An Abbots Langley woman is hoping to bring new skills to the village by starting a “craft movement”.

Last summer, Karen Ashworth, of Gable Close, received an email from Watford Community Housing Trust (WCHT) offering the chance to learn a new skill. Options ranged from keeping beehives to making bread to learning how to make craft items.

With a keen interest in sewing, the 46-year-old said she jumped at the chance of being taught how to make her own bags and badges.

She said: “The course, called Tailor Made, held in Trafford Hall, Chester, proved to be a real inspiration. Its objective was to teach attendees a new skill to bring back to their community.

“WCHT paid about £250 for me to take part in the two-day course and I was shown how to make a variety of craft items.

“It has really inspired me. I don’t profess to be an expert, but I want to teach as many people as I can everything I have learned from the course. I want to pass on my knowledge.

"I want to start a craft movement in Abbots Langley.”

Spurred on by her new found skills, the account manager is offering a six-week arts and craft course starting from Wednesday, February 29. Sessions cost £2 which includes refreshments.

The first lesson will focus on felting, followed subsequently by applique and how to make a bag for life.

The account manager said: “It it so rewarding, so satisfying when you finish making something. I think it is a skill that is lost in schools these days, particularly as technology takes central stage.

“It’s a real shame, because knowing how to do the basics, like sew a button onto a shirt, is important.

“Cost is also an issue. In the past I have found craft courses really quite expensive. The six-week course I’m offering is charging a nominal fee to cover material costs.

“I’m also hoping people will bring along their own unwanted fabrics. We’re in times of austerity, so it is important to recycle and reuse old items.

“Plus, for those looking for something to do on a Wednesday night, this course will make a welcome change.”

The course will run at Hillside Residents’ Association offices in School Mead, from Wednesday, February 29, 7.15pm to 9pm.

Places are limited and must be booked in advance by calling Karen Ashworth on: 07884328827.