Handwork Learning Lab Sessions
The Handwork Learning Lab at Road to California is an amazing educational opportunity! The goal of the learning lab is to offer our students the ability to learn the basics of a skill then take those basics and build on them through Road to California classes and independent study. Sessions are $20 cash at the door and include the kit for the class.
Sessions for Wednesday
WE-1 Hand Sewing Class
with Lydia Rush from Japanese Antiques & Textiles
Cost: $20.00
Date: Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Time: 10:45 am - 11:45 am
Location: Room 102
Description: Come and join us learning all about Sashiko & Boro!
WE-2 Felting Fun
with Eloise Wagers from Clover USA
Cost: $20.00
Date: Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Time: 12 PM to 1 PM
Location: Room 102
Description: Beware: felting is so much fun! Learn the basic felting techniques. All supplies will be provided. Will make a felted appliqué to use for embellishment. Will open opportunity to "taste" a new crafting adventure!
WE-3 Clamshells the Easy Way
with Danni Reynolds from Eppiflex EPP Templates
Cost: $20.00
Date: Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Time: 1:15 PM to 2:15 PM
Location: Room 102
Description: Jump in and get hands-on with clamshells! Learn the technique in simple, easy-to-follow steps and start creating impressive results—no experience required. You will learn how to cut out a clamshell in fabric and use a template to "mold" the fabric to the shape. We then use the clamshell guide to create rows of clamshells without the need for stitching each clamshell to the next. Rows are appliqued in one go. Students will not finish a project in the class but will have an understanding of the process of building their clamshell project and the technique needed to create it. Each student will also receive a set of instructions to continue their project at home.
Sessions for Thursday
TH-1 Sashiko Place Mat
withLydia Rush from Japanese Antiques and Textiles
Cost: $20.00
Date: Thursday, January 22, 2026
Time: 10:45 AM to 11:45 AM
Location: Room 102
Description: Come and have fun and make your own Sashiko Place Mat.
TH-2 Visible Modern Darning / Mending
with Eloise Wagers from Clover USA
Cost: $20.00
Date: Thursday, January 22, 2026
Time: 12 PM to 1 PM
Location: Room 102
Description: When something becomes imperfect...see it as a way for creativity and what it can become will mend all! This class if for people who have never sewn before and all who have sewn forever. Mending can be done quickly or slowly depending on the sewing complexity. The mending style and pace is totally up to you. The joy of being bad at a new craft! Learn to hide a hole creatively with a basic darning stitch or fabric scraps. A few basic embroidery stitches will be demonstrated.
TH-3 Sew Grateful
with Jennifer Anderson from Midway Wool
Cost: $20.00
Date: Thursday, January 22, 2026
Time: 1:15 PM to 2:15 PM
Location: Room 102
Description: Join us for Sew Grateful, a cozy embroidery class where you’ll stitch a beautiful “Grateful” towel and celebrate thankfulness together.
Sessions for Friday
FR-1 Needle Keeper Workshop: Learn, Stitch, Embellish
With Bernadette Kent from Wonderfil Specialty Threads
Cost: $20.00
Date: Friday, January 23, 2026
Time: 10:45 AM to 11:45 AM
Location: Room 102
Description: Discover the charm of wool embroidery in this hands-on workshop! Using WonderFil's Eleganza™ Perle Cotton and soft 100% Merino wool, you’ll learn a beautiful variety of embroidery stitches to embellish and personalize your own wool needle case. We’ll guide you step-by-step through decorative stitching techniques, followed by clear, in-depth instructions on assembling your finished piece. Whether you're new to hand embroidery or looking to expand your stitching repertoire, this project is a fun and functional way to get creative with wool and thread!
FR-2 Crochet Tunisian Simple Stitch
with Eloise Wagers from Clover USA
Cost: $20.00
Date: Friday, January 23, 2026
Time: 12 PM to 1 PM
Location: Room 102
Description: The Tunisian simple stitch (TSS) is a crochet stitch that involves working increases and decreases on the forward pass only. This stitch is similar to the stockinette stitch in knitting. It creates a dense, stretchy fabric that looks different on the from and back. Learn this stitch and there are over 400 variety of stitch patterns. Will make a mug mat in class.
FR-3 Bloom and Stitch
with Jennifer Anderson from Midway Wool
Cost: $20.00
Date: Friday, January 23, 2026
Time: 1:15 PM to 2:15 PM
Location: Room 102
Description: Create a charming flower pin cushion in our Bloom & Stitch class—learn simple wool technique, enjoy creativity, and take home handmade beauty! ????
Sessions for Saturday
SA-1 Getting Started with Hawaiian Quilting: The Basics
with Dana Keeler from Pacific Rim Quilt Company
Cost: $20.00
Date: Saturday, January 24, 2026
Time: 10:45 AM to 11: 45 AM
Location: Room 102
Description: Curious about Hawaiian quilting but not sure where to begin? This session is the perfect introduction to the beauty and simplicity of this timeless artform.
You'll learn the fundamentals of Hawaiian quilting—from how to fold and cut a traditional block design to basic needle-turn appliqué techniques. We’ll walk through fabric choices, tools, and tips to get you started with confidence. Along the way, you'll discover the cultural roots behind the designs and the meditative rhythm that makes this quilting style so rewarding.
SA-2 Needle & Thread Basics ... for People Allergic to Hand Sewing
with Eloise Wagers from Clover USA
Cost: $20.00
Date: Saturday, January 24, 2026
Time: 12 PM to 1 PM
Location: Room 102
Description: Hand sewing can be challenging, fun and the most creative! Master the use of a needle, thread, and a thimble...you now have "SUPERPOWER"! Don't worry about which way you stitch...up, down, left, right, how you hold the needle as long as you get there in the end and you enjoyed the process. Aim for consistency...not perfection. Will learn some useful and decorative techniques for "wanna be" creative stitchers!
