so you want to learn the artsy things?

People are often intrigued when they learn about my crafty habits.  Some just give an eyebrow raise and change the subject, but most are interested.  And then there are a subset who will ask me where I've learned to do x, y, or z.

I've picked up things everywhere, but have taken some classes in the area and have a wish list of others.  Here is my guide, separated into places where I have taken courses and those on said wish list.

tried and true

1. Bits of Thread, Adams Morgan.  This is where I learned to sew!  I have taken both beginner sewing I and II (and I do recommend that you take both).  I also took a quilting class there, but it was only one session -- they've changed it to a multi-week course that I think is a much better format.  They've also got garment-making classes and even a hemming and repair course.  They keep their classes small so there's plenty of individualized attention.


2. Smithsonian Associates, Downtown.  The Smithsonian Associates is filled with all kinds of programming and classes, including a studio art program.  I took a hand quilting course there that I LOVED.  Even though hand quilting turned out not to be my thing, I learned so much from going through the process slowly.  The class was limited to 10 people and the teacher, Jeanne Benson, was AMAZING.  I'm signed up to take recipe-inspired applique with her in November/December.  Note: the classes are discounted for members.  I found that it was actually less expensive for me to buy an individual membership and take the class at that rate than it would have been to take the class as a non-member.

in the queue

1. The Art League, Old Town Alexandria.  The school affiliated with the Torpedo Factory, it has classes in just about every medium.  But....it's across the bridge on the dark side.


2. Glen Echo Park, Bethesda.  I went there to see puppet shows when I was a little kid, and now it turns out they have stuff for big kids too.  One of my parents' neighbors takes ceramics there, and apparently registration is a bitch -- you have to get there really early because things fill up fast.


3. The Corcoran, Downtown/Georgetown.  Much more of a traditional semester format, The Corcoran College of Art & Design has continuing ed courses in most of their disciplines.  Some are held downtown in the museum building while others are in their Georgetown building.


4. Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, The Hill.  Studio art as well as music and dance, plus classes for kids as well.


5. Washington Studio School, Kalorama.  Realistically, I probably won't take a course here because it's heavily focused on drawing and painting.  I am a 3D thinker.  You don't want to see me draw.  Which, I suppose, could be an argument for taking one of their classes.  Hmm.


6. DC Glassworks, Hyattsville.  I am DYING to learn to blow glass.  Inquire within if you'd like to jump into this one with me!

shameless plug

FINCH SEWING STUDIO, Leesburg.  Haven't been there yet (that will change SOON, even though it's way into the dark side!) but Nicole, another of the awesome ladies in DCMQG opened her own sewing studio in Leesburg.  Come learn and sew!  She's amazing.  And the space is to-die-for cute.

Am I leaving anything out?  Please leave a comment if so or if you have any questions!

Oh.

The sewing machine.  As you can see, I missed the FedEx guy this morning.  I am displeased.  But stay tuned!