Crochet

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/traditional-and-modern-lampshade-making-78/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/traditional-and-modern-lampshade-making-78/) ⋆⋆⋆ If you aspire to the luxury and elegance of lampshades that ooze class like a dowager, this is the workshop for you. Even if you have never stitched in your life, Ian McQueen’s relaxed and friendly style of tuition will have you wishing you had taken to the sewing needle years ago. Ian is a City and Guilds trained craftsman who makes elegant traditionally built fine lampshades for interior designers and high-end shops. Some are sophisticated – lined with silk so light glows through, some are dramatic statements bejewelled with vintage adornments. All are hand stitched -not glued – so that they retain their shape and structure to give years of pleasure. During a one-day workshop, you will select a wire frame and transform it into a bespoke home accessory for all to admire in your home. We use a 10-inch diameter Drum shade and a 12-inch diameter straight Empire frame. You can select fabric from a few fabrics we have available but we recommend you bring along 1 metre of fabric to match your colour scheme. If you want to walk on the wild side, bring any fabric you want to give new life. Students have even transformed an old pair of jeans into a striking shade. The process is fun but meticulous so there is sometimes only the time to complete the stitching on one lampshade in a day. This will depend on your speed. What you will take home is some of the historical skills used by milliners and upholders. (They were the stitchers who hung the tapestries on medieval walls.) As well as the know-how and route to suppliers you will learn how to make your own lampshades at home. The tutor can demonstrate how to make simple trims in the same fabric. No special machinery is required and only a little help from a simple sewing machine is available at the centre. It does not matter if you have never used a machine before. Choices- 1. Make a firm drum lampshade. Using a supplied frame, you will learn how to stitch reinforced fabric onto a frame using a traditional stitch. 2. A pleated or unpleated lampshade. The lampshade fabric is stretched or folded directly onto a ‘Straight Empire’ frame. The lampshade can then be lined with a contrasting fabric. The use of all tools and materials are included. We have additional assorted frames for sale, as well as a small range of vintage trimmings for you to make more lampshades at home. Suitable for beginners. Enjoyable for all.

Join the London Women Chess Club (LWCC) for our weekly social chess session in a friendly, supportive and inclusive environment. Whether you are completely new to chess, returning after a break, or already playing competitively, you are very welcome. LWCC is an ECF award-winning community initiative dedicated to encouraging more women and girls to play chess, build confidence, and progress into competitive play if they wish. We are proud to see new members joining every month, with many progressing into league matches and tournaments. What to expect * Friendly social games * Opportunities to improve your chess * Informal group coaching and guidance to help members progress * Information about tournaments and league opportunities * A respectful and supportive environment * A growing community of women supporting each other through chess Who can join * Women and girls of all levels * Complete beginners are very welcome * Players returning after a break * Competitive players looking for a supportive community How to join LWCC To help us maintain a safe and well-organised community, we ask new members to complete our short membership form before joining our WhatsApp community. [Membership registration](https://form.jotform.com/241453653475359) [Group Coaching ](https://pci.jotform.com/form/241475449120353) Our WhatsApp group is shared with registered members so we can keep communication relevant and maintain a positive environment for everyone. About London Women Chess Club London Women Chess Club is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company (CIC) focused on making chess more accessible to women and creating a positive pathway into competitive chess. We collaborate with libraries, chess organisations and the English Chess Federation to build a strong and sustainable women’s chess community in London. [Instagram!](https://www.instagram.com/londonwomenchessclub) \| [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/london-women-chess-club/)

