Your clothes are a canvas. It's time to pick up the needle.

Welcome to Fashion Lab — Columbus Fashion Academy's Saturday afternoon workshop series at our new home, Dear Garment House on Grandview Ave. Each week, we bring in makers, artists, and creatives to teach something real, something wearable, and something entirely your own.

We're kicking things off with one of the most satisfying skills in fashion: hand embroidery.

Two of our favorite artist-instructors — Nancy Smeltzer and Michelle Underwood — will guide you through the basics: how to thread a hoop, how to hold a needle, and how to bring stitches to life on fabric. You'll learn a variety of techniques — then you'll use them however you want.

That's the CFA way. We teach you multiple ways. You do your own thing.

What will you make?

Write your name in satin stitch. Embroider wildflowers on your sweater cuff. Add a tiny character to your beanie. Stitch your favorite word across the pocket of your jacket. There are no wrong answers — only your answers.

What to bring:

Participants don't need to bring anything, but you can bring a piece of clothing from your kid's closet that they would like to transform — a fall sweater, a knit scarf, a canvas sneaker, a beanie, a denim jacket, a pair of jeans, who knows what you'd like to transform. If what you bring doesn't work for embroidery, you're welcome to choose from our curated selection of pre-loved garments (casual tops/pants) — ready to stitch, included with your workshop.

All materials are included: embroidery floss, hoops, needles, and everything you need to create. Just show up ready.

The Details

📍 Location: Dear Garment House | 1217 Grandview Ave, Columbus, OH
🕑 Hours: 2:00 – 5:00 PM (Best suited for older kids who enjoy detailed, focused work. That said, younger ones who can handle 3h of hand-stitching are welcome as well)
💵 Fee: $95
👀 Check our website for new workshops — we post as we go.

Fashion Lab workshops rotate weekly: different subjects, different artists, all ages (some sessions are kids-only, some adults-only, some families together). Follow along and find your session.

🧵 Fashion Lab: Hand Embroidery Basics