Dubai: Fancy the pattern of a dress, jacket or a bag in a design catalogue? You could not only get yourself the desired piece but actually make it yourself — thanks to a concept craft store that is proving to be a huge draw among adults and children alike in the city.
From sewing and embroidery machines to knitting yarns, threads, needles, ribbons, quilting fabric, patterns, books and magazines, there are over 200 products that you can pick from to sew, knit, embroider, crochet or even make quilts at Craftland at the Jumeirah Town Centre, which calls itself a "creative haven" for craft lovers.
"We sell everything you need and teach you how to make it. But you have to make it yourself," said Riana Auret-DuBois, Business Development Manager of Craftland owned by the Al Zarooni Group.
The concept, which has many takers, has attracted both beginners and advanced learners. "We've even had a young man in his 20s who wanted to learn how to knit," said Riana. "Over 500 customers have attended our workshops and courses in the past year or so," she said.
While workshops are one-off classes, courses are a series of classes scheduled over several weeks. They are hands-on occasions where you get to work on a specific project while learning a new technique. For instance, making a simple silk ribbon-embroidered wall-piece could take up to three classes or just learning how to sew as a beginner could take up to four sessions.
‘Doctors' at hand
"It would cost around Dh300 for four sessions," said Riana.
The shop also conducts clinics where you can get your pieces mended or finished by "doctors" at hand.
"One of our experienced staff will answer questions, help you solve problems or get started on a new project. We have clinics for knitting/crocheting, sewing/embroidery and quilting," said Riana. She said clubs or meetings are also held to enable people to share their interests in crafts.
"These meetings are held once a month and the programme includes demonstrations, show-n-tell, promotions and short activities. Clubs are held on Tuesday mornings and repeated on Saturday afternoons for those with weekday commitments," said Riana, adding that a participation fee of Dh50 is also charged.
A stitch in time
In keeping with the spirit of Ramadan, Craftland has launched a campaign to help students of the Manzil School for Special Needs in Sharjah.
Urging the general public to donate any unused or unwanted fabric or sewing related items, Riana said: "We are collecting used sewing machines, crafting tools and materials to donate to the school so that students can learn new skills and try new crafts. The school's main aim is to develop students' skills and confidence to a level that enables them to be a part of the society — they call it ‘destination inclusion'."
She said donors can drops off items at the shop at Jumeirah Town Centre throughout this month.
