The word is out about the newest addition to Austin’s hearty crafting scene – even before next weekend’s grand opening, many of the sewing classes offered at Stitch Lab are full through January.
The Stitch Lab studio moved last month from a space behind owner Leslie Bonnell‘s home to a brightly remodeled 1920s Craftsman-style house on South First, just across from the School for the Deaf. A former costume designer whose flair with textiles was recognized by local theatre companies and critics long before she started teaching private classes in 2003, Bonnell’s other talents include jazz singing and building community. Since her earliest days in Austin theatre, designing costumes for Zach Scott productions, she has brought together artists with diverse interests, and this latest venture is just as vibrantly inclusive.
In lieu of the Bouldin Creek Studio Tour, which usually happens around this time of year, many of the artists and vendors will be at the soiree as well, displaying wares ranging from crafts to jewelry, fine art, and pie, and the Stitch Lab instructors will be available to meet, greet, and answer questions you might have about classes. We’ve got our calendars marked and our wallets ready to take advantage of the grand opening 20% discount on all fabrics. A portion of the proceeds go to Grrl Action, so it’s guilt-free.
The Stitch Lab grand opening runs Sat.-Sun., Dec. 19-20, noon to 8pm. More info can be found on the website, or you can stop by during business hours if you can’t wait that long: Mon.-Sat., 11am-6pm; Sun., noon-5pm at 1000 S. First.
This article appears in December 4 • 2009.