James Purvis is a passionate and experienced handspinning and knitting instructor with nearly thirty years of expertise in the fibre arts. With a deep love for the meditative and creative process of both crafts, James has dedicated his life to perfecting his skills and sharing his knowledge with others, making the worlds of handspinning and knitting accessible to all.
James’ teaching style is warm, patient, and hands-on. He blends clear technical instruction with the freedom to express one’s own creativity, guiding students of all levels in a supportive, non-judgmental environment. Whether you’re picking up needles or a spindle for the first time or refining advanced techniques, James meets you where you are in your craft.
His journey began as a child, enchanted by the magic of his Nan’s knitting. Under her gentle guidance, he created his first pieces and quickly became captivated by the endless possibilities of fibre arts. From there, he expanded his skills to include crochet, embroidery, and ultimately handspinning—where his true passion blossomed.
As a knitting instructor, James brings a wealth of knowledge, whether you’re a beginner learning to make your first dishcloth or an advanced knitter tackling intricate intarsia patterns, like the iconic argyle socks. His approach encourages growth and confidence, with a focus on technique and creativity.
When it comes to spinning, James is equally skilled in both spindle and spinning wheel techniques. He can help you create your very first yarn or guide you through more advanced techniques, like designing bespoke yarns with blended fibres and specialized drafting and plying methods.
Outside of teaching, James is constantly experimenting and evolving his craft, exploring new knitting and spinning techniques, and always finding fresh inspiration. His passion for the fibre arts is contagious, and he’s committed to helping students discover the same joy and creativity he’s experienced over the years.