Maybe it's the gloomy economy, but a lot of people seem to be returning to the crafts that got their mothers and grandmothers through the long winter months. Besides helping to pass the time productively, knitting a sweater or cross-stitching a sampler can lend a much-needed personal touch in an impersonal world.
"A lot of people say they stitch to relax," says Barbara Knauf, owner of the Stitching Post in Catonsville. "It's also a way to spend time with a spouse or children and do something with your hands."
Renewed interest in crafts is evident in the wide range of classes offered at stores around the state. In fact, competition to get into a class can be fierce.
Craft Corral in Bel Air will be offering evening Christmas craft classes this month. Janice Slaysman, one of the shop's instructors, said demand for classes was so great in December the store couldn't begin to accommodate everyone -- despite three classes a day in some cases.
The sluggish economy hasn't hurt business at the Stitching Post, Mrs. Knauf says. Her store offers threads, books and other supplies, plus a wide range of classes, for cross-stitch, needlework and other projects and demand for classes is so great the store had to establish a starting date for registration to give everyone the same chance to get into a class. Class size is typically limited to 12.
Skills learned in craft classes allow students to make their own gifts and keepsakes, save money and also express their creativity, Mrs. Knauf says.
Many people can teach themselves a craft -- or learn it from a friend or relative. But Mrs. Knauf says there's less frustration and fewer wasted materials when an instructor shows you the correct way the first time. Professional teachers can also point out tricks of the trade, Mrs. Knauf says, adding that, unlike your Aunt Becky, they won't get annoyed or hurt if it turns out you do have 10 thumbs after all.
Taking a craft class is a great way to learn a new skill, but many students use the classes to brush up on existing knowledge. Terry Newhouse, owner of the Weaver's Place in Catonsville, says experienced knitters enjoy taking advanced classes such as Make that Dream Sweater Yours. In that class, students learn how to take a standard commercial pattern and customize it for a perfect fit.
Mrs. Newhouse says customers sometimes get the "craft class bug" when they see a lovely sweater with a hefty price tag at a store or craft show. "People think, 'Hey, I can do that,' and so they sign up for a class," she says.
Classes can also give a student the courage to try something different, according to Brenda McNeal of Columbia. She took a class to improve her weaving skills about four years ago and now she's hooked. Every year she weaves tea towels to include in themed Christmas baskets.
"Classes are a real confidence builder," she says. "You know right away if you're doing it correctly or if you need some help."
Jo Anne Williams of Baltimore says she takes classes because she enjoys sharing ideas and inspiration with others.
"Only another crafter can understand why you absolutely, positively have to buy another yard of fabric when your house is already full," she says. A passionate "crafter," Ms. Williams wears a sweat shirt adorned with the slogan, "She who dies with the most fabric wins." She gave bumper stickers with the same slogan to all her friends this Christmas.
The time necessary to complete a craft class -- and a project -- varies greatly. You can learn to make a beautiful basket in one day or take more than a year to complete a bed-size quilt. The dream sweater class at the Weaver's Place, for example, meets four times for three hours each class.
Barbara Worthington, who operates Basket Works in Catonsville, believes classes are popular because they are economical. "It's an affordable way to spend a day," she says.
Basket Works has finished baskets for sale as well as kits and raw materials. Once a student learns to make one basket, he or she is usually willing to try other styles, Ms. Worthington says.
Typically, classes require a registration fee plus the purchase of materials. A novice can pay $25 -- materials included -- at the Basket Works and walk out four hours later with a finished basket. An experienced quilter could spend 14 months learning to piece together an intricate Baltimore Album quilt, and the $150 registration fee does not include materials that could easily run into hundreds of dollars.
(The quilting classes meet one day a month at the Seminole Sampler in Catonsville and students are expected to do a lot of homework to keep pace with the class.)
Basket Works, the Seminole Sampler, the Weaver's Place and the Stitching Post make up what is informally known as the "craft center" on Mellor Avenue in Catonsville. The Stitching Post was the first shop to move to this shopping strip about three years ago.
The Stitching Post's Mrs. Knauf says moving to Mellor Avenue from her previous location on Frederick Road allowed her to triple her space and offer customers plenty of free parking. Seminole Sampler's owner, Kaye Pelovitz, says enthusiastic customers told her about the space available and she decided to make the move as well. The Weaver's Place and Basket Works, both formerly in Dickeyville, followed later.
Customers of one shop frequently get hooked on a new craft in a different store, Ms. Pelovitz says, explaining that once people get comfortable with one skill they often want to expand their repertoire to include others.
Mrs. Knauf agrees. Basic classes in cross-stitch or needlework are always popular, but advanced classes have developed a real following, too, she explains. Experienced needleworkers, for example, could learn complicated stitches such as pulled drawn thread, bargello and ribbon weaving by taking the Victorian Heart class. The registration fee is $65 for five, two-hour sessions. Students receive a supply list at the time of registration and are expected to have purchased any materials they need before class begins.
Carol Ciampaglia, one of the owners of Aunt Mary's Yarns, Needlework and Crafts in Towson, says she keeps classes limited to once a week for about four weeks. She says this is time enough for most customers to learn the basics. "People are not usually willing to commit themselves to a six- or eight-week course."
Mrs. Ciampaglia encourages students to look at samples of finished projects. "First determine that this is something that would really interest you," she says.
Questions to ask before you sign up for a class
If you're thinking about taking a crafts class, keep in mind there are many different types. Classes in traditional skills, like knitting, quilting, needlework and basket-making, are available, as are classes in ceramics, doll-making and other more unusual skills. Check your phone directory, ask friends for recommendations and seek out advice from your neighborhood craft store to help pick the right class. Some store chains, including fabric stores, also offer classes.
Signing up for a class requires a commitment of time and money. Before you take the plunge, ask some questions.
*What is the total cost? Is there a materials fee in addition to a registration fee? Do you need to bring a sewing machine or other tools to class?
*How much time can you realistically commit? A three-month course to make a quilted wall hanging might be impossible, while a one-day class in basket-making could be just the ticket.
*Is it a class or a demonstration? Some stores hold demonstrations, usually Saturday afternoons, to teach customers how to use new products. Some of these are hands-on "make-it-and-take-it" sessions while others may be just show and tell" -- customers learn enough during the demonstration to purchase the materials and make the project at home.
*How many students are in the class? Will the class be canceled if not enough students register?
*What are the teacher's credentials?
*Is there enough time to complete the project in class or will there be "homework"?
*What skills and knowledge do you need to take the class? Are there any prerequisites?
*Find out specifically what you are going to make. It's easier to stick with a project you love rather than one that leaves you feeling lukewarm.