Northwood News ♦ October 2013

Crafters Find a Haven at Freehands in Woodmoor

By Jacquie Bokow

Those who enjoy creating works of art, sewing, knitting, quilting, and other crafts have a new venue to pursue their hobbies. Freehands Craft Studio, on the upper level of Woodmoor Shopping Center, opened in June.

“Our mission is to provide a space where kids and adults can learn handicraft skills from local artisans and create one-of-a-kind pieces,” said owner Kesa Summers.

Instructor Lisa Haynes shows a beginner’s knitting class how to cast on, knit, and purl in their first Sunday afternoon class.

Both adults and children can try hand and machine sewing, knitting, crafting, quilting, jewelry-making, card making, and mosaics. Some of their offerings are highlighted below.

Story Hour is a story-and-craft hour for kids ages two to five. A different book is read aloud each week; the children then make a related craft they can take home. Cost is only $10.

If you’re looking for a unique birthday party idea, check out some offered at Freehands:

Friendship Bracelet and Jewelry Party. Make parachute lanyards or bracelets, traditional friendship bracelets from embroidery floss, or other craft projects that reflect your child’s interests and abilities (recommended ages seven and up).
Magician Party. Make magician capes with the onsite sewing machines (recommended for ages nine and up).
Superhero Party. Children can make a no-sew cape in their favorite colors and decorate it with letter or shape appliqués (recommended for ages five and up).
Sleepover Party. Party guests make drawstring sleepover bags or pillow cases for the slumber party later on at the celebrant’s own house (recommended for ages nine and up).
Princess Party. Little princesses can make tutus and headbands with her pals; boys can make and decorate prince crowns (recommended for ages five and up).

Adults needing a setting for showers are welcome, too:

Baby Shower. Make burp cloths, blankets, and bibs for a new arrival.
Wedding Shower. A bridal party or other group can create invitations, center pieces, or favors for a wedding.

“Open Nights” allow adults to get pointers on their own unfinished projects:

Open Knit Nights. Monthly open knit nights provide help with a pattern or a bit of inspiration with Susquehanna Knitting Company owner Beth Newman.
Monthly Open Sew Nights. Come and finish those projects that have been lying around, or start a project you’ve been wanting to get to. Each is $10; sewers can bring their own machines or use Freehands’.

Freehands owner Kesa Summers with daughter Chloe.

Looking for a place to go out with friends? Monthly Ladies’ Nights rotate focus on a different craft. In September, they made cards; during the summer it was 4th of July ribbon wreaths and paper flag banners. (Beer and wine available for purchase, or bring your own.)

Tweens and Teens have their own beginner’s classes after school, with their choice of knitting or sewing. There’s also a weekly class on Jewelry Crafting for Kids. There are classes for any ages in beginning knitting, modern quilting, and paper crafts.

Looking for an activity to do with your child? Try Adventures in Collage: A Parents and Children’s Workshop featuring local artist Cynthia Farrell Johnson. Make a collage using repurposed wrapping paper, solid and patterned colored papers, and magazine images (supplies are provided, or bring your own if you want to use something special).

The Freehands Craft Studio is located at 10111 Colesville Road, in Suite 129, upstairs at Woodmoor Shopping Center (take the stairs off the main, center arcade).

If you are a local artisan, maker, or crafter and are interested in sharing your skills and passion with other people, please contact Freehands owner Kesa Summers, freehandscraftstudio at gmail dot com or 240.478.7087.

Those who sew will find machines aplenty and at the ready.

“At the heart of Freehands Craft Studio is the feeling that we all get when we create something with our own two hands,” said Summers. “It’s a mixture of pride, satisfaction, and excitement. Through shared creativity, I want to facilitate and encourage that feeling in other individuals and the overall community.”

See their full schedule of classes and prices at their website, freehandscraftstudio.com. ■

[Editor’s Note: Freehands Craft Studio closed at Woodmoor Shopping Center on 1 September 2014. For information about private classes, etc., see the website and email address above.]