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Learn to make fresh fettuccine from scratch using a hand crank pasta maker while a deliciously rich and flavorful bolognese sauce simmers to perfection. Enjoy some Italian tunes and learn a few Italian phrases while you cook. The instructor will share tips carried down from her Roman grandmother and mother for a truly authentic Italian meal. Making pasta is a fun activity to do together with friends and family of all ages and this class is all you’ll need to learn how. The classic bolognese sauce includes pork and beef, but a vegetarian version can also be offered upon request. This is a participatory cooking class. A small group of 3-4 students will work together at each cooking station to complete the recipe on the night's menu.

The term ‘galette’ has become popular in American desserts. Fruit tarts baked without a tin, folding the crust from the bottom over the filling to create a flat and rustic pie. But go to France and you'll discover the word all over different menus, referring to everything from cakes to pies, crepes to cookies. Different regions around the country use the word differently, and for this class we'll be travelling to the north-west of France, to Brittany, where a galette means a flat, buckwheat crepe filled with something savory and comforting. The Galette Bretonnes is popular fare all over France, and there are restaurants dedicated to serving only this unsophisticated dish for lunch and dinner. In this class you'll learn how to make this quick and easy meal, along with several fillings, from the classic ham and egg, to the Galette à la Florentine. And we shall not neglect the Galette's smaller, sweeter, and more popular cousin, the ubiquitous crepe. Along with crepes for dessert we'll learn to make our own Nutella, classic fruit filling and crepes suzette. If you love making French food but only have time in your busy day for a quick lunch (plus dessert!) this class is for you! Together, the galette and crepe make a complete, and delicious, meal. This is a participatory cooking class. A small group of 3-4 students will work together at each cooking station to complete the recipes on the night's menu.

If you are interested in learning the basics of clothing construction and would like to create a wearable garment then this course is for you! In this 6-week course, students will learn essential garment sewing techniques while constructing the digital Itch to Stitch Simien Pattern Top and Dress. Using How to Start Sewing as a foundational guide, students will build skills in pattern reading, fabric selection, seam finishes, fitting adjustments, hemming, and garment construction. By the end of the course, each student will complete a beautiful handmade top or dress—and gain the confidence to sew garments independently. Throughout the course, we will explore: Reading and understanding patterns and pattern markings Selecting appropriate fabrics Accurate cutting and marking Seam construction and finishing Inserting sleeves Neckline finishing techniques Hemming and professional pressing Basic fitting adjustments We will use How to Start Sewing as a companion guide to reinforce core sewing principles and best practices. This course is ideal for confident beginners who are comfortable using a sewing machine and are ready to complete their first garment—or refine their foundational skills. Students will leave with a finished top or dress and the knowledge to confidently tackle future garment projects. Materials and supplies: A list of materials and supplies will be emailed to you after registration. Requirement: Comfortable using and operating a sewing machine. All students will have use of a sewing machine in our sewing lab. A brief tutorial will be provided on the first day of class. Age 16+.

This course will cover the basics of starting a project, beginning level stitches, and how to read a crochet pattern. We will learn what different gauges of yarn mean, and will crochet either a triangle scarf, shawl, or bandana. You can decide which one you would like to complete. You will likely need to crochet outside of class time in order to complete the project. For students aged 13 and older. Students aged 10-12 are welcome to join with a caregiver who is also registered. Please plan to purchase the following supplies ahead of time and bring them to the first class (the instructor's, Devon's, notes are in italics): Each student will need to bring at least one skein/ball/or cake of yarn. I recommend multiple if you would like your project to be multiple colors. The easiest yarn for beginners is a classic acrylic yarn, like this example. Caron or Lion Brand also have similar options. If you would rather work with natural fibers, you can also purchase wool or cotton yarn, however cotton yarn can be difficult to work with. Ideally, please select a light or medium weight yarn. A crochet hook. The yarn you purchase will also list the size hook that should be used with it; this blog post also has a helpful chart. I recommend using an aluminum crochet hook as the plastic ones can bend/break which is very frustrating. There are ergonomic hooks like this one, or just a simple aluminum hook like this one. You will also need scissors which you may have at home already. Just be sure they are sharp, they do not need to be very large. If you plan to purchase scissors, I recommend craft scissors like these. You will also need a tapestry needle like this pack. For tapestry needles, I do find the plastic ones are easier to work with, but that is a personal preference between plastic and metal.

