Embroidery Social

Join us for playful and serene mornings on the second Saturday of the month at different inspiring locations around Los Angeles! Whether you're a beginner or an experienced embroiderer, this gathering is the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow stitching enthusiasts, one of many events organized by . Bring your embroidery projects or start a new one. Share tips, tricks, and stories as you work on your creations.

Get ready to relax, unwind, and enjoy the company of like-minded individuals who share your passion for textiles and needlework. We welcome stitch traditions across cultures: Armenia, Ukraine, Russia, Europe and Scandinavia, Japan, the Pacific Islands and Asia, Iran, Palestine, the Middle East, Tusia, Morocco, Ethiopia, Africa, Mexico, Guatemala, Peru, and the Indigenous Americas. To post pictures & stories, tag #folklounge.

• Craft together
• Meet people
• Play with fiber arts
• Make things for yourself
• Peer-to-peer learning & teaching
• Meditate through needlework
• Healing circle conversations
• Community building in the park
• Enjoy the view of Los Angeles
• Start your day with nature
• Stay as long as you want

✥✥✥ "I formed this series with the idea of connecting generations. We need accessible spaces where all can learn, participate, remix, and share our ideas. Coming from Armenian and Russian cultures, I love exploring the grammar of ornament. I decided to learn embroidery and thought it would be way more fun to do it together! " ― Shagoh, founder

Come and leave as needed, this is a fluid event. We sit on large blankets in the shade where possible. Grab a chair, or pillow if that is good for your body. Bring a snack and water to keep your energy up! Hats, caps, and long sleeves can be handy as the sun warms towards noon. This is a substance-free event.

Beginners: We welcome all levels and all genders. A needle, thread, and a fabric square with scissors will do. Don't let materials stop you from getting started! We have starter supplies for first-timers. We encourage you to locate your supplies at home if you have some as you'll have more freedom. We have a donation box if you have supplies to share with the community. Remainders is a fantastic local creative reuse store offering free and heavily discounted supplies if you come alone, with family or friends. Once you feel comfortable you can explore more fabric types, thread types, and embellishments. We are here to guide you and answer questions too!

Crafters: If you are an experienced maker, bring what inspires you.

Parents: We are parent, kid, and neurodivergence friendly, with required parental supervision and play at all times. Most locations we meet at have a park and playground to facilitate freedom for kids and additional avenues for play.

Elders: Bring your grandma, aunt, or mom to spend quality time together! Let elders know a little about the setup so they can determine what to bring to support their health, well-being, and comfort. We'd love to meet them and want them to come back!

We look for locations with accessible free public parking. If possible do carpool! On special days with multiple events, lots can fill up on weekends though typically there is additional free parking outside of the park. In case of rain, events proceed, we simply go inside or under a structure.

Lewis MacAdams Riverfront Park: With stellar views of the Verdugo Mountains, 3.9-acre Lewis MacAdams Riverfront Park provides access to the bike path along the nine-mile section of the 51-mile Los Angeles River known as the Glendale Narrows that has a natural “soft bottom,” instead of a concrete floor. This allows native river plants and animals to thrive as if the river were in its natural state. The park features picnic grounds, grassy areas, nature-themed children's play equipment, restrooms, a distinctive, open-air pavilion, a loop trail with 13 outdoor fitness equipment stations, and two outdoor classrooms. Plenty of parking is available, as well as electric vehicle charging stations.

Brand Park Library: Brand Library & Art Center has been a cornerstone for the arts in Southern California since 1956. This unique public library focuses on visual arts and music and provides free services and programs for a diverse community, including a collection of over 110,000 items, subject specialist librarians, exhibitions, concerts, lectures, dance performances, films, and hands-on craft programs for children and adults. This beautiful 31-acre park nestled at the base of the Verdugo mountains has something for everyone. Brand Park features a Japanese garden, hiking and biking trails, a basketball court, a softball field, picnic areas, a children's playground, and a seasonal wading pool.

• Take your time to get started, especially if you are new
• Keep your eyes on the work, it's ok to ask to step out of a conversation
• All sharp tools must be handled cautiously and stored properly at all times
• Pass scissors closed with the handle towards the person receiving them
• Match supplies and equipment accurately, if it does not feel right ask for advice
• Organize your supplies and space carefully to be aware of the safety around you
• Use one needle at a time and store them properly to avoid losing them
• We'll be happy to pause the session and help you search for something together
• Dispose of orphan and broken needles by threading and folding them into something
• Textile work should be relaxing, take breaks and come back with fresh energy
• Supervise all family members to practice safe guidelines and respect
• If something makes you uncomfortable please alert the organizer right away
• Your feedback helps us learn each time and apply improvements to future events

We recognize that we occupy land originally and still inhabited and cared for by the Tongva, Tataviam, Serrano, Kizh, and Chumash Peoples. We honor and pay respect to their elders and descendants — past, present, and emerging — as they continue their stewardship of these lands and waters. We acknowledge that settler colonization resulted in land seizure, disease, subjugation, slavery, relocation, broken promises, genocide, and multigenerational trauma. We take responsibility and commitment to truth, healing, and reconciliation and to elevating the stories, culture, and community of the original inhabitants of Los Angeles County. We are grateful to have the opportunity to live and work on these ancestral lands. 

