Ruth Meech meets a group of people who have discovered the craft of relaxing....

If the current recession has anything to recommend it, it is the fact that more people are turning back to the traditional ethos of ‘make and mend’.

Arts and craft co-operatives, gatherings and guilds are springing up everywhere you look while social networking sites such as Ravelry, the crochet and knit community, and Etsy - where people flock to sell and buy handmade and vintage items - have increasing membership.

But there is a lot more to the current crafts resurgence than a few fusty old tricoteuses cackling over their knitting needles. This is a very 21st-century thing attracting a whole gamut of women, from young mums looking to make new friends to professional women taking a lunchtime break to finish off their latest piece of delicate crocket work.

There are even some men too.

The Chain Gang is a lunchtime craft co-operative that meets every Wednesday in Toby Frere’s No 35 Coffeehouse and Kitchen at the top end of Dorchester’s High West Street.

It started in October 2012 and its members are accomplished in a wide range of crafty arts, from knitting and crochet to beading, sewing and embroidery. Some use the time to sketch and others spend their time helping fellow members learn a new skill or overcome a tricky bit of stitchwork.

The group was launched by Jenny Wills who returned to Dorchester and was stumped for something to do at a convenient time.

“I came back and couldn’t see what there was to do that didn’t clash with school times, but lunch time is perfect because people just drop in for an hour,” said Jenny, whose mum Maggie is also a Chain Gang member.

“Sometimes we meet at people’s houses and we do craft swaps and other activities. We knitted moustaches for Movember. Our members work in town, at the councils or in shops and they like to pop in for an hour for a break.”

Jenny things the resurgence in craft communities is down to financial pressures and a need for friendship.

“Knitting or crocheting used to be something you did in isolation but thanks to the internet it’s easier to see what people are doing and where you can go to join in. There is also the matter that people can’t afford things and they like to make gifts – it’s more personal.”

Sarah Jane Otton, who found out about the group from her sister Emily, said: “I think my friends thought I was a bit strange with my knitting, so it’s nice to meet a group of people who like the same things as me and get excited about a ball of wool!”

She added: “Coming to the group is therapy and it also gets you out of the office and into the fresh air. It’s nice to be doing something with your lunchtime and as there’s cake, chat and crochet – what’s not to like?”

The Chain Gang meet between 11am and 1pm every Wednesday. You can find further details on their Facebook page.

The group will also be demonstrating their skills during Juiced Festival’s Get Creative Day at Leeson House, near Swanage on August 18.