Textile Arts Center

Totally over priced. I took the Sashiko mending class it cost $ 150. After i did it first time myself I realized the technic actually quiet simple but there’s few important steps. It’s very easy class to teach but the teacher wasn’t straight forward and she seems very new to what she is teaching. That’s ok but she did not provide enough books or the important tools. This is kind of class that the student need to figure out everything by yourself. It felts like the TAC and the teacher really just don’t care.
After I took the class I found out the same class at the city quilts only cost $ 45.
I give 1 star because the teacher herself is nice but the whole thing is dishonest.
And what they teach is nothing like the picture they use for the website.

I just finished Natural Dyeing 101 with Natalie Stopka, I’ve also taken lessons in screenprinting and block printing on fabric at TAC. The instructors at Textile Arts Center are incredible — working, teaching artists who hold a wealth of invaluable information and offer it up freely.
As someone who has a strong interest in textile arts but no formal training or experience, their classes have been an excellent way to break down the barriers to entry. I walk away from their classes feeling like I have all the tools needed to start a project. They also offer open studio hours, which is amazing for those of us who don’t have the space to carry out a project at home.
Without a doubt, one of my favorite places in Brooklyn.

Overpriced, unhelpful, and underwhelming.
My friend and I got a Groupon to take a class here. We immediately tried to sign up for a 4 week basic sewing class, and that’s when we found out only a few spots in each class were held for Groupon users. OK, that’s annoying but totally fair. We ended up having to wait 2 more months to get into a basic dress class — while we waited, we took a basic sewing class at Flirt’s Home Ec [
that was fantastic, and a fraction of the cost.
When the class finally started it was one ridiculous thing after another:
* Fabric was supposed to be provided, but we were told «most students prefer to use their own.» Considering the only fabric option was a horrible Little-​House-​on-​the-​Prairie floral print, no kidding.
* We were told we’d need to come in on open studio weekend hours in order to finish the dress and If we’d had the time for open studio, that would’ve been great. But the class was advertised as having students make a dress in 4 weeks, in 4 2 hour classes, and there’d been no mention of studio hours. Considering this was the first we’d heard of it, neither my friend nor I had planned out the time to come in (this is NY — people are constantly overbooked — the school should’ve let us know before a class was bought that additional hours were required.)
* We were also told «the goal isn’t to finish, but to learn the skills.» I’m sorry, for a couple hundred dollars I’d like to not only learn the basics of making a dress, but to ACTUALLY HAVE MADE A DRESS.
* We spent the ENTIRE first class cutting out the Burda pattern — this makes sense in that the TAC is sponsored by Burda, but it doesn’t make sense in that this is a skill specific ONLY to Burda and that all other patterns you would use would take 20 min to lay out and cut, instead of the 2+ hours this did. Total waste of time.
* The teacher’s skill level was far too advanced to be teaching beginners or near beginners (many of us had sewn before, but were coming in after years of not sewing or of being self-​taught). She seemed frustrated that we were behind on her lesson plan, but would waste time going over one step multiple times though everyone grasped it. When she wasn’t overexplaining something simple, she’d jump into complex instructions midway, without explaining the tools she was using or the basic first steps a total beginner would need to know. And when she talked about how important it was to measure correctly, her example was, «Because if you’re shipping your design overseas to be manufactured, one wrong inch can ruin your entire line.» Yes, that’s right. When us beginners start manufacturing our own lines, we must remember to get the measuring right.
And to top it all off, the dress itself was the most hideous thing I’ve seen since the start of the 80s revival. Every woman in the class (except 1) cringed when the teacher showed it to us, saying «This pattern looks great on everyone.» If you are shaped like a 12 year old boy, then yes, a paper sack with darts on it will look lovely on you. The other 95% of us in the class though, are wasting our time.
Textile Arts Center is very sleek and comes with a Burda craft stamp of approval, but all that cachet is style, not substance. The classes at Flirt or at any of the Brooklyn skillshares are far and away a better learning experience — for attitude, helpfulness, money, and enjoyment.

Only been here once, but it was a pleasant experience. I went with a few friends to make some cards. They supply all the materials, gave us instructions (although they didn’t seem too helpful). Some people complained about how little instruction they gave, but i didn’t think it was such a big deal as we were just making cards. the space is big and there are tons of different yarns and such to use. They have these free friday classes too which I thought was great. Definitely got busy though… i don’t know how they would fit over 50 people in there but totally worth going if you are interested in the class they are doing.

I attended the holiday craft fair at the Textile Arts Center today, December 19^th.
Overall, I like the TAC — I enjoy their various events and exhibits, but this time I felt as if the event was lacking. There was not any music, there was only one snack vendor, and the event, which I was hoping would be focused on textiles, specifically South American textiles, was not. There were between 12 – 20 vendors, but the assortment of offerings were not very relevant to the event and they did not present me with any new or different craft items particularly.
I recommend the TAC for other events, but not for their holiday craft fair.

This past Friday I went to the grand opening party and premier gallery exhibit — what fun! Amazing fiber art exhibit curated by Joetta Maue (who also teaches classes at the center.) It was such a beautiful evening I just have to start from the beginning. I walked up with my friend (who had a piece in the show) and was immediately WOWed when we saw the beautifully lit large windows showcasing tons of happy, supportive, exciting people looking and talking about fiber art. Yes, I’ve been to galleries before but something felt really good in that space, positive vibes from the get-​go. We were greeted by a lovely lady asking for donations. For $ 5 you got a raffle ticket and free tote bag or scarf. The raffle prizes were all at least $ 100, well worth a $ 5-​$ 20 donation, let alone the rest of the evening which I am about unravel to you.
Works ranged from gigantic detailed creatures hanging from the ceiling and spilling to the floor, gorgeous intricate embroidered illustrations, very cool sculptural/​costume-​like joined head piece, large scale portrait quilts, intriguing fabric films. everything I saw was a FEAST for the eyes, and completely different, yet connected. Cutting edge indeed. I was super impressed and got to meet many of the artists there that night, including Joetta.
Although it was crowed (which is SO great for a gallery opening!) the atmosphere was completely positive. The live brass band added a bouncy background to conversation, and later an impromptu dance party/​congo. There was lots of delicious savory finger food and darling ‘textile arts center’ cupcakes. Plenty of complimentary wine and cold craft beers. Bathrooms were spotless, well lit, brightly colored and stocked with essentials. One of the more inspiring NY events I’ve been to. The current exhibition is up Sept 17 — Oct 11, even without the party it’s absolutely worth checking out. The facilities are gorgeous, and class listings are on their website.

Fiber Artists Central!
Wall to wall floor looms available for your weaving pleasure. It’s difficult to find anywhere that has floor looms and instruction as well as studio time without having to get in a car and drive to another state.
TAC is perfect for the weaver, like me, who already has a project at the home loom and wants to begin another at the same time.
It’s not just weaving, either. There is block printing, felted and woven sculpture, tapestry, framed prints, airbrush, fabric collage, printed bags, recycled printing, sewing, embroidery and design. TAC wil keep you crafty busy as well as your little one at the Kids Camp for the artsy child.
Teachers are knowledgeable and laid back. Class fee includes separate studio time on two other days, one during the week and one on the weekend– a useful option for those that need to split up their studio work over a period of time.