Creating a warm and inclusive crafting club involves actively embracing, celebrating, and cherishing diverse experiences and identities within our community. It's about gently challenging any unconscious biases we may hold about what's considered "normal" in crafting circles and opening our hearts to the beauty of diversity. Just as each unique thread adds depth and richness to a tapestry, every individual brings their special touch to our crafting family. We all seek to belong, be included in our communities, and see ourselves reflected and welcomed.

Inclusive language in our crafting club means more than just using kind and affirming words; it's about understanding how language can unintentionally overlook or exclude certain members, and making a conscious effort to ensure everyone feels seen and valued. When weaving a tapestry of inclusivity with our words and actions, we create a space where every member can feel at home. Come craft with us!

✥✥✥ "There are days when I think there is some huge great tapestry of a plan out there and we're all woven into it - this fabulous, complex pattern of life and death, full of recurring motifs and waves of color, and we're each one tiny thread in the weave.”― Jane Johnson

By purchasing a ticket for this event, hosted by Folklore Lounge and held at Brand Library, or by attending, you are acknowledging your understanding and acceptance of the following terms:

Introduction These Terms and Conditions apply to all events, hosted by us and any other event or exposition hosted by Folk Lounge (here and below referred to as "the Organizer"). By registering for a ticket and/or entering the event premises, attendees (here and below referred to as "Participants") agree to these terms.

Scope of Events The Organizer's events may feature a variety of activities, including sewing, playing, music, dancing, and other physical tasks. Participants are advised to engage in activities responsibly. I, the Participant, and all of my guests give my full permission to this event and its sponsors to use any photographs, videotapes, or other recordings of me that are made during this Event.

Assumption of Risk and Waiver of Liability A. By entering the event premises, Participants acknowledge and agree that they do so at their own risk and assume full responsibility for any risks of bodily injury, death, or property damage, arising from or related to participation in these events, whether caused by individual or group negligence. B. Participants release, waive, discharge, and covenant not to sue the Organizer, its officers, employees, and agents from any and all liability to the Participant, his/her representatives, assigns, heirs, and next of kin for any loss, damage, or claim therefore on account of injury to the person or property or resulting in death of the Participant, whether caused by any negligent act or omission of the Organizers or otherwise.

Indemnification: You agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Organizer, Assistant Organizers, and Event Hosts from and against any loss, liability, damage, or cost, including attorney's fees, arising out of or related to your participation in the event or any act or omission by you or your guests.

Compliance with Laws and Regulations Participants must comply with all applicable laws, statutes, ordinances, and regulations regarding their behavior and conduct at the event.

Service Animals and Accessibility Only service animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act are permitted on the premises. All events are committed to providing accessible facilities and accommodations for all Participants in compliance with ADA guidelines.

Prohibited Items and Behavior A. Participants are prohibited from bringing illegal substances, weapons, or any items deemed dangerous or inappropriate by the Organizer onto the event premises. B. The Organizer reserves the right to refuse entry or remove any Participant determined to be conducting themselves in a manner that is disruptive or dangerous to themselves or others without a refund.

Event Changes and Cancellations The Organizer reserves the right to update the event schedule, activities, or terms, and to cancel or postpone events as necessary. In such cases, efforts will be made to inform Participants promptly.

Governing Law These terms and participation in any event hosted by Folk Lounge are governed by and construed under the laws of the State of California. Any disputes arising under these terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of California.

Your registration will signify your understanding, acceptance, and authorization to accept the conditions, including the following statements:

• I have read, understood, and accepted the agreement.

• I understand that this is a legal document with effects that I approve and authorize.

• The registrant is the person(s) whose name is submitted as the recipient of the goods and services provided in this transaction.

• I am authorized to agree to the terms of this document on behalf of the registrant.

• If the registrant is under 18 years of age, incapacitated, or mentally challenged, I assert that I am the parent/legal guardian or otherwise authorized to execute a legally binding agreement on behalf of the registrant.

Host or Publisher Folk Lounge