Needles out for Knitting Expo in Exeter

Jo Irving
BBC Devon website

Capture your imagination and even the Mona Lisa's eye at this knit fest

It takes all sorts to go gooey over yarn, but I'm one of them - show me a wool shop and I want to move in.

Why? Well, the beauty of wool in the 21st century is that it's nothing like the nylon matinee jackets your mother used to make.

So, imagine my delight at the first ever Knitting Expo in Exeter - and it's not just for wool addicts like me.

There'll be woolly workshops of course, as well as poetry, cabaret and even knitting bingo!

Get creative at the first ever knitting festival

This festival means that sheep are definitely back on the menu for all the right reasons as the knitting industry hurls itself forward with softer, newer, fresher, brighter and bolder ideas.

There's also a strong contemporary feel to the event, which is the first of its kind, being held in Exeter.

There are new designers, new yarns and new techniques so plenty to learn and experience at the Knit Expo festival - a one stop shop for people who want something natural, not nylon.

Knit wits

This festival is for anyone who wants to learn how to knit, expand their knitting knowledge, or, bask in the success of their knitting ability and just wants to share their day with like-minded knitters.

There's a chance to try your hand at experimental knitting, laugh out loud to some stand-up comedy - the knit wits - as well as explore the whole concept of knitting and its place in today's culture.

For me the best kind of therapy is choosing a brightly coloured skein of kid silk mohair from my stash and then watching it unravel from a ball into a delicate shawl - it's magical.

Not sure what I'm talking about? Then get yourself a ticket for this year's Knit Expo in Exeter.

Details and prices are on the website.

Knit Expo
17 April 2010
Tickets from Exeter Phoenix box office: 01392 667780

Knit Expo