The Triangle is rich in crafts resources. You can learn to knit, crochet, quilt, draw -- whatever craft you are interested in, there is a group to help you learn and improve your skills. Scroll down for specific crafts, including charity groups that work in various media. If you have a group you'd like to add to this list, send information to notions@newsobserver.com. If you're looking for a particular kind of group that you don't see here, send an email and we'll try to find one.
General Crafts
In Raleigh, the best source for classes in a variety of media is the Leisure Ledger. This lists all classes offered by Raleigh Parks and Recreation. The primary arts centers are Pullen Arts Center, which features, among other things, a roomful of pre-warped floor looms, and Sertoma Arts Center. Check for both beginner and advanced classes at NCSU Craft Center
In Chapel Hill, check The Arts Center and The Chapel Hill Parks and Recreation Department
In Hillsborough, check The Hillsborough Arts Council
In Durham, check Durham Arts Council or classes. For flat-out fun,check out The Scrap Exchange, which is filled with recycled materials
Craft Fairs
The Crafter's Flea Market at the Handmade Market at the new Vintage 21 location on West St.
Western North Carolina Pottery Festival Dillsboro: For festival info, call Joe Frank McKee at (828) 631-5100.
The Handmaidens, Raleigh, holds a semiannual Handmade Market
Basketweaving
Triangle Basketweavers Guild, meets at the NCSU Craft Center, second Wednesday of each month from 7 pm to 9:30 pm. Dues are $10 per year. Contact: Andria D'Errico
Crocheting
Check Meet-up for crochet groups that meet throughout the Triangle
Newborns in Need meets at A.C.Moore in Durham on the second Saturday of each month from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Members bring hats, blankets, booties, and other layette iems they have made in crochet, knit, fleece, or flannel. These donations go to local hospitals and shelters. Opportunities to share skills and patterns. This is a nonprofit organization with headquarters in Houston.
Embroidery
The Cardinal Chapter of The Embroiderers’ Guild of America, Inc. (EGA) Meetings: from 7 to 9 pm on the 4th Tuesday of the month, August – May (except December) at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 600 Walnut Street, Cary (corner of Walnut and Tanglewood); also several stitch-ins throughout the month (some daytime and some evening) Dues: $50.00 per year (includes membership at local chapter, regional, and national EGA levels) Contact: Gretchen Miller at (919) 772-9488. Beginners and new members welcome!
Sewing
The Gifted Hands of Cary: Chapter of The Embroiderers Guild of America. Any type of hand needlework (Embroidery, Needlepoint, Cross Stitch, Knitting, Crocheting, Quilting). Meets on the second Tuesday night of the month at 7:00 at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Cary, Room 105B. Contact: Judy Douglas, Membership Coordinator, Phone: (919) 280-8627 and leave a message, or e-mail: judydouglas@pellis.com.
Knitting
Knit2Together knits and crochets baby hats, booties, and prayer shawls for area hospitals (crocheters invited)
Most Sunday afternoons; 4 - 5:15 p.m. at Mt. Gilead Baptist Church near Pittsboro
Contact -- Malinda Quinn, (919) 542-4874
Ol' North State Knitting Guild
Quilting
Spinning
Twisted Threads Fiber Arts Guild, contact Nancy Shroyer, Cary.
Many textile artists in the Triangle keep spinning flocks of sheep, alpaca, llama, angora and more. Contact guilds directly for information about buying fleece.
For an abundance of textile supplies, check Earth Guild in Asheville.
Weaving
The Woolery, in Murfreesboro carries looms, spinning wheels and a variety of fiber-related products. If you're planning to visit, call ahead! (252) 398-4581.
