Reviews and Blog Posts: Sewing

On Wednesday, July 25 at 6 p.m. at the Smiley Branch, join Sundari Kraft, author of The Complete Idiot's Guide to Urban Homesteading, and learn what urban homesteading is, how it looks in Denver, and how you can get started!

Plan ahead and sign up for these classes NOW to make sure you have a spot! Either call the branch, or email fclmybranch@denverlibrary.org with your name, phone number, and the event you want to sign up for!

Garden Stepping Stones, Wednesday, July 11, 6 p.m. at the Smiley Branch (this week!)

Hand Sewn Felt Owl, Saturday, July 28, 2 p.m. at the Bear Valley Branch

First up, on Saturday, June 23 at 11 a.m. we will have a representative from the Dumb Friends League at the Schlessman Family Branch Library teaching about animals' body postures and vocalizations and the messages behind them.  Get ready to learn more about your pet!

If you're a crafter, options abound:

Sit 'n Knit at Bear Valley on Tuesday, April 10 from 12:30-2:30 p.m. is a group for knitters of all levels--come to share your knowledge, to learn something new, or just for the good company! Fiber hosts: Kathy Orth and Charlotte Updike.

There are numerous options for all the crafters out there who want to exercise their creativity before watching the big game this weekend! All of these events are happening on Saturday, February 4 as part of our Make & Take Studio Series:

10 a.m.: Felt Fortune Cookies at Schlessman. Write your own creative fortunes and swap prophetic one-liners with your fellow crafters as you make these sweet treats!

On Saturday, October 15 at 11:00 a.m. at Schlessman, learn all about the 123-acre urban wilderness in our own back yard, Bluff Lake Nature Center! Bluff Lake is a nonprofit agency that manages a unique urban wildlife and outdoor classroom in northeast Denver. It is home to an abundance of animals and native plants, which thrive in a variety of habitats.

Travel to another continent without leaving Denver on Wednesday, September 28 at 6:00 p.m. at the Smiley Branch with Traveling Librarian: African Safari. Pictures and stories included!

Maybe you have a piece of furniture lying around in your basement or garage that you've been meaning to restore. Don't let it languish any longer! Learn about Restoring Your Old Wood Furniture with Denver Urban Homesteading expert Irina Bertini. You'll learn about bringing new life to antique or vintage furniture, doors, and cabinets, as well as sandpapers, electric sanders, handsaws, stains, and where to get inexpensive materials.

Start your week by dreaming of the picnic you'll have on your next day off! Enjoy the great Colorado outdoors (if it ever cools off!) with these creative recipes for your picnics or hikes that will have you forgetting that you ever settled for sandwiches and chips! Recipes and samples included! Picnic Foods, Tuesday, August 2 at 6:30 p.m. at the Smiley Branch.

 Yo-yo quilting is a humble craft -- developed by creative Depression-era homemakers to use up bits of fabric for practical objects -- usually quilts and coverlets. (The top photo is a good example of this kind of quilting.) The product is homey, sensible and, in the right hands, can have a wonderful sense of design and movement.