Along with the many organized activities, we have a series of ongoing arts activities in the WISH Learning Centre. The most popular ones are beading, knitting, crocheting and sewing. These are things women can start in the Learning Centre, but if desired, they can bring home with them and continue to work on them long after the centre is closed for the evening. For some women a repetitive task such as crocheting keeps their hands busy in a constructive way, rather than picking or scratching at their skin.
In the WISH Drop In Centre, women are able to obtain free clothing. The sewing machine helps us to modify clothes to suit the size needed and the fashion desired. It also gives us the chance to teach (and learn) some excellent tailoring skills. It is surprising what skills women bring to the centre.
The beading activity also provides gifts for friends and family; gifts that are otherwise difficult to come by. Many times women have come to the Learning Centre upset and unable to focus on the planned activity. After working with the beads and making a bracelet or other object, they become focused and calm and able to carry forward.
In the Learning Centre we will have the planned activity and all related materials on the table. Many women know that we also have the materials for the on-going activities as well. Each evening we list the scheduled activities on the white board that is prominently displayed at one end of the room. Oftentimes we will also list the on-going art and craft options.