Hi! I’m Nicki and I love making things. Usually, you will find me knitting, crocheting or stitching.

Close-up of Nicki wearing her Love of Lupins Fair Isle style cowl

In the beginning

As a child, I made everything and anything.  I learnt to do all types of embroidery and crochet, but no matter how hard I tried and no matter who attempted to teach me, I couldn’t learn to knit. In my late teens, I decided that there was no reason why I shouldn’t be able to knit. I borrowed a book from our local library; I read “left-handed people should try …”. Eureka! I’m left-handed, and that is how I learnt to knit.

What I did next

I became a biochemist then a teacher. In my spare time I crocheted, knitted and stitched; I attended workshops, joined a creative knitting group and began designing. I wanted to spend even more time being creative, so I went to Nottingham Trent University and completed a short course in Fashion Knitwear Design followed by an MA in Fashion and Textiles. Now I share my passion for knitting and crochet with others through Being Knitterly.

Well-knitting

I want to help people to use creative projects to improve their wellbeing. I like to create a calm, supportive atmosphere when I’m teaching and to hear a gentle buzz of conversation while people enjoy learning new skills and connecting with others.

I would love to see knitting, crochet and stitching used as tools to improve wellbeing. In my special creative wellbeing sessions, I’ll inspire you to try something new, teach you techniques and help with your projects. You’ll benefit from learning, making and creating in a relaxing, social environment. I also run creative wellbeing sessions for organisations such as Headway Nottingham and the University of Nottingham Nursing and Midwifery Association.

Knitting well

UKHKA logo

I want to help you learn techniques so that you will love the things that you make. In my Being Knitterly workshops, you learn knitting and crochet techniques while making a small project. Whether you work left- or right-handed I can help you to knit and crochet more easily, ergonomically and quickly. I’ll help you to adjust your style of knitting and crochet, or teach you a new style if necessary. My Being Knitterly patterns also include tips on producing items with a great finish. And most patterns come in two versions: one with instructions written for knitters who knit right-handed (stitches move from left to right needle) and the other for knitters who work left-handed (stitches move from right to left needle).