Practical Crafting

We need this group’s members to help in shaping and developing this ‘course’, so it can launch successfully.

Each month we will try a different craft, beginners welcome, and use the new skill to make a small useful item. Participants can attend every month or only when they are interested in the craft being demonstrated. It is preferred that they attend regularly and, if they want, just continue to work or previous projects. If spaces are limited, preference will be given to ‘regulars’.

Sessions will be 2 hours long. For the first hour we will demonstrate how to use the new craft to complete the chosen project with written instructions provided as applicable eg pattern, diagram etc. Following the practical demonstration, participants will commence making their own item.

For the second hour participants can continue with the project for that month, or can be helped with any queries relating to projects from a previous session.

For the last half hour, we will look at example(s) of the craft and project to be started the following month.

A list of necessary equipment and supplies will be provided, so participants can collect what they need before the following session. At each session, equipment and supplies for that month’s project will be provided, so anybody who has not had time to prepare or does not have access to required equipment can still participate fully. It is anticipated that a small number of items will need to be acquired. A full list will be provided and only general reusable equipment will be purchased; specialist items will be provided by the tutor. Packs of appropriate supplies can be provided each month by the tutor at minimal cost (suggest £1 max) for those who choose not to source their own.

The idea is to try a range of different crafts and create small useful items, without having to invest a lot of money in things they might not want to pursue further.

It is hoped that some new groups might spin out of these sessions over time if participants want to take a craft further.

The schedule will be published for at least 6 months ahead, which will help participants decide which sessions they want to attend, and to look out for things they might need going forward. Where there is an interest in a craft not already available within the expertise of the group, a tutor will be sought from the wider u3a where possible.

Suggested crafts to be covered could include:

Beading - Christmas decoration

Quilting - Needle case

Canvas Work Embroidery - Scissors case

Macrame - Book marker/bracelet

Embroidery - Tote bag

Bead Embroidery - Brooch/pendant

Applique - Book cover

Knitting - Scarf/cushion

Crochet - Bag/Cushion

Wet felting tbc

Dry felting tbc

Card Making tbc

Quilling tbc

Weaving tbc.