The Oliver arts council announces two fall workshops: “Wardrobe Wizardry”. These classes provide participants with materials to make homemade Christmas gifts and the basic skills to pursue these new hobbies. One workshop series teaches crochet basics: how to make a dishcloth, a granny square, slippers, a toque, and a cozy afghan. The other workshops introduce ways to upcycle old clothing into fashionable accessories using fabrics and notions. All supplies are included in each workshop. No sewing machine or other tools are required.
“Crocheting for Beginners” is taught by Bernice Myllyniemi, a well-known costumer for SOAP Theatre, as well as a doll designer and retired teacher. She brings decades of skill to instructing newcomers in one of her favourite hobbies. Maximum class size is six, to ensure everyone gets the support they need. The workshops run as a series of four on Thursday evenings from 7 – 9 p.m. in November. Regular price: $120 for the four workshops, or $100 with an OCAC membership
No previous crochet knowledge is required, only a desire to learn how to crochet and be creative. Over the four weeks, the aim is to enable each participant to acquire sufficient knowledge and skills to create their own craft items. Basic skills include: crochet terminology, how to read a pattern, types of yarns for projects, hook sizes, how to crochet a basic starter chain, single, double, treble stitches, how to increase and decrease stitches, binding off, and (most importantly!) how to correct errors. Hook and yarn for projects will be provided.
“Scraps to Style” is taught by Brenda Parfitt, who has been running her upcycling business, “OneUp Oliver” for 15 – 20 years. She figures she has saved over a ton of used clothing and fabrics from the landfill. Learn how to make a tie purse, scrappy flowers, or mittens. Participants can attend one or more workshops on Wednesday evenings from 7 – 9 p.m. Nov. 23: Tie Purses (pictured left) Nov. 30: Scrappy Flowers (below) December 7: Mittens Regular price: $30 / session or $25 / session with an OCAC Membership
Both sets of workshops combine a “make-and-take” craft with traditional fabric skills. In an economy that favours slow fashion and recycling, these classes aim to equip participants with practical tools for updating their wardrobe without breaking the bank.
All workshops take place at the Quail’s Nest Arts Centre, 5840 Airport Street, Oliver. in the Studio Building.
Pre-registration is required. Contact OliverCAC@gmail.com to secure your seat and arrange for payment.
