I decided to take a sewing class this summer because I already had an interest in fashion and had…read morebeen gifted a sewing machine, but I had no idea where to start. Nerissia made sewing accessible and fun. The environment was very friendly, and I felt comfortable asking questions. We had multiple fun projects, including making a sweatshirt and a skirt. All the things we were taught have helped me do my own projects and have given me the confidence to take on my own sewing projects. Since the class, I can now read patterns, easily follow sewing videos on YouTube, and troubleshoot issues I may run into with my personal sewing machine! If you've ever thought that sewing may be something you'd love, give it a try!

From the owner: Life's too short to sew alone in a corner. Welcome to SiaDezigns and Workroom, where you don't…read morehave too! Our design studio is filled with sewing tools, awesome design books, and friendly faces. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, young or old, everyone's welcome. No experience required—join our community and take a class today

When I moved to the Hartford area, it was at first tough to find communities and ways to connect…read morewith others. I only came across the West Hartford Art League by chance through an event posting, and I have been an avid follower and supporter since. WHAL offers great classes for youth and adults, for beginners and experts. There are also lots of awesome showcases of locals' work - including some of my own photos once or twice - of different media. They always have a nice opening reception - often with free food and drink - which is a really nice touch and a way to meet others. Separately, I have also come here for a few mostly food events, like the CT Eats Out supper club inaugural event. There's really something for everyone here, and I am thankful to have found out about WHAL. Consider yourself now informed!

This is a really neat little venue! I didn't realize it existed so close to me until recently, when…read moreI attended an event through CT Eats Out supper club. I really enjoyed getting the chance to view some local art by some really talented folks! Now that this location is on my radar, I am going to be checking in so see what other events they host. I heard that they also have done photography showings in the past. The venue itself is a tad tough to find just going by google maps, but once you realize where it is, parking is super easy. It's small but cozy, well laid-out, and adorable. I found the atmosphere for the event dinner to be extremely charming, and the staff were amazing. I'll be back, WeHa Art League. Keep doing what you're doing!

This school is absolutely amazing. We attended here before moving further south and honestly my…read morechild entered Kindergarten in our new town so well prepared. He reads fluently and is just so well-adjusted socially and emotionally. I completely credit the teachers and staff at FVAM. They took a shy somewhat nervous kid and really did wonders with him. Your child would be in excellent, caring hands at FVAM. Cannot recommend them enough! PS most people don't know, but they do early education (toddlers) and summer camp too. Enjoy!

My children attended FVAM for 4 years and we loved every minute being there. The teachers are all…read morevery dedicated and the curriculum is top notch. They deeply understand children and how they grow and develop, and they are amazingly in tune with each child's individual learning growth. From art, to science, to math- the teachers are just the absolute best. I know other families who moved, switching their children out of FVAM, and into big city fancy schools and they were sorely disappointed, noting that FVAM is really a special and unique place. We have since moved as well, and we are so sad to have left FVAM. If you are looking for caring, engaging teachers that understand your child, and a hands-on environment that includes outdoor experiences like gardening, nature exploration and animal interactions (butterflies, ducks, and other small critters), this is your spot. We love FVAM!

Enjoy taking a class instructed by ANdy Mars. She taught 10 students on how to use their cameras…read morewhich was very impressive considering we all had different cameras. She also gave us iphone app recommendations on how to improve our pictures. I highly recommend her classes.

I have worked with Andy on several occasions. She is creative and talented and produces both…read moretraditional and modern wedding photographs. Not only are her shots of a very high quality she is also extremely skillful at editing her pictures. She is an excellent communicator and very easy to work with, both in person and by email.

I am in love with this store. I can do some basic crochet, but am a near expert level shopper. This…read moreshop is gorgeous, beautiful yarn is everywhere and it feels very relaxed. There are a lot of samples of work decorating the store. There's even a large table on one side with "Open Table Time" to work on projects. The yarn is higher quality, with all different colors, textures, fibers... It is perfect for so many projects, time allowing! There are also a lot of kits (crochet your own dog, anyone?) for knitting, crochet, and wool. I wish I could describe it more, but seeing is involved so much in truly appreciating how beautiful everything is. This shop is for anyone who loves their fiber arts.

Knit & Pearls is a great yarn shop in Central CT and definitely worth visiting! The yarn selection…read moreis very good with frequent sales and lower prices than you will find anywhere else for top quality wool and other fibers. The owner Susanne is truly an enthusiastic knitter and this shop cannot be beat for samples of knitting! If you love to see a finished garment in the yarn you are considering, this is the place! I've never seen a shop that produces a full size sample per month! Amazing! Also this shop is extremely well organized! I am somewhat biased as I did teach crochet there and loved every minute of teaching at Knit & Pearls. Ample parking and it's next to Luke's Donut OMG super hot coffee and delish donut holes so beware. Watch for lively yarn events and trunk shows- you are sure to make wonderful fiber friends here.

This place was nice! We went for a group outing of seven people. When I called earlier in the week,…read morethe guy said we didn't need a reservation and could just walk in for Saturday. We all planned to meet there at 5 PM, but when we arrived, they told us we actually needed a reservation and had to come back at 6:45. Thankfully, West Hartford has plenty to do, so we walked around, grabbed some food, and returned for our reservation. One thing to know is that you pick the pottery you want to paint it's not a place where you make the pottery yourself. That has pros and cons, depending on your preferences. I'm honestly not that artistic when it comes to freehand painting, so I picked a simple snowflake design (probably the cheapest option at around $14). My friends picked reindeer, cookie trays, and other fun items. Painting was fun, but you have to leave your piece for 2-3 weeks to be glazed, so don't expect to take it home the same day. The space is small, but I liked the intimate setting. The staff was also very nice, and overall, I had a good experience. I would definitely go back.

I have not had a hand in pottery since high school so this was a nice activity to do and spend…read morequality time with friends and family. Claypen is located on Farmington Avenue in West Hartford Center between Walden and Dale streets. Lookout for the sessions posted outside if looking for something specific. I was attracted to the Studio Ghibli theme they were having and immediately made a reservation. I honestly didn't know what to expect until I arrived there. Upon check in, we were shown where we'd be seated and were told that we select any ceramic on the shelf and will be provided the paints and can even replenish it ourselves from the shelf. As well as take as much time as we needed to complete our design. My daughter did her own thing and drew Sanrio on different sides while I wanted to paint Haku and my friend, Totoro. I think it all came out really well!! I looked up an image tried to copy it onto the jar. Originally using a pencil and lightly tracing it onto the surface to not affect the image, although I was told that the pencil burns off during the baking process. We were also instructed to paint more than 1 coat so that the paint will show. The whole process was easy enough. When finished, everything can be brought to the counter for payment. Essentially the painting is free, it's the ceramic that needs to be paid for. I would think that the piece is averagely priced. If wanting to be sure, definitely ask before picking a piece. I'd certainly do this again.

TOTAL SCAM! DO NOT USE NEXT STREET! Like Bea K. said, if you…read morewant a road session, you have to go to Stamford or Westport and do it midday. Nothing even on the schedule as they have no staff to do it. We are out $800 because, hey, no refunds. Reporting them to the Better Business Bureau.

Impossible to schedule lessons locally. We have checked daily, for months now, and have not been…read moreable to schedule a lesson nearby. Any available lessons are 45mins to an hour (or more) away. Nothing near Simsbury, Avon, Granby AT ALL in the past several months. Buyer beware. With claims that lessons are available in these areas, for $1000, there should be.