Each workshop has a limited number of spots available - BOOK SOON to avoid disappointment!
Workshop tickets must be booked with the workshop holders directly. Contact details can be found in the workshop programme.
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Workshop Tickets Now Available !!
Workshop Tickets Now Available !!
Introducing the 2026 Karoo Winter Wool Festival Workshop Programme!
Get ready to create, connect, and be inspired in the heart of the Karoo! This year’s workshop lineup is packed with hands-on experiences that celebrate the beauty of wool and the timeless art of making by hand.
From spinning and dyeing to felting, knitting, and weaving, there’s something for every maker—beginners and pros alike.
Come learn from skilled artisans, explore the textures of the Karoo, and take home something truly special.
The Vineyard Weavers
The Vineyard Weavers
The Weaving Experience
Thursday & Saturday (Full Day)
Enjoy a full-day beginner weaving workshop designed to introduce you to the calming, rhythmic art of weaving. Under guided instruction, you’ll create your own fabric piece, which will be sewn into a 40 × 40 cm pillow cover—complete with an inner—for you to take home. All materials are provided, including 300g of 100% wool yarn in a selection of colours, as well as access to a Lojan rigid heddle loom. The experience includes full-day guidance, tea, coffee, and biscuits to keep you refreshed. Workshops are limited to six participants, ensuring a personal and supportive learning environment. Please note that lunch and festival entry are not included, as the workshop takes place within the festival grounds, where a variety of food stalls will be available.
Contact: Rita Trafford / Tracy Gebers
www.ritatrafford.com | ritatrafford1@gmail.com
The Yarn Tree
The Yarn Tree
Nuno Silk Felting | Punch Needling
Friday Morning 09:00 – 13:00
Nuno Silk Felting
Create your own beautifully soft silk and merino scarf in this beginner-friendly workshop. You’ll learn the fundamentals of this unique technique while crafting a lightweight scarf (approximately 2m × 24cm). Participants can choose from a selection of 19 colourways (subject to availability), allowing for a personalised design. All materials are provided, including silk chiffon and 50g of silk/merino fibre. The workshop involves working with water and standing for periods of time. Participants are asked to bring two bath towels, a rolling pin, and an apron.
Friday Afternoon 14:00 – 18:00
Punch Needling
Discover the art of punch needle in this introductory workshop. You’ll learn the essential tools and techniques while creating a finished A4 artwork to take home. Participants can choose from a selection of designs or bring their own for a more personalised piece. You’ll explore stitching methods, texture building, and practical tips for correcting mistakes. All materials and tools are included, and punch needles will be available for purchase at the festival marketplace.
Contact: Adrienne Antonites / Irene Maxton
theyarntreesa@gmail.com | +27 83 633 4867 | +27 82 725 1968
Doornhoek Dyes
Doornhoek Dyes
Introduction to Natural Dyeing: Fynbos & Fungi | Natural Dyeing: Precious Reds | Dyeing Wool with Indigo
Friday Morning 09:00 – 13:00
Introduction to Natural Dyeing: Fynbos & Fungi
A hands-on demonstration exploring the full wool dyeing process—from preparing skeins with a mordant to creating vibrant, long-lasting colours using two locally sourced dye baths. All materials and equipment are provided. (Beginner)
You will receive: Notes and two 25g skeins of 100% naturally dyed merino wool.
Friday Afternoon 14:00 – 18:00
Natural Dyeing: Precious Reds
This workshop explores dyeing wool using rare natural red dyes such as madder and cochineal. Participants will prepare wool with mordants, create dye baths, and dye their own skeins, producing colours ranging from red and scarlet to orange and pink. All materials are provided. (Advanced beginners – prior dyeing knowledge recommended.)
You will receive: Notes and four 25g skeins of 100% naturally dyed merino wool.
Saturday Morning 09:00 – 13:00
Dyeing Wool with Indigo
Discover the magic of indigo, a unique plant dye that requires a specialised process. Participants will prepare an indigo dye bath and dye multiple skeins, creating a range of beautiful, durable blue tones. All materials are provided. (Beginner)
You will receive: Notes describing the process and one 50g skein of 100% merino or mohair wool.