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/freehand-machine-embroidery-56/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/freehand-machine-embroidery-56/) **⋆⋆⋆** Join us for a one day workshop devoted to becoming creative and experimental with freehand machine embroidery, even if you are wary of the outcome! If you are confident with a machine you can increase your range of abilities by learning new techniques. Take home your creation as a cushion cover or in a glass frame. Learn from Deborah Andrews, who teaches our basic sewing classes as well as being an artist and Illustrator. Even if you have never used a sewing machine before, with Deborah’s support and encouragement, you will develop techniques using a freehand needle on a domestic machine. **Morning – Part one.** In the morning you will ‘warm up’ by experimenting with ‘Couching’, ‘Applique’ and ‘trapunto’ techniques to enliven your design and enhance your work with interesting ‘3D’ effects. Using a palette of inspiring textiles and coloured threads, you will learn how to control an ordinary sewing machine by guiding the sewing foot to produce stitches that patch, embroider and script under your guidance. **Afternoon – Part two.** After selecting from our furnishing fabric selection or deciding on a plain linen background, you can build a unique creation using your own ideas or adapting our selection of templates if you prefer more structure. We supply coloured threads, an embroidery hoop, a large selection of scrap fabric and soft furnishing weight fabrics and cottons as your surface. You can bring your own fabric if you wish and any sketches and ideas you have for a project. Unleash your creativity and let your ideas emerge in front of your eyes. The use of all tools and materials are included.

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/intro-to-woodwork-basic-wood-joints-2-sundays-2/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/intro-to-woodwork-basic-wood-joints-2-sundays-2/) ⋆⋆⋆ A beginner's course that goes straight to the heart of woodworking. This five-week evening course will focus on timeless variations of wood joints that can be used for an endless amount of woodwork projects. Develop your skills with a saw, chisel and plane so that you can measure and mark out your work, cut, fit and glue joints accurately, ensuring your woodwork is strong, durable and darn good-looking. Learn these classic wood joints while you hone your making ability, and set free your ideas for furniture, box-making and all things fabulous. During the course, you will learn the uses and advantages of each joint as you construct a framework of sample joints. This project is a classic learning method. The **half-lap joint** can be used to make frames for pictures, perimeter door frames for panel or glass doors, dust dividers in cabinets and in many other situations. Because the half-lap does not add any thickness to the pieces of wood being joined, there are virtually no limitations for using it. The **mitred half** lap is an elegant yet strong corner joint, with its diagonal cut constructed with an internal half lap, The **tee halving** is a versatile joint which is often used in internal cabinet frames and simple framing and bracing. The **half dovetail** is a very strong type of joint because of the way the ‘tails’ and ‘pins’ are shaped. This shape makes it difficult to pull the joint apart and virtually impossible when glue is added. This type of joint is used in box constructions such as draws, jewellery boxes, cabinets and other pieces of furniture where strength is required. All use of tools and materials included. Perfect for beginners.

**Bookable via our website ➡️** https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/intro-to-furniture-restoration-1-day-90/ ⋆⋆⋆ Revamp your tired woodwork. Get the Ra Ra back into your furniture – jazz up those car boot finds and old junk. Many of us own items that wouldn’t star on ‘Antiques Roadshow’ but are pieces that would benefit from a gentle sprucing up. In this one-day starter class, our tutor will walk you through how to tackle those forlorn but beloved pieces of less valuable furniture that need some tender loving care. You will learn how to apply a solution to a problem piece-whether it’s a white ring left by a cup or a scratch in the varnish and have hands-on practice of removing varnish and refinishing woodwork. You will also explore the world of glues and clamps to learn about tackling a wobbly chair and re-attaching loose trims and veneers. Please bring your own piece to work on. Lots of charity shops sell old boxes and shabby cabinets. You can pick up a bargain on eBay. We have easy step-free access to the centre and you can find a place to park fairly easily nearby. It may not be possible to finish your own work, but if it's a wobbly chair we can show you how to re-glue it back together and the tutor can help you identify what needs to be done. We don’t cover furniture painting on this day course. The use of all tools and basic materials is included. Beginners welcome.

**BOOK HERE**: https://sportas.co.uk/games/49606 **Game Description:** Come and join a mid intermediate session in Canning Town 🚨Directions🚨 📍Enter via Morgan Street 🚶‍♂️5 minute walk from Canning Town Station🚗 Free car parking on site 🚿 Showers, changing rooms, water fountain & toilets are present **Rules** \- 3 teams of 6 \- Games to 15 points \- Max 2 games in a row \- Please be kind and respectful to all players 🧡

