Sewing

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/make-a-piped-cushion-60/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/make-a-piped-cushion-60/) **⋆⋆⋆** For everyone who would love to make their own cushions for seats and sofas. The perfect way to fit out your camper van or jazz up your shed. Whether it’s a square scatter cushion or an elegant piped boxed cushion, learn the process in our one-day weekend workshop. If you are not confident with a sewing machine, we suggest you make the square scatter cushion. During the day you will be able to sew your creation to make either a 40cm piped, square cushion or a square 3” deep 35cm piped boxed cushion to take home. An expert upholsterer will guide you through the process of cushion-making to ensure a crisp fitted result. Master the techniques of measuring, marking and cutting accurately to maximise fabric use and how to pattern match. Learn how to make piping using bias-cut strips and piping cords. We will also show you how to fit a zip along one side so you can take your cover off for washing. All materials (including hypoallergenic cushion pad or foam pad) are provided and you will be able to choose your fabric from a small selection we have at the centre. You may bring a metre of your own soft furnishing fabric if you choose. Please make sure to avoid velvets, stretch or satin as these are more suitable to an advanced learner. A linen-weight fabric is ideal. We have well-maintained domestic Janome and Bernina machines to learn on. These workshops are kept to a small number and everyone has a dedicated machine. If you would like to build up confidence with a sewing machine first, we suggest our one-day ‘[Intro to Machine Sewing](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/intro-machine-sewing/)’ workshop. Book early to ensure your space.

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/intro-to-woodwork-1-day-shelf-bracket-53/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/intro-to-woodwork-1-day-shelf-bracket-53/) **⋆⋆⋆** Ideal for everyone with a hankering to ‘make’ rather than ‘assemble’ something in wood with traditional hand tools. This one-day workshop is a great introduction if you lack time or commitment to take a longer course. In this safe and friendly workshop, you will learn how to plan your work, where, and how to buy suitable wood for use in making simple projects at home. You will use the tools you will need to build a basic kit and the day includes a demonstration on keeping your tools sharp. Using easy-to-follow directions in this ‘hands-on’ practical day, you will learn how to measure and cut accurately, how to use a chisel to make a classic wood joint and how to use a plane to make your wood smooth. You will drill the holes to glue and screw your work together. Everyone works with a complete set of tools and makes their own project, under the guidance of an experienced tutor. During the day you will make two ‘gallows style’ brackets and attach them with wood-plugged screws to a 50cm shelf. This is fitted with simple hardware to hang and display your work. This workshop is suitable for all ages. Small class size = plenty of attention. For those aged between 10 and 18, an older guardian can accompany them on the course if required. Please contact us if you intend to do this. If you enjoy the peace that comes with traditional skills, this day can build into a lifelong pastime. This workshop always sells out fast. All personal protection and use of tools and materials are included.

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/diy-in-a-day-basic-electrics-33/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/diy-in-a-day-basic-electrics-33/) ⋆⋆⋆ **Duration: 6 hours 10-1pm 2pm-5pm** **Next start date: check the table below** **Tutor: Moira Tighe** **Suitable for absolute beginners** A one-day introductory workshop to help learn the first principles of DIY electrics in the home. This short home electrics workshop covers the most common requests that homeowners, landlords and tenants want to know more about in their homes. Explained in simple terminology, and with practice on fiddly -but unplugged in – electrical fittings, learners can leave feeling less wary about this familiar but invisible energy and confident about safely tackling the essential electrics at home, without requiring any ‘Part P’ certification. First principles are explained in a clear and simple way, without complicated formulas or equations. Learn how to assemble a simple lighting circuit with an inline switch, using inexpensive hand tools. This forms the basis of understanding how the wiring behind your switch plates and ceiling roses fit together. See how to test and avoid faulty wiring when performing simple repairs at home. Look under the ‘bonnet’ of your consumer unit (Fuse box) and understand what it’s connected to and how to turn the supply off and on. Understand the basic wiring system in your home. Practice changing switches to dimmers, look behind socket plates and understand how to change ceiling pendants. Stay safe in your home by finding out what you can and can’t do yourself without any certification. If coming to our workshop in Central London is not possible, then why not try our on-demand basic electrical course online?

