A crochet and knitting club which started in the summer in our on-site café is proving to be a big hit with people of all ages.
Established by university student Ciara Moore-Jones, 20, during her summer holidays, the club is free to join and takes place every Monday at the Gift Café in Chapel House Lane, Puddington, between 7pm-9pm.
Ciara, daughter of Chapel House Care’s Cathrina Moore, said: “A very good family friend taught me how to make a knitted puppet when I was eight years old, and I haven’t stopped knitting since.
“During Covid I decided to learn how to crochet and picked up lots of tips on YouTube, which just shows how accessible it is for anyone to learn.
“So many people knit and crochet and when you mention that you can too, there’s always at least a 30-minute chat to be had about things you have made before, when did you learn and who taught you and tips to be exchanged.
“During my summer holidays, while I was working at Gift Café, I thought it would be such a lovely place to hold a crochet and knitting club and lots of people on Facebook agreed. I can’t believe how many people come along and how much they enjoy it.
“I love our club. We have a WhatsApp group going and it’s great to be able to message people for help and tips if you get stuck. We meet every Monday, chat and laugh lots, and enjoy a cuppa and a cake together. Life can definitely be stressful and I’m so glad people are able to come to our little cafe and forget their problems.
“Anyone can come along, and we get people joining who want to learn how to knit or crochet and others who know how to create the most intricate blankets and cushion covers. What’s special is that we all help each other.”
Jo Hughes said: “I love coming to crochet club and supporting brilliant local activities. It’s a great way of making and meeting up with friends. We have a great laugh each week and it’s such a friendly environment. I also love the food and drink in the cafe.”
Jennie Murray said: “I really enjoy coming to crochet club every week. I have met new people who I always have a laugh with. We enjoy a good chat each week and share crochet tips. The cafe is also lovely, with nice cakes and drinks which is a bonus.”
Lyndsey said: “Coming to crochet and knitting club at the Gift Café is my lovely little break in the week from work and kids, and a chance to come and get creative. The Gift Cafe is a gorgeous, welcoming place to meet and create. I’ve made lots of progress improving my crochet skills and got to meet lots of lovely people.”
Yvonne said: “I look forward to my Monday nights at the Gift Café – it’s a little oasis of calm in an otherwise busy life. I’ve made some lovely new friends and we swap tips and share our crochet project stories.”
Gift Café is one of our not-for-profit ventures which donates profits to local dementia groups. It has been in operation in Puddington since 2017.
The crochet and knitting club runs every Monday at the Gift Café 7-9pm and is free to join. Just bring along a project and equipment.
The café is available for local groups and clubs to hire and is open to ideas from people interested in offering regular events.
GIFT Cafe Crochet and Knitting Club
Last modified: 24 November 2023