Presenting James Cox
- 21 August - 28 August 2027
A Knitting Project That is Uniquely Yours
James Cox is a knitwear designer living in Palm Springs, California, USA who has been creating original patterns for 45 years. He was featured in Vogue Knitting and taught at Stitches, Vogue Knitting Live, and shares his tutorials with over 10,000 subscribers. James is pleased to say that he has never knit another person’s pattern. His first knitting project was his own design for a Fair Isle cardigan. James says:
“If you enjoy learning new stitches or techniques and exploring how to use them, join me and we’ll all create wonderful, personalized projects together.”
In his course at the Watermill, Jim will share with you some of the unique stitches he has developed along with his process for turning a design concept into a beautiful garment.
Learn new stitches, selvedge edge techniques, matching cast ons and bind offs, plus knitting tips that can help improve your skills. You’ll knit a garment — shawlette, kerchief, scarf or cowl — that combines the stitches and techniques that suite your own personal style. For the second project in his course, you’ll create a simple, playful hat. The real fun is the two options for the crown. Each is distinctive and will give your hat a loveable personality.
James’ Teaching Philosophy
James has observed and admired how knitting has become a life changing experience for so many people around the world. He has carefully researched the physical, mental and emotional benefits. It has led him to believe that those who fully embrace knitting are motivated by these remarkable rewards.
In his years as a knitting instructor, he has learned that individuals must have the freedom to engage with the art of knitting in ways that reflect who they are and how they learn. Then they can realize that two sticks and a piece of yarn can create something beautiful but can also help them realize ideas and embrace feelings.
James tries to help individuals understand how the magic of knitting occurs. Learning how to hold knitting needles and manage a strand of yarn is the real work in knitting. It takes time. It takes practice. It takes patience. He tries to help people see that to make knitting a truly rewarding experience one must approach the work without deadlines and fully engage in the process. Helping people learn that developing patience as they develop skills and accepting their errors and being willing to correct them, they will discover that knitting will not just reward them with a beautiful creation. It may guide them to finding greater peace of mind and perhaps to becoming a better person.