Join John, an enthusiastic musician with years of teaching experience, to learn basic acoustic guitar skills and work on learning a few chords through popular songs. Everyone will be playing music before long! This class is designed for those of all ages, with little or no experience, as well as those who have experience and are looking for a tune-up or refresher and a chance to gather with a group for more practice. Bring your guitar, and an electronic tuner which is strongly recommended, but not a prerequisite. "I learned more in Guitar for Beginners than I have in decades of playing. The instructor, John Creech is outstanding. He is extraordinary in both his knowledge of the instrument and his support for his students. I recommend this course for anyone interested in getting a great start on learning guitar." "This class was a joy to take! John is gifted in his musical talents and ability to teach it to others!" Wendy

Join Nick Rosato, professional woodturner and owner of Vermont Peppermill, for this hands-on and step-by-step introduction to wood turning! In this two-session class, you’ll learn how to safely and confidently use a lathe to create projects of your choice—no prior woodworking or lathe experience required. Learn essential lathe safety, tool techniques, and how to create balanced, symmetrical designs will be covered. Explore the sculptural side of woodturning as you create elegant wooden vases on the lathe. This class focuses on form, balance, and hollowing techniques, with clear instruction from Nick every step of the way. Whether your style is modern or organic, you’ll enjoy transforming a solid block of wood into a graceful vessel. Bring your ideas, inspiration photos, or sketch. These make a perfect gift for Mother's Day or a birthday. Or, start a collection for your mantle and fill with dried grasses and flowers. Each participant will have their own lathe to use during class, and wooden blanks (maple, birch or cherry) are included in the course fee. Feel free to bring your own wood if you want a specific or more pricey wood species. - Interested in a different project? With advance notice (email access@cvsdvt.org), students may use this class time to work on an alternate lathe project. - Experienced participants may work on targeted practice projects to advance their spindle turning tool skills and build confidence for independent work at home. Wear closed toed shoes, hat (hair tied back), and bring your own protective eye wear/goggles. No loose clothing, jewelry, or accessories! Note: Only 7 spots available per session. Min age: 16+

Thinking about taking one of the woodworking classes but haven’t used power tools before? Have tools sitting at home that you’d like to learn how to use safely and confidently? This course is the recommended starting point. Designed for complete beginners, it focuses on getting you comfortable in the woodshop and confident with essential tools. It’s a great fit whether you’re preparing for a project-based class or simply want to make better use of the tools you already own. Who Should Attend: Adults 18+ with little to no experience in woodworking or shop environments — especially those planning to take future shop classes as well as anyone who wants to learn safe, effective use of basic tools for home or hobby projects. In this one-session course (2.5–3 hours), students will work with repurposed woods from pallets and old furniture, learning how to bring worn boards back to life and make them look new again. Students will also have the option to put those skills to use by making a small, simple project—such as a basic birdhouse—during the class. Along the way, you’ll be able to choose which tools you want to focus on, from basic hand tools to more advanced power tools, so the class aligns with your personal goals and comfort level. By the end, you’ll understand what different tools can do, how to use them safely, and how to select the right tool for the job. Tools Covered Basic Tools ●Measuring & marking tools (tape measure, square, pencil/marking knife) ●Power drill/driver ●Orbital sander ●Jig Saw ●Circular Saw More Advanced Tools (optional, introduced with supervision) ●Miter Saw (precision and angled cuts) ●Scroll saw (intricate shapes and detail work) ●Table saw (ripping and crosscutting boards) ●Band saw (curves, resawing) ●Drill press (precision holes) ●Planer & jointer (flattening and smoothing boards) Focus of the Class ●Shop safety and protective equipment ●How to set up, hold, and operate tools correctly ●Understanding what different tools can (and can’t) do ●Hands-on practice using repurposed pallet and furniture wood to transform rough boards into smooth, usable stock ●Flexibility for students to choose which tools they want to learn and practice with ●Building confidence for future woodworking or DIY projects While this class is not required for any other woodworking courses unless specifically stated, it does provides a solid foundation so you can step into future classes already comfortable with the tools and ready to focus on the project. "This was a really great class for people with no experience with woodworking but also some experience! It was such a great opportunity to familiarize yourself with machinery and woodworking. I feel really confident signing up for woodworking classes now, even excited about them!"