Call-out to Southbank’s creative types

The Boyd Community Hub will be humming with conversation and the snip of scissors next month, when a group of crafty types get together for a new afternoon event.

The initiative is for anyone who enjoys making things and wants to do so alongside other locals in a friendly, welcoming space, according to organiser Bridgett Braunwalder.

“Whether you’re into sewing, knitting, drawing, paper crafts, quilting, art journalling, or something else entirely, you’re invited to bring along your own project and materials and settle in for a few hours of making and conversation,” she said.

Bridgett, a long-term Southbank resident, likes to sew in her spare time, a skill her mother taught her, which she later built on by taking adult classes.

“I like making costumes and clothes – mostly pretty typical stuff,” she said.

“A lot of clothing nowadays is either stretch fitted or built like a sack and I like to have the option of fitted clothes that actually fit my body.”

For the full-time e-commerce worker, there is also the appeal of switching off electronic devices and doing something with her hands.

But typically sewing is not very social.

“It’s kind of a lonely endeavour because you’re sitting at home working at it all by yourself,” Bridgett said

Looking around online, she came across craft groups of different kinds in other parts of Melbourne but couldn’t see anything local.

I had seen a few people post about local crafting, so I thought there might be interest, and I went ahead and booked the space, she said.

“If people come, great! And if there’s interest and people want to do it more, then I’m happy to host it regularly.”

The creative session will run from 1pm to 4pm on Sunday, March 1 at Boyd Community Hub in City Rd, with snacks and drinks provided.

All skill levels are welcome at the adults-only event, which is intended to provide a focused space for people to work on their own projects but also the opportunity to socialise.

Reserve a place at the Southbank Arts & Crafternoon on Eventbrite or via the Southbank Residents’ Community Group Facebook page. •