Home Ec Workshop — Local services in Iowa City

Home Ec. is my favourite place in Iowa City. It's where I made my first friends and found my first 'place' in town when I moved here, and has continued to be a community I'm thrilled to be part of! The yarn is carefully selected so even though I've been in yarn stores that have more room for more stuff, I always find something that inspires me, or something just right when I have a special project in mind. They carry a good selection of workhorse yarns from Cascade and other brands for when you need a lot of something that won't make your piggy bank cry, and plenty of fancier fine yarns for when you really just need a little something indulgent. I knit much more than I sew but I always look through their fabrics and WISH I sewed more because they're all so cute! They ALSO have a workshop with sewing machines, sergers, and other resources available for very reasonable rates - knowing that I can pop down the street and get my hands on a serger, or screen printing materials, or just some uncluttered workspace has really opened up the kind of creative projects I dare consider undertaking. Lessons in techniques and equipment are not prohibitively expensive, and the special classes offered every month are taught by some of the best craftspeople in Iowa. The baked goods and coffee are tremendous. The owners, staff, and regular customers are friendly, helpful, fun people to be around. Whether you're an IC resident or just passing through, don't miss this place. I haven't met it's...

I could go on for days about Home Ec, and sometimes I do. The owners and employees are helpful, sweet and actually take the time to learn your name and greet you. The yarn and fabric is gorgeous, and the baked goods and quiche baked up by "Sugar Lovin' Mama" Heidi are delicious. The employees and owners are wonderful about helping you find the pattern/yarn/needles/fabric that you need, even special ordering items for you. I've taken multiple classes from them and they have the most lovely, patient teachers. They have a wonderful spot in the middle of the shop where you can snuggle up to a knitted polar bear or handmade pillows and knit/crochet/stitch/chat/craft your heart away while sipping on the best Chai...

If you are looking for a place where you can let your hair down and also get back to your natural roots, then set yourself up here. You won't be disappointed. The new location has plenty of space for sewers, knitters and quilters alike. The staff are knowledgeable, generous with their time and loving of your work. The fabric selection is outstanding with most of it from Japan, so you know you will be making something that nobody else will have. You won't be disappointed and will learn several skills to take with you for a long...