Classes and Workshops
Thank you, Clara! Truly!"
Holiday Ornament-Making Workshop
COMING SOON!!
Join us for a festive evening of hand sewing holiday ornaments to decorate your home this season. You will have the chance to mix and match holiday-patterned fabric to create a single or garland of stars, hearts, stockings or all of the above.
In this class you will learn how to sew a blanket stitch, and using embroidery thread make a boarder around your ornaments for a charming quilted effect. By the end of the workshop, you’ll have completed at least one beautiful ornament in your shape of choice. If you’re a bit more experienced or a quick learner, you might even finish more ornaments to display individually or string together as a garland.
Hosted in The Oak Chest’s cozy apartment studio in Williamstown, this class is a perfect for those dark evenings of December and would make a wonderful gift for the creative person in your life. Warm drinks and holiday treats will be served; come meet other creative people this holiday season and make some handmade ornaments to decorate your home or to gift to a loved one.
Afterschool Sewing Course
In this weekly sewing course, you will gain the skills needed to sew your own wardrobe and anything else you might want to create. You will learn how to use a sewing machine: thread the needle, wind a bobbin, reverse stitch, and much more. You will learn how to read and sew from a pattern, use an iron, sew buttons and buttonholes, insert zippers, work with interfacing, seam rip, and use elastic.
Starting with a small project of your choice, you will begin with the basics and work your way up to bigger and more complex projects. If you have ideas of what you would like to work on, let Clara know! Together we can probably make it happen.
If you want to learn how to sew but aren’t interested in clothing, we have options for you too! You could measure, cut, sew, bind, and hand quilt a lap quilt or even one to fit on your bed. You could make bags, pillows, home decor, stuffed animals, doll clothes, or accessories. Additionally, if you are interested in mending, sashiko, or embroidery, we can do that too! This class is open to whatever you want to learn.
Book one class to learn the basics of sewing on a machine and working with fabric. Book multiple or weekly throughout the fall to build your skills, and create more advanced projects. This class is open to your schedule needs.
Sustainable Clothes Mending Workshop
In this practical sewing workshop in Williamstown, you’ll learn how to breathe new life into your worn-out clothes using traditional Japanese sashiko stitching, colorful patches, and embroidery techniques. You’ll transform your old favorites into unique, fashionable pieces that you’ll love wearing again.
Don’t worry if you’ve never picked up a needle and thread before – this class is designed for all skill levels. You’ll discover how easy and satisfying it can be to mend your own clothes, adding personal flair and extending their lifespan in the process.
During the session, you’ll work with your own clothing items that need some TLC. Whether it’s a sock with a worn-out toe, trousers with a split knee, or a shirt with fraying cuffs, you’ll learn how to tackle these common issues with style.
This hands-on activity not only teaches practical skills but also encourages a shift towards more sustainable fashion choices.
By the end of the class, you’ll have the knowledge and confidence to mend your own clothes at home. You’ll leave with at least one revitalized garment and the skills to fight fast fashion in your own wardrobe. This enlightening experience will change the way you view your clothes, helping you dress more fashionably while living more sustainably.