Chaa, Chat and Thread

A Women-Only Space to Sew, Knit, Talk, And Relax

By Mahsin Mahbub (Local Connector)

I started this group after meeting with a group of women at an event, where I asked them what they would like to do in a social group outside of their family responsibilities. I wanted to help them find time for themselves and do something they used to enjoy, or something they have always wanted to learn but never had the time or opportunity to pursue.

This group of women were from the Bangladeshi community. They have an association called the Devon Bengali Association (DBA), and many of the women I met were spouses within what is often a male dominated community group. I have always felt that these women deserve opportunities to step outside of their bubble, think about their own hobbies, and explore the city independently. I believe this will help boost their confidence, support their mental wellbeing, and create opportunities for them to meet people from other communities, share skills, and learn from one another.

It was not only Bengali women who showed interest. Through my connections at Inclusive Exeter, I have also met women from the Afghan community who are highly skilled in embroidery and sewing but do not always feel confident enough to showcase their talents. I have also met women from many other ethnically diverse communities who are living with a sense of intimidation and isolation. Seeing this makes me feel strongly that there is a real need for spaces like this.

When the opportunity came, I felt I had to start the group.

After setting everything up, I promoted the sessions through the women only yoga group at Inclusive Exeter, as well as other diverse community groups through their Steering Committee members. We have six sessions booked at Southernhay URC, and we have already held two sessions. I bought materials from Exeter Scrap Store and Hospiscare on Fore Street.

Session One

Our first session was a great success, with 16 attendees. The Tower Room felt quite crowded, so we moved some of the activities into the adjoining reception area. I set up four different tables for sewing, embroidery, knitting, and crochet, and everyone was able to find something they wanted to learn or practise.

One of the most surprising and heart warming parts of the session was the children’s participation. A five year old boy joined in and found sewing and knitting therapeutic. He sat quietly and happily doing what he enjoyed. There was also a nine year old girl who was incredibly talented. She loved embroidery, quilting, and crochet. It felt like a candy shop for her, as she moved from table to table, showing off her skills and trying new things.

All the participants were very enthusiastic and thanked me for arranging the sessions.

Session Two

Our second session had 15 attendees, including some new faces. The women who attended the first session brought back the work they had been doing, and some proudly shared what they had practised at home. It was really encouraging to see how quickly people had become engaged.

I was especially happy to see one woman bring her child and her elderly mother in law. Her mother in law came to Exeter in the 1960s as a young bride from a rural village in Bangladesh and has spent much of her life within a small social bubble. She is very skilled, and the other women were excited to learn from her. She shared different techniques and also told stories about her life, which added a special warmth to the session.

There were also younger women in the group who had never tried any of these crafts before and were very excited to learn.

I tried to make some savoury snacks and masala tea for everyone. I also bought a large tea dispenser for the group, which I can fill at home and bring along.

Looking Ahead

I am hoping the enthusiasm continues and that we can keep the group going even after the funded sessions end. I am slightly concerned about attendance during Ramadan, as many of the women will be fasting and practising, but I am hopeful we can still keep the space open in a way that feels supportive and inclusive for everyone.