Contact: Margaux Newdigate – margaux.newdigate@gmail.com
Elaine Barnard
Elaine Barnard
Karoo Tjoppies (Appliqué Textile Art)
Saturday Morning 09:00 – 13:00
Get ready for a fun and creative session as you bring your own Karoo sheep, or “Tjoppies,” to life. Using a variety of fabric pieces and simple needlework techniques, you’ll create a charming appliqué textile artwork to take home. A complete kit is provided, including everything you need to make your unique project. (Beginners with a basic knowledge of needlework.)
Contact: Elaine Barnard – jan3elaine@gmail.com
Daughters of Una
Daughters of Una
Creative Mending | Beginner Weaving | Dorset Button Making
Thursday Afternoon 14:00 – 18:00
Creative Mending
Learn how to give new life to your garments through a variety of creative mending techniques. This workshop covers repairing denim, wool, and knitted items using methods such as Sashiko, embroidery, weaving, and felting.
Friday Morning 09:00 – 13:00
Beginner Weaving
An introduction to weaving on a small flat loom. Students will learn how to warp the loom and explore basic weaving techniques while creating either a coaster or a small tapestry.
Friday Afternoon 14:00 – 16:00 / 16:00 – 18:00
Dorset Button Making
Discover the traditional, age-old craft of Dorset button making. These beautiful buttons can be used functionally on garments, as decorative elements on clothing and bags, or even transformed into unique pendants.
Contact: Adria Odendaal / Doreen Crause – antijetat727@gmail.com
Found + Fibre Studio
Found + Fibre Studio
Needle Felted Landscape | Wet Felted Pouch
Thursday Afternoon 14:00 – 18:00
Needle Felted Landscape
Learn the basics of needle felting while creating a textured wool landscape tapestry using Merino wool and a variety of needles. Suitable for all skill levels, this hands-on workshop includes all materials and tools. Participants will leave with a unique A5 needle-felted piece, with optional kits available for continued practice at home.
Saturday Afternoon 14:00 – 18:00
Wet Felted Pouch
Explore the fundamentals of wet felting using a resist, soap, and friction to create a hollow felted pouch. You’ll also discover how different fibres—Merino, Karakul, and Alpaca—behave during the felting process. Suitable for all skill levels, this workshop includes all materials and tools, and participants will leave with their own one-of-a-kind felted pouch. Optional kits will be available for home use.
Contact: Tali Lehr-Sacks – tali.lehr.sacks@gmail.com
Gouwsblom
Soy Wax Melt Candle Making | Soy Wax Travel Tin Candle
Friday Morning 09:00 – 13:00
Soy Wax Melt Candle Making
A hands-on, beginner-friendly workshop where you’ll learn to create your own scented soy wax melts. With step-by-step guidance, you’ll explore fragrance blending, wax temperatures, and pouring techniques to craft long-lasting, luxurious melts. All materials are provided, and you’ll leave with your handmade creations—perfect for a fun, creative, and relaxing experience.
Saturday Morning 09:00 – 13:00
Soy Wax Travel Tin Candle
A relaxed, hands-on workshop where you’ll create your own scented soy wax candle in a convenient travel tin. You’ll be guided through fragrance blending, wick placement, and pouring techniques to achieve a clean, even burn. All materials are included, and you’ll leave with your own handcrafted candle—ideal for gifting or taking on your travels.
Contact: Jean-Mari Gouws – mjeanmari123@gmail.com
Green Fairy
Green Fairy
Lanolin Balm Making | Lanolin Lotion Making | Lanolin Soap Making
Thursday Afternoon 14:00 – 18:00
Lanolin Balm Making
Learn the principles of creating your own nourishing balms, including lip balms, heel balms, hand repair treatments, and nipple balms. This workshop offers a practical introduction to working with lanolin for everyday skincare.
Friday Afternoon 14:00 – 18:00
Lanolin Lotion Making
Explore the fundamentals of emulsions and discover how to formulate a high-quality lotion that is both safe and effective. This hands-on session will guide you through the process of creating your own lanolin-based lotion.
