Crafters make and shake up friendships

WHILE watching a game of footy in Buninyong, Sonya Sutcliffe turned to her friends, seamstress Christine Barentsen and baker Sharon Develyn to chat about crafts.

“Have you ever made a quilt?” she asked. Neither of them had but were interested in having a go.

The trio decided to start a craft group, Makers & Shakers, to be held monthly at the Buninyong Town Hall.

“People can bring along their crafts, sit, chat, enjoy chocolate tea and coffee, share ideas that they have, or learn new skills from each other,” Ms Sutcliffe said.

“We have between eight and 10 attendees at the moment, but it’s a no-pressure environment, whether you’re into crochet, you bring along the mending basket to patch a pair of jeans or holes in socks, do some kitting, make jewellery or sew on the machine.

“We just sit and chat, laugh, craft, and increase the self-confidence and belief in what we do.”

Those who’ve tried Makers & Shakers so far – Buninyong residents between 25 and 50 – have developed friendships with neighbours they never knew they had.

“There are people who have lived in the community for a long time who’ve turned up, met a new person and realised they live in the next block, or have had children at school together,” Ms Sutcliffe said.

“That’s been a really nice part of hosting it. The nights are something positive in these times.”

There is the potential for Makers & Shakers to welcome guest speakers in the future.

Approximately 30 people can fit safely in the big room of the Buninyong Town Hall. Entry is $5. The next meetings are planned for Thursday, 16 September and Thursday, 21 October.