Wonderful Weaving Workshop

Children and volunteers from the 5s to 13s Befriending programme enjoyed a wonderfully relaxed and creative afternoon at the Salvation Army Hall on Wednesday 7th October, learning the art of weaving.

Elizabeth Graves, Friends of the Family’s Volunteer and Operations Co-ordinator, led the workshop, demonstrating how to weave beautiful yarns and ribbons using a variety of different-shaped looms, all handmade by Elizabeth herself. She also showed the children how to ‘wrap’ sticks and make their own colourful pom poms.

The children and adults were completely absorbed in the activities, learning new skills such as threading needles, working with different materials and, of course, trying not to get their yarns tangled! There was a real sense of achievement as everyone saw their creations come together, and the end results were fantastic.

The children were especially proud of what they had made. One little girl, whose volunteer had helped her make a pom pom to play with, proudly said “My pom pom is so soft and fluffy it dances when I jiggle it up and down!”

Alongside the weaving activities, the children also had the opportunity to decorate mini ‘Munchkin’ pumpkins and enjoy some autumn-themed colouring. Snacks and drinks were available throughout the afternoon, adding to the relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

One volunteer said, “My focus child and I really enjoyed the workshop. I was surprised at how well he concentrated on the weaving, but he was determined to finish it. I also had a super afternoon and was in my element with all the wonderful wools that were available to weave with.”

It was a lovely afternoon filled with creativity, concentration and plenty of smiles, giving children and volunteers the chance to learn something new together and enjoy spending quality time with one another.