Crafts & Hobbies Lessons in West Medford, MA. It's your time.

I began knitting when I was twelve years old; I sat beside my neighbor, Mrs. Turner, and listened to her stories while I watched her wooden straight needles move expertly along, clacking-clacking in counterpoint to the crackling of the wood in the corner stove. Mrs. Turner had a laid back approach to teaching knitting. The point of knitting wasn't simply to produce a useful item: it was to enjoy the process. If you made a mistake, just unmake it and try again. The worst that could happen was you would end up with two sticks and some string.

When you're twelve, life is filled with drama. Knitting was not. It has always been a meditative, nurturing retreat. There have been times in my life when I've knitted more, times when I've knitted less. But the lessons I learned from knitting have served me well over the years: patience, perseverance, and keeping it all in perspective.

I'd love to share this craft with someone else. Come, learn to knit and see what else you might learn ...

Go at your own pace and have fun are my knitting mottos! I teach continental style knitting and have been teaching beginners to knit for over 5 years. Together we'll experience the excitement that comes when you cast on something new, learn a new stich, or finish a favorite project.

I'm can start with the basics (cast on, knit stitch, purl stitch) or jump straight into helping on a project you have planned (or started and got stuck on? don't worry - it happens to all of us!). There is no limit to the kind or number of projects we can do. I have plenty of project ideas and am always happy to help with your ideas, too.

I learned to play chess from my dad when I was seven. Ever since, I have been playing in national and international chess tournaments. I was a four-time state high school chess champion. I'm an experienced tournament chess player (14 Years) and chess teacher (10 years). I have a masters degree in education from Harvard University. In addition, I have trained as a long distance runner. I was on my high school and college track and cross country team. I continue to run today and train for half-marathons and marathons.

I have taught chess with the US Chess Center in Washington, DC. I have created several after school and in school chess programs in DC, Ohio and Boston. I was a program officer for a small nonprofit that taught chess in hospitals, libraries and schools throughout the Massachusetts area. I have taught chess to both children and adults with a wide range of abilities. I was the Vice President of the Massachusetts Chess Association for 5 years.

Whether you’re interested in establishing a small herb garden or farming your own food, my lessons cover the basics and up. From soil testing to diagnosing plant diseases, troubleshooting pests to “green manure”, I offer help for every garden, and every level of experience.

I am passionate for plants and all living things. I hope to share my excitement for growth and learning with you! Please don’t hesitate to contact me with questions, class recommendations, or any other inquiry.

I look forward to working with you!

I have been a professional costume designer since 2003 and have sewn everything from everyday apparel to sci-fi outfits to full-body monster costumes. I can teach you basic skills in a step-by-step curriculum fashion or I can help you create a specific project that you have in mind. Do you want something special for an event or do you want to make something out of some fun fabric you found? I am very flexible and enjoy being creative, so bring me your challenge and I will help you give it life!

You will learn how to sew for yourself and others. I will teach you all the tricks and short cuts I have learned over the years so you can sew quicker and achieve great results.

Basic use of sewing machine.
How to use pattern in sewing.
Hand sewing techniques.
Garment sewing construction.
Basic alterations to clothing.
Construction of children's clothing.