Erika Davis
Amid all the high-energy festivals and outdoor celebrations that Chicago offers in the summer, some quieter pastimes can be “sew” fun. June is the perfect month to hone your design skills in honor of a man with many titles, including American Founding Father, lawyer, jurist, author, composer and designer– Francis Hopkinson. He designed seals for the U.S. Treasury and the state of New Jersey, and U.S. currency predating the dollar bill. What many may not know is that he also designed the first version of the American Flag.
In 1777, the flag was adopted as the United States’ official national flag, and Francis Hopkinson became the creator of the Stars and Stripes. Flag Day is now celebrated every year on June 14th.
In honor of this observance, whether in Rogers Park or the Gold Coast, you have numerous opportunities to develop your needlecraft and design skills. Grab your friends and loved ones to enjoy some of the best places to craft in the community.
Sew Crafty: Sew Crafty Studio has an array of ways to learn the art of sewing: classes for adults and kids, summer camp options, and private lessons. Adult sewing classes include machine sewing basics, pattern reading, and hemming and alterations. If you’re a more experienced crafter, you can learn in a guided open studio setting where you bring your own project but have access to the studio’s equipment and a qualified instructor for questions. Location: 3845 N Lincoln Ave
Lillstreet Art Center: In nearby Ravenswood, Lillstreet is a multi-format art school with a growing textiles department. It offers more than a dozen fabric art and sewing-related classes, including basic or advanced sewing, embroidery, knitting, crochet, quilting, screen printing on fabric, fabric dyeing, fashion-related textiles, loom weaving, and more. For young artists, its “Kidstreet” division provides classes, workshops, and camps for children and teens. Location: 4401 N. Ravenswood Ave.
Chicago Public Library: The Chicago Public Library system offers complimentary needlecraft classes and opportunities to meet & mingle with like-minded hobbyists. Check the events page to find its upcoming sewing and knitting classes, with options for novices and more advanced crafters. Recent Rogers Park classes included machine sewing basics and tote bag assembly. You can also sign up for its knit and crochet circles and join community events like “Wednesday in Stitches.” Location: various CPL branches.
Rogers Park Stitchers: This public Facebook group is “a diverse bunch of cool people who engage in a variety of portable crafts.” Connect with fellow stitchers, post pictures of your creations, ask questions on technique, and learn about other in-person meet-ups and craft opportunities in the neighborhood. Location: online community.
American Sewing Guild (ASG), Chicago Chapter: Founded in 1987, the ASG serves the Chicagoland area, spanning from northern Indiana to near the Wisconsin border. As a vibrant and active community, this chapter boasts numerous neighborhood groups that meet monthly, fostering camaraderie and skill-sharing among sewing enthusiasts. In addition to regular meetings, the Chicago Chapter organizes a range of educational and social events, including an annual luncheon and fashion show, providing members with opportunities to learn, connect, and celebrate their passion for sewing. Location: Find your neighborhood group.
There are so many important holidays and celebrations in June – Pride, Juneteenth, graduation days, and Father’s Day – and we have featured ideas for all of them on our blog in the past. Flag Day often gets overlooked, but it is a notable part of history, and focusing on a needlecraft hobby is a great way to commemorate the day. Happy Flag Day, and happy crafting!
