The holidays are over, the snow is not leaving, and the artic blast just doesn’t seem to end. Why not settle in, get cozy, and be productive with some crafts. You could paint a picture, throw a pot, cross-stitch a pillow, bead a bracelet and matching necklace, knit a sweater, or even spin your own yarn from some local alpaca fiber. For each craft, there is instruction available on the Island, and you might make some new friends in the process.
Featherstone Center for the Arts is the premiere place for learning, from ceramics to tapestry. Ceramics classes cover both wheel throwing and hand building, with supplies available for purchase. The fabulous variety of painting classes are too numerous to list, though the required supplies can be bought at such places as Educomp in Vineyard Haven or daRosa’s in Oak Bluffs. For a complete listing of winter classes visit featherstoneart.org.
The original Beadniks, located off Main Street in Vineyard Haven, is more than just one of the largest bead sellers in the world. They offer “an inspiring and imaginative atmosphere in which customers can craft their own beaded works of art, while providing astonishing beads, jewelry creations, and treasures from the far corners of the globe.” Call ahead (508 693-7650) for class/event schedules or to book a party.
Henley’s Needlepoint & Fibers, on Main Street in Edgartown, offers unique options like taking your favorite picture and converting it into a needlepoint template that you or they can complete. Along with their wide selection of needlepoint supplies, they offer classes for beginners and “Sit & Stitch” functions throughout the year. Call them (508-627-3959) for specific hours of operation and/or to sign up for a lesson.
Heath Hen Yarn & Quilt Shop, on Beach Road in Vineyard Haven, has been a staple on the Island for fabric and fiber crafts. They have a large selection of quilting and sewing fabrics, the Island’s most complete selection of yarn, Martha’s Vineyard Exclusive cross-stitch kits from Lighthouses of MV to Vineyard Steeples, and they are an authorized Bernina dealer. For knitting and crocheting, they have yarn, patterns, notions, and classes. Check out their web site, heathhen.com, for more information about their upcoming classes, Embellish with Needle Felting, Braid Runner, and Beginning Knitting.
Island Alpaca in Oak Bluffs offers supplies like Shetland Style alpaca yarn ($7 per ounce) to Alpaca/merino yarn skein ($14), Ashford 12-inch table top looms ($198), and spinning wheels ($320 & up). Children aged eight and up can take a beginner knitting class on Saturdays and adults can take a two-part Alpaca sock making workshop or sign up for a beginner spinning or weaving class. Call 508- 693-5554 for more details and to book your appointment.
Another nice surprise for supplies is Granite, at the Triangle in Edgartown. They have a large selection for knitting, sewing, painting and various other arts including children’s craft kits.
To learn more about the availability of classes on the Island, review our listings in the Calendar section under Ongoing Events. You will find such great options as Knitting with Anna Marie D’Addarie, Photography with Louisa Gould, and Sense of Wonder after-school art classes for children.
And remember to email me some of your own discoveries so they can be shared with our readers.
