Looking for something inspiring to do this weekend? With the British weather as unpredictable as always, indoor gardens can often be the best option, and if that garden is knitted, felted and stitched, so much the better!

Looking for something a bit different to inspire your Christmas makes and purchases this season? The Designers Market in London’s E17 area has caught our eye, with stacks of wares designed and produced by locally-based designer- makers.

August is almost here, so now’s the perfect time to plan which knitting workshops and events to head out to!

4 August The Toft Farm and Studio Open Day, Dunchurch

Toft Alpaca farm in Dunchurch, Rugby, will open its doors for a summer open day where you can meet the alpacas, tour the farm and enjoy taster sessions in a variety of crafts, including knitting, feltmaking and crochet. FREE OF CHARGE. Just turn up.

Find out more at thetoftalpacashop.co.uk or call 01788 810626.

5 August Professional Finishing, Weston Super Mare

Taking place at The Wool Sanctuary in Weston Super Mare, this class is led by knitter and hand knit designer Susie Johnson and costs £49.

Book your place at thewoolsanctuary.com or call 0115 947 4239.

Whether the sun is shining or rain is streaming down your windows, there are plenty of ways to get out and make the most of your summer – yarn, needles and all!

1 & 29 July Wool Workshops in North Yorks

We love the idea of these introduction courses to wool and its many uses (we can think of one or two!) at Hesbert Hall, Tosside, Skipton, North Yorkshire. Hosted by Gary & Maggie Lightfoot from North West Wools and expert spinner Pam, the full-day course will cover the techniques to enable you to make an item to take home. The day costs £50 including lunch. Find out more at  www.savingrarebreeds.org, or send an email to info@savingrarebreeds.org.

2-16 July Fairisle and intarsia in Essex

This three-week course at Roses and Rue in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, to take your knitting to the next level with pattern and colourwork.  The course costs £45. 

Call 01702 474177 or go to www.rosesandrue.moonfruit.com.

Relax, develop new knitting skills and get inspired with June’s knitting workshops and festivals.

9 June Hap Shawls & Lace Knitting

Hap is a Shetland word meaning a warm covering, or to wrap up warmly, and this class at Fibre + Clay in Cheshire will equip you to start your own project.

Book your place at www.fibreandclay.com; 01565 652035.

9 & 16 & 23 June Learn To Knit Gloves

This three-week course at Prick Your Finger in London will teach you all the stages involved in designing and making your very own pair of gloves. Book your place for £100 at www.prickyourfinger.com; 020 8981 2560

9-17 June World Wide Knit in Public Day

This knit-centric day last a whole week! It’s global, but there are lots of knitting events happening in Britain. Go to www.wwkipday.com to find one near you.

15-17 June Contemporary Craft Festival 

This bustling festival in Bovey Tracey, Devon, has a whole section devoted to textiles with exhibitors including the fabulous Ruth and Belinda of R&B Interactive as well as Ingrid Wagner and Zoe Miller.

Book tickets at www.craftsatboveytracey.co.uk; 01626 830612.

There are plenty of fibre fairs, knitting workshops and craft shows to inspire you this month. We've picked out a few of May's knitting highlights for you to choose from. If you sign up for any, let us know how you get on!

3,10 & 17 May Toe-up Socks

Develop your kit socking skills with Sherry James over at Create with Wool in Ilkley. West Yorkshire.

This class is suitable for people who are comfortable with casting on, knitting and purling. Cost: £45 including tuition and all materials. Find out more at www.createwithwool.co.uk  or call 01943 817788.

If you’re looking for colour and warmth to get you through late winter’s drearier days, why not get out and about to some of the knitting events happening this month? We’ve picked out some of the highlights for you.

Until 19 February Lost in Lace (pictured left)

This exhibition of theatrical and contemporary lace craft showcases work by 20 international artists at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery. Exploring the theme of textiles and space, hidden histories and mysterious stories will be revealed.

Find out more at www.lostinlace.org.uk

Get your knitting off to a great start for 2012 and begin the year by attending a knitting workshop, a friendly knitting group, or simply by soaking up the inspiration at a fashion exhibition or craft fair.

Until 30 January The Helmut Lang Collection (pictured)

Glimpse recent fashion history at the Fashion Museum, Bath, where the Helmut Lang Collection is currently showcasing urban fashion from 1997 to 2005, providing plenty of inspiration! Among the unconventional ensembles look out for the horsehair evening gown.

Find out more at www.fashionmuseum.co.uk