Knitting, crocheting, woodworking and pottery throwing are fun hobbies — but did you know they’re good for your health, too? According to a recent study published in “Frontiers in Public Health,” actively participating in crafts can increase overall happiness and general wellbeing. Frequently used as a treatment for depression and anxiety, craft activities can also increase social connections while offering an outlet for creative expression.
Ready to DIY your way to wellness? Check out four local spaces where creativity thrives:
Wheel & Slab Pottery Club | 1867 Mt. Hope Ave.
“So often I hear the phrase, ‘It’s so hard to make friends as an adult,’ and as someone who felt
that way for years, it was frustrating,” said Brynn Capwell, co-owner of Wheel & Slab, a community pottery club that recently relocated to Mt. Hope Avenue from the Hungerford Building on East Main Street.
For several years before Capwell and her best friend and business partner, Danielle Pagani, opened their own space, both artists taught pottery at another local studio.
“We noticed that no matter who we taught, everyone was searching for the same thing — a place to escape the stresses of daily life, connect with others who share similar interests and feel free to be their true selves,” said Capwell.
The partners created Wheel & Slab with those needs in mind, designing a stress-free, inclusive space where community members could have fun, create pottery and connect with others. Wheel & Slab offers memberships as well as one-off classes and group workshops. It’s also a great date night option. While beginners might want to start with an intro class, no experience is necessary.
“That’s the beauty of our approach, some people want to be told what to do and how to do it (like in pottery class), and others want to figure it out for themselves with some general guidance (like in pottery club),” said Capwell. “We respect that, and that’s why we offer various ways to experience our pottery studio.” wheelandslab.com
Little Button Craft | 658 South Ave.
For those who want to connect with like-minded crafters, but hate stuffy formal events, Little Button Craft in the South Wedge has created everything from beginner-friendly “Sh*tty Craft Night” and “Speed Friending” events to weekly bring-your-own fiber nights and artist-taught classes. In addition to a colorful array of ways to make new friends while expanding artistic skills, Little Button Craft sells the handmade art of more than 250 local artists in their shop that concentrates on community building.
“We believe crafting and making is for everyone and we want anyone and everyone to join us,” said owner Shelby Przybylek, who first began crafting to ease symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Events and classes take place in the Community Room at Abundance Food Co-Op, 571 South Ave., just down the street from the Little Button storefront. The free monthly “Speed Friending” event is especially popular.
“Folks sit at tables and color a giant coloring sheet while chatting,” explained Przybylek. “We have them swap chairs every 5-10 minutes depending on the round. At the end, we have small cards they can fill out to give to those they want to connect with. It’s a great success and so much fun.”
Little Button Craft also offers monthly “swap” events and crochet and knitting basics classes. littlebuttoncraft.com
SewGreen Rochester | 438 W. Main St.
Learning to crochet, knit, sew or embroider can feel awkward at first — but Jane Beck, board president of SewGreen Rochester, believes the challenge is worth the reward regardless of age.
“If a kid learns how to do something and they get pretty good at it, it gives them the confidence to expand that to other parts of their lives,” she said.
The non-profit SewGreen removes barriers like high costs and lack of support, providing a welcoming space to explore fiber arts. For just $15, guests can learn crafts like quilting or Kumihimo (Japanese braiding). Weekly crochet, knitting, and sewing clubs are completely free, offering participants expert guidance and camaraderie. SewGreen thrives on volunteers, many of whom are retirees finding purpose and connection.
“If you have a pattern that’s giving you grief, you can come in and get help with it, or you can just come in to crochet with other people because it’s more fun to do it in a group than by yourself,” said Beck. “I love that people can come here to give help, get help or both.”
Drop-in sessions include Crochet Club (11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Tuesdays), Knitting Club (1 – 4 p.m. Thursdays) and Open Sew (11 a.m. – 1 p.m., 2 – 4 p.m. Thursdays). sewgreenrochester.org
Rochester Makerspace | 850 St. Paul St.
Whether you’re a builder, artist or junior LEGO enthusiast, Rochester Makerspace likely has a place for you.
“Makers of all disciplines — from engineers and artists to coders and cabinet-makers — DIYers and hobbyists of all skill levels come (here) to learn, solve problems and bring their ideas to life,” said Board President Bridget Sheehan, a furniture designer, educator and lifelong maker.
The sprawling 7,500 square foot facility in Rochester’s Upper Falls neighborhood has areas dedicated to a wide (and growing) range of creative specialties, including 3D printing, laser cutting, stained glass, robotics, sewing, CNC machining, lathe turning, painting, Cricut, metalworking, crafts and, yes, even LEGO building.
Members gain 24/7 access to the facility, as well as the opportunity to take free classes, participate in meet-ups, and collaborate on Discord channels. Makers of all levels are welcome.
“When you enter our space, you’re surrounded by people from all walks of life with one common goal: To create something,” Sheehan said. “By having a community of makers around you, you are able to escape the world outside our walls for an hour or a day to learn, create and make.”
Individual membership is $50 per month, and family memberships are also available. Learn more about Rochester Makerspace during one of their weekly open house tours, 6 – 8 p.m. Thursdays and 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturdays. rocmakers.org
Jackie Perrin is a contributor to CITY.
This article appears in Dec 1-31, 2024.