## You may also book directly at our site here: https://www.writeandpint.com/events/collage-creative-writing-food-drinks-a-free-book-a-pub-quiz ... ## Hello there! Whoever you are, you're very welcome to join us for this fun, creative, and inspirational day of "Collage & Creative Writing". This Write & Pint workshop invites you into **an aesthetic realm, where verbal and pictorial expression collide!** Together, we’ll be: * Reading an excerpt from a piece of fiction * Reading a poem * Creating a character + character journey * Creating a collage (\*think felt tip pens, magazines, newspapers, scissors, A3 paper, moodboard-type thing) * Using our visual designs to expand our characters and character journey in writing thereafter! * A short pub quiz at the end of the day to round it all off! This is, of course, a **creative writing day**, for creative writers or anybody willing to give it a go, but it will also make use of **collage** to show you how visual media can help inform and inspire deeper connections to **charact and narrative arc.** ## What you'll need \*No experience necessary. \*No pressure to pitch or share your work in front of the group. Just bring yourself, a pen and pad (or laptop - depending how you'd like to write), and leave the rest to us. ## Schedule **11am** Arrive, order your tea or coffee, settle in, meet some friendly faces. **11am–1pm** Introductory poems, excerpts, and exercises, to help you develop your (we'll guide you through it) **1pm** Lunch break: a Finch’s pub brunch (\*included in the ticket price - as are the drinks). **2–3pm** Guided collage creation! **3pm–4pm** More writing, using your collage as inspiration. You’ll leave with new material to take home, edit, and keep. **4:00–5:00pm** 🎉 **The Write & Pint Pub Quiz** A fun, light-hearted general knowledge quiz covering culture, films, literature, history, and society, a playful way to end the day together. ... If you have any question at all, about this full day workshop or any of our other events, you're very welcome to text or WhatsApp me on +44 (0) 7534 981 636. Cheers! Sean (A Write & a Pint).

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/make-a-french-mattress-cushion-16/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/make-a-french-mattress-cushion-16/) **⋆⋆⋆** **How to make a French ‘Mattress’ cushion** Have you admired the latest hand-sewn cushions that are featured in a lot of Interior decor magazines? In this 1 day weekend course, you will create a 50cm x 55cm x 12cm sample French cushion using materials from sustainable resources. You will be introduced to the necessary materials and techniques needed to make this type of cushion, including choosing the right fabric, measuring and cutting, sewing techniques, and stuffing methods. The workshop will teach you step-by-step how to create your own, including how to identify the different types of materials that can be used to make one. You will learn how to select the right fabric, including considerations such as texture, weight, and durability. Next, you will be introduced to the techniques involved in measuring and cutting the fabric, including how to create a pattern, and how to ensure that the cushion will be the right size and shape. You will also learn how to sew the pieces together, using traditional upholstery techniques. This project crosses the techniques of home furnishings and upholstery By the end of the weekend, you will have gained an understanding of the materials and techniques involved in making a beautiful and comfortable French cushion. You will have the skills and knowledge needed to create a unique and personalized cushion that will add elegance and charm to any room

