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Adult Workshops At UpCycle, we celebrate the creative side of ALL of us, not just those who call themselves "artists." Our adult programming provides you an opportunity to connect with your right brain ("get in your right mind") and find new, unusual and beautiful ways to use cast-off and recycled materials. Workshops are limited to 14 participants, and are open to anyone ages 16+. Workshops include all materials! Evenings from 7 - 9 PM (please arrive 5 mins early) Location: UpCycle Creative Reuse Studio 2397 S. Dove St. Alexandria, Virginia 22314 If we do not meet the minimum registration of 6, the class may be canceled. Registrations are refundable ONLY if made 3 days in advance of the workshop date. Please be advised that UpCycle may take photos during our classes for use in promotional materials and content. Participants may opt out at any time during the workshop. REGISTRATION CLOSES AT 12PM DAY OF WORKSHOP |
ADULT WORKSHOPS 2026
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Thursday, July 23rd from 7-9pm: Summer Style Refresh - Bead It! - $30 Jump on one of this summer's hottest trends - UpCycling with beads! Hem your pants or shorts with stones and beads, add whimsy to an old blazer or jacket, or update a simple tank top collar with gemstone chips. No sewing experience is required, you'll learn to thread a bead and sew a running stitch (See @honestlywtf on Instagram for examples). Bring some clothes that could use a little style update, come browse UpCycle's extensive collection of beads and gems, and give your clothes a fun and whimsical summer update! |
Thursday, July 30th from 7-9pm: Customize Your Wardrobe Series - Pants Alterations - $60
Pants: we all wear them, but they almost never fit just right. Rather than buy a new pair, come join us and learn how to adjust your existing pants or shorts! In this class, we’ll cover waistband darts, hemming the length, and adding or subtracting fabric from the waist or legs to adjust the fit. Whether you have a pair that’s slightly too big or too small, a pair that fits perfectly in some areas and not at all in others, or you want to adjust the shape, this class is the one for you. Participants must bring a pair of pants or shorts they’d like to work on, but all other materials (including all sewing notions, sewing machines, extra fabric, thread, etc) are provided by UpCycle. This class is open to beginner sewers who have basic knowledge of and comfort with sewing machines. Join us and learn how to start customizing your wardrobe - your clothes should fit YOU, not the other way around!
Pre-requisites: basic knowledge of how to use a sewing machine is required. If you have taken our Sewing Machine 101 class, you’re good to go! Feel free to email us at [email protected] if you have questions about pre-requisite skills or if you would like to inquire about bringing your own sewing machine.
Pants: we all wear them, but they almost never fit just right. Rather than buy a new pair, come join us and learn how to adjust your existing pants or shorts! In this class, we’ll cover waistband darts, hemming the length, and adding or subtracting fabric from the waist or legs to adjust the fit. Whether you have a pair that’s slightly too big or too small, a pair that fits perfectly in some areas and not at all in others, or you want to adjust the shape, this class is the one for you. Participants must bring a pair of pants or shorts they’d like to work on, but all other materials (including all sewing notions, sewing machines, extra fabric, thread, etc) are provided by UpCycle. This class is open to beginner sewers who have basic knowledge of and comfort with sewing machines. Join us and learn how to start customizing your wardrobe - your clothes should fit YOU, not the other way around!
Pre-requisites: basic knowledge of how to use a sewing machine is required. If you have taken our Sewing Machine 101 class, you’re good to go! Feel free to email us at [email protected] if you have questions about pre-requisite skills or if you would like to inquire about bringing your own sewing machine.
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Wednesday, August 19th from 7-9pm: "Wabi-Sabi" It - Sashiko Backpack Repair - $40 Wabi-Sabi is a Japanese saying that refers to finding beauty in the imperfect. In this workshop, we'll learn how to visibly mend your bags with the sashiko method. This classic Japanese textile repair technique will fill in holes and reinforce well-loved bags, as well as add beautiful, eye-catching designs. Come spend a relaxing evening practicing visible mending with us, and get ready for the back-to-school season with Wabi-Sabi style! |
Thursday, August 13th from 7-9pm: Sewing Machine 101 - $60
Have you always wanted to learn how to sew, but felt intimidated by sewing machines? This is the class for you! In this quick 2-hour workshop, we will go over the anatomy of the sewing machine, learn the basic set-up processes, and get sewing! We’ll practice on scrap fabric, learn how to line up two fabrics and sew them together, and learn basic techniques and vocabulary to help de-mystify the machine sewing process. You’ll leave with a newfound understanding of sewing machines, some new sewing skills, and the pre-requisite skills required to join one of our upcoming sewing project classes! Come join us for an evening of learning all about sewing machines, and leave with the confidence to tackle your first project!
UpCycle will provide all materials, including sewing machines, fabric, thread, needles, etc., but if you have a sewing machine of your own you’d like to learn how to use, please feel free to bring it in! Please let the instructor know ahead of time if you plan to bring your own machine. No prior experience required - this class is for complete beginners!
Have you always wanted to learn how to sew, but felt intimidated by sewing machines? This is the class for you! In this quick 2-hour workshop, we will go over the anatomy of the sewing machine, learn the basic set-up processes, and get sewing! We’ll practice on scrap fabric, learn how to line up two fabrics and sew them together, and learn basic techniques and vocabulary to help de-mystify the machine sewing process. You’ll leave with a newfound understanding of sewing machines, some new sewing skills, and the pre-requisite skills required to join one of our upcoming sewing project classes! Come join us for an evening of learning all about sewing machines, and leave with the confidence to tackle your first project!
UpCycle will provide all materials, including sewing machines, fabric, thread, needles, etc., but if you have a sewing machine of your own you’d like to learn how to use, please feel free to bring it in! Please let the instructor know ahead of time if you plan to bring your own machine. No prior experience required - this class is for complete beginners!
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Sunday, October 18th from 1-3pm: Cabinet of Curiosities - $40 A cabinet of curiosities is a collection of wacky and unique found objects, often displayed together on a shelf with many small compartments. In this Sunday afternoon workshop, local artist Mallory will show you how to UpCycle a cigar box of your choice into a mini cabinet of curiosities to display. You'll learn how to build custom sized compartments for your trinkets, decorate your new curio shelf with mixed media and found objects, and start filling it with oddities! All materials are provided, but all artists are welcome to bring in personal trinkets or mixed media to decorate and fill in their shelves! |
Open Studio Maker Break
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Do you have a project you would love to work on, but you just can't find the time? Take a designated maker break with us!
Join us in the studio every Friday from 4-6pm for Open Studio Maker Break, and enjoy the company of other community crafters while you wind down from the week with artmaking. Bring a project you’ve been working on at home or in one of our classes, or purchase some supplies from the shop, and spend a relaxing afternoon creating among your fellow upcyclers! Entry is free, but space is limited. To guarantee a spot, please sign up HERE. Walk-ins are available but not guaranteed. |
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