Craftcation 2026

Join us in this fun workshop where you'll make a variety of small sewing projects with Monica. Through creating these small giftable items like a tissue holder, pouch and more you'll learn a variety of sewing techniques.

The thrift and upcycle workshop sessions follow the downtown Ventura thrifting field trip and will be chock full of ideation around what to make. Everyone will have a blast crowdsourcing ideas from other attendees as this has become the most warm and welcoming place to get creative! The session will be filled with time to remove pom pom trim, add appliques to the back of jackets, or turn a quilt into a jacket! AND attendees are welcome to strut their stuff in the upcycle fashion show following the workshop.

All levels are welcome as sewing machines, seam rippers, and fabric glue can and will be utilized!

**Bring your own button Down Shirt that is 1-2 sizes larger than your normal size**

Lets take some basic sewing skills and a little bit of elastic to upcycle an oversized thrifted button up (bring your own, grab one while thrifting in downtown Ventura, or I will have some on hand) into a sweet summer blouse.

Join my sewing workshop and learn how to create a charming, functional lined zipper pouch using vintage quilt blocks or colorful cotton fabric scraps—customize the size to suit your needs! Plus, add a handy snap pouch perfect for business cards or small treasures. Come craft, create, and take home a unique accessory!

The thrift and upcycle workshop sessions follow the downtown Ventura thrifting field trip and will be chock full of ideation around what to make. Everyone will have a blast crowdsourcing ideas from other attendees as this has become the most warm and welcoming place to get creative! The session will be filled with time to remove pom pom trim, add appliques to the back of jackets, or turn a quilt into a jacket! AND attendees are welcome to strut their stuff in the upcycle fashion show following the workshop.

All levels are welcome as sewing machines, seam rippers, and fabric glue can and will be utilized!

Create a Flattering and versatile adjustable Wrap Skirt using an original Desiree Salas Designs pattern.
An upscale sewing project for the Intermediate sewist.
In this class students will create a cute, flattering wrap skirt available in 2 lengths with a Wrap tie at the waist to make it completely adjustable.
The above knee length is perfect as a Beach Wrap and the Knee length version can be a perfect addition to your everyday wardrobe. There will be an optional “Lipstick” pocket as well so students can personalize their skirts by adding this functional feature.
Can be sewn in a variety of mid-weight fabrics: Linen, silk, light weight denim, linen, mid-weight cotton, broadcloth, or recycled fabrics.
Depending on the fabrics chosen, this wrap can work for any season. Pair with tees or tanks for the summer or turtlenecks and boots for Fall.
Students will learn stitching techniques and how to create professional looking trim finishes (which are easy to obtain!) A simple and easy garment to create!
There will be multiple patterns available in sizes upto 4xl with adjustable waist ties.
Students will use Desiree’s original Wrap skirt pattern and learn “trace off” a tag paper pattern (production style). They will learn to identify grainlines, seam allowances and notches. We will cover simple stitch terminology, hemming, applying a patch pocket to a garment, sewing and applying bias trim. They will also learn about topstitching, creating bias trim (or using storebought) seam allowances and pressing techniques.

Some of the materials us cosplayers and makers work with are WEIRD, and many of them are sewable! Let's experiment with some unconventional materials and then make a mini scissors case that's perfect for sewing or crafting on the go.

Best if you have a little bit of sewing experience. The trickiest part of this tank top is sewing 3 pin tucks and setting bias tape into the neck and arm holes.

You will be able to try on some samples to see what pattern size you'll need.

https://www.textureclothing.com/collections/sewing-patterns/products/pin-tuck-tank-sewing-pattern

Bring your scraps, your remnants, your damaged, thrifted, or ill-fitting garments that you absolutely will not wear but the fabric is too good to let go of, and learn to make a trio of easy accessories: two styles of scrunchie and a snappy little neck scarf. This workshop will use/teach basic sewing machine skills as well as strategies for maximizing fabric yield from small/oddly shaped cuts of fabric.

This session offers an opportunity to access sewing machines and expert support for finishing any fiber based crafts begun during Craftcation. Fiber Artist and Sewing Instructor Even Howard will be available to help you with finishing details, trouble shooting, and those "what do I do now?" questions. A lifelong fiber enthusiast and crafter, Even is available for sewing, knit, crochet, embroidery, beadwork, spinning and weaving, and other textile arts or assembly projects. This is an adaptable session so feel free to come by if you’re feeling shy, just want to work on your projects, or if you’re stuck on a step in the process. Drop in anytime during scheduled hours.

The Sewing Lab at Craftcation is a dedicated space for attendees to finish in-progress projects from workshops or tackle new sewing ideas with confidence. Whether you’re adding the final touches to a garment or working through a tricky technique, the Sewing Lab is here to support you.

An experienced sewing presenter will be available to provide guidance, answer questions, and offer expert tips to help you complete your projects. Equipped with sewing machines, tools, and a welcoming atmosphere, the Sewing Lab is the perfect place to turn your ideas into finished creations.