Craft Groups London

Cosy Crafternoon🧶🎨☕️🍰

Crafting in the Old Diorama

BASIC TILING EVENING

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/basic-tiling-evening-71/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/basic-tiling-evening-71/) ⋆⋆⋆ Not quite sure where to start with a tiling project? A bit daunted by the thought of tiles falling off the wall if you do get them on? What about those half tiles at the corners… and what about drilling into the tile? If the thought of tackling a tiling project yourself is terrifying, yet you yearn for the skills to have a go, then this evening or half-day weekend workshop is just for you. In this hands-on practical workshop, an experienced tiler will guide you through choosing appropriate tiles for the job, sizing up, planning out, and preparing the surface. You will use the correct adhesive to tile a small area and learn how to grout in between the tiles to ensure a watertight finish. Practice cutting straight lines and curves. Come and break our tiles instead of yours while you practice. Bring photos of problem areas and leave with expert advice and confidence to help you complete your very own project at home. All personal protection, tools, and materials are included. Beginners welcome.

TRADITIONAL AND MODERN LAMPSHADE MAKING

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/traditional-and-modern-lampshade-making-79/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/traditional-and-modern-lampshade-making-79/) ⋆⋆⋆ If you aspire to the luxury and elegance of lampshades that ooze class like a dowager, this is the workshop for you. Even if you have never stitched in your life, Ian McQueen’s relaxed and friendly style of tuition will have you wishing you had taken to the sewing needle years ago. Ian is a City and Guilds trained craftsman who makes elegant traditionally built fine lampshades for interior designers and high-end shops. Some are sophisticated – lined with silk so light glows through, some are dramatic statements bejewelled with vintage adornments. All are hand stitched -not glued – so that they retain their shape and structure to give years of pleasure. During a one-day workshop, you will select a wire frame and transform it into a bespoke home accessory for all to admire in your home. We use a 10-inch diameter Drum shade and a 12-inch diameter straight Empire frame. You can select fabric from a few fabrics we have available but we recommend you bring along 1 metre of fabric to match your colour scheme. If you want to walk on the wild side, bring any fabric you want to give new life. Students have even transformed an old pair of jeans into a striking shade. The process is fun but meticulous so there is sometimes only the time to complete the stitching on one lampshade in a day. This will depend on your speed. What you will take home is some of the historical skills used by milliners and upholders. (They were the stitchers who hung the tapestries on medieval walls.) As well as the know-how and route to suppliers you will learn how to make your own lampshades at home. The tutor can demonstrate how to make simple trims in the same fabric. No special machinery is required and only a little help from a simple sewing machine is available at the centre. It does not matter if you have never used a machine before. Choices- 1. Make a firm drum lampshade. Using a supplied frame, you will learn how to stitch reinforced fabric onto a frame using a traditional stitch. 2. A pleated or unpleated lampshade. The lampshade fabric is stretched or folded directly onto a ‘Straight Empire’ frame. The lampshade can then be lined with a contrasting fabric. The use of all tools and materials are included. We have additional assorted frames for sale, as well as a small range of vintage trimmings for you to make more lampshades at home. Suitable for beginners. Enjoyable for all.

INTRO TO WOODCARVING

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/intro-to-woodcarving-91/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/intro-to-woodcarving-91/) **⋆⋆⋆** If you have ever marveled at the fine detail or flowing lines of a wood carving, you may have wondered what it would be like to carve. In this one-day workshop, expert wood carver Jon Hall brings his experience, City and Guilds training, and expertise to this day’s enjoyable teaching. Even if you have never held a chisel before or can’t draw a design, Jon’s method of carving will build confidence and correct technique in an energetic and inspiring manner. By following the contours of a fresh leaf, you will learn the fundamentals of this skill. As sharp tools are the key to success, you will also practice how to keep your tools in top condition to achieve the results you desire. We supply all the tools and materials and also sell sets of carving tools so you can improve your skills at home. Beginners welcome.

TEXTILE REPAIR - PATCHING- SASHIKO, BORO, APPLIQUÉ – 1 DAY

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/patching-sashiko-boro-applique-1-day/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/patching-sashiko-boro-applique-1-day/) **⋆⋆⋆** **Course:** Textile Repair workshop: Patching – Sashiko, Boro, Appliqué – 1 day Demystify the art of sashiko along with other patching techniques used to mend and alter clothing or accessories. Sashiko is a traditional Japanese technique which transforms mends into visually striking additions to your well-loved clothing using repeated stitches. Translated to “little stabs”, the craft originated 400 years ago as a means to preserve clothing and embrace damage through creative stitch patterns. If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at this practical, yet aesthetic mending technique but didn’t know where to start, this is the perfect course for you. During the course, you will learn about the tools and materials necessary to start your mending journey as you are guided through a range of techniques which include sashiko and appliqué by experienced textile artist Selina Latour. You will learn other patching methods using hand stitch techniques used in patching such as herringbone, whip, slip and blanket stitches. Bring along a piece of clothing or two to practice the new techniques on and mend throughout the day! Visit our website for more information: [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/textile-repair-workshops/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/textile-repair-workshops/)

Asian Fusion bakes 🥡🥢

Please join us for Asian bakes to be interpreted as you wish! You could add ingredients such as Matcha, Ube, Black Sesame or Japanese whisky to pep up your bakes! Sweet or savoury bakes. Please see the group description for more details of how it works.

StitchUp Meetups

**Welcome to StitchUp** – a welcoming social group that embraces individuals of all skill levels, providing a shared space for crafting in a social setting. **Bring your current project**, whether it's knitting, quilting, embroidery, or any other textile craft. Work on your project or piece while having a chat with us. Some people knit, some people mend or just join the conversations. If you are starting new, I’m sure we can give you tips, but generally this is not a class or workshop and you will have to bring your own materials. Also keep in mind that we sometimes don't have a table, so something that requires table space might be difficult to do. **Background** – StitchUp began among friends with a shared love for textile crafts, evolving into a thriving group with regular meetups. Unfortunately, the group faced a decline during the COVID-19 pandemic but we would now like to revive these regular meetings in a social, in-person setting.

Sip, Chill and Craft ❤️

Whether you are new to crafting or a pro level crafter you are welcome to come ^^ Bring your own project or use stuff we prepared for the occasion, meet new people with no pressure ☺️

Monthly Dressmakers meeting

Crafts & chat in Central London

Knit, crochet, stitch and chat!

Welcome! We hope you'll join us! Please bring your current project and grab a chair! We’re an informal group, not a class, and there’s no fee to attend. If you're able, please do order a drink or snack at the bar...The Canbury Arms welcomes our group every Monday evening and we like to show our appreciation! If you are experiencing symptoms related to Covid-19, please do not attend the event. We’ll be very happy to welcome you at the next one! Find us: We meet in the restaurant side of the pub. Upon entering from the main door on Canbury Park Rd, veer to the right and make your way into the dining room; we sit at the banquette tables along the wall to the right. If in doubt, please ask at the bar! You can order drinks and snacks at the bar or use the 'Young's - On Tap' app. Christine teaches beginning knitting, intermediate/advanced knitting techniques, and beginning crochet. If you would like a private lesson for yourself or your small group, please get in touch for details. Currently, Christine is only teaching in a private capacity. Chat with us on Discord: Our group has a Discord server for staying in touch outside of our regular Monday meets! If you are a current or past member who attends in-person meet-ups, and you're interested in even more yarny chat, this is the place to join in! Contact Christine or Aisha for an invite. Accessibility: We meet in the restaurant side of The Canbury Arms, which is wheelchair accessible. If you have any questions, please do send Christine a DM!