We have been getting some questions about the event we have scheduled with the Congressional Cemetery in Washington, DC on November 3, 2019.
Some of the people asking questions may be getting very into the fall spirit, and are picturing a site like this:
As much as we might like that (we were really into the Phantom of the Opera in high school)…the lighting is bad and the space is really cramped. We’d only be able to fit about 4 people in the public vault. By the way, the vault is actually rent-able and has been refurbished as a little “green room”, so we’re not knocking it, but it’s not suitable for this class.
On to the FAQ:
Is this a casual gathering of people who enjoy sewing or a sewing class?
This event will be a formal class focusing on hand sewing techniques with an introduction to basic pattern-making off of existing clothes, with Fran Kitty and Lisa Neel offering instruction.
The course will be roughly:
10-11: Introduction to embroidery stitches and visible mending
11-12:15: Hand-sewn repair and hemming stitches
12:15-1: Lunch and Optional Self Guided Tour of the Cemetery
1-2:30: Samples and practice of above techniques, specific garment consultation
2:30-4: Copying clothes without destruction
I am a beginner and don’t have a fancy sewing kit. What do I bring?
We will have an assortment of notions available for sale from the Twins N Needles shop (and some free samples!). You could bring just yourself and still get full instruction and samples from us. Contact us at twinsnneedlesevents@gmail.com ahead of time if you want something specific or help finding just the right thing for your sewing kit.
Where is the event?
We will be meeting at the Congressional Cemetery. The address is;
1801 E Street, SE
Washington, DC 20003
Is this Rain or Shine?
We will not literally be sitting among graves or in the chapel, but in a fully renovated Victorian-era Gate House attached to the main gate. During the week, this is the office building where the volunteers and employees of the cemetery’s nonprofit work. We will be in a comfortable conference room with great natural light and table space for our participants to practice their stitching in comfort.
Here is the conference room, including the Twins N Needles unofficial Director of Fun in a rain coat. It will look like this, but tidier (this was right after another event and the staff hadn’t had time to put everything away).
What about lunch?
Participants will have access to a small kitchen to store and warm up lunch. Alternatively, many local restaurants deliver to the gate house. We will have a break for lunch with enough time for participants to take a brief tour of the cemetery if they are interested in the site.
We will offer complementary tea, coffee, and filtered water all day.
Is there parking? How else can I get there?
There is street parking very near the gate house. Street parking is free on Sundays in the District.
The cemetery is near the Stadium-Armory metro stop (7 minute walk), and the Potomac Avenue metro stop (10 minute walk).
Do I need tickets to attend this event?
Yes. Tickets are $150 and will be available until they sell out or until October 18, 2019.
I don’t have PayPal, how can I buy tickets?
PayPal is our ticket processing vendor and can accept any debit or credit card. We also take personal checks if mailed to:
Twins N Needles
891-I Rockville Pike
#179
Rockville, MD 20852
If you register with a check, please be sure to include a letter with your name and contact information, so we can contact you if we need to put you on a waiting list if the class has filled while it was in the mail.
Why a graveyard?!?!?!
The Congressional Cemetery is a National Historic Landmark, with restored brick pathways and slate walks. The site’s historical significance, accessible location in the heart of the District, and beautiful gate house made it a space we wanted to use for one of our unique sewing events.
If the cemetery location turns you off, we hope you will enjoy another event of ours. We hold events in community centers, museums, textile centers, museums, club houses, and historic homes. Please consider following us on facebook or instagram for further details of what we have to offer.
