.

Famous names who have taken up the hobby include:

Kate Moss

Sarah Jessica Parker

Julia Roberts

Uma Thurman

Madonna


Shop owner Emma Richardson said: "The workshop is with Debbie Abrahams who is well-known in the knitting world.

"Knitting is becoming more trendy and the workshop sold out almost immediately.

"The aim is to show people how you can knit products that don't cost a lot of money.

"There seems to be an increase in the number of people who want to make things instead of buying them because it is not only cheaper, but it makes gifts more personal."

Gina Ellis, 50, has been knitting since she was five years old and recommends it to anyone.

She said: "It is very therapeutic and because there are more people knitting now there is more choice.

"You can find some beautiful patterns.

"If you knit someone a scarf it is always going to be so much nicer than if you buy one."

For those who missed out on securing a place at the festive knitting workshop on November 4, a series of other craft workshops will be taking place at the shop in Griffith Street.

On Thursday, October 22, there will be a workshop on knitting blankets and throws.

On November 7 and November 21, there will be felting workshops where people will be able to learn how to make scarves by felting.

And on November 28, Sarah Hazell will be holding an accessorise workshop where people will learn how to make knitted, crocheted and felted jewellery.

The workshops will all take place from 10am to 4pm.

For more information or to book a place on a workshop call Emma on 01933 314920.