Nabeela Khan's Craft Course | Natalie's Thoughts
In collaboration with the talented Nabeela Khan, we ran a Creative Craft Course for the women of Doncaster every week from May the 19th 2021, finishing on the 14th of July 2021.
Throughout the two months Nabeela led regular sessions, teaching the women how to create several different crafts. Creative crafts such as hand stitched coin purses, watercolour painting, pin cushions, plus much more! You can take a look below at some of the beautiful outcomes here.
Natalie Parfitt was one of the members of the group who met weekly. We asked Natalie some questions on how she felt about the course:
Have you enjoyed the weekly Craft Sessions?
Very much – I looked forward to the sessions every week, and I am missing them already. I learned something new in every session. It was so nice to spend time with such a great group of women, I have enormous respect for each and every one of them. The conversations went well beyond the crafts.
Has the weekly session helped you in anyway, creatively, personally?
Creatively I found it very inspirational – I learned some new skills, had fun and did some experimenting.
I found it really helpful to have that set time every week that was “my time”. I’m a working mum so it’s not always easy to find time for hobbies, but it is important to take some time out for yourself. Having the course planned in every week gave me the structure to do that.
I am planning to share some of the skills I learned with creative friends and family members – I am sure they would really enjoy making some of the things we made as well.
What has been your favourite craft?
I particularly liked the watercolour mark making we did in the first week. I have always loved painting, but when I paint it is to fulfil a brief or for a specific purpose – I realised that I tend to stick to the same methods and don’t often allow myself to just play around with the materials or try out anything new. It was really refreshing to have the freedom to experiment and I am keen to keep that going. I have some ideas about using a more experimental style of painting with the traditional methods I would usually use.
Do you think you will continue with any of the skills you have picked up from the session?
Yes definitely– I found making the twine was really relaxing and something I could do a few minutes of here and there when I had the chance. The basket I am making is a work in progress, but I am really enjoying it and have plans to make another one afterwards. Nabeela promoted recycling and sustainability – encouraging us to use scrap materials, packaging or old clothing that we already had around the house, or buy things second hand from charity shops rather than new. I was able to turn broken jewellery and old bedding into completely new items, and I will continue to do this. I like to make handmade gifts that are unique and thoughtful.
Longer term, it has inspired me to learn how to use a sewing machine.
Would you be interested in sessions like this again? Online or in person?
Yes I would 100% like to take part in sessions like this again, and would recommend others to take part if they get the chance! For me personally, the online learning worked really well as I have a toddler and husband who works shifts, so this way I could take part in the evenings without having to worry about childcare.
I would certainly attend sessions in person if I could though, given the chance.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Just to say thanks for the opportunity! It was so nice to receive the little parcels of materials through the post – such a nice touch. The WhatsApp group was great to keep everyone in contact and on track, and it was great to see what everyone had been doing. People also shared other crafts and creations that they had done in the past or were currently working on which was lovely - everyone was so supportive.
Nabeela is such an enthusiastic and generous teacher, and her and Lizzie were also great hosts! The classes were really friendly and welcoming, everyone was included in the conversations. Lizzie was so calm and well organised, and sent updates and reminders which I found really helpful.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us Natalie. Check out the webpage for Nabeela’s Craft Course here: https://www.rightupourstreet.org.uk/nabeela-khans-craft-course
Right Up Our Street Doncaster