Press Release May 2013
The Make Escape Craft Night celebrates 1st birthday with a Makerversary
When was the last time you fancied doing something a little bit different after work? Maybe you’re too broke for a meal out, there’s nothing on at the cinema, you don’t want to stay out too late, are not in the mood for the gym, feel bored of sitting in the pub or just want to get away from your day job, and do something creative?
That’s what The Make Escape Craft Night which celebrates its 1st birthday this month (May 28th 2013) is all about: letting you forget about the stresses of your day, offering a place to hang out, meet new people, catch up with friends and learn something new.
Founder Momtaz Begum-Hossain explains: ‘The craft night phenomenon is historic; quilting groups, sewing circles and knitting groups have always met, but what we do at The Make Escape is ensure it’s accessible to all. That’s why our nights are completely free to attend and every single participant gets to ‘make and take’ something home, assisted by the most talented designer/makers in the UK.’
Inclusive and interactive, on average 100 people attend the monthly event, 25% of which are male and 50% of whom come from ethnic backgrounds, dispelling the myth that ‘modern craft’ is just for middle class white females.
Aiyaz Ahmed a science teacher, explains why he’s a regular: ‘I’ve discovered that making things helps me relax. At The Make Escape I’ve sewn my own James Bond style bow-tie, learnt how to embroider a cushion, made my Christmas cards and appliquéd a Day Of The Dead brooch.’
Each month there are themed workshops run by special guests. Over the last year volunteers have included fashion designer Rosie Martin from DIY Couture, Man Embroiderer Mr X Stitch, The Great British Sewing Bee contestant Tilly Walnes, Stitch London founder Lauren O’Farrell, author Perri Lewis and Craftivist Sarah Corbett. There’s also a regular Collage Corner, a Makers Market where artisans can sell their work without stall hire, a Knit & Knatter spot where beginners can pick up needles for the first time and learn to knit, a licensed bar, and music provided by resident DJs The Spinning Yarns.
‘Making is fun and should be free for all’, that’s the philosophy of Momtaz who founded the night in May 2012. She concludes: ‘When we started the night 12 months ago we never anticipated the buzz, energy and excitement we’d get at every event. There’s always someone who says they aren’t creative then by the end of the evening they have a masterpiece to take home – that’s what gives us the drive to keep going continuing to ensure The Make Escape is one of the best Craft Nights in the UK.’
To celebrate one year of The Make Escape we invite you to attend our Makerversary featuring returning special guests hosting workshops including DIY Couture (collar making), Farcreazy Farid (design a comic strip), Use It Up Wear It Out (paper hats) and Artyard Handmade (decorations). Plus we’ll be exhibiting jigsaw pieces from Save The Children and Craftivists recent campaign I’m A Piece aimed at using craft to stop global hunger.
Notes to the Editor:
• The Make Escape craft night takes place on the last Tuesday of the month at The Hackney Attic, 270 Mare Street, London, E8 1HE.
• It is run on a voluntarily basis and no cost is ever incurred to participants.
• The 1st birthday takes place on Tuesday May 28th 7.30-11pm.
The Make Escape Craft Night celebrates 1st birthday with a Makerversary
When was the last time you fancied doing something a little bit different after work? Maybe you’re too broke for a meal out, there’s nothing on at the cinema, you don’t want to stay out too late, are not in the mood for the gym, feel bored of sitting in the pub or just want to get away from your day job, and do something creative?
That’s what The Make Escape Craft Night which celebrates its 1st birthday this month (May 28th 2013) is all about: letting you forget about the stresses of your day, offering a place to hang out, meet new people, catch up with friends and learn something new.
Founder Momtaz Begum-Hossain explains: ‘The craft night phenomenon is historic; quilting groups, sewing circles and knitting groups have always met, but what we do at The Make Escape is ensure it’s accessible to all. That’s why our nights are completely free to attend and every single participant gets to ‘make and take’ something home, assisted by the most talented designer/makers in the UK.’
