Yesterday I led two crochet classes at work for a ‘Wellbeing at Work Festival’ the NHS Trust I work for is putting on for employees… throughout the month of May staff are being given the chance to attend a variety of workshops or events to take a little time out and be introduced to activities that can contribute to enhancing their wellbeing. I think it’s a great idea- taking care of staff and helping to increase their wellbeing must be a priority for any large organisation. I wrote a little about crochet and wellbeing in a previous blog post… crochet your way to wellbeing
It was a few months ago when I saw the plea for anyone who had a skill to share to put on one of these workshops. Of course crochet came to mind – I’ve been wanting to teach crochet for a while so this was a golden opportunity!
There was an online sign up form for the events and my crochet class proved really popular. So much so that I had to offer a second class which is amazing…it’s great that there are a lot of people out there who want to give crochet a go!
So, yesterday was the day. Firstly I had to turn a pretty sterile and boring meeting room into a nice space in which to enjoy some crochet time. I took a suitcase full of my crochet things and turned the room into a little crochet haven…
I prepared a little handout for everyone…
The classes were only one hour long- there was no way they were going to master crochet in that time so I wanted them to have something to take away.
And what fun we had! The first class had 11 people in it… too many to really be able to give each person the time they needed but I hope that everyone was at least inspired to carry on in their own time. Lots of chains were being made and even someone who thought it was pretty stressful trying to master chains managed it by the end!
The second class had 7 people… a more manageable number and people were progressing beyond chains!
How wonderful it was to spread and share a little crochet joy… many people want to carry on and I’m looking into starting a crochet class after work as a regular thing.
And look at the lovely feedback someone gave…
Thank you so much for such a warm and helpful session. Totally inspirational. You are brilliant! I will get cracking with my practice to produce more than triangles.
So professional and friendly. Truly enjoyed it.
I hope I get to attend future sessions. Can’t wait!
Thanks again. xx
…isn’t that wonderful! 🙂
I learned a few things too… smaller numbers are needed for people to really be able to progress in a beginners crochet class. I was being called upon from all angles at one point! And people really need to be able to master chains and holding the hook and yarn before progressing- what’s the saying?… ‘don’t run before you can walk’ !!
There’s me in the middle… 🙂
So there you have it… my first crochet classes which I really loved doing. There will definitely be more! Whether it’s at work, round my kitchen table or somewhere else, Coastal Crochet Classes are coming soon! 🙂 🙂
Awesome!!! 🤙
Awww, thanks so much! 🙂 🙂
Do I spy your broomstick crochet submission for part 1?? Congrats on your successful first steps into teaching crochet, and no doubt following classes will be just as enjoyable and rewarding for all! 🙂
Thank you so much! And yes, well spotted you… that is indeed my broomstick crochet submission for the IDC! 🙂 🙂
Look how nice you made the room look! So happy it was such a success.
I know that feeling about being called from many angles at the same time. I had worked a summer program for kids and at one point, I had quite a few wanting to learn to crochet. I’d have all of them calling me at the same time that they needed help. But that’s the life of a teacher anyway. 🙂 I triage them and try to get to all of them as I best I can. 🙂
Thank you Yolanda- yes it was fun… I am now in awe of teachers who have more than 20 (and sometimes 30!) children in a class. We can only ever do our best!! 🙂 🙂
Congratulations!!!!! I’m in awe – I crochet but I am not a teacher of the craft.
I’m grateful for my teachers as crochet and knitting have got me through many a stressful time. xx
Thank you so much!! Teaching it is definitely not easy… it’s difficult to see people struggling at something that comes so naturally to me and I so wanted them to be able to grasp it! I kept reassuring them that it’s just a matter of practice and time (and patience needed on my part!!) 🙂 🙂
I think this is wonderful, just look at the feedback you got and the smiles on everyones face. What a super way to spend an hour.
Thank you so much Cathy- yes it really was a wonderful way to spend an hour! 🙂 🙂
So exciting! well done on your first (and second) time teaching crochet 🙂 And I love the handbook too, it’s so well made
Awww, thanks Emma! 🙂 🙂
Look at all those happy crocheters!! You may need to organize a monthly “Cro-chat” session!! You should pick a few very simple patterns with pictures for beginners and print them out for anyone interested in continuing to learn on their own! 😀
Oh that sounds like a wonderful idea Tami! Definitely a format that I could try! Thanks so much!! 🙂 🙂
Congratulations! It looks like you set yourself up for success! Very inspiring!
Thank you so much! 🙂 🙂
what a great idea – the room came out fantastic – well done and I hope you can continue with these sessions
Thank you so much! 🙂 🙂
Looks like you all had a lovely time
We did Tricia- thanks so much! 🙂 🙂
Congratulations on completing your first classes Eleonora! Your taster session handout is so informative and you have clearly put an awful lot of thought and time into the preparation. I’m so glad that your hard work paid off and you had a receptive and keen audience. How lovely to get such positive feedback from one of your students. It must have given you a warm fuzzy feeling! Well done you! X
Awww, thank you so much! Yes, it really was wonderful, especially receiving the positive feedback which was great to hear! It’s definitely spurred me on to offer more classes! 🙂 🙂
I’m pleased to hear that you want to continue with your classes – it sounds like you have the knack of teaching crochet x
Hi Eleonora. What an brilliant blog post and handout! I think it’s wonderful that you are able to share your passion and skills by teaching and I’m sure everybody must have been so inspired by your beautiful crochet on display all around the room.
The now well-documented, therapeutic nature of crochet first struck me when my daughter and I wrote our book The Woolly Prawn in 2012. It is wonderful now to hear of real initiatives aiming to share this knowledge and improve people’s sense of wellbeing. Keep up the good work – there’ll be lots of takers! Jenny xx 🌸🌸
Hi Jenny, Thank you so much… I didn’t realise you had written a book with your daughter… I will have a look for it! Crochet is definitely good for my wellbeing and I’m so happy to share that with others… classes are a good way to go for me! 🙂 🙂
Hi Ele,
Thank you so much for the opportunity to take a part in your crochet classes! I’ve got a bug and spend most of my weekend making first ever scarf! It’s for my daughter so I made bit small.
Thank you again!!!!
Kasia 🙏🏻😊
You’re more than welcome Kasia! So lovely to hear that you enjoyed it! I can’t wait to see your scarf and I’m more than happy to help at anytime… 🙂 🙂
Aww looks like a very inviting room once you added your personal touches! I know what you mean, 11 complete beginners at a lesson is a big challenge, looks like you had fun and great results. 😊
Awww, thanks so much! Yes, I’m pleased with how the room turned out… crochet is great for brightening any space! 🙂 🙂
What a lovely opportunity to take your first steps in teaching and just look at all those happy faces! You were obviously a real hit with your students 🙂
Awww, thanks Bekki! 🙂 🙂
How lovely! I’m sure your crochet classes will be a huge success wherever you end up holding them xx 😘
Awww, thanks Vicki! 🙂 🙂 xx