Saturday Morning 09:00 – 13:00
Lanolin Soap Making
Learn the art of cold process soap making from scratch using lanolin and other natural ingredients. This workshop covers formulation basics and safe handling of lye, giving you the confidence to create your own soaps at home.
Contact: Veronica Charles – fairy@greenfairyproducts.co.za | +27 72 641 5133
The Crafty Geo
The Crafty Geo
Introduction to Two-Colour Brioche Knitting (Flat)
Friday Morning 09:00 – 13:00
This workshop introduces the distinctive structure and characteristics of flat brioche knitting using two colours. Working with two strands of yarn, participants will learn the basic stitches that create this soft, textured fabric, as well as how to identify and fix mistakes, including dropped stitches. If time allows, the session will also cover techniques for increasing and decreasing brioche stitches, giving a well-rounded foundation in this versatile knitting style.
Contact: Eva Hancox – eva@the-crafty-geo.com
Bezondor
Bezondor
Botanical Copper Leaf Workshop (Earrings or Pendant)
Friday & Saturday Afternoon 14:00 – 18:00
This hands-on workshop introduces fold-forming and colouring techniques to create botanical-inspired copper leaf jewellery. Participants will design and craft up to six leaves, transforming them into earrings or pendants using a variety of tools. All materials and equipment are provided. Bring your friends for an afternoon of creative fun! Beginners welcome.
Contact: Johandi Ebetsohn – johandi@bezondor.com
For Louise Florals
For Louise Florals
Winter Wreath Making Workshop
Friday & Saturday Afternoon 14:00 – 18:00
Create a stunning seasonal decor piece for your home by making your own winter wreath. Using locally sourced flowers and foliage, along with sheep wool and mohair fibres, you’ll learn hands-on techniques to design a unique and beautiful wreath. Enjoy a relaxing and creative afternoon working with fibre and florals.
Contact: Kendall Schoeman – kendalldaniells@gmail.com
Be Inspired
Be Inspired
Colourful Knitting | From Fluff to Yarn
Friday Afternoon 15:00 – 18:00
Colourful Knitting
Learn to knit a sock snake or a sock head cowl while exploring techniques such as helical knitting, long-tail cast-on, ribbed stripes, jogless colour changes, weaving in ends, and stranded colourwork. Sock knitters will also learn how to add heels and toes. The kit includes three merino mini skeins and needles, with optional extras available, and ongoing support is provided via a WhatsApp group. (Confident Beginners)
Saturday Afternoon 15:00 – 18:00
From Fluff to Yarn
Experience the full journey from fibre to yarn. Participants will collaboratively create a fibre batt using a drum carder, turn it into rolags, and spin a single-ply yarn on drop spindles. The workshop also covers plying, washing, and preparing yarn for use. A kit including a drop spindle and rolags is provided. (Beginners)
Contact: Chantal Whiteford – www.beinspired.africa | info@beinspired.africa
The Wonky Jellyfish
The Wonky Jellyfish
Boho Macramé Wall Hanging Workshop
Saturday Morning 09:00 – 13:00 & Afternoon 15:00 – 18:00
In this beginner-level macramé workshop, you’ll create a beautiful boho wall hanging while learning three basic macramé knots. The session also covers how to add fringe and wooden beads to give your piece an extra touch of charm. All materials are provided, including a wooden dowel, pre-cut natural cotton cord, a colour cord of your choice (sage green, mustard yellow, peacock blue, or rust), wooden beads, and take-home instructions so you can continue practising at home. Beginners welcome.
Contact: Stacey Human – thewonkyjellyfish@gmail.com | +27 64 778 1486
Jane Renton
Jane Renton
Steeking: No Fear Cutting
Friday 09:00 – 18:00
Does the idea of cutting into your knitting terrify you? This intermediate workshop introduces the technique of steeking, the method of cutting into your knitting often used in colourwork projects like Fair Isle. You’ll learn why steeking is safe, how to secure your steek using different methods, and practise these techniques during the class. Homework is provided beforehand to help you prepare and gain confidence.
Contact: Jane Renton – janearenton@gmail.com
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