creative workshops one: children
baby wear and gifts
knitting and knitting kits
toys and collectables
creative work- shops one: children
after school programmes
copyright ak 2011
A joy for us and we like to think for the children who attend. These programmes run through term time on Monday and Wednesday from 4.30 p.m. to 6.00 p.m and are aimed at teaching knitting and needlework skills as well as fostering confidence and creativity.
ak’s original school holiday program is designed to teach children over 7 years of age basic knitting, hand sewing and embroidery skills. The three part program is organised around the concept of dressing a felt doll – this approach has proved to be extremely motivational. Each child receives a personal handwork kit comprising their doll, partially clothed in felt skirt and boots – a knitting bag – knitting needles and a felt and fabric sewing bag containing sewing needles, scissors, tape measure, sewing and embroidery thread, buttons and beads and French knitting bobbin. On the first day the child chooses Jo Sharp wool in coordinated colours to work with and using ak’s own ‘how to’ book of knitting and embroidery instructions, progressively learns new skills as they create a four piece knitting outfit for their doll.
Definitely not babysitting – almost without exception ‘ak’ children produce wonderful pieces of work and develop into enthusiastic and innovative handwork devotees. Over the eight week term, a child may choose to learn to knit – we start with small easily achievable projects – or they may purchase an ‘ak’ doll and learn to knit as they create an outfit of clothes (see kits.)
In addition to knitting, we explore needlework and creative embroidery and if a child finds this to their liking, they may choose to work on projects such as mixed medium portrait pillow made from found objects, and pre–loved fabric scraps or making and dressing a felt small doll. Other projects have included making a felt wall hanging, embellishing a felt sack, embroidering dolls night clothes – each term we introduce different projects with special attention to the interests of the group. Class sizes are deliberately kept to under 10 – a maximum of 8 is our ideal – because we endeavour to ensure each child receives personal attention. Afternoon tea is served. Please contact us to find out more.
School holiday workshops: Dinara’s new clothes
as with all ak programs, our aim is to equip each child with the skills, confidence and enthusiasm to enable them to explore different forms of traditional, creative expression.
classes are small - ideally a maximum of 8 children because we are committed to giving personal attention in a friendly, non–competitive atmosphere.
workshops run for one and a half to two hours with a morning or afternoon snack. Sessions are held on alternative days - Monday/Wednesday/Friday for example, to enable the child to work on their knitting in between workshops. This is entirely optional but it is the most productive approach with young children.