The Sew-op overflows with fabric, yarn, and other materials and tools for fibercraft. The fleet of sewing machines includes an embroidery machine. Except for a few tools purchased with monetary donations and class proceeds, everything was donated by people in the community, and all materials are free to use. The goal is to put usable goods to use rather than throw them away – want fabric to practice sewing with? Take some of ours home.
The Sew-op is typically open for two-hour stretches Monday evening, Wednesday afternoon, and Saturday morning. There may be a class scheduled; if not, the room is available for free, drop-in use by the public, times we call Open Hours. They are staffed by volunteer aides (Co-op Superworkers) all of whom sew, are familiar with the Sew-op, and know the sewing machines. You might come to Open Hours for a second opinion on an unusual pattern instruction, to use a sewing machine because you don't sew enough to want to own one, to be inspired to create a costume, or simply because you'd rather do your projects in the company of others.
Classes, described on the Sew-op webpage, cover topics in sewing, hand embroidery, and crochet, and include children's sewing classes (see the photo below). Instructors are paid, and each two-hour class costs $25, or $20 if you are a Co-op member. You can register for classes via phone, clipboards by the Co-op's registers, or an online form.
Getting to the Sew-op requires some description; the second floor is reached from the back of the building. Start by following the footsteps on the concrete (and signs to Vital Communities) and enter through the yellow door. When you're in you can take the elevator to your left or the stairs to your right, following the red and yellow Sew-op signs along both paths. I made a map of the upstairs for you; it is incomplete and not to scale, but it will show you what turns you need to make.
We would love to see more people use the Sew-op and for materials to circulate – the main reason the Sew-op is so unkemptly crammed is that we get more donations than are used. We would also love for more people to come on board the Sew-op as aides and teachers. Feel free to contact us here via comment or the form in the sidebar if you're interested in knowing more!
Make your own visit!
The Upper Valley Sew-op
Upstairs at the Upper Valley Food Co-op
193 North Main Street
White River Junction, VT 05001
802-295-5804 (Co-op)
http://www.uppervalleyfood.coop/sew-op/
Co-op open Monday-Saturday 9 AM to 8 PM, Sunday 11 AM to 5 PM.
Sew-op open for scheduled classes and open hours only; generally includes Monday 5:30-7:30, Wednesday 1-3, and Saturday 10-12, as well as for a rug braiding group on 3rd Thursdays 5:30-7:30. See the calendar.
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