For this month’s session, Mahfida invited one of the EDST students, Sai Manjari to facilitate the crochet-making event. She taught the basic steps and techniques to the participants. Our wonderful EDST staff member, Carl Luke, happily joined the event. As beginners, none of the participants could complete making the butterfly within the one-hour time frame! However, as a professional artist, Sai made all the butterflies in less than 10 minutes and gave them as gifts to the participants.

The session helped beginners learn simple stitches and follow a butterfly pattern, enabling them to make small handmade items in a relaxed, supportive setting. The repetitive rhythm of crochet made it easier for everyone to focus, and the creative process gave participants a way to express themselves calmly. This approach not only taught basic crafting skills but also encouraged positive coping and supported emotional well-being.

Not everyone could attend due to meetings or work, but they wished they could! Someone mentioned, “Oh, how I love to be there, but I have work. It would be lovely if you shared the pattern afterward.” While some students were unable to join, they expressed their interest in doing a “crochet along” from home! After the event, the following pattern was shared with everyone so they can make their own crochet butterfly:

https://www.allfreecrochet.com/Crochet-Videos/Quick-Crochet-Butterfly-Pattern

Another student with her 25 years of crochet-making experience shared the picture of the butterfly she made from home and added, “That’s a fantastic learn-to-crochet story! I tried leading a learn-to-crochet workshop for my work colleagues, and it was really hard to teach. I was too ambitious! This takes a lot of practice and time.” The participants who attended the event felt the same and agreed that practicing some basic crochet techniques would help them create more designs in the future. This enthusiasm shows how the Mindfulness with Mahfida event series created space for everyone to find joy in creation in a relaxed way. Learning new skills continues at the upcoming Mindfulness events.

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Snacks and drinks were provided for all participants.
Photos are shared with participant’s permission. Any Participants who did not consent to being photographed are not included.

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About the Series

Mindfulness with Mahfida is part of the ongoing EDST Well-Being Series, supported by the Student Support Lead (SSL), previously known as the GAA team. With a new theme each month, the sessions are open to everyone in the EDST community — students, staff, and faculty alike. Together, we continue building a culture of care, connection, and well-being within our academic home.