By Nova Dudley-Gough
It’s not a secret that there can be plenty of spare time to be had in Panaga. While you might not get bored, exactly, there is certainly
plenty of opportunity to explore new activities and interests. But where to begin? If you fancy trying something crafty, but don’t have the skills yet, the materials (or know where to order them) or the equipment to try something new, why even try? This is when a trip to the Arts & Craft space comes in.
For a minimal fee of $30 a year, you have access to the Arts & Craft room. This light, airy space is a haven of calm and crafting, just upstairs in the Panaga Club. While there are occasional family mornings (available at an increased fee), this is very much a space for people who want to try their hand at a new activity — or indeed, work on a project in a space that isn’t home — without distractions from looking after little ones. With large tables and cupboards full of supplies, it really has a supportive and welcoming atmosphere.
I’ve always been a little intimidated by the room. I suspected it was full of experts who would immediately sense I barely knew one end of a needle from another, and cast me out on my thimble-less behind as soon as I wandered in. But it’s not at all. People hang out there to work on art, scrapbook pages, make cards, search through pattern books for ideas, help others that are struggling with tricky projects of all types…it’s a genuinely welcoming place and it’s wonderful to see people at all levels of experience embrace their talents and improve their skills.
With regular competitions and displays of creations — from wash bags to skirts, from letter design to screen printing — anyone can try anything they fancy. Once you’re a member there is also access to occasional courses: I shall be thimble-less no more after signing up for a beginner’s embroidery class.
Crafting is essentially a solo business. This room gives you the chance to create while being surrounded with likeminded people, in a space filled with equipment and useful stock. It’s company and support without being pressured. You have the opportunity to try out new ideas and see whether you enjoy it before spending a fortune on equipment. You have the chance to be inspired by what other people choose to work on, and there is always someone around to help get you started — and provide the impetus to keep going. And even if you just use the space as a quiet place to contemplate what your next project might be, that’s OK too.
The Arts & Craft room is run by a group of volunteers who open up the room daily. There is a WhatsApp group that lets people share ideas and designs and confirms opening times, but it’s definitely not overwhelming! It really is a lovely place — I just wish I dared to walk in sooner.
