Fabric by smil. Used under a Creative Commons licence

The recent closure of Jesmond Library has a silver lining. Talented seamstress Yve Ngoo will be using the library space before its reopening as a community-supported facility to run ‘Made in Jesmond’ workshops in needle felting and dress making.

Ngoo sat down with JesmondLocal, and said she was “inspired to run regular crafting sessions to create a Made In Jesmond Cottage Industry Community – a postcode posse of crafters, designers and hobbyist who enjoy making.”

Those who want to join Ngoo’s postcode posse can try a class detailing dress making for beginners on Tuesday August 27th, from 5.30 – 7.30pm at Jesmond Library.

The taster session will include the basics of dressmaking, such as caring for your sewing machine, cutting from a pattern Explaining how to create a professional finish and how to incorporate seams, hems and zips into the work. What’s more Ngoo will be advising people on how to upcycle, alter, make do and mend.

”There is a resurgence and interest in home based crafts, especially those that encourage creative recycling and up-cycling,” Ngoo said. “The Library is the ideal space for these sessions.”

The cost for the session is £12, with tea and cake included.

If dress making does not sound like your cup of tea you can also try needle felting, the art of painting with wool, on Tuesday August 20th from 5.30-7.30pm also at Jesmond Library. Needle felting can be used to create homewear, gifts, artwork, embellishing and much more.

The cost per person is £30, with all materials provided and a needle felting starter kit. As with the dressmaking class, tea and cake will be provided.

If you’re interested in finding your inner craftsman or woman contact Yve Ngoo for more information on 07936217659 or mailbobu@gmail.com or find her on Facebook @ Made in Jesmond.