Adult Learners’ Week Free Taster Sessions

As part of Adult Learners' Week 2024, we're excited to offer a range of free taster sessions designed to spark your creativity and ignite a passion for lifelong learning. Join us and explore new skills, rediscover old hobbies, and connect with a supportive community of fellow learners. Whether you're looking to develop your skills, boost your confidence, or simply explore new interests, our taster sessions provide a welcoming and inspiring environment to adults of any age.

Introduction to Peg Weaving

Peg weaving is a simple yet creative craft that involves weaving yarn or other fibres around a series of pegs or dowels to create a variety of textile-based projects. This introductory course is suitable for beginners who wish to learn the basics of peg weaving and create their own unique pieces.
In this course, you will learn the fundamental techniques of peg weaving, including setting up the loom, selecting appropriate yarns or materials, and getting comfortable with the weaving process. Through hands-on workshops and guided instruction, you will explore different weaving patterns, colour combinations, and design elements to produce a range of peg-woven items.
By the end of the course, you will have the knowledge and confidence to continue your peg weaving journey, creating personalised and functional pieces that reflect your unique style and aesthetic.

Managing Your Passwords

Do you have problems remembering your passwords?  Do you use the same password for everything you do online?  This free taster will teach you how to create stronger passwords and store them safely, so that you don’t have to remember them or write them down and help you stay safer online. 

Online Safety

This free taster will look at making your device more secure and how you can add extra layers of security when using your device.  We will also look at passwords and how you can strengthen them, as well as spotting and avoiding scams. 

Photos – Organising and Backing Up

Would you like to protect your photos and precious memories?  Do you have old photos that you would like to keep?  This free taster will teach you how to set up folders to store your precious memories and make them easier to find; creating a backup to ensure that you have another copy, just in case your device is lost, stolen or broken; show you different ways to save your photos, including scanning old photos to have a digital copy.

Sashiko Stitching

Sashiko stitching is a captivating textile technique that involves the creation of intricate and visually striking patterns using simple running stitches. This course is designed for learners who are interested in exploring the beauty and versatility of this craft.
In this course, you will learn how to select appropriate materials and get comfortable with the fundamental sashiko stitching techniques. Through hands-on workshops and guided instruction, you will confidently experiment with different design elements, colour palettes, and stitching rhythms to create your own unique sashiko-inspired items. 
No previous experience in embroidery or needlework is required, as the course provides a welcoming and supportive environment for students who are complete beginners. By the end of the course, you will have the confidence and knowledge to continue your sashiko stitching journey at home.

Shopping Online Safely

Would you like to be able to shop online safely?  There’s no need to be afraid.  This free taster will teach you how you can shop online safely and ways to identify possible online shopping scams, as well as different ways to pay online. 

Tufting for Beginners

Tufting is a captivating textile technique that involves creating intricate, three-dimensional designs by punching yarn or fibre through a backing material. This introductory course is designed to guide beginners through the fundamentals of tufting and to have the ability to create their own unique tufted pieces.
Throughout the course, you will learn the essential tools and materials required for tufting, including the tufting gun, backing fabrics, and a diverse array of yarn or fibre options. Guided by experienced instructors, you will practice basic tufting techniques, and learn how to properly tension the yarn to create consistent rows and patterns. 
No prior tufting or textile experience is required. The supportive class environment encourages students to discover their creative voice through tufting.