IT'S NO SECRET!
Spread the word about our fantastic upcoming online classes to friends far and wide!
After a brief hiatus to address overwhelming demand, Eric W. Stiles Sr. is relaunching his affordable online classes in sewing, tailoring, patternmaking, and garment construction. With years of experience teaching online through partnerships with 62 U.S. colleges, including your state. Stiles is making his return with a renewed approach to guiding aspiring designers.
This time, the courses will be hosted directly on Stiles' dedicated website, offering self-paced learning tailored for students nationwide and beyond. These affordable classes are perfect for those managing busy schedules or unable to attend in-person sessions at Stiles’ EWS Academy in Oak Park, IL, or Moraine Valley College in Palos Hills, IL. For learners unable to join at these locations, the online format provides flexibility to master sewing and tailoring skills from anywhere.
The first round of classes kicks off on Monday, February 10, 2025, with each session running for two weeks. Registration is now open—be sure to secure your spot early! Classes will be delivered via email, along with a special password for access. When registering, please ensure you provide the email address you regularly use.
Students will gain two-week-24-hour a day access to each class through a unique password, which will expire at the end of that 2-week session. To continue their learning journey, participants should then register for the next phase of classes.
Master the Art of Fashion with Instructor, Eric W. Stiles Sr.
With over 40 years of unparalleled experience, Eric W. Stiles Sr.—known as Mr. EWS—is a true icon in the fashion industry. Having collaborated with prestigious brands like Brioni, Giorgio Armani, Polo Ralph Lauren, and Tom Ford, he has perfected the art of tailoring and design. As a Supervisor, MTM Expert, and Master Bespoke Tailor, his craftsmanship sets the benchmark for excellence.
NOTE:
For the best experience and skill development, students are strongly encouraged to follow the recommended class sequence, ensuring steady progress and mastery of techniques.
“Relax, enjoy the journey, and embrace the learning process,” Stiles advises his prospective students, emphasizing quality and craftsmanship. He encourages all students to begin with foundational #101 courses in sewing and patternmaking to establish a strong skill set before advancing to #102 courses.
More Advanced Tailoring and Pattern Making Classes Coming Soon! 
Before diving into these exciting new classes, it's important to complete the foundational classes listed above. These upcoming advanced courses will cover professional pattern-making techniques and expert garment construction for a wide range of apparel, including pants, shirts, bodices, coats, and more. Students will learn to create precise patterns, master complex tailoring skills, and produce high-quality, custom garments with a professional finish.
These courses will feature professional patterns and expert techniques for crafting pants, shirts, bodices, coats, and more. With Stiles' expert guidance, you'll embark on a creative journey—all from the comfort of home.
Click the “More info here” link at top of page for our website.
For questions, suggestions, and information, call Mr. Stiles at: 708-424-4397

Local Event: Mr. Stiles Brings Back His Online Sewing/Tailoring, Patternmaking & Garment Construction Classes

Iowa City

Iowa

Mr. Stiles Brings Back His Online...

Saturday January 11, 2025: IT'S NO SECRET!
Spread the word about our fantastic upcoming online classes to friends far and wide!
After a brief...

Mr. Stiles Brings Back His Online Sewing/Tailoring, Patternmaking & Garment Construction Classes

Beadology Iowa

Learn how to create a two-lane braid with beads on the side and cord in the middle on a kumihimo foam disk (or bring your own marudai). The result is beautiful. This bracelet ends with a button closure. No experience needed. Instructor: Emma Folsom.
Tools needed are a kumihimo disk and 8 weighted bobbins.
$72 bring your own tools/$92 if you need to purchase tools.

Local Event: 2-Lane Kumihimo Bracelet

2-Lane Kumihimo Bracelet

Saturday January 11, 2025: Learn how to create a two-lane braid with beads on the side and cord in the middle on a kumihimo foam disk (or bring...

In this full day metalworking class, learn the fundamentals of metalworking: sawing, filing, drilling, riveting, and stamping. Then, design your pendant and put your newfound or refreshed skills to work. This class serves as a prerequisite for many classes in our metalworking series. No soldering is involved in this project. No experience needed. Instructor: Maggie Joynt.
Registration is $128 and includes all materials, instruction, use of studio and tools. Register in person, via phone at 319 338-1566, or on-line.

Local Event: Fundamentals of Metalworking: Pendant

Fundamentals of Metalworking: Pendant

Sunday January 12, 2025: In this full day metalworking class, learn the fundamentals of metalworking: sawing, filing, drilling, riveting, and...

