February 2021 Virtual Classes
All classes are currently virtual, meeting on Zoom. You will receive the Zoom link with registration.
Stamp-Making Basics
Saturday, February 6, 2-4:30 pm. $38
Learn to make your own hand-carved stamps to create custom stationery and printed art! This class will show you how to create and transfer designs, use standard carving tools, and print your design on paper, just in time to share a note of love. No experience or artistic talent necessary. 16+
Instructor: Jillian Lea
Materials:
Design to carve (printout, trace, or sketch)
Speedball carving tool (v gouge)
Pencil
Tracing paper
Notecards, Postcards, or paper
**Carving tools have been pulled aside to make sure we have enough supplies. Please email hello@freemanscreative.com to purchase these items**
Carve your own rubber stamps
Learn to Knit, One Washcloth at a Time: Intro to Purling
Tuesday, February 16, 6:30-8:30 pm, $30
You can knit but what is this purl thing? We'll cast on, practice our knit stitch, learn how to purl and then learn how to switch between knitting and purling to make a dishcloth from cotton yarn. Students should have experience casting on and knitting.
Instructor: Amie Palmer
Materials:
US sz 7 Needles (if you have US Size 6 or 8, they will also work)
1 color of Worsted Weight cotton yarn (dark colors are hard to see)
Tapestry needle
Checkerboard Washcloth
Toph Hat from Woolly Wormhead
Knit Skills: The Toph Hat VIRTUAL CLASS
Saturdays, February 27 and March 6, 10 am - 12 pm $60
This gorgeous hat from Woolly Wormhead features an unusual construction and is a quick project packed with great new techniques that you'll see in many future projects. This class will cover a provisional cast-on, German short-rows, reading knitting charts, and grafting. Students should be comfortable following knitting patterns with knits, purls, increases and decreases.
Instructor: Amie Palmer
PDF Pattern for the Toph Hat
2 Colors of DK weight yarn (A: 137 yd, B: 112 yd)
Smaller heads use US sz 3/3.25 mm needles (straight or circular)
Larger heads use US sz 4/3.5 mm needles (straight or circular)
Crochet hook Sz D/3.25 mm for provisional cast on
3 yds of waste yarn for provisional cast-on
Tapestry Needle
Intro to Machine Sewing VIRTUAL CLASS
Friday, February 19, 6-9 PM $45
Are you a beginning sewer who has no idea what all the knobs and dials on your machine do? Or are you coming back to sewing after a long break? Or maybe you have figured some things out, but are not completely satisfied with your machine skills. This class will show you the ins and outs of your home sewing machine and get you sewing like a pro!
We’ll go over terminology, setting up the machine, switching stitches and troubleshooting. I’ll talk about your basic sewing kit - tools that make your job easier! And lastly, I’ll show you some techniques that will make your beginner projects a success. You do not need to have a machine to sign up - if you are thinking about getting one we’ll make some recommendations.
*Please note: due to the online nature of this class, we’ll be going over modern machines only. We look forward to future in-person classes where vintage machines will be welcome as well. If you have questions about your machine’s suitability, please call the shop or email!
*When registering, please note the brand and model of your machine so we can be prepared to help you individually - feel free to call us with questions.
Instructor: Shaerie Mead
Machine Intro Supply List:
- Your sewing machine, in good working order with the power cord, foot pedal and matching bobbin
- 1/4 yard of any woven cotton fabric to practice on
- Any color thread
- Fabric shears or sharp scissors
- Pins (glass head pins are preferred but any kind will do for this class)
Learn to Sew: The Market Bag VIRTUAL CLASS
Sundays, February 21 + 28, 1-4 PM. $90
Class Description: This Market Bag class is designed for beginners who are learning how to sew. It’s the perfect follow up to our Intro to Machines class! This class assumes you can set up your machine and that you know how to sew a standard straight stitch (which doesn’t have to be super straight). Along the way, you’ll learn the basics of working with a commercial pattern and how to cut fabric accurately. Lots of straight stitch practicing and a few curves later, and you’ll have this roomy market bags for all of your grocery / organizing needs!
In class, we’ll focus on making the bag with the reinforced bottom and strapping handles. For the first class, we’ll be cutting out the pattern, cutting out the fabric, prepping to sew and answering machine setup questions. All sewing happens in the second class.
2 three-hour sessions on Zoom
Equipment Needed: sewing machine with straight stitch and zig-zag options, iron, ironing board.
Supply List:
Quick Market Bag paper pattern by Sew L.A.
paper scissors
Main Fabric: 3/4 yard*
Contrast Fabric (for bag bottom and lining): 1 yard*
1” Cotton Strapping for handles: 1 yard for tote length OR 1 1/2 yard for shoulder length
Thread to match main fabric
Thread to match contrast fabric (optional)
90/14 sewing machine needles - universal, denim, or microtex
Empty bobbin for your machine
Basic Sewing Kit: sharp fabric shears, 2 x 18” clear ruler, tape measure, glass head pins, tailor’s chalk, seam ripper.
*Fabric notes: Heavier fabric called ‘bottom weight’ is best for this bag! Canvas, denim, twill, linen/cotton canvas - all excellent choices for a durable bag. Contact Amelia or myself with any fabric questions. No need to pre-wash fabric, but please do make sure it is not too wrinkly before class begins.
Skills learned: reading pattern envelope, cutting pattern, fabric anatomy and sewing terms, cutting layouts, pinning & cutting fabric, seam allowances, sewing & pressing seams, zig-zag stitch, edgestitching.
The Market Bag by Sew LA
Make this bag!
River Takada
Ashley McIntyre
Photo: Anna Carson DeWitt
Virtual Wardrobe Planning Series
So much has changed in our daily lives since last year, including what we wear, and it's left many of us in an uninspired wardrobe rut. How we dress can shape how we feel and how we present ourselves, along with being an outlet for creative expression. What would it take to get back to a place where your wardrobe brings you joy? Join one or both sessions of this series with two of Durham's style stars, River Takada of RIVTAK and Ashley McIntyre of Ashley Lucinda Style.
Session 1: Love What You Make with River Takada
Saturday, February 27, 6-8 pm. $20
We will talk about how to plan our projects, from inspiration to fabric and pattern selection to maintenance. A sustainable wardrobe is full of items you love and that last! River will share additional resources to strategize and organize your makes!
River Takada is the owner, designer and maker of RIVTAK handmade and recycled
River is a creative entrepreneur, mixed media and fiber artist, instructor, and homemaker with a lifelong love affair with all things textiles, handmade and vintage.
Session 2: Love What You Wear With Ashley McIntyre
Saturday, March 6, 6-8 pm. $20
We'll talk about ways to find joy in getting dressed, common questions and concerns about styling and wardrobe planning, and identify what helps us feel and look our best, whether we are working from home or out in the world.
Ashley McIntyre is the founder of Ashley Lucinda Style, a personal styling and wardrobe consulting company, whose knowledge of fashion, clothing and styling techniques help people uncover their signature style.
We will be compiling your questions in advance, so please send us your questions, concerns, and areas of interest once you register so we can tailor the conversation.