From Granny Squares to Snowflakes: Crochet Classes with Janet
There's something rather lovely about seeing someone discover a new skill, especially when they leave a workshop with something they've made themselves.
We've had some wonderful crochet classes at All About The Yarn recently, with students making everything from colourful granny squares to delicate autumn leaves. I thought I'd share some of their beautiful work, introduce you to our resident Crochet Queen, Janet, and tell you about her next workshop, where we'll be turning our attention to snowflakes!
Learning to crochet, one stitch at a time
Our beginners' granny square workshops are a lovely introduction to crochet. Starting with the basics, Janet guides students through the stitches and techniques needed to make their very own granny squares.
I love seeing the different colour combinations and how each person's work has its own character. And granny squares are such a useful place to start. Once you've mastered the basics, there are endless possibilities, from blankets and cushions to bags and garments.
Our next beginners' crochet class is coming up early in 2027, on 23rd January. You can book your spot here.
A little autumn inspiration
More recently, Janet's students have been making beautiful crocheted autumn leaves, perfect for turning into seasonal bunting.
These little projects are a lovely way to build on existing crochet skills, introducing new shapes and stitch combinations while creating something decorative and satisfying.
It's always a pleasure to see what everyone makes during a workshop, and hopefully students leave feeling inspired to carry on crocheting at home.
Meet Janet, our resident Crochet Queen
Janet Friel has been working alongside me at All About The Yarn since I took over the business in 2018. She's our resident Crochet Queen, teaching workshops for all abilities, from complete beginners to more experienced crocheters looking to develop their skills.
Creativity has always been part of Janet's life. Growing up in rural Pembrokeshire, she spent her childhood drawing, painting, knitting, sewing and crocheting, even creating what she describes as an extensive and somewhat unusual wardrobe for her dolls!
After studying printmaking, Janet qualified as an art teacher and taught in secondary schools and sixth form colleges in Kent and London. Following a move to Frome in 1997, she continued teaching art locally and rediscovered her love of knitting and, in particular, crochet.
That rediscovery eventually led to teaching crochet classes, and she's been sharing her enthusiasm for the craft ever since.
Janet loves crochet for its possibilities with colour and texture, and her artistic background really shines through in her work.
She's also a patient and encouraging teacher, helping students work at their own pace and build confidence with their crochet hooks. And if you're left-handed, don't worry! Although Janet is right-handed herself, she can crochet and teach left-handed too.
As well as our regular group workshops, Janet offers one-to-one crochet lessons at our Chesterblade Hills studio. These are ideal if you'd prefer individual attention, need help with a particular technique or have a project you'd like some guidance with.
Coming next: Crocheted Snowflakes!
With Christmas approaching, Janet's next workshop is taking on a festive theme.
On Saturday 14th November, she'll be teaching a workshop making beautiful crocheted snowflakes.
These delicate little decorations are perfect for hanging on the Christmas tree, adding to a handmade garland or using to decorate gifts. They're also rather addictive to make once you've got the hang of them!
It's a lovely opportunity to spend a few hours crocheting in good company, learn something new and get a head start on a few handmade Christmas decorations.
Crocheted Snowflakes Workshop
Saturday 14th November 2026
All About The Yarn, Chesterblade Hills, Somerset
Book your place on Janet's Crocheted Snowflakes Workshop
Looking ahead: Crochet Hearts for Valentine's Day
If you've already mastered the basics and fancy developing your crochet skills further, Janet will be back on Saturday 30th January 2027 with an intermediate crochet workshop making beautiful hearts, just in time for Valentine's Day.
Crocheted hearts make lovely little gifts, decorations or embellishments, and this workshop is a chance to build your confidence with some more interesting techniques.
Whether you're making something for someone special or simply enjoying learning a new skill, we'd love to see you there.
Find out more and book your place – Crochet Hearts Workshop
Learn to crochet with Janet
Whether you're completely new to crochet or looking to develop your skills, Janet's workshops offer a friendly, relaxed place to learn, with plenty of individual guidance and encouragement along the way.
Our classes are kept small, so there's time to ask questions, practise new techniques and enjoy a few hours of making in the beautiful Somerset countryside. And there's always tea, coffee and something homemade to keep everyone going!
As well as our regular group workshops, Janet offers one-to-one crochet lessons at our Chesterblade Hills studio during the week. These can be tailored to your experience and interests, whether you'd like to learn from scratch, tackle a new technique or get some help with a particular project.
You can browse all our upcoming workshops on our Craft Classes page, or get in touch if you'd like to arrange an individual lesson with Janet.
We'd love to welcome you to the studio soon!
Nicky