New home for local crafts group

Newly-opened wool and haberdashery shop Crafty Corner in Macclesfield town centre has given a new home to Serenity Crafts, a local arts and crafts group.

Serenity Crafts is a community-run project that helps people of all ages and abilities to learn a craft in a friendly and supportive environment. The group, set up in February 2016, was formerly based in the Grosvenor Centre’s Indoor Market. When one of its regular crochet coaches, local businesswoman Lynda Speakman, launched Crafty Corner in nearby Mill Street in August, stocking wool, knitting and embroidery materials, Serenity Crafts moved there with her.

Visited recently by local MP, David Rutley, he heard that as well as teaching useful craft skills, the group’s regular ‘knitter-natter’ sessions are a great way for attendees to meet with other residents with shared interests, helping to build community spirit and tackle loneliness – and how the group plans to expand and continue its work within the community.

Supported by Lynda’s three-strong shop team, including Fiona Messenger, the group continues to grow. Its sessions have been proving so popular since the move to Crafty Corner that new evening sessions are being launched between 5 pm and 7 pm from this September. During the daytime, workshops run daily at Crafty Corner between 10 am and 2 pm, teaching skills that include crochet, sewing, knitting, and even paper and book folding. The sessions often see attendance as high as 18-20 people, and anyone of whatever skill level or age is welcome.

The group also supports local charities with sponsored knitting or crocheting events. Most recently, volunteers helped to crochet a mile-long scarf in support of the Alzheimer’s Society’s ‘Walk a Mile in My Shoes’ initiative.

Speaking after his visit, David said, “It was great to visit Lynda and to see her business, and to meet the other volunteers at Serenity Crafts. These classes are a good way to teach useful skills and help people to meet and make friends at the same time. I am pleased to hear that Serenity Crafts continues to go from strength to strength following the recent move, and I wish them continued success going forward.”