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The Williamsburg School of Needlework has courses in varying styles of needlework and embroidering.
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Morrison’s Flowers & Gifts provides instruction in flower arranging multiple times a year.
Connie Lynch, 34, finds crocheting to be a fun, creative way to relax and relieve stress. Lynch, who has been crocheting for nearly 14 years, enjoys introducing others to the hobby as an instructor at Yarn Matters on Richmond Road. While hobbies like crochet, knitting or needlework may seem like activities for an older population, Lynch said more women in their 30s and 40s are taking it up.
“Crochet is a wonderful social, soul-replenishing activity to do,” said Lynch. “People are doing it for their mental health. It is relaxing. The creative process is also magical for me. I enjoy the designing aspect of crochet and teaching others how to create a one-of-a-kind piece of art.”
Kevin Hayes, who co-owns Yarn Matters with his wife, Marina, said that is part of the appeal. Yarn Matters offers beginner instruction in knitting and crochet as well as group project classes.
“Knitting is a skill that you can take to the grave,” Hayes said. “Even I am learning to knit. People used to learn it from their grandmothers. It reminds them of a simpler time. I think people also enjoy it because it is peaceful and quiet, and because people want to be different. They want to be able to make something to wear like a scarf or a hat or a sweater and go out knowing that no one else will be wearing it.”
The Flying Needles on John Tyler Highway also offers classes in knitting, crochet, and spinning. Meanwhile, The Williamsburg School of Needleworkhas courses in varying styles of needle-work and embroidering. Linda Tomlin, director of The Williamsburg School of Needlework, said there is a huge number of students in the age range of 25 to 40 who are enrolled in classes. Most are artists headed toward a career path in the fashion design fields while others are in search of a hobby.
“There are more places offering classes in these crafts, so there is more opportunity for people to learn the skills,” Tomlin said. “I think that is part of the resurgence. People want to educate themselves. People also enjoy working with their hands. There is something that is just so human about that. Working with your hands is enjoyable, peaceful and therapeutic.”
Other old-school hands-on activities that seem to be attracting a younger following include gardening, calligraphy, flower arranging, furniture refurbishing and painting.
Williamsburg Contemporary Arts Center (WCAC) previously offered a calligraphy course for adults. Its current crop of classes includes papier maché, painting for beginners, drawing fundamentals and creative writing. Meanwhile, Morrison’s Flowers & Gifts on Jamestown Road provides instruction in flower arranging multiple times a year, typically around the holidays.
“These hands-on workshops are popular, and I get asked quite often to offer them,” said Arlene Aitken-Williams with Morrison’s Flowers & Gifts. “They appeal to all ages. I’ve had several mothers and daughters take the class together. Everyone wants their environment to be beautiful, and flowers are one way to achieve that. Additionally, it allows our customers to get in touch with their creative side as they are led step-by-step through a simple design.”
The Lazy Daisy Gift Store on Richmond Road holds monthly classes on various topics including furniture refurbishing, creating centerpieces, painting and other crafts. Both men and women of all ages participate in classes related to furniture painting and redesign. Students can bring in a small piece of furniture such as a side table, a chair or a chest and learn how to prepare, paint, stain, glaze, distress or finish it.
“There is a growing trend in upcycling or repurposing something existing rather than buying new,” said Ashley Ferguson with The Lazy Daisy Gift Store. “People also enjoy creating something that is all their own. They take pride in that, and that is also part of the appeal.”
No matter what hobby you choose, the idea is to find something you like and just enjoy being in the moment with others.
“We’ve gotten so busy, and people are looking for ways to slow down and connect with each other again,” Lynch said. “Creating handmade goods is a great way to do that.”