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/diy-in-a-day-drills-346/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/diy-in-a-day-drills-346/) **⋆⋆⋆** Learn the basics at this fast-paced but relaxed one-day workshop. A perfect starter for all those annoying jobs around the house that you feel you should be able to tackle…if only you knew how. We know it’s frustrating to wait for it to be done and then get charged for it and we understand it can be a bit daunting to head into a wall with a power drill. Pick up the skills to hang curtains, blinds, and simple shelves on any wall. Learn to drill into wood, brick, tiles, or hollow walls with confidence. We will show you how to judge what is behind the walls before you drill. An enjoyable ‘ hands-on’ one-day workshop that covers many of the common aspects of basic DIY. If you have just bought your home and have realized it didn’t include a landlord to fix stuff, or just don’t want to rely on someone else, this day is for you. There is plenty of time to practice on several exercises over the day. The workshop also covers hanging pictures and heavier objects like mirrors, cupboards, and flat-screen TVs. You will learn how to hang a hook, fix a baton, and then a pair of level shelf brackets. Finish off the day learning how to fit shelves into awkward alcoves – a handy skill you can use to fit work surfaces too. Learn how to select the correct drill bit, wall fixing, and screw to secure things confidently. The day will also include a chance to fill small and medium holes in wood and walls to prepare your surfaces for painting. Along the way, we show you how to remove old wall fixings and what to do with the ones you can’t. This a fun fast day with plenty of tools to try and lots of advice on which tools to have in a basic toolkit. If you are thinking of upgrading your drill, you can test all of the ones we use and feel more knowledgeable about what you want to buy. This course is especially suitable if you are not handy or if you are able, but not that confident, about tackling small but important tasks in your home. We will also suggest how to tell if a task is appropriate for DIY or GSI (Get Someone In). You will take home a set of skills that will last a lifetime. All tools and materials included. Perfect for beginners.

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/lino-block-printing-4/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/lino-block-printing-4/) **⋆⋆⋆** **Suitable for:** Suitable for beginners. No prior experience is required. **About:** Spend a day learning to cut a lino block, ink up and print onto fabric. On this one day workshop you will gain an introduction to the lino printing technique onto fabric. You will create your own one color lino print on fabric, an artwork ready to hang on your wall or perhaps as a gift for someone. Taking inspiration from natural objects, plants and images provided and learn to free your hand and mind with the process of mark making itself. Katharine will guide you through the process of carving your own piece of natural linoleum which you will then ink up and print onto your prepared piece of fabric multiple times using a brayer roller. You will make your own creative decisions as you go with as much or little guidance as you need, while always bearing in mind mistakes can lead to positive and new outcomes!

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/make-a-plant-holder-39/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/make-a-plant-holder-39/) ⋆⋆⋆ A good woodworker has a number of basic joints in their virtual toolbelt that they can use for any project. We have devised a lovely one-day introduction to woodwork skills which is a homage to the not-so-humble mortise and tenon joint – one of the essential joints required if you are looking to create sturdy pieces of furniture that can be fitted together like a beautiful 3D puzzle. A mortise (or mortice) and tenon joint connects two pieces of wood mainly when the adjoining pieces connect at right angles. In its most basic form, a mortise and tenon joint is both simple and strong and comprises two components, the mortise hole and the tenon tongue. The tenon, formed on the end of a piece of wood generally referred to as a rail, fits into a square or rectangular hole cut into the other, corresponding piece of wood. The tenon is cut to fit the mortise hole exactly. It usually has shoulders that seat when the joint fully enters the mortise hole. The joint may be glued, pinned, or wedged to lock it in place. Over the course of this hands-on, practical day the tutor will give you careful direction in the use of using traditional tools. You will learn how to measure and cut accurately, how to use a chisel to make four ‘mortise and tenons’, how to use a plane to shape and apply a smooth finish to edges, and how to slot it all firmly together. The result will be a strong, standing plant pot holder that will proudly support a plant to brighten up a corner of any room and stand as a lasting testament to your joint making skills. An elegant 20cm white pot is included for you to take home with your new plant pot holder – we’ll leave it to you to decide how to fill it. This workshop is suitable for all ages. Small class size = plenty of attention. All personal protection and use of tools and materials are included. Suitable for beginners.

**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

**We will be at The Mitre pub in central Greenwich.** **This meetup will start half an hour earlier than usual, as we need to finish half an hour earlier to give the pub the room back for another meeting.** This meetup is free and casual. We just sit around for a few hours and write together. Bring a laptop, or use a pen and paper or clay tablet and stylus if that's what works for you. The structure of the session is roughly: 2pm: chat 2:20–3:25: writing time 3:25: chat/coffee break 3:40–4:45 writing time 4:45: chat But our Saturdays are very casual, so feel free to drop in and out. **This is usually in the meeting room at the Mitre. If you arrive a bit later, you may need to ask the bar staff to show you through to the room.**

