Fabric—Textiles—can be woven, knit, or knotted. They can be hung up, worn, walked on, or upholstered. Textiles are just about as old as human civilization and they're a great way to express yourself in the here and now.
National Textiles Day is observed on May 3rd, and in honor of the occasion, we'd like to highlight programs where you can craft and learn with us. You can also check out our collections for crafting content, through physical items, eBooks, and the online content database Creativebug. If that's not enough, We also have a brand-new, dedicated MakerSpace at Headquarters Branch Library. This beautiful new space has classes as well as open hours, with tons of tools to help you in your craftable journey. The Makerspace has open studio hours most days of the week.
Find the programs below!
- Recurring Programs Around the County
Micanopy Craft N' Quilt: Micanopy Branch, Fridays, 10 AM-3 PM. Bring your quilting or sewing project, learn to quilt, learn to sew, or enjoy creating something new such as cardmaking and much more! This is an adult only program due to the equipment being used.
Sew 'n' Sew: Alachua Branch, Wednesdays, 10 AM-2 PM. Grab your current hand needle craft project and come hang out with us while you work on it!
Knitting Circle: Millhopper Branch, Wednesdays, 2 PM-4 PM. Bring your knitting, crocheting, tatting, macramé, cross stitch, etc. This group will meet weekly to share ideas and offer support for each others' creative endeavors.
To Behold: Headquarters Branch, Wednesdays, 5 PM-6 PM. We will learn about homelessness and how it impacts our community. We also are creating items such as socks and scarves to donate. All materials are provided and all skill levels are welcome.
Stitch & Dish: Tower Road Branch, Thursdays, 5 PM-6 PM. Meet and chat while you work on your latest fiber arts project.
ArtSpace: Fiber Fun Fellowship: Hawthorne Branch, 2nd and 4th Mondays, 12 PM-2 PM. Join us for conversation and stitching fun! This group meets the second and fourth Monday of each month.
- Special Programs Happening This May
Make-It Monday: Beginner Crochet for Kids: Millhopper Branch, Monday, May 5th, May 12th, June 2nd, June 30th, 4 PM-5 PM. Join us to learn the basics of crochet and create a simple project, or bring a personal project to work on around other crafters.
After School Art Club-Clothes: Headquarters Branch, Thursday, May 22nd, 3 PM-4 PM. Come make art with us! We’ll be doing a new art activity twice a month exploring the rich world of art history and exploring our own creativity! Lessons will be geared towards elementary school-age children, but all are welcome! All materials provided. This week's art activities will focus on the concept of CLOTHES.
MakerSpace Presents: Stitch Craft for Adults: Headquarters Branch, Tuesday, May 27th, 4 PM-6:30 PM. Come join us for Stitch Craft, our adult program from MakerSpace! Learn how to use a sewing machine and read patterns. Don't worry, we're providing the equipment. Small sewing projects will be available to help adult beginners learn how to sew; materials are available on a first come, first served basis. More advanced sewers should bring their own materials and project patterns to receive help and tips from staff. This program is geared towards adult patrons who can independently read and operate a sewing machine with little to no supervision after being taught.
MakerSpace: Remake, Recycle, Repair!: Tower Road Branch, Wednesday, May 28th, 3 PM-5 PM. Join us to create new things with repurposed materials! We will provide supplies, but you're also welcome to bring your own items to remake, repair, or recycle.
Blooms with Paper Plate Weaving: Cone Park Branch, Thursday, May 29th, 3 PM-4 PM. Come and join us as we weave flowers using a paper plate loom! All materials will be provided for during the program.
Cross Stitch Bookmarks: Hawthorne Branch, Thursday, May 29th, 3 PM-4 PM. Stop by to learn the basics of cross stitch! Then use what you’ve learned to create a bookmark!