**About Session** **Advanced** **4 courts for 4 hours** **High grade tournament shuttles (speed 77-78)** **£14 (bank transfer)** Please sign up to **ONLY ONE** of the concurrent Sunday sessions (this is the 4-hour Sunday session). Non-members should message the organizers their full-name via WhatsApp (Adrian Rabe, +447410463483) to arrange tryouts. Guests allowed but members will be prioritized over guests. Please message Committee members if you would like to add on a guest. Break the strings on 2 racquets, or break a racquet during the session and your session is *free*. Take a photo of the broken strings or racquet **DURING** the session, upload, and tag Broken Strings on Instagram to get the fee waiver. Cancellations < 24 hours before the event will be penalized the full fee. Please message organizer via WhatsApp for late cancellations or for potential slots. We will be discreetly speaking to players who may be struggling with the level of the session. **Free parking available within the school**. Note that the School will be opening and closing the gate **10 minutes before** and **10 minutes after** the beginning and end of the session. If you are locked out, please contact the organizers or other members to help let you in. Photographs and video recordings may be made during the session. Signing up to the session would **include consent for these recordings to be made and used by the club on its social media and other platforms**. **DO NOT PLAY** if you have fever, cough, colds, or other symptoms

**🎟️ Tickets available on [Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-cyanotype-workshop-with-nature-as-co-author-tickets-1990651946559?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true)**[ ](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-cyanotype-workshop-with-nature-as-co-author-tickets-1990651946559?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true) Discover cyanotype, a photographic printing process, in this hands-on workshop where Nature becomes your co-author Slow down, step outside, and perhaps take a walk through the local *Lee Valley* — exploring *Bow Creek Ecology Park*and *East India Dock Basin* between Canary Wharf and Trinity Buoy Wharf — for a little birdwatching and inspiration from the natural world. Breathe deeply, listen to the river, and enjoy the calm energy that comes from spending time outdoors. Walking in nature can help quiet the mind, restore focus, and reconnect us with the rhythms of the natural world. Notice the delicate shapes, textures, and shadows that Nature creates, and transform them into your own cyanotype prints. Then come to *BE Ka Art Studio*, Elena's riverside atelier in *Trinity Buoy Wharf*, for a relaxing cynotype session. In this hands-on workshop, you'll discover cyanotype. This photographic printing process uses sunlight, water, and natural materials to create stunning one-of-a-kind artworks in deep luminous blue. Using botanicals, shells, feathers, and found objects, you'll compose your own prints and watch them develop in real time. No cameras, screens, or prior experience needed. You'll leave with your own original cyanotype artworks. ## Nature & Back to Gaia These workshops are dedicated to Nature and *Back to Gaia – A Copyright for Nature* 👉 *[https://www.backtogaia.org](https://www.backtogaia.org)* The founder of the project will present during the events, sharing the vision behind the initiative and its work protecting the natural world. 10% of every ticket will be donated to the charity and invested in projects that support and protect Nature. ## What You’ll Do * Arrange botanicals and natural objects to compose your own cyanotype prints * Add a personal touch with wooden letters, drawings, or handwritten details * Expose your work in sunlight — or UV light if the weather is cloudy * Develop your prints in water and watch the images appear ## What’s Included Everything is provided, including: * A5 coated paper sheet in your choice of colour * Acrylic film * Botanicals, feathers, shells, and natural materials *(feel free to bring your own if you'd like)* * Small wooden craft letters * Trays and all cyanotype materials Just bring your curiosity. Additional paper in different colours and sizes will be available to purchase on the day, along with acetate sheets and markers to customise your creations even further. ## Good to Know * No prior experience necessary — suitable for complete beginners * Relaxed and creative atmosphere * Children must be accompanied by an adult * Step-free access available #### **Please Bring** #### **BYOB** – No drinks or food will be provided. You’re welcome to bring your own. The studio is close to local favourites such as *The Orchard Café* and *Layers Bakery*\*\*,\*\* if you’d like to grab a drink or snack before or after (both open every day until 4 pm). ## **📍Location – Trinity Buoy Wharf, London** E14 0FP The workshop takes place at **Trinity Buoy Wharf**, a historic 19th-century site in London’s Docklands, now home to one of London’s most vibrant creative communities, a sculpture park, event venues, and the iconic Container City™ buildings. More info: [https://www.trinitybuoywharf.com](https://www.trinitybuoywharf.com/ "https://www.trinitybuoywharf.com/") ***The entry gate will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., so please don’t be late. If you arrive after that, unfortunately, we won’t be able to let you in.*** ## **Privacy & Consent** *By attending this event, you agree that photos and videos may be taken and used for promotional purposes, including on BE* *KA website and social media channels. If you'd prefer not to appear, simply let me know*\*\*,\*\* *and I'll make sure to respect your wishes.*