Taisoken Sword Fitness classes are formulated to sculpt your whole body, build lean muscle and focus the mind. Based on traditional Japanese sword movements (‘Taisoken’ literally means ‘exercise sword’ in Japanese) the class blends cardio and light weight resistance training to burn fat and build long lean muscles. We make use of traditional Japanese training swords (called ‘Bokken’) to tone our arms and strengthen our cores. No prior training or martial arts experience is required, the class is completely non-contact and suited to all levels of fitness. Come and join us every second Sunday for a strong work out - most weeks be pop to the local pub/café for a quick coffee or cake (and let’s be honest, sometimes both!) Meetup Cost: £10 Please bring the payment with you on the day and pay directly to Taisoken or you can make a bank transfer on the day. Classes are for ladies only. Back ground Info: Taisoken Sword Fitness has been developed and is led by Jeff Humm, who has been studying studying the use of the Japanese sword for over 45 years together with other traditional martial arts. He holds a Masters degree in Traditional Japanese Martial Arts and a 7th Dan in Japanese fencing (Kendo). The movements are authentic cutting actions, some dating back more than 3 hundred years when your life depend on how well you wield the Sword. By taking authentic Japanese sword movements of attack and defence, these actions have been formulated into practice routines which work and sculpt the full range of the body’s muscles. Additionally the routines require participates to focus and visualise their actions leading them to seeking perfection in application which in turn empowers the mind and develops greater body and mind equilibrium. The Japanese sword is sharp and slender, renowned and admired across the world for its beauty and image; those that can weld it effectively are held in great esteem and revered. They are resilient and tranquil, with poise and grace they move without effort, mind, body and sword as one. Please bring the payment with you on the day and pay directly to Taisoken.

12:45-3:45 p.m. in the Meeting Room, library lowest level, by the drinking fountain. 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!

Some trained COUNT volunteers work together once a month at RMH (http://www.rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer.php) as Housewarmers (usually on the 1st Sunday from 1 – 5 PM). Some schedule other shifts at their convenience. You may try this out with less fuss by following a "Fast track" or go through the normal process. Fast track • Arrange a time to shadow a COUNT volunteer. Call Dave Nohle at 614-268-9558 (cell). • Show up and try it out. • Complete application, etc. later. Normal process • Complete an online application (http://rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer/). • Attend orientation in advance. • At orientation you will complete forms agreeing to keep family/patient info private and allowing a background check and tour the facility. • Complete one training shift. Daily shifts are: morning 9 AM - 1 PM, afternoon 1 - 5 PM and evening 5 - 9 PM. • Schedule shifts online using the on the RMH scheduling system (http://www.volgistics.com/ex/portal.dll/?FROM=32895). The Ronald McDonald House (RMH) provides housing and meals for families with sick children. The Columbus RMH is the largest in the world with 137 rooms. COUNT has been volunteering there since May 2014. Housewarmers work with RMH guests to provide a home-like environment - greet, assist with family needs, answer phones, give tours, assist with checkin/checkout, prepare guest rooms after checkout, clean facility, laundry, restock supplies and staff the front desk. RMH Housewarmers volunteer at least one four-hour shift a month. All Housewarmers must complete an application and agree to a background check before they can be full fledged volunteers.

**Let’s catch up and take an afternoon break.** **Grab a coffee or snack and let’s chit chat! Gayle and I will bring adult coloring books and/or a simple craft if you’d like to unwind and relax.😊**

**We are expanding our creative programming opportunities with Queer Quills, a quiet writing and sharing space. Queer Quills features some prompts, supplies and friendly faces to help get some inspiration or feedback for your writing. Hope to see you there!**

**This month’s Creativity Circle is very timely. We will be making our own craft snowflakes out of paper, coffee filters, popsicle sticks, sparkles and more! Bring the snowy season inside without the wet and cold. All ages welcome, show up as you can, bring a friend or a few if you would like to! Excited to see you there! Seats Limited. Held at the Westerville Public Library Meeting Room B.**

**Optional movie afterwards**