Classes

Sewing on a button seems such a trivial thing, but knowing how to do it can reduce the amount of textile waste from landfill or incineration.

Textile waste is a growing component of the waste landscape. It’s found strewn across the Atacama desert in Chile, it’s shipped around the globe on cargo ships, and it’s taking up space in landfills everywhere. The problem grows exponentially when considering that 60% of clothing made over the last decade is petroleum based synthetics. When washed and dried in machines these textiles shed loads of microplastics into the air, water and soil.

We’re teaching sewing and upcycling skills to youth and adults as a way to keep these textiles out of the waste stream. We teach the care of clothing to minimize microplastics and how to identify quality fabrics that will last a lifetime with some repair skills.

See our events calendar for an overall view of all our Mend-it cafes and classes, you can also check out our classes below.

UPCYCLING CLASSES

  • Sustainable Sewing

    Get to Know Your Sewing Machine


    SAT, MARCH 29
    2pm - 4pm

    Art Salvage
    610 E North Foothills Dr
    Spokane, WA 99207

    In this 90 minute hands-on class you’ll learn the basics of machine sewing including, getting to know the parts of a machine, sewing machine maintenance (how to clean, change a needle, and wind a bobbin), and how to use a sewing machine to create a small project using fabric scraps. All supplies plus use of Sewing Machines for students are included.

    Cost is $30

    Sign Up
  • Sustainable Sewing

    Sew Your Own Undies


    APRIL 12
    1:30-4:30pm

    Art Salvage
    610 E North Foothills Dr
    Spokane, WA 99207

    Undies are a quick project and a great way to use fabric scraps or upcycled fabrics. In this class, you'll learn how to select fabrics, sewing patterns, and notions for successful underwear making. Using a basic bikini brief underwear pattern (available for all ages and genders), you'll sew your own pair of undies and learn how you can further customize and embellish your skivvies to achieve your perfect pair.

    Skills covered in class itself: selecting a size, cutting and sewing stretch knit fabrics, applying fold over or lingerie elastic

    Skills covered in course materials: fabric options (stretch %, recovery, fiber content); elastic options; available patterns; adjustments for fit, gender, or accessibility; options for menstrual or incontinence underwear; how to create a pattern from your favorite undies. All supplies plus use of Sewing Machines for students are included.

    Cost $45

    Sign Up

  • Get to Know Your Sewing Machine


    SAT, April 26
    2pm - 4pm

    Art Salvage
    610 E North Foothills Dr
    Spokane, WA 99207

    In this 90 minute hands-on class you’ll learn the basics of machine sewing including, getting to know the parts of a machine, sewing machine maintenance (how to clean, change a needle, and wind a bobbin), and how to use a sewing machine to create a small project using fabric scraps. All supplies plus use of Sewing Machines for students are included.

    Cost is $30

    Sign Up
  • Sustainable Sewing

    Sew Your Own Undies


    MAY 17
    1:30-4:30pm

    Art Salvage
    610 E North Foothills Dr
    Spokane, WA 99207

    Undies are a quick project and a great way to use fabric scraps or upcycled fabrics. In this class, you'll learn how to select fabrics, sewing patterns, and notions for successful underwear making. Using a basic bikini brief underwear pattern (available for all ages and genders), you'll sew your own pair of undies and learn how you can further customize and embellish your skivvies to achieve your perfect pair.

    Skills covered in class itself: selecting a size, cutting and sewing stretch knit fabrics, applying fold over or lingerie elastic

    Skills covered in course materials: fabric options (stretch %, recovery, fiber content); elastic options; available patterns; adjustments for fit, gender, or accessibility; options for menstrual or incontinence underwear; how to create a pattern from your favorite undies. All supplies plus use of Sewing Machines for students are included.

    Cost $45

    Sign up
  • Botanical Dye In!

    Botanical Dye In!


    SUN Jun 22
    11:30 -2:30pm

    Spokane Art Supply
    1303 N Monroe St
    Spokane, WA

    In this workshop, Beth Mort of Snapdragon Flower Farm will teach how to transfer the color of everyday flowers and vegetables onto natural fibers through bundle dyeing.  Have a cotton T-shirt that could use an update?  Want to make a unique set of linen napkins or dye fabric for a project? This technique is an approachable and fun way to bring new life to an old garment or plain fabric. 

    What you’ll need:  1 yard of fabric or one garment that is all natural material, cotton, linen, hemp and wool are all great fabrics for this project. Be sure the materials are light colored, white, cream, soft greys and pastels are all good choices

    The following processes are recommended for more colorfast dyeing;

    Pre-Treatment:  All materials should be scoured, which is a fancy way of saying washed with a gentle detergent with no fragrances.  Some good options are: Dr Bonners Soap or Arm & Hammer Soda Ash 

    Mordanting: The word means bite in French and is a process that prepares the materials to accept dyes.  You will receive instructions for mordanting after registration

    All plant and vegetable materials will be provided as well as written instructions for repeating the process at home.

    Limited scholarship funding available for a reduced rate. Please email info@spokanezerowaste.org to inquire.

    Cost is $ 35

    Sign Up