The WhatcomTalk Events Calendar shares things to do around Whatcom County including Bellingham, Ferndale, Lynden, Blaine and beyond. Find fun activities and adventures throughout the region on our comprehensive events calendar. Have an event that isn’t listed? Click the green “Post your Event” button and our editors will review and approve within two business days.
One of our most popular classes is being offered for kids! Kick off summer break with a new skill which will keep kids busy at home or on the go. Using this four strand braiding technique kids will get started on a colorful, sturdy rug using reclaimed t-shirts. Once they master the technique they’ll head home to continue braiding to their heart’s content.
Monster Dolls are the most legal fun you can have with a sewing machine, fabric and stuffing. We supply the fabric and stuffing, you bring a big smile and your sewing machine.
Call to Artists: Ragfinery’s Sewing Rodeo LIVE Sewing Challenge
Bellingham’s non-profit textile reuse hub has a new event this fall to satiate our appetites for showcasing creative reuse: the Sewing Rodeo! In celebration of National Sewing Month in September, Ragfinery will invite six teams of two to enter this friendly two-day, fun-filled, nail-biting, LIVE sewing and design challenge.
Teams will be given their design parameters and have one evening to envision their project, doing a mad dash to select materials and one day to sew at Ragfinery! The competition will culminate with an in-store fashion show on Saturday, September 23, and prizes will be awarded in three categories: People’s Choice, Best Interpretation of Theme and Best Performance Under Pressure.
The inspiration for the Sewing Rodeo celebrates the ‘get it done’ cowgirl spirit of our local artists and seamstresses. Ragfinery customers never cease to amaze. The creativity! The strength, perseverance and sense of adventure! No matter what fabulous creation these sewing cowgirls (or boys) decide to rustle up, they will surely be inspired by the passion, sassiness, humor and grit of the mythic cowgirl.
The challenge will open for artist registration on Friday, August 25. There is no fee to register but challengers will be responsible for the purchase of their desired materials from Ragfinery and must bring their own sewing machines for use in the competition. There will be a cap of just six teams, so early registration is encouraged. Individuals interested in participating can sign up in person at Ragfinery (1421 N. Forest Street, Bellingham) and up-to-date details about the event can be found at ragfinery.com. Mark your calendars, grab a buddy and get ready to amaze and be amazed, as spectator or challenger!
Ragfinery is a Bellingham nonprofit organization that diverts unwanted textiles from the waste stream and upcycles them in a training business that provides transitional jobs for low-income clients of our partner social service agencies and schools. We collaborate with local artisans and community volunteers to repurpose unwanted garments and textiles into a variety of upcycled goods that showcase the skills and talent of our collective.
This basic wet felting technique is simple enough for kids, but produces gem-like creations sophisticated enough for adults. Using small pieces of wool roving you will form precious felted geodes and design your own unique pair of earrings!
Learn to upcycle or alter your own clothes in this beginning sewing “bootcamp” series! Get familiar with the care and use of your sewing machine and solving basic sewing problems, take accurate body measurements and learn to fit items to your own aesthetic and body type! Sew a knit cap in the first class and move on to constructing a garment or other project of your choice, such as a knit or woven dress, top, skirt or pant. We will focus on embellishments and finishing touches specific to your project, i.e. pockets, zippers, buttons/buttonholes, hems, etc. Take away a short guide and reference list to assist you in applying your new skills at home. Please note that you will be working on the Ragfinery Baby Loc machines and we will not be working with patterns.
Learn to upcycle or alter your own clothes in this beginning sewing “bootcamp” series! Get familiar with the care and use of your sewing machine and solving basic sewing problems, take accurate body measurements and learn to fit items to your own aesthetic and body type! Sew a knit cap in the first class and move on to constructing a garment or other project of your choice, such as a knit or woven dress, top, skirt or pant. We will focus on embellishments and finishing touches specific to your project, i.e. pockets, zippers, buttons/buttonholes, hems, etc. Take away a short guide and reference list to assist you in applying your new skills at home. Please note that you will be working on the Ragfinery Baby Loc machines and we will not be working with patterns.
September is National Sewing Month, and we want to celebrate! Join us for this 2-day, fun-filled, nail-biting, LIVE sewing and design upcycle challenge at Ragfinery.
