A new breed of meeting points come crafting zones are springing up all over London; places where stressed out office workers can go for a chat and a bit of crafting.
Some are well-kept secrets of the true devotees, others have been opened with absolute beginners in mind. But all are relaxing and inspiring spaces designed to get your creative juices flowing. Here are a few of our favourites.
The West End is a surprising place to find a shop specialising in handmade goods, but ATFOTF in Kingly Court has proven to be a huge hit with shoppers, tourists and crafy types alike. Selling a variety of top quality handmade items alongside yarn, knitting needles and other tools, it’s worth checking out whether you want to buy someone else’s handiwork or have a go at making your own.
This wonderfully ramshackle shop and studio has been hidden away in East London’s Broadway Market for over a decade, run by artist and committed green Barley Massey. The shop has established itself as a focal point for the local community and there are plenty of workshops and classes here, in a studio kitted out with all sorts of unusual bits of equipment. So if you’d like to try your hand at giant knitting or rosette-making, Fabrications is the place to be!
Think cosy living room crossed with the White Cube: Prick your Finger is a hip gallery and knitters’ haven rolled into one, with some of the most amazing sculptural yarn forms you’ll ever see, including a fully three-dimensional toilet and sink. You can buy top quality yarn and equipment here – and keep an eye out for visiting exhibitions – they’re well worth it.
In stark contrast to the organized chaos provided by many similar establishments, the Make Lounge offers a clean and shiny slate in the form of a smart Islington townhouse for you to mess up to your heart’s content. With loads of exciting workshops to choose from, you can learn how to make cool, contemporary costume jewellery, underwear and accessories that you’ll be proud to wear long after the event, or book the space for your own private craft party.
I Knit is a collective, a shop and a work space. Knitters of all levels are welcome to join the group at any stage, and there are regular meetups in pubs, cafes and events. The shop itself, which is based at Lower Marsh, Waterloo, is a real sanctuary for knitters with a drinks licence and late night opening. This is the best time to come if you want to meet other knitters over a few glasses of plonk, but drop in during the day for a great selection of yarns.
Image: Stevendepolo