Iowa City Public Library

Project GREEN and
 the Iowa City Public Library will offer a series of Garden Forums in 
2023. The first presentation will be held Jan. 12, from 2 to 4 p.m. at 
the Iowa City Public Library, 123 S. Linn St., Iowa City. 
The
 complimentary Second Sunday Garden Forums are open to the community. 
The Jan. 12 presentation will address Hügelkulture. Hügelkulture offers a
 blend of ecological benefits and practical advantages, making it a 
valuable tool for gardeners interested in enhancing soil health and 
sustainability.
Additional programs will be held Feb. 9 and March 9 covering Microprairies and Protecting Biodiversity. 
The
 complimentary forums are open to the public. The presentations will 
also stream live on Iowa City Public Library's YouTube channel: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/thelibrarychannel" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/thelibrarychannel.</a>

Local Event: Project GREEN to host Second Sunday Garden Forums in 2025

Project GREEN to host Second Sunday Garden...

Sunday January 12, 2025: Project GREEN and
 the Iowa City Public Library will offer a series of Garden Forums in 
2023. The first presentation...

Project GREEN to host Second Sunday Garden Forums in 2025

Master Gardener John Weeg will headline the Project GREEN Second Sunday Garden Forum on Jan. 12 in the Iowa City Public Library. Weeg will cover “Hügelkultur, Water and Roots: Why Bury Old Wood?” He developed a plan and supervised the construction of Master Gardener hügelkultur projects — one in the fairgrounds demonstration garden and another at Ecumenical Towers along Washington Street. Weeg has also used the technique in his home gardens. 
The presentation is free and open to the public and qualifies for continuing education credit hours. The program begins at 2 p.m.

Local Event: Project GREEN Garden Forums 2025 begin Jan. 12

Project GREEN Garden Forums 2025 begin Jan. 12

Sunday January 12, 2025: Master Gardener John Weeg will headline the Project GREEN Second Sunday Garden Forum on Jan. 12 in the Iowa City...

In one week, you can learn an old gardening technique that is becoming popular (again) to help the soil naturally. Master Gardener John Weeg will headline the Project GREEN Second Sunday Garden Forum on Jan. 12 in the Iowa City Public Library. Weeg will cover “Hügelkultur, Water and Roots: Why Bury Old Wood?” He developed a plan and supervised the construction of Master Gardener hügelkultur projects — one in the fairground demonstration garden and another at Ecumenical Towers along Washington Street. Weeg has also used the technique in his home gardens. The presentation is free and open to the public and qualifies for CE credit hours. The program begins at 2 p.m.

Local Event: Project GREEN Second Sunday Garden Forum — Jan. 12

Project GREEN Second Sunday Garden Forum — Jan. 12

Sunday January 12, 2025: In one week, you can learn an old gardening technique that is becoming popular (again) to help the soil naturally....

Use SuperDuo and Toho round beads to create a beaded bead. The beading is done around a wooden bead to create a firm structure. Make multiple beads. No experience needed. Instructor: Karen Kubby.
Registration is $68 and includes all materials and instruction. Register in person, via phone at 319 338-1566, or on-line. Demos projected onto a large screen.

Local Event: Friday Night Out: Papillion Beaded Beads

Friday Night Out: Papillion Beaded Beads

Friday January 17, 2025: Use SuperDuo and Toho round beads to create a beaded bead.  The beading is done around a wooden bead to create a firm...

Don’t be a cog, make a cog! Create a tight circle with cubed right-angle weave, CRAW. Then use a new embellishment technique in the center. Stitch in the ditch around the edges. Build a structure from which to hold your ear wire on your new beaded earrings. Instructor: Karen Kubby.
Prerequisite: CRAW—call to arrange a private tutorial or see our CRAW pendant kit.
Registration is $72 and includes all materials and instruction. Register in person, via phone at 319 338-1566, or on-line. Demos projected onto a large screen.

Local Event: Cute Cog Earrings

Cute Cog Earrings

Saturday January 18, 2025: Don’t be a cog, make a cog!  Create a tight circle with cubed right-angle weave, CRAW.  Then use a new embellishment...

Learn or hone your snake weave skills to make a lovely woven bracelet. Add stones as you weave. Create a clasp for a custom fit. No experience needed. Instructor: Zanetta Hoehle.
Registration is $72 and includes all materials and instruction. Register in person, via phone at 319 338-1566, or on-line. Demos projected onto a large screen.

Local Event: Snake Weave Bracelet with Beads

Snake Weave Bracelet with Beads

Sunday January 19, 2025: Learn or hone your snake weave skills to make a lovely woven bracelet.  Add stones as you weave.  Create a clasp for...