In true rodeo spirit, teams of two will work in cahoots to create their version of what a modern day cowgirl might wear on the mean streets of Bellingham. Remember y’all, it’s not just about leather, fringe and boots. It’s more about the spirit of it. Our B’ham cowgirls are independent, creative and passionate with their own take on things!
On Friday afternoon our teams will meet up at the ol’ Ragfinery for the kick-off and be turned loose on a mad dash to round up their materials. They’ll head home to sketch out their ideas that evening, and then high tail it back to Ragfinery on Saturday morning and have the day to rustle up a garment that represents their funky vision. The sky’s the limit!
Our Rodeo will finish up with a saunter down the runway at Ragfinery that evening, and prizes will be awarded. Mark your calendars, grab a pardner, and head on down to see what all the ruckus is about!
Keep informed of updates via our Facebook event page and website.
Schedule:
Friday, 8/25
10:00 a.m.: Artist entry opens – register in-store at Ragfinery
Friday, 9/22
5:30 p.m.: Challengers orientation and materials dash
Saturday, 9/23
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.: LIVE sewing competition! Come see the teams in action and cheer them on.
4:30 – 5:30 p.m.: In-store runway show.
5:00 – 5:30 p.m.: Judging, awards, refreshments
Admission for the entire event is FREE!
September is National Sewing Month, and we want to celebrate! Join us for this 2-day, fun-filled, nail-biting, LIVE sewing and design upcycle challenge at Ragfinery.
In true rodeo spirit, teams of two will work in cahoots to create their version of what a modern day cowgirl might wear on the mean streets of Bellingham. Remember y’all, it’s not just about leather, fringe and boots. It’s more about the spirit of it. Our B’ham cowgirls are independent, creative and passionate with their own take on things!
On Friday afternoon our teams will meet up at the ol’ Ragfinery for the kick-off and be turned loose on a mad dash to round up their materials. They’ll head home to sketch out their ideas that evening, and then high tail it back to Ragfinery on Saturday morning and have the day to rustle up a garment that represents their funky vision. The sky’s the limit!
Our Rodeo will finish up with a saunter down the runway at Ragfinery that evening, and prizes will be awarded. Mark your calendars, grab a pardner, and head on down to see what all the ruckus is about!
Keep informed of updates via our Facebook event page and website.
Schedule:
Friday, 8/25
10:00 a.m.: Artist entry opens – register in-store at Ragfinery
Friday, 9/22
5:30 p.m.: Challengers orientation and materials dash
Saturday, 9/23
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.: LIVE sewing competition! Come see the teams in action and cheer them on.
4:30 – 5:30 p.m.: In-store runway show.
5:00 – 5:30 p.m.: Judging, awards, refreshments
Admission for the entire event is FREE!
Learn how to copy a garment without taking it apart! Making clothing typically begins with a pattern and ends with a garment. In this class we’ll reverse the process: starting with a piece of clothing you bring, you’ll draft a permanent pattern and start sewing your new version. You’ll also learn about fabric, grain and drape, tailoring to your body, and essential pattern making tools and terms.
Come learn how to upcycle a sweater into a beautiful purse or tote. Cashmere, merino wool and lambswool sweaters make for fashionable autumn or winter accessories. Needle felting adds a touch of wool embroidery that makes for a one-of-a-kind piece of wearable art. Materials available for purchase at Ragfinery. Shop well in advance for best selection. Register in store or online.
Come learn how to upcycle a sweater into a warm and beautiful pair of fingerless gloves. Cashmere, merino wool and lambswool sweaters make for cozy and fashionable autumn or winter accessory. Needle felting adds a touch of wool embroidery that makes for a one-of-a-kind piece of wearable art. Materials available for purchase at Ragfinery. Shop well in advance for best selection. Register in store or online.
You’ve decided to make your own unique Halloween costume, but you’re stumped when it comes to adding zippers or sleeves or whatever else you’ve dreamed up. Book a one-on-one sewing consultation between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. with Brigitte! To schedule, come in to Ragfinery or call us at 360-738-6977.
