Debbie Abrahams has been designing and teaching handknitted textiles for more than 20 years and is a specialist in the field of colour work and beading.

Throughout her entire career she has worked alongside renowned handknit company Rowan Yarns, both as a Designer and a Design Consultant for the brand. She has tutored workshops across the UK, Europe and the USA.

Debbie is best known for her Mystery Blanket and Cushion Clubs which have been become a global success with more than 1,000 knitters from all over the world signed up to her annual projects. "Blanket squares are the perfect vehicle for my designing, giving me the freedom to explore colour, texture and embellishment within a set number of stitches and rows for each block – it’s just pure adventure!"

On her 2022 Watermill course you will be working with Debbie on a specially designed project, incorporating several different knitting techniques, including colourwork, knitting with beads and textured stitches.

Louisa Harding is a celebrated knitter, designer and yarn producer. She worked for many years as an ‘in-house’ designer for Rowan Yarns. Louisa has recently established a new brand, called Yarntelier, combining the finest yarns from the English county of Yorkshire with beautiful designs, to make each item a piece of hand-crafted couture.

In the first half of the week. you will be creating a stitch sampler. At the same time, you will pull together images and notes on the surrounding area, using them as inspiration for the second half of your week when you will put together your own shawl, scarf, wrap or cowl under Louisa's expert guidance. Louisa will bring with her a mix of yarns - in colour and texture (cashmere, mohair, silk, chenille and alpaca) - for you to use.

Norah Gaughan is an independent knitting designer working out of her studio in historic Harrisville, New Hampshire, USA. She is editor-in-chief of Vogue Knitting, the premier knitting publication in America.. She says: “I'm inspired by nature and science, while at the same time keeping an eye what's happening in the fashion world. My teaching style is rather relaxed. After I’ve explained the basics, students dig in and start knitting. I'll give pertinent information as we go along, and questions will spur on more advice. My goal is to have the class be fun and interesting.”

Norah will bring two special projects for her week, based on her new Twisted Stitch Sourcebook, published this year. You can find out more about her at norahgaughan.com.

And as ever, your knitting week at the Watermill will combine expert tuition, like-minded company, wonderful food and the delightful ambience of the Watermill, it's gardens and riverside walks, and outings into the surrounding unspoiled countryside of Lunigiana in Tuscany Italy.