This weeks lesson with Sew It Goes by the Long Beach Public Library will teach how to use various vegetables to make uniquely textured prints. Then, teach how to sew those prints as patches on clothing. Image courtesy Long Beach Public Library.

This Saturday, Nov. 21, from 2 to 4 p.m. crafters can tune into a free and unique sewing demonstration, via Zoom, when a member of the Long Beach Public Library’s Studio team will teach participants how to make cloth prints out of—wait for it—fruits and vegetables. Afterward, you’ll learn how to sew those prints on clothing as patches—or whatever you like; sew it goes!

Sew It Goes is actually the name of this twice a month program, offered every first and third Saturday of the month by the Long Beach Public Library to anyone interested in learning the craft of needlework.

To take part in this particular class, participants will need some produce—carrots, apples, celery, potatoes, whatever—and have to cut those edibles into various shapes and geometric pieces. With some paint—acrylic, poster, craft—you’ll coat the tops of your cut veggies with paint and press them down on the cloth, like a stamp. Then, you’ll be shown how to sew those pieces of painted cloth by hand or with a sewing machine if you’ve got it.

Whether it’s your first time threading a needle or you’re a seasoned seamstress (or seamster), Long Beach Public Library encourages anyone to join as their staff is quite adept in the textile art.

Interaction is key on this one, so don’t be shy about showing your face or speaking up. To join, all participants need to do is register on the Long Beach Public Library Event Brite page, click here, and show up with all the proper supplies. Those include:

  • Fruits or vegetables
  • Paint (acrylic, craft, or poster)
  • Palette
  • Sewing machine or hand sewing needle
  • Fabric
  • Thread
  • Scissors
  • Paper
  • Ruler
  • Pins
  • Iron & ironing board (optional)
  • Paintbrush (optional)