In the second of a yearlong series, make jewelry projects that correspond to the current Zodiac sign. January’s sign is Aquarius. Learn or hone your brick stitch skills. Follow a pattern to create a water vase. Get great tips and tricks to making flowing fringe that looks like water pouring from the vase. Tune in each month for the next Zodiac project. Collect them all. No experience needed. Instructor: Alyssa Jakowchuk.
Registration is $72 and includes all materials and instruction. Register in person, via phone at 319 338-1566, or on-line. Demos projected onto a large screen.

Local Event: Zodiac Series: Vase of Aquarius

Zodiac Series: Vase of Aquarius

Saturday January 25, 2025: In the second of a yearlong series, make jewelry projects that correspond to the current Zodiac sign.  January’s sign...

Learn how to manipulate borosilicate glass tubing. Participants will learn to stretch, blow, and embellish tube glass. No experience needed. Instructor: Tyson Whitehill.
Must be at least 15 years old to participate.
Note: This class serves as a prerequisite for the Blown Sphere scheduled on Feb. 16.
Registration is $128 and includes all materials, instruction, use of studio and tools, and annealing. Register in person, via phone at 319 338-1566, or on-line.

Local Event:  Intro to Boro Hollow Glass

 Intro to Boro Hollow Glass

Sunday January 26, 2025: Learn how to manipulate borosilicate glass tubing.  Participants will learn to stretch, blow, and embellish tube...

Use a Huichol inspired netting stitch and an ombre cast of colors to make these flower earrings. Once you learn the basic pattern, experiment with endless variations for this project including adding fringe or a larger bead in the center. No experience needed.
$35 instructor fee/$35 materials fee.

Local Event: Netted Flower Earrings through Kirkwood

Netted Flower Earrings through Kirkwood

Monday January 27, 2025: Use a Huichol inspired netting stitch and an ombre cast of colors to make these flower earrings.  Once you learn the...

Laurel's speciality is 3-dimensional contemporary geometric seed bead work. She is very interested in the design process and beading techniques. She also enjoys kumihimo and bead crochet. Laurel has been a finalist and winner in several beading and kumihimo contests. Her work can be seen throughout January during regular business hours.

Local Event: January’s Featured Artist: Laurel Kubby

January’s Featured Artist: Laurel Kubby

Friday January 31, 2025: Laurel's speciality is 3-dimensional contemporary geometric seed bead work.  She is very interested in the design...

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach

SAVE-the-DATE for the Community Speaker Series 2025
Johnson&nbsp;County Master Gardeners will host the Community Speaker Series 2025 on Sunday, March 2, 2025, from 1
 to 4:30 p.m. in the Johnson County Extension Office, 3109 Old Hwy 218 
S., Iowa City. The program is free and open to the public, however, 
attendance is limited to room capacity. Registration links will be 
provided closer to the event.
Note:
 If the weather presents hazardous travel issues, an alternate date of Sunday, March 24, has been selected. If a change is necessary, a notice 
will be posted to the JCMG Facebook page: 
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/JCMG.Iowa/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/JCMG....</a>.
Master Gardeners programs provide continuing education credit hours.

Local Event: JCMG Community Speakers Series 2025

JCMG Community Speakers Series 2025

Sunday March 2, 2025: SAVE-the-DATE for the Community Speaker Series 2025
Johnson&nbsp;County Master Gardeners will host the Community...

Linn County

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Cedar Rapids Metropolitan Area

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Ankeny

Des Moines

Across Iowa

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Johnson County

University Of Iowa Professor Gets A Special...

Patch has partnered with T-Mobile to recognize teachers and show them how much they’re valued and appreciated.

University Of Iowa Professor Gets A Special Shout-Out

Schools

When Is Santa Claus Coming To Iowa City?

Find out when and where to see Jolly Old St. Nick this holiday season.

Seasonal & Holidays

ai_fib_halloween-local-business-2023_2023-09-07

Halloween 101: How To Avoid Becoming The...

Taking care of your home can be scary! Tackle those household demons with professional help this fall.

Halloween 101: How To Avoid Becoming The Haunted House Of Iowa City

5 Amazing Volunteer Organizations In Iowa City

Looking for ways to give back in your community? Start here!


Community Corner

ai_fib_local-business-2-14-2023_2023-06-28

Hire An Iowa City Area Pro To Clean Your Home...

Getting things done around the house has never been easier.

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Events and Things to Do in Iowa City, IA

Saturday, January 11

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Sunday, January 12

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Friday, January 17

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Saturday, January 18

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Sunday, January 19

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Saturday, January 25

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Sunday, January 26

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Monday, January 27

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Friday, January 31

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Sunday, March 2

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That’s all!