Loopy Connections
Building a Fiber Arts Community One stitch At A Time
Loopy Connections is a non-profit organization providing education and access to fiber arts. We teach students of all ages as we build a community that loves to get creative with fiber through sewing, knitting, crochet, weaving, bead weaving, kumihimo..... the possibilities are endless.
We are located in Northern Illinois and partner with like minded organizations teaching sewing, knitting and crochet classes. We come to your location with equipment and materials and each student leaves with a completed project.
We also offer classes at the Dandelion Gallery in Waukegan and are currently teaching at the Boys and Girls Club of Lake County in Waukegan.
Open Studio Sewing
Join us for open studio sewing at the Dandelion Gallery in Waukegan. On the first Thursday of the month Loopy Connections will open the gallery and have machines available for sewing. Take advantage of some time for independent sewing with other sewists from the community.
Loopy Connections volunteers will be available to answer basic questions and assist with the sewing machines but a project will not be taught during the open sewing session. Cutting mats, iron and ironing board and sewing machines will be available. Feel free to also bring your own machine.
Registration Required. Discount available for those who register for a sewing classes. Promotional discount code provided in class.
October 20th or December 15th
Learn the fundamentals of Sewing
In this introduction to sewing class you will learn the basics of using a sewing machine and complete a small project to take home. We will make a different project in each class.
Sunday 6th October
These Tortilla warmers are fun and easy to make and so useful in the kitchen for Tortillas, pancakes, toast, pita bread.... They can be washed for re-use and are suitable for the microwave. Will you be able to stop at just one??? this is a great gift for the holidays, teachers or a lovely hostess gift.
This class is suitable for beginners. All materials and supplies will be provided and sewing machines will be available for use in class.
3 sessions starting Sunday 20th October
This a simple, size inclusive pattern from Closet Core which can be downloaded for free from their web site. The pattern includes instructions on t-shirts in two different lengths and both short and long sleeves.
This class is for intermediate beginners and all students must know how to use a sewing machine or have taken the introduction to sewing class on 20th October.
IMPORTANT: Every student will need to bring their own copy of the pattern, downloaded and printed from the Closet Core website.
October 4th or 11th
Heritage Flag or Key Fob in Flag Colors
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage month by using fabric in colors that represent a country flag or be creative and make your own design. We’ll make cute fabric key fobs or bunting in this beginner sewing class. No previous experience is needed. We’ll show you how to use the sewing machine. All supplies will be provided and sewing machines will be available to use in class.
October 25th
Halloween Themed Bag
Get ready for trick or treating by making this cute bag with Halloween fabric and characters. No previous experience is needed. We’ll show you how to use the sewing machine. All supplies will be provided and sewing machines will be available for use in class. All materials and tools included: sewing machines, iron and other tools are available for use in class.
Community Quilt
Thank you to everyone who helped create our first community quilt. You made so many lovely blocks. The Loopy Connections team has sewn them into the final quilt top and its about to be quilted.
Stop by an see us through out the summer at events in Waukegan and make a block with us.
We look forward to seeing lots more beautiful blocks
Sewing Classes
We have new sewing classes scheduled at the Dandelion Gallery in Waukegan. Click on the photos above to visit the Gallery web site and register for the class.
These are youth and adult classes
We are available to teach classes to local organizations. Contact us for to discuss availability and projects.
Volunteer Opportunities
Are you interested in supporting Loopy Connections with your talents and time? We have opportunities to help cut fabric, support one of our youth classes, teach sewing or help at a community quilt event.
Complete a volunteer form to let us know your interests
One Stitch At A Time
As part of the October ARTWAUK event Dandelion Gallery is holding a scarecrow competition where the scarecrow had to be made from 75% recycled materials.
Well challenge accepted!!
Using fiber arts like crochet and sewing you can transform every day waste into something fantastic. We crocheted grocery bags and sewed a quilt from plastic food bags to make quite the creation.
Read more about how we created our scarecrow here
Zipper Pouch Class
Memory Bear Class
Sustainable Sewing Class
Mug Rug Class
Want to hear more about what we do:
