Embroidery Social

Join us for a playful morning on the second Saturday of the month at the Brand Library! Whether you're a beginner or an experienced embroiderer, this gathering is the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow stitching enthusiasts organized by . Bring your embroidery projects or start a new one at the event. 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 needlework. We welcome the stitch traditions across cultures: Armenia, Palestine, Europe, Scandinavia, Slavik, Ukraine, Russia, Asia, the Middle East, Tusia, Morocco, Africa, Ethiopia, or the indigenous Americas. To post pictures & stories, tag #folklounge.

✥✥✥ Find us right under the library on the lawn overlooking Burbank next to the stairs.

• 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 to 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 cultures. 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! " ― Shago, founder

Come and leave as needed, this is a fluid event. Grab a blanket, chair, or pillow to sit on. Don't forget to bring your favorite snacks and beverages to keep your energy up! Hats and caps, long sleeves can be handy as the sun warms towards noon. This is a substance-free event.

Beginners: We welcome all levels. We have starter supplies for first-timers. We do encourage you to locate your supplies at home if you have some as you'll have more freedom. A needle, any thread, a fabric square, and small scissors will do. Here is a nifty kit on Amazon that can guide you to start with enough to share with friends and family. Once you feel comfortable you can explore fabric types, thread types, and embellishments.

Makers: If you are an experienced crafter, bring what inspires you.

Parents: This event is appropriate for kids 5+ and up, with required parental supervision and play. There is also a park playground right next to us for breaks.

Elders: Do let grandparents know a little bit about the logistics of the event so they can determine what to bring with them. We'd love to meet them!

There are several areas around the park where you can park, if possible do carpool! On special days with multiple events, it can get full but there is street parking all around. In case of rain, the library will host us, ask at the front desk for our location.

• 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

Creating a warm and inclusive crafting club involves actively embracing, celebrating, and cherishing the 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 own 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. By weaving a tapestry of inclusivity with our words and actions, we create a space where every member can truly feel at home. Come make art with us!

✥✥✥ "There are days when I think there really 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

Host or Publisher Folk Lounge