Transform t-shirts into a stylish, lightweight scarf, perfect for autumn. In this hand sewing class, Libby Chenault will introduce us to the reverse applique method as well as basics for upcycling t-shirts. Participants will leave with a project started and all the resources to continue crafting. Bring washed cotton t-shirts to cut up in colors you love, or choose from Libby’s stash. Space is limited; register online or by calling the library.
A Day of Mending is based on Yoko Ono’s 2015 “Mend Piece.” It’s no coincidence this event is on the first anniversary of President Trump’s inauguration. Participants are encouraged to bring your own materials — “the sewing/craft projects that have been sitting in the corners of your rooms, the materials you have collected and never put to use,” and we will participate in a space of collective and personal mending.
The format is drawn from the traditionally feminine practice of the sewing circle and, in what’s been an especially rough yet empowering year for women, it seems like a powerful format to heal some damage.
FREE! Space is limited so please RSVP. Enroll online or call 360-733-1323 to sign up.
Molly will teach you how to clean, oil and adjust the tension on your sewing machine so it becomes a JOY to use! Happy machine, happy sewist!
$45 for one machine, $60 for two.
Kids SEW Strong Club. This is for kids who want to have more instruction/experience with sewing. We will have two instructors available. Requirements: two hours beginning experience/instruction.
You will learn how to make a pattern for collars, facings, complex sleeves, complex pants, dresses, jackets and some asymmetrical garments. You must have taken Pattern Making I before taking this class.
We’ll take your measurements and guide you through drafting a pattern that will fit you! We’ll also talk about negative ease and sewing with knits. You’ll learn what kind of knits to buy to make your own leggings in the future! Some sewing experience required.
Learn the basics of patterns, how to change the design for different “looks,” how pieces fit together, how to mark a pattern correctly and MORE! (Prerequisite class for Pattern Making II). Enroll online or call us at 360-733-1323 to sign up.
Copy a Garment without Taking it Apart (Part 1) You have that FAVORITE garment you can’t bear to part with. Let us teach you how to make a pattern from that garment so you can have it forever! ($50 includes both classes)
Part 1 will be held Sunday, March 11, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Part 2 will be held Sunday, March 18, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Enroll online or call us at 360-733-1323 to sign up.
Bring something you’re working on, something to share, something with which you may need help – or just show up and visit!
Free to attend, we (usually) meet monthly, every second Wednesday from 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. in the teaching space at Social Fabric. Join our Facebook group for dates/news etc.
This is a great club for kids, ages 9 to 14, to get together and work on guided sewing projects. Participants need to have a couple of hours of sewing instruction and be able to thread their machine, wind and install a bobbin and sew on their sewing machine. We limit class enrollment to six kids.
Call us at 360-733-1323 to find out if your kid has the sewing experience to participate, and to sign up.
Copy a Garment without Taking it Apart (Part 1) You have that FAVORITE garment you can’t bear to part with. Let us teach you how to make a pattern from that garment so you can have it forever! ($50 includes both classes)
Part 1 will be held Sunday, March 11, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Part 2 will be held Sunday, March 18, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Enroll online or call us at 360-733-1323 to sign up.
Easter Bunnies Make-a-Long (monster or cute – you decide). Easter is about one week away by the time you take this class. We have the pattern, fabric and stuffing – you have the fun! You can make monster bunnies or cute bunnies or make up your own pattern!
Enroll online or call us at 360-733-1323 to enroll.
Ragfinery is hosting its 4th annual Upcycle Runway Challenge, just in time for Earth Day! Every year brave participants of all skill levels are tasked with transforming castaway materials into runway-ready designs. This exciting event is a celebration of creativity and community as we come together to be inspired, witnessing local artists and craftspeople transforming ordinary into extraordinary.
This year’s theme, Flora & Fauna, celebrates our natural world in its elegance and wonder, challenging participants to design and construct costumes, garments and accessories that embody the beauty and grace displayed in our natural world. With the support of enthusiastic community members, participants will walk the red carpet runway for a panel of local judges and awards will be presented in six categories on the night of the show.
Join us for a lively exhibition of local talent, food, wine, entertainment and awards, all in the name of raising funds for Ragfinery’s unique nonprofit project. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the show starts at 7:00 p.m. Tickets on sale at ragfinery.com while supplies last.
