Pioneer Valley generations weave together at Crafty Hands Holiday Workshop

A Central Queensland handicraft group shared its crafting love with a new generation at its first ever children’s workshop event. Read why members say the art is more than ‘just a skill’.

Basket weavers Angel Charlton, Jayne Ah Sam, Lyndley Kynaston, George Tilbrook and Cooper Morrisey. Photo: Valley Spinners and Crafts Group

Crochet, baskets, and cross-generational connections were made when 20 kids gathered at Gargett CWA Hall over the school holidays.

The Valley Spinners & Craft Group hosted its first ever Crafty Hands Holiday Workshop for Pioneer Valley kids on September 19 and 26.

Children aged from nine to 17 learned about knitting, crochet, sashiko stitching and basket weaving from the Valley Spinners’ master members.

Basket weavers Angel Charlton, Jayne Ah Sam, Lyndley Kynaston, George Tilbrook and Cooper Morrisey. Picture: Contributed

While the group hosts regular craft meets and many events, a kids’ workshop was first suggested by Ann Dittmar-McCollim.

“It was wonderful for our club to share our skills with younger ones and to show how much crafting means to us”, Ms Dittmar-McCollim said.

“It’s not just a skill or creative avenue for us.

“But also a wonderful way to build and sustain friendships.”

Payton Tass, Havarna Parry, Elessa Sales and Imogen Tennant stitch and chat with Mackay councillor Fran Mann (middle). Picture: Contributed

Knitwear and crochet have become a trend among younger generations as ancient crafts enter high fashion.

Over the two days of the workshop, kids went from knowing little to nothing at all to mastering the basics of their chosen craft.

Valley Spinners secretary and event co-ordinator Cheryl Johns said many had things ready to share by the second day.

Allannah Redo and Ruby Crowther getting some help with their crochet techniques from Anne Gentle. Picture: Contributed

“Everyone had items finished or well-and-truly in progress that they could proudly ‘show and tell’,” Ms Johns said.

“Edged were crocheted, baskets woven and samplers knitted or stitched.

“The children’s enthusiasm, focus and behaviour (and appetites) were a credit to themselves, their families and teachers.”

Sophie McClennan watches as daughters Eva and Willow knit samplers. Picture: Contributed

Valley Spinners president Margaret Borg spoke to the Daily Mercury previously about learning to craft with her sisters at her mother’s kitchen table while growing up in Habana.

Her sister Connie Muscat helped found the craft group in the 1970s and both were at the children’s event sharing their years of wisdom.

Club volunteers and wonderful caterers Jane Vella, Colleen Brow and Phyllis Vella. Picture: Contributed

“Our members came away feeling that they had learnt one or two things from the children,” Ms Borg said.

“The extremely positive feedback we received from the children, parents and other community members made many months of planning worthwhile.”

Valley Spinners & Craft Group president Margaret Borg works on a knitted shawl at a meeting in May. Picture: Contributed

A survey done at the end of the workshop indicated all the kids enjoyed learning about craft and many were keen to pursue it further.

Valley Spinners thanked the Regional Arts Development Fund, a partnership of the Queensland Government and Mackay Regional Council, for supporting the workshop.