Craft Singles Speed Dating

Join Work-Shop’s queen of crafty dating games, Kaila Perusco, for an evening of creative challenges and a chance to meet someone special. By Emma Joyce

Work-Shop’s speed dating events have an impressive success rate. (We hear that one couple just started pashing right there at the craft table). They do things a little differently to other speed dating events around town – for example, participants are encouraged to pair up and complete crafty challenges together, such as making felt badges or building a Jenga tower. Sixteen guys and 16 girls undertake eight craft challenges; when the bell rings, you move on to the next hot date. Time Out asked co-founder Matt Branagan what singles get up to at their speed dating parties.

Matt, who’s better at the craft challenges: the guys or the gals? In the past we’ve done everything from origami to heart garlands and sexy movie charades. The girls have the slight edge but guys have a red hot go. The beauty of craft while speed dating is that you have an activity to focus on rather than just the two of you selling yourselves. It also shows whether or you can work together as a team, a great quality to discover.

Have you overheard any winning chat-up lines? “Is that a spray can in your pocket or are you just happy to see me?”

What’s your success rate? We had a real life When Harry Met Sally...! When Harry got crafting with Sally, they simply couldn’t resist each other and the next moment Sally had mounted Harry and they spent their five minutes just making out. It was beautiful. We’re now just waiting for our first Craft Singles wedding and babies to arrive.

Have any singles come back for more? Some have come along to a few of them because they’ve had so much fun. We get a really good crowd of people so once the craft is over, everyone hangs out and mingles. It’s a really fun night.

Work-Shop Sydney Cnr Cleveland & Eveleigh Sts, Redfern 2016. 0417 557 321. www.work-shop.com.au. 7-10pm. $60. Fri Jul 3.