DEAR SUN SPOTS: I’m looking for donations of food or gifts for the spaghetti supper and dance we’re holding to raise money for the Maine Children’s Cancer Program. It will be held from 5 to 11 p.m. May 12 at the Lewiston Elks Lodge, 1675 Lisbon St. Please support us so we can help many children. If you wish to donate, please call Anne Mackenzie at 207-212-1452. All donations will be greatly appreciated.
— Anne, no town
DEAR SUN SPOTS: In the past you’ve published information about upholstery classes. Are there more classes coming up?
— Katie, Lisbon Falls
ANSWER: There sure are! Two members of Creative Artisans of Maine have teamed up and moved into the Pepperill Mill at 550 Lisbon St. in Lewiston. They are in The Bleachery building.
Stefanie Mahr Damien, owner of Refreshed, will teach beginning upholstery classes in their workshop. The cost is $75 for three classes and will be held Mondays on April 3, 10 and 24; Wednesday on April 4, 11 and 25; Tuesdays on May 1, 8 and 15; or Wednesdays on May 2, 9 and 16. All upholstery classes are from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Please arrive 15 minutes early to set up.
In the first class, attendees will learn what tools and fabric are needed. In the second class, attendees will start tearing apart the old upholstery and begin the re-upholstery. Attendees should have a small piece ready to work on. Some work may need to be done out of class time.
Stefanie will also teach a beginners’ sewing class if you feel you the need for a refresher before you start that upholstery project. Participants will start from scratch, learning about the features of their sewing machines, how to thread your machine, fill a bobbin, how to maintain your machine, and learn about selecting the correct thread and needles for each type of sewing.
The class will explore how to read a pattern and learn about different pattern companies. Skills will include how to sew on a button, make a buttonhole, and put in a zipper, gathering, darts, how to make and apply seam binding, and how to use a rotary cutter.
Class dates are April 4, 11 and 25 from 12:30 to 2 p.m. The cost is $75 for the three classes.
For more information regarding other upcoming classes, contact Stefanie at 978-590-5105 or Karen at 207-713-4786. You can also sign up for classes at the Creative Artisans of Maine website creativeartisansofmaine.com/
DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am interested in learning more about chalk painting. Is there an adult education class in the area or some other inexpensive class available?
— No name, no town
ANSWER: Karen Pelletier, owner of Salvaged & Refreshed mentioned above will teach Intro to Chalk Painting on April 19 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Attendees will learn the basics of chalk painting before refreshing their own piece. They will learn how to prepare (no stripping of old finish necessary) and create a two-color distress and finish with clear wax. Attendees will take home a completed sign. The cost is $40. Call Karen at 207-713-4786. You can also sign up for classes at the Creative Artisans of Maine website creativeartisansofmaine.com/
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