**BOOK HERE**: https://sportas.co.uk/games/45758 **Game Description:** Come and play in a casual 6 aside game on a Sunday afternoon ⚽️ It’s a beautiful pitch with larger goals 😍 💦 Showers, changing rooms, water fountain and toilets available. **Directions:** 🚶‍♂️1 minute walk from Poplar DLR station 🚗 No designated car parking **Rules** \- Change keeper every 6 minutes \- Classic 6 aside rules \- No slide tackles\, play safe \- Respect everyone on the pitch

Puffin weekend.

5:45-7:45 in Conference Room B, Library lower level. Bring your yarn projects, meet new friends. If you plan to attend, please RSVP yes. If you can’t attend, please change your RSVP to no. This helps anyone who is waitlisted and it allows me to have an accurate count of attendees as our space is quite limited. Plenty of parking in the lot, in the overflow lot across the street, and on the street. See you there!

5:45-7:45 in Conference Room B, Library lower level. Bring your yarn projects, meet new friends. If you plan to attend, please RSVP yes. If you can’t attend, please change your RSVP to no. This helps anyone who is waitlisted and it allows me to have an accurate count of attendees as our space is quite limited. Plenty of parking in the lot, in the overflow lot across the street, and on the street. See you there!

12:45-345 in the Meeting Room, Library lowest level by the drinking fountain. Bring your yarn projects, meet new friends. Plenty of parking in the lot, in the overflow lot across the street, and on the street. See you there!

If you enjoy knitting, crocheting, working with yarn, this is the group for you. Meet new friends, bring your projects, learn from others.
We normally meet a few times a month during the week from 6-8pm. We will occasionally meet on weekends during daytime hours.

12:45-3:45 in the Meeting Room, library lowest level, by the drinking fountain. Bring your yarn projects, meet new friends. Plenty of parking in the lot, in the overflow lot across the street, and on the street. See you there!

If you enjoy knitting, crocheting, working with yarn, this is the group for you. Meet new friends, bring your projects, learn from others.
We normally meet a few times a month during the week from 6-8pm. We will occasionally meet on weekends during daytime hours.

**Get your creative flow going with a Saturday Afternoon Maker Meetup!** Whether you are looking to carve out dedicated creative time, wanting to get a lingering project across the finish line, or just looking to chat with fellow local makers—this is the space for you. 🧵 **What to Bring** Bring any art or craft project you are currently working on, as long as it is portable and quiet. Think: * **Yarn & Thread:** Knitting, crochet, embroidery, cross-stitch, hand-sewing, mending. * **Paper & Sketching:** Sketchbooks, adult coloring books, watercolors, bullet journaling. * **Digital:** Tablets, iPad drawing, laptop writing/design. * *Please note: Because we are meeting in a shared public space, no power tools, sewing machines, or high-odor materials (like strong solvents or spray glues), please!* **📍 Where to Find Us** * We will be meeting at **Columbus Metropolitan Library - Parsons Avenue Branch** in **Meeting Room 1**. Room is reserved under **CBUS Maker Meetup.** **⏱️ Timeline** * **1:00 PM:** Arrive, grab a seat, get settled, and do a quick round of introductions so we can see what everyone is working on. * **1:15 PM - 3:00 PM:** Open maker time! Chat, craft, relax, and swap creative ideas. **⚠️ A Note on RSVPs** Space for this first meetup is strictly limited to 10 spots. If your plans change and you can no longer attend, please update your RSVP to "Not Going" as soon as possible so someone on the waitlist can grab your spot. We ask that you try to give at least 48 hours' notice if you need to cancel. *** **We can't wait to meet you and see what you're making! All skill levels welcome.**