What we’re about
As this is a new group, once there are a handful of members, the first event will be organised. It is likely to be on a Tuesday or a Friday, and with enough support will be able to run weekly
This social group is for keen knitters, crocheters, cross stitchers, embroiders and other fiber artists in the Bermondsey, Deptford and Rotherhithe area. I was struggling to find a group similar to this without either having to pay money or travel a significant distance, so I decided to make it myself!
This group will run free social events where everyone will bring their own crafts to work on, and can share wisdom or ideas, give advice or troubleshooting on people’s projects, or simply just socialise with other crafters. There will also be no judgement for crafters being silent at gatherings! I understand the joy to sometimes just be around others and all work on your own thing in a productive silence, so feel free to wear earphones/defenders at any gatherings. Any skill level is welcome as it is more about the social aspect than anything else, just be mindful that these socials are NOT classes. You are more than welcome to learn from each other and “skill-swap” but there is no formal educational aspect of these socials. :)
This will be an inclusive space, and the group will be Queer, Disabled/SEND and Youth Friendly. All meeting spaces will be fully accessible. As long as you can or want to craft, you are welcome to join a social. Only disclaimer is that if you are under 18 (1), depending on where the social is held, you may not be able to attend due to the restrictions of the meeting place (I will try to avoid this to keep it accessible).
Q&A:
How frequently will the socials run?
-I am hoping to get the socials running weekly. This will be achievable the more that show up to the events. Each social I am aiming to run for ~3 hours a time
Where will the socials be held?
-No fixed location has been decided as of yet, however it will be in the Bermondsey, Deptford or Rotherhithe areas. It will be easily accessible both in and getting to the venue, and will be near a bus stop or underground/overground station. With enough support, I would ideally like to have 4 fixed locations that alternate each week, and these would be spread across the areas, to make it accessible to the most people; if you can’t attend one location, I would like to make it so everyone is able to attend one location with ease
Are the socials free?
-In regard to attendance, yes the socials are free. As they are most likely going to be held in cafes/pubs/libraries/other venues where refreshments are available, it will run as “freemium”, where there is no monetary obligation, but you are more than welcome to spend money to get refreshments. I expect no payments or tips towards running these events, I just want to create a crafting community in my local area.
Will crafting materials be provided?
-Unfortunately no. As these socials are free of charge and community based instead of educational, they will not act as tasters to try your hand at different crafts. You will have to bring your own projects/supplies (2).
Is this an inclusive group?
-Yes, I would like to keep this group as inclusive as I can make it. All backgrounds are welcome to attend, and this will be a safe space for all like minded crafters (3). We are here to let crafting bring us together.
Can I attend if I live outside the Bermondsey/Deptford/Rotherhithe areas?
-Absolutely! You are welcome to attend regardless of your current location. The locations will be most accessible to those living in these areas and areas directly neighbouring.
Can I attend but be silent during the socials?
-Yes you can! As long as I can get a confirmation of who you are when you first arrive, you are more than welcome to stay silent and/or wear earphones/defenders the whole time.
I am disabled/have SEND, what should I know?
-As stated you are more than welcome to attend! Meeting venues/places will be as a bare minimum wheelchair accessible, and I will try my best to make sure it is a quiet and sensory friendly space. The business of a space with the amount of general public on the day is out of my control, but I will try to keep it at generally quieter locations. The meeting spot will always be shared in advance. There will never be same day or day before changes. If the original meeting spot is not an option and it falls within that window, it will be cancelled. Whilst you are not obligated to do so by any means, if you feel comfortable it might be good to let the group know about the disability(ies) you have if you think that the group may benefit from being “in the know”, so we are able to be as accommodating for you as we can! If you require a companion they are welcome to come with zero expectation of them needing to craft (obviously), please let me know if you are attending with a companion so I can make sure I have the right numbers on attendance. If you are between 16-18 and disabled/SEND, I would suggest contacting me privately, as this is a grey area
Can I bring people with me to the socials that aren’t part of the group?
-Yes you can! If you are not already required to bring parent/guardian/companion, you are allowed to bring additional people and your babies/children within reasonable limits, however you MUST let me know in advance how many people will be coming. I will regularly confirm numbers as I may need to book a space that requires this, so any last minute additions may not be able to join, and in extreme circumstances you and you’re whole group may not be able to attend as a result, which I would like to avoid!
Is there a charity aspect to these events?
-Not currently. I would in future like to run charity “make-a-thons” or craft items for specific charities that work with homeless/refugees/domestic violence survivors/cancer patients/children /international aid charities (i.e ones like Red Cross)/etc.. Any suggestions on things we can do for charity are welcome! First and foremost this is a social group, so there will never be an obligation to provide for charities, and it will also be discretionary.
Who are you?
My name is Hannah and a local resident in the area! I’m hoping I can bring a sense of community to all my local crafters. I classify myself as an intermediate knitter (so you don’t need to worry about your skill levels as you might be better than me!), and I also dabble in cross stitch, hand sewing and colouring (which I consider a craft in my eyes). I am 22 years old so I am trying to get rid of the stigma that the fiber arts are for the elderly, and I’m hoping that I’m creating an outlet for older crafters to see and mingle with the next generation of crafters and hopefully pass on techniques that may not even be online. If you have made it this far into the description it might come to no surprise to you that I have ADHD, which is why I am also making sure this is a disabled friendly space. I could talk for hours and I’m very extroverted and bubbly, as well as interested in probably every topic available so if you are looking for a group to get some more socialisation into your life, this is a perfect club for you!
✨LET’S GET CRAFTING✨ hope to meet with you all soon!
FOOTNOTES AND DISCLAIMERS
(1) Under 16s MUST be accompanied by someone over the age of 18 for the duration of the social, as it is not in my capacity to act as a guardian. If an individual under 16 arrives unaccompanied to one of the events unfortunately I will have to send them away. If you are between 16-18 and disabled/SEND, I would suggest contacting me privately, as this is a grey area
(2) You are still welcome to attend the social if you forget your project/don’t have an active project, but just to emphasise, this is a social group and not an educational class. Myself and other crafters are not obligated to provide resources or education.
(3) a) There is a zero tolerance policy for hate crimes/discrimination/racism of any kind. All genders/sexualities/ethnic backgrounds/ages (within technicalities identified in (1))/disabilities and religious beliefs are allowed in these socials. Any prejudice/ostracism of club participants based on the list above OR forcing your own beliefs onto others will mean you are no longer welcome at any of the groups social events.
b) due to the varied nature of political and religious beliefs/views that will ultimately be present in the group, all political backgrounds and religions ARE welcome however discussions regarding these topics will be minimal and civil in social groups. If you have any opinions about certain demographics present in the group that will negatively impact them, you keep them to yourself; it is a crafting social group not the House of Commons.
