This past weekend, we brought the craft of framework knitting back to Bonsall for the first time in over 100 years.
As part of Heritage Open Days, we opened our doors to the public. Over the weekend, we recorded 152 visits. We also held 8 events, covering project talks, knitting demonstrations, and history talks, and all of them sold out.
Six years ago, we had never heard of framework knitting. Since then, we have learned that many people in the area have a connection to what was a major industry in the East Midlands during the 19th century.
When we bought our farmhouse in 2021, we were partly drawn to the small outbuilding in the garden. It had a caving roof and leaning, crumbly walls, and needed significant modernisation. Because of rising costs in materials and labour, our original plan to fund the restoration of both the house and the shop ourselves became unfeasible.
We focused on the house first, intending to address the Grade II listed knitting shop later. However, our architect, James Boon, suggested we apply to The National Lottery Heritage Fund. We submitted an application, and they agreed to fund the restoration. We are grateful to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for backing the project and trusting us to restore the building and bring the craft back to the community.
The Bonsall Framework Knitting Workshop was made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund, using money raised by National Lottery players to connect people and communities with UK heritage.
Thank you to everyone who came to visit us over the weekend.
Photos in this post were taken by us and our interior designer, Abi Hookway.
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