Inclusive and interactive, on average 100 people attend the monthly event, 25% of which are male and 50% of whom come from ethnic backgrounds, dispelling the myth that ‘modern craft’ is just for middle class white females.
Aiyaz Ahmed a science teacher, explains why he’s a regular: ‘I’ve discovered that making things helps me relax. At The Make Escape I’ve sewn my own James Bond style bow-tie, learnt how to embroider a cushion, made my Christmas cards and appliquéd a Day Of The Dead brooch.’
Each month there are themed workshops run by special guests. Over the last year volunteers have included fashion designer Rosie Martin from DIY Couture, Man Embroiderer Mr X Stitch, The Great British Sewing Bee contestant Tilly Walnes, Stitch London founder Lauren O’Farrell, author Perri Lewis and Craftivist Sarah Corbett. There’s also a regular Collage Corner, a Makers Market where artisans can sell their work without stall hire, a Knit & Knatter spot where beginners can pick up needles for the first time and learn to knit, a licensed bar, and music provided by resident DJs The Spinning Yarns.
‘Making is fun and should be free for all’, that’s the philosophy of Momtaz who founded the night in May 2012. She concludes: ‘When we started the night 12 months ago we never anticipated the buzz, energy and excitement we’d get at every event. There’s always someone who says they aren’t creative then by the end of the evening they have a masterpiece to take home – that’s what gives us the drive to keep going continuing to ensure The Make Escape is one of the best Craft Nights in the UK.’
To celebrate one year of The Make Escape we invite you to attend our Makerversary featuring returning special guests hosting workshops including DIY Couture (collar making), Farcreazy Farid (design a comic strip), Use It Up Wear It Out (paper hats) and Artyard Handmade (decorations). Plus we’ll be exhibiting jigsaw pieces from Save The Children and Craftivists recent campaign I’m A Piece aimed at using craft to stop global hunger.
Notes to the Editor:
• The Make Escape craft night takes place on the last Tuesday of the month at The Hackney Attic, 270 Mare Street, London, E8 1HE.
• It is run on a voluntarily basis and no cost is ever incurred to participants.
• The 1st birthday takes place on Tuesday May 28th 7.30-11pm.
Forthcoming dates:
June 25th
Summer of Love
Pitch up a tent and make headbands, musical instruments and jewellery with Ever and Ava at our mud-free celebrations or go green, eco-weaving with Purple Claire.
July 30th
Make Invaders
Play iconic retro games whilst making stuff as we present the ultimate night of geek craftery. We’ll provide the consoles and craft materials including Sonic, Donkey Kong, sculpting fimo characters and a cross-stitch workshop run by The Craft Closet.
• For full details of previous nights over the last year please visit the blog: www.themakeescape.blogspot.com
Founder: Momtaz Begum-Hossain
Momtaz is a Writer and Crafts Expert who has written three craft books. She is a maker/designer who has been selling her work since 2001, teaches regular craft workshops and previously edited an independent craftzine and consumer craft magazine. She runs The Make Escape with a team of volunteers and blogs at www.CosILikeMakingStuff.blogspot.com.
Contact details:
Make Invaders
Play iconic retro games whilst making stuff as we present the ultimate night of geek craftery. We’ll provide the consoles and craft materials including Sonic, Donkey Kong, sculpting fimo characters and a cross-stitch workshop run by The Craft Closet.
• For full details of previous nights over the last year please visit the blog: www.themakeescape.blogspot.com
Founder: Momtaz Begum-Hossain
Momtaz is a Writer and Crafts Expert who has written three craft books. She is a maker/designer who has been selling her work since 2001, teaches regular craft workshops and previously edited an independent craftzine and consumer craft magazine. She runs The Make Escape with a team of volunteers and blogs at www.CosILikeMakingStuff.blogspot.com.
Contact details:
Email: themakeescape@googlemail.com
Phone: 07931 511 782
Website: www.themakeescape.blogspot.com
Images: Available upon request
Phone: 07931 511 782
Website: www.themakeescape.blogspot.com
Images: Available upon request
This is great. I like it.
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