THE ANNUAL wool calendar will kick off with an event dedicated to everything knitting based.

Now in its fifth outing, the Waltham Abbey Wool Show takes place at the town’s Marriott Hotel on January 21.

Stands with luscious hand dyed yards and handmade felt items will be presented alongside spinning, rag-rigging and weaving demonstrations.

For those looking to get involved, craft workshops for beginners to intermediates will provide crash courses.

At 12.30pm have-a-go wool merchants can enter the ‘Best Funky Footwear’ competition.

A charity challenge will then pit the knitters against the crotcheters to see who can complete a dressing gown made of 92 squares the fastest, in aid of the Keep Britain Warm Campaign.

Diana Bensted of The Crochet Chain said: “We are pleased to hear we have the reputation as one of the friendliest shows with passionate exhibitors who love to share their expertise.

“We know there are modern, exciting, talented new designers and creators out there and we are delighted that WAWS gives us the opportunity to showcase and share the fabulous yarnie businesses we love with our visitors.”

Tickets £3.50 online, £5 on the day.

Go to www.walthamabbeywoolshow.co.uk to find out more.