Crafting, creativity and community are at the heart of the Makers and Menders Program at the Brunswick Neighbourhood House (BNH) in Melbourne.
The Makers and Menders Program emerged as a small group of community-minded crafters in the early 2020s and soon trebled in size. This strong community interest led BNH to set up the Makers and Menders Program and with a bit of promotion, the group was soon at capacity.
Creative freedom and flexibility drive the program of activities for the group with members choosing their craft activity based on their needs and interests.
Collaborative projects are certainly possible, and the group is supportive and encouraging of all creative ideas. Makers and Menders has been popular because it provides an opportunity for like-minded crafters to come together to share information about suppliers, techniques and to mentor and inspire each other.
Despite the difference between projects, the crafting experience is a shared one and the group has developed strong friendships with members often meeting outside the program for social activities.
The strong social and community aspect of the group was reflected in the recent surprise party for original member Kate Nash’s 80th birthday which was planned by members.
Makers and Menders also participate in the Brunswick Multicultural Festival, presented by Brunswick Neighbourhood House, held twice a year in nearby Warr Park.
Through this event, the group can present creations such as crocheted toys and other hand-crafted objects and this also provides an opportunity for members to sell their work within the community.
Due to the popularity of the Makers and Menders Program and with the current group at capacity, BNH is developing a waitlist for a second group. We encourage volunteer facilitators to reach out to us with the plan to set up a second group so all those who are interested in joining Makers and Menders can do so. Our hope is that Makers and Menders continues to thrive. We hope to strengthen the strong bonds amongst existing members and to extend the camaraderie and joy of making and mending to future members and generations.
An example of a project one group member is working on is a crochet rug for a family member who is moving into aged care. ‘I learnt to crochet through Makers and Menders and when my family member had to go into aged care I thought this could bring a little comfort,’ said Shannon, from the Makers and Menders Program. With each five cm squared section taking over 30 minutes to crochet and with 300 squares to be completed this project is certainly a labour of love. Extending the life of good jumpers has become a practical mending project for group members. Recently a member of another group at Brunswick Neighbourhood House popped into Makers and Menders and asked if anyone could mend his jumper. One of the group members kindly volunteered and mended the elbows in his jumper restoring it for winters to come.
About Brunswick Neighbourhood House
Brunswick Neighbourhood House is a community-based organisation committed to building a stronger local community. We are a not-for-profit organisation that offers education programs, social activities, community support and childcare for local and surrounding communities. Our purpose is to create a healthy, safe, and connected community by offering opportunities to learn, create, interact and engage. Visit Brunswick Neighbourhood House Co-Operative Limited 43A De Carle St Brunswick, Victoria or www.bnhc.vic.edu.au, email info@bnhc.vic.edu.au.
About Heather Saltmarsh
Heather has taught Fashion Design at RMIT University and has a Master of Design from RMIT. As well as her involvement in the Makers and Menders Program, Heather teaches the Fashion for Beginners Program at Brunswick Neighbourhood House (BNH). Heather has been volunteering at BNH for the past 12 months and enjoys getting involved and meeting members of the community.
