sewing

Brand New Class! Upcycling 101: Pockets & Patches w/ Jackie

Jackie, our amazing Sewing Machine Basics teacher, just released a brand new class! Upcycling 101: Pockets & Patches. The first class is on 5/12 and there are variations of the class including COVID-Cautious on 5/27 and BIPOC Only on 6/24. You can see a complete list of Upcycling 101 classes as well as our other fiber arts classes here.

In this class, you will learn how to add a pocket to a shirt and patch a rip in a pair of pants! Learning the basics of alterations and upcycling can bring so many possibilities into your wardrobe while avoiding purchasing new items or leaving clothes in the landfill. Bring one shirt (can be any type of shirt) and a pair of pants with a rip or hole (all types/fabrics welcome.) You can bring your own additional fabric & patches OR use what we have provided at the Tool Library. 

Skills you’ll learn - review sewing machine anatomy, threading & machine setup, hand-sewing techniques & tacking, vocabulary & tools review, and various stitches: straight, zig-zap, reverse, lock, and box!

Bring:

  • One shirt you’d like to add a pocket too

  • One pair of pants with a rip or hole 

  • Optional - Fabric (new, reused, misc) to use for pockets or patch

What to Avoid:

  • Shirts/Pants with fabrics like silk, linen, super thin fabrics because they can be difficult for beginner projects. 

You will leave with a fresh, upcycled fit & prepared to take the next step in your journey to upcycle thrift finds, family hand-me-downs, and more!

About The Teacher: Jackie Drummond (they/she) grew up in Colorado learning to sew from their mother at a young age. While studying Technical Theatre at Fort Lewis College, they learned techniques involving pattern making, alterations, and design and explored the historical and cultural importance of sewing over 500+ hours of learning and experience. Jackie encourages BIPOC, 2SLGTBQIA+, and Neurodiverse creators to join them in class, where they intentionally hold space for marginalized people to reclaim joy! 

Brand New Class! Intro to Knitting // 3.8.23

Our First Intro to Knitting Class is Wednesday, March 8th // 5:30pm - 8pm

We’ve added another brand new class to our Fiber Arts Department: Intro to Knitting with Diana!

Learn the fundamentals of knitting while making a basic scarf that you can start in class and take home to finish. Become familiar with basic techniques including casting on, casting off, and basic knitting stitches. Understand the language of knitting patterns, get yarn and needle recommendations, and gain the confidence to continue your knitting journey. No experience required.

Knitting has become the new go to art for new brain development and relaxation of the 2020’s. These classes are conducted in a friendly and inviting manner and you will come away feeling like you’ve joined a community of artisans.

Teacher Bio: Diana has been knitting for over 50 years off and on. She now calls it her passion and loves teaching beginners through advanced.

Sewing Machine Basics: BIPOC & Immunocompromised Editions!

Our new teacher Jackie has listed two of her new Sewing Machine Basics classes to be suited especially for BIPOC and Immunocompromised people! BTW - If you have a sewing machine kicking around that you never use - PLEASE DONATE IT! You can drop it off during open hours. THANKS!

Sewing Machine Basics Class - KN95 MASK PROVIDED & REQUIRED // 12.5.22

Why is this class 'Mask & Vaccination Required'?

People who are immunocompromised have a reduced ability to fight infections and other diseases. Having a weakened immune system requires consistent attention and care to remain healthy, especially in public spaces. We want to provide a safe(r) place for our immunocompromised community to gather and create! To attend this class you must wear a mask for the entirety of the course and provide a photo of your COVID-19 vaccinations. For more resources visit: https://primaryimmune.org/

Sewing Machine Basics Class - BIPOC ONLY // 12.14.22

Why is this class 'BIPOC Only'?

Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) need spaces without White people. In mixed groups, BIPOC people are often put in the position of teaching White people and so do much more of the emotional labor. White people may benefit and learn from the discussions but BIPOC folks often leave exhausted. Historical racial trauma can be triggered more easily in a mixed group and our intention is to create a safe(r) space to create art, connection, and joy. To attend this class you must be a Black, Indigenous, or Person of Color. Visit these links for more resources on Affinity Groups - Why Do Them, White Supremecy Culture/Norms, and the Racial Equity Movement in Denver.

Brand New Class! Sewing Machine Basics

Sewing Machine Basics! First Class: Wednesday, November 30th // 5:30pm - 8:30pm

Sewing empowers people to transform the world and the materials around them! Whether you are curious about clothing design, creating functional items, or upcycling fabrics - you need to know the fundamentals! The purpose of this class is to develop or deepen your understanding of basic sewing machine techniques. You will leave prepared to take the next step in your journey with a one-of-a-kind tote bag you created and the pattern you'll need to make it again and again! Bring 5-10 items of old clothing or various fabrics from around the house and we will upcycle them into a handy tote bag to store all your future sewing projects or Holiday goodies. Don’t worry, we’ll also provide a collection of funky fabrics to choose from and practice with. We will learn: vocabulary & tools of sewing, hand sewing, and various stitches: straight, reverse, lock, and box!

About The Teacher: Jackie Drummond (they/she) grew up in Colorado learning to sew from their mother at a young age. While studying Technical Theatre at Fort Lewis College, they learned techniques involving pattern making, alterations, and design and explored the historical and cultural importance of sewing. Jackie encourages BIPOC, LGTBQIA+, and Neurodiverse creators to join them in class, where they intentionally hold space for marginalized people to reclaim joy!