Dunedin Workers' Educational Association Te Wāhi Ākoranga o Ōtepoti started its new term of classes this week with subjects including photography, web development, and te reo Maori.
Classes are held at the South Dunedin Community Network in King Edward St.
One of the new classes this term is amigurumi crochet, making small stuffed creatures and objects.
Tutor Tammy Prescott said the craft may have originated in China during the Shang dynasty (1766 to 1122 BCE), as examples of stuffed animal toys were found in that territory.
But the modern interpretation of amigurumi had more in common with the Japanese culture of cuteness called kawaii, she said.
"The celebration of like, all things cute and adorable, which is really what this style is about."
Popular examples included the Hello Kitty character.
She said making the small crochet creatures was "really satisfying".
Creating a character that had lots of personality was part of the enjoyment, using decorative stitches such as a French knot to add detail.
"You can get quite creative with it and put your own spin on it."
Dunedin WEA co-ordinator Nicola Pye said the non-profit society had been running since 2019.
The classes were able to be run with the help of funders including the Dunedin City Council, Lottery Grants Board, Community Organisation Grants Scheme and the Otago Community Trust.
As well as learning a new skill, the classes allowed people to build friendships.
"I think, probably the main benefit is the community aspect, it is not necessarily the subject you are learning about."
"People do enjoy the social contact," she said.
