Fiber Arts

Find inspiration for your fiber art in small group classes taught by skilled hobbyists to professionals who have a passion for fostering creativity in fiber art. Classes for beginners include topics such as fundamental sewing skills, crochet, and embroidery. More experienced students can build on their skills with classes on visible mending, machine sewing, basket weaving, and more. Classes are taught in the Cottage and House and vary each month.

Upcoming Classes

Know Your Sewing Machine
Tuesday, June 6 ~ 5:30pm to 7:30pm

Let us help you put your sewing machine to good use instead of just collecting dust in a corner. This class is perfect for anyone who doesn’t know where to start ~ whether your machine is new out of the box or one that you found at a yard sale, join us to learn how to properly thread your machine, wind bobbins, select stitches and perform basic routine maintenance to keep your machine running smoothly. Students will sew a 5″ x 5″ pincushion while learning about their machine.

* Please note: The machine must be in GOOD WORKING ORDER which in some cases may require professional servicing prior to taking this class. Please provide the make and model number of your machine when you register. Your instructor needs this information ahead of class to provide students with the best experience. Email cstose@577foundation.org with any questions.

Community Instructor: Sue Magdich

Needle Felting: Teddy Bear
Saturday, June 10 ~ 2pm to 5pm

Join us to learn basic needle felting techniques while creating an adorable 6” x 4” sitting teddy bear. Students will be guided with step-by-step instructions, including a special technique to make it fuzzy, and directions on how to attach the glass eyes that give the happy little bear its life-like appearance.

All materials and tools are provided including six needles, a wooden handle, felting mat, awl, leather finger guards, wool to complete projects, glass eyes, and written instructions and diagrams for each part.

Community Instructor: Iva Jean Kristek

Intro to Crochet
Monday, June 12 ~ 6pm to 8:30pm

Whether you need a refresher or you’ve never picked up a hook before, this is the class for you! Students will focus on learning how to tie a slip knot, how to chain stitch (the foundation of crochet), and the single crochet stitch. 

Students will begin by choosing their project, yarn color, and the correct sized hook. Pattern options: Washcloth, Straight Scarf, or Baby Blanket

Please Note: Students ages 7 to 15 are welcome but must be accompanied by a parent. Students ages 16 to 17 may participate without a parent.

All supplies included. No experience is necessary.

Community Instructor: Annie Johnson

Handmade Books: Ribbon Bound Album
Thursday, June 15 ~ 5:30pm to 7:30pm

Learn how to make a hardcover album bound with ribbon. It may look complicated but binding with ribbon uses simple techniques to get big results. This project is perfect for all skill levels as it combines working with book board and learning about book construction with the fun of using fabrics and ribbon for customization. The finished product makes a great photo album, sketchbook or journal.

Each book in class will be made from a different fabric, and students will get to choose from a variety of fabrics and ribbons from the instructor’s stash. Completed books will be approximately 5.5 x 8.5 inches in size.

Community Instructor: Ellen Seeburger

Crochet & Coffee
Saturday, June 17 ~ 10am to 12pm

Ever wish you could get someone to help you fix your crochet project so you can get started again? Come join us for a relaxing morning with fellow crochet enthusiasts as we work together on current projects while getting lots of support from your instructor. Grab your favorite morning brew from one of our many local coffee shops and let’s get you going.

Students are invited to bring their own tools, yarn, and any patterns they are currently working on.

Please Note: Students ages 7 to 15 are welcome but must be accompanied by a parent. Students ages 16 to 17 may participate without a parent.

Community Instructor: Annie Johnson

Learn to Weave
Saturday, June 17 ~ 1pm to 4pm

Explore the wonderful world of weaving and learn to use a frame loom to make a wall hanging. The focus of this class is for students to play with yarn and explore the ways texture and color can be incorporated into weaving structure in a modern way. Students will learn how to create a design and select a color palette, and then practice hand-weaving techniques including plain weave, rya knots, and soumak.

All materials are provided to create a woven wall hanging and frame looms will be available for use during class.

Community Instructor: Ellen Seeburger

Crochet 2: Tall Stitches
Monday, June 19 ~ 6pm to 8:30pm

Now that you know the chain and single crochet stitches, let’s expand your stitch knowledge! In this class, we will build on what was learned in April’s class Intro to Crochet, and focus on the half-double crochet stitch, double-crochet stitch and slip stitch. Students will select their own project, choosing from the following patterns: washcloth, straight scarf or baby blanket.

A variety of yarns will be on hand to choose from, and students will receive guidance on the correct sized hook for their project. Each student will take home a ball of yarn and a crochet hook to continue your chosen project at home.

Please Note: Students ages 7 to 15 are welcome but must be accompanied by a parent. Students ages 16 to 17 may participate without a parent.

All supplies included. This class is open to all students who completed Intro to Crochet in April or June, or who have basic knowledge of crocheting.

Community Instructor: Annie Johnson

Rope Sewing 101
Thursday, June 29 ~ 5pm to 7:30pm

Ropes sewn together make beautiful projects of all kinds. In this class, students will learn how to sew flat circles of rope to create coasters and trivets ranging from 3 inches to 9 inches in size. These sewn discs could also be arranged and sewn into a table runner, and are the foundation of more advanced sewn rope projects such as bowls.

Students must bring: *sewing machine in good working order and must have at least a 5mm zig-zag stitch; #14 jeans needle; coordinating or neutral thread; basic sewing supplies; pins; scissors; tape measure; 1/4 natural cotton rope (Amazon or local hardware store); inch assorted cotton fabric strips (More colors, more fun!); magic clips (optional); extension table (optional but highly recommended)

* Please note: The machine must be in GOOD WORKING ORDER which in some cases may require professional servicing prior to taking this class. Email cstose@577foundation.org with any questions.

Community Instructor: Sue Magdich

Class Locations & Parking Map

Signed up for a class and need help finding your classroom location and parking? Each class description lists its location. Click the button below to view a full map of the grounds and buildings with two lots available for easy and convenient parking.

Cancellation & Refund Policy

Because space is limited, we rely on you to register for classes thoughtfully. Please help us continue to offer these wonderful classes as affordably as possible by adhering to the following registration, cancellation, and refund policies.

Photo & Video Release

Photos and videos may be taken during 577 classes and events for use on our website and other relevant media outlets and your attendance constitutes consent. View the full policy below including how you can opt-out of this release. 

577 is open daily, 9am to 5pm. • The Welcome Center & Curiosity Shop is open Wednesday ~ Saturday, 10am to 5pm.

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