Craftcation 2026

Let’s be honest: Craftcation people are deeply, passionately obsessed with pens. So why shouldn’t what holds your art supplies be a work of art itself?

In Zipper Art, you’ll create a bold, functional pencil case made from fabric and — you guessed it — zippers. You’ll learn how to confidently work with zippers (no fear, no drama) while constructing a piece that’s equal parts practical and eye-catching.

Perfect for your pens, markers, tiny tools, or whatever little treasures you carry around. Because at Craftcation, even the pencil case gets to be creative.

Garment sewing doesn’t have to be scary. Truly.

My Tunic! is a welcoming introduction to making clothing — no advanced skills required. You’ll create a versatile tunic that can shift depending on your fabric choice.

You’ll also learn how to construct and attach a tie detail for the back, adding shape and a little design moment. This is a great next step if you’re ready to move beyond totes and zip pouches and into garments you can actually live in.

Yes, you can make your own clothes. Let this be the workshop that proves it.

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!

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 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.

If you've ever met your instructor for this class - Rosalie Gale - in real life - she was likely wearing a bandana. In this workshop, we'll learn how to drop the feed dogs on a sewing machine and stitch up a fancy looking but pretty simple to make bandana.

If you don't wear bandanas - and don't think you ever would - don't fret! This bandana also makes a very fancy dog accessory. Make your pup look extra handsome when you tie your masterpiece around their neck.

Please bring two (2) or more old t-shirts with you to class. They should be colors you find pleasing together. We'll be using both of them together to make one bandana. If you don't have any shirts you want to transform we will have a stack on hand for you to choose from. I like the look of a heavy weight knit for the bottom piece and a light weight knit for the top that we'll be cutting away. If you're not sure what you'll prefer - bring a few to experiment with.

We'll start with two layers of fabric & stitch them together using free motion embroidery on a sewing machine. Then, we'll cut away the negative space to reveal the second layer of fabric. Voila! Stunning bandana!

In this workshop you'll learn:

how to do free motion embroidery on a sewing machine
the difference between appliqué, reverse appliqué & negative reverse appliqué
everyone's favorite kind of potatoes
We'll use the following supplies:

knit fabric
thread
sewing machine with darning foot
scissors

You'll have an easier time in this class if you've used a sewing machine before - but if you're a motivated beginner we'll help you through it.

If you've ever met your instructor for this class - Rosalie Gale - in real life - she was likely wearing a bandana. In this workshop, we'll learn how to drop the feed dogs on a sewing machine and stitch up a fancy looking but pretty simple to make bandana.

If you don't wear bandanas - and don't think you ever would - don't fret! This bandana also makes a very fancy dog accessory. Make your pup look extra handsome when you tie your masterpiece around their neck.

Please bring two (2) or more old t-shirts with you to class. They should be colors you find pleasing together. We'll be using both of them together to make one bandana. If you don't have any shirts you want to transform we will have a stack on hand for you to choose from. I like the look of a heavy weight knit for the bottom piece and a light weight knit for the top that we'll be cutting away. If you're not sure what you'll prefer - bring a few to experiment with.

We'll start with two layers of fabric & stitch them together using free motion embroidery on a sewing machine. Then, we'll cut away the negative space to reveal the second layer of fabric. Voila! Stunning bandana!

In this workshop you'll learn:

how to do free motion embroidery on a sewing machine
the difference between appliqué, reverse appliqué & negative reverse appliqué
everyone's favorite kind of potatoes
We'll use the following supplies:

knit fabric
thread
sewing machine with darning foot
scissors

You'll have an easier time in this class if you've used a sewing machine before - but if you're a motivated beginner we'll help you through it.

In this class, students will learn techniques and skills to start their improvisational quilting journey. Improv quilting embraces spontaneity and freedom, with a focus on the creative process over perfection.

You love my draft-your-own custom size garment projects, now let's take those skills and make a DRESS. Yes, a whole dress. With no paper pattern, just some basic measurements and a little bit of math. We'll learn how to use elastic thread to create stretchy shirring and make the perfect summer sundress that fits you EXACTLY the way you want it to.