Virginia - Knitter, Flower Arranger, Cake Baker

I think my creative interest comes from the fact my mum was a needle worker and home economics teacher, so there were always projects at home. One my earliest memories was my mum mixing up flower and water paste.

My aunt taught me to knit at the age of 8, and I have been knitting ever since, for 43 years. I used to knit at school under my desk because I could do it without looking. My knitting creations have included a 'wine bottle poodle', gnomes, bears, dolls and even a 'willy warmer'. I was commissioned by the Church Bizarre to knit this year's nativity scene. I was also commissioned by a wool shop to knit difficult Rowan design jumpers for their customers. I find however hectic or stressful my day has been, knitting helps me relax.

I used to go down Walthamstow High Street, buy a length of material, and then run something up to wear that evening, much to the amusement of my friends. I always used to like having different things to wear as opposed to buying things off the shelf. My friends used to call me 'The Gorgeous Creation' because they didn't know what I was gonna turn up in next!

I have also always loved flower arranging and helped out doing Church flowers. I completed my 2 year City and Guilds certificate in Flower Arranging at an evening class and went on to do the flowers at my own wedding.

Since working with The Amazings, I've been featured in several national magazines, including Knit Today, People's Friend Special and vintage magazine Pretty Nostalgic, who attended my first Knit your own Vintage Blanket course.

If you come to one of my classes in my home, you might meet my dog, Harvey, who is a Shug (that's a Pug and Shih Tzu cross). And maybe even my husband, Colin.

Flower Arranging: Hand-tied Bouquets

Join Virginia and learn how to create beautiful professional-looking hand-tied bouquets in this 2 hour evening session.

What will you learn?

Virginia will teach you how to put together a gorgeous hand-tied bouquet, using fresh seasonal flowers and foliage, such as roses and lilies.

You’ll cover the basics of flower conditioning and care and master the spiral technique, giving you the skills to produce professional floral arrangements.

Virginia will also show you how to package your bouquet beautifully using cellophane to create an aqua pack, a self-contained vase for those of you in need of Virginia’s help!

What will you get?

You’ll take home your own hand-tied bouquet and the knowledge you need to create lovely arrangements. Virginia will provide all of the flowers and materials you need.

You'll also enjoy a glass of fizz and choccies on arrival (always a treat) and then have a cuppa and piece of cake after watching her demo (two treats? Ah, why not!).

Who is it for?

This class is ideal for beginners and those who would like to learn how to create something beautiful for their family and friends.

Hand Sew an Heirloom Patchwork Quilt

In two Wednesday evening sessions, learn the art of sewing your own Heirloom Patchwork Quilt with Virginia - another portable hobby you can take anywhere!

What will you learn?

In these sessions you will learn how to use a template and backing papers, cut your fabrics and hand sew your patches together.

If you have any favourite fabrics hidden away at home or something sentimental from granny, feel free to bring them all along and have them add to the authentic character of your quilt - Virginia has used some of her daughters old dresses to create some beautiful pieces.

What is included?

The course includes everything you need to start off your own handmade quilt from a selection of small print fabric scraps, to cotton thread, needles, pins, hexagonal templates and backing papers. Virginia will also give you a beautiful a homemade pincushion to keep.

You’ll sit back and relax in Virginia’s sitting room, starting off with fizz and choccies, then enjoying a piece of homemade cake and tea in a vintage cup and saucer during the evening.

Virginia's house is a 10 mins walk from Highams Park station (Liverpool St to Chingford Line). She is also kindly offering lifts back to the station.

Who is it for?

Ideal for beginners and intermediates.

Virginia's front room

Highams Park, London, E4 9SH

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