3-hour Workshop

Date: Saturday, June 7

Time: 11am-2pm

Description: In this workshop, students will explore the basics of sewing while learning the importance of sustainability through upcycling. Participants will transform a graphic T-shirt into a unique 12 x 12 decorative pillow. This workshop will be a great introduction to sewing and using a sewing machine and is perfect for absolute beginners! Participants can expect to create a sweet new decorative addition to their home, while gaining practical skills and creative confidence along the way.

Bring your own Graphic T-shirt, all other materials will be provided.

Skills introduced will be:

• threading a sewing machine

• threading a bobbin

• Basic stitching (straight and zig zag)

• Pivoting fabric

• Sewing machine operation

• Cutting a simple pattern

• Upcycling

Again, beginners are very welcome!

Tuition: $55 + $15 materials

Materials: Bring your own Graphic T-Shirt; all other materials provided.

Location: Contemporary Craft, TImmons Studios (5688 Butler St., Pittsburgh, PA 15201). Note, this workshop will take place in the Fibers Loft, which is on the second floor of the building.

There are 2 entrances to the Timmons Studios.

One entrance is facing Butler Street. To access the Fibers Loft from the Butler Street facing entrance, there are a total of 32 stairs to ascend.

One entrance is facing 57th Street. This entrance is accessible by ramp, with no stairs to ascend. There is a lift inside the building to access the second floor.

Cancellations and Refunds: Workshop cancellations are decided three business days before the start date. If workshops must be cancelled due to insufficient enrollment, the entire class fee will be refunded through Eventbrite, or you may leave your workshop fee in your Contemporary Craft account for future workshops.

Refund Policy: Student refund requests must be made at least three business days before a class begins. There will be a $25 cancellation fee. No refunds will be given without three-business days notice. Processing of refunds takes approximately three weeks.

We strive to create a welcoming experience. If there are accessibility accommodations we can provide, or if there is anything you would like us to know before you arrive, please feel free to call Jamie Boyle at 412-465-1639 or email jboyle@contemporarycraft.org.

photo credit: Adam Michaels Studio

About the artist: Imani Batts, a Pittsburgh native with an unwavering commitment to sustainable fashion, channels her passion into a transformative art form. Rooted in her love for both fashion and environmental consciousness, Imani’s designs are a testament to the beauty of repurposing and upcycling. By carefully selecting items from thrift stores, she breathes new life into forgotten pieces, creating exclusive, one-of-a-kind garments that transcend mere fashion. Her creations evoke a sense of nostalgia, as she incorporates vintage elements and cherished childhood memories into each piece. Imani’s artistic process involves deconstructing and skillfully reconstructing garments, shaping them into versatile forms like hoodies, pants, hats, shorts, and even hair ties.