We are building our pool of classes to make sure we offer the community relevant education and opportunities. Below is a list of classes (and events) we have had in the past. You may view the description, tool library it can be hosted at (NE Seattle Tool Library (NESTL) and/or Shoreline Tool Library (STL)), cost*, duration, and attendance limit.
Each class also has an “Email Category” listed, which refers to our email notification categories. You can use the link below to indicate your class/event interests so that you may be notified when classes under your interest are published. You may also use the list below to reach out to us with class inquiries or inspire a new class idea.
Please note that the costs listed for the classes are current at the time of posting, but they may vary or change over time. For the most up-to-date pricing, please check the event details or contact us directly.
Bring your bike and perform your own tune-up – gear, brake and bearing adjustments along with wheel truing and common noises and their causes and solutions.
Location: NESTL or STL
Cost: $25
Attendance Limit: 4
Duration: 2 hours
Email Category: Bikes
Learn from our experts how to properly sharpen and tension your chainsaw using hand tools. If you’ve gone through our brief chainsaw training and used our chainsaws before, learn how you can sharpen them while you’re using them.
Location: NESTL or STL
Cost:$25
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Attendance Limit: 8
Email List Category: Tool Maintenance
It's time to start collecting all those items around the house that need to be fixed but you don't know how. We are having a fixing night at the new Shoreline Tool Library. We will help you fix and learn to fix your broken tools, lamps, toys, furniture, appliances, and any other broken items that you can carry in on your own. We encourage you to help as much as you can and enjoy the community of reuse!
If you are excited about fixing and want to help out with this event or other fixing opportunities we are looking for more fixers. Sign up to help out at this event here or join our list of fixers by sending us an email at ShorelineTL@seattlereconomy.org.
Location: NESTL or STL
Cost: Free
Duration: 3 hours
Attendance Limit: 25
Email Category: Fix-It Nights
There is so much collective garden wisdom in our community!
Check out what these gardeners are doing by signing up to visit and learn from them. This series of garden tours is happening in lieu of the annual garden tour sponsored by Sustainable NE Seattle, and seeks to educate and support those who are looking for ideas and inspiration to further their gardening adventures. Each garden is open at a certain time, so be sure to sign up for the ones you are interested in visiting.
Location: TBD
Cost: $5
Duration: TBD
Attendance Limit: TBD
Email Category: Gardening/Landscaping
Learn how to make the three most commonly-needed, hand sewn repairs: button replacement, patches, and seam repair. We’ll cover several stitches and when to use them, as well as a bunch of tips for smooth sewing.
Location: NESTL or STL
Cost: $25
Duration:
Attendance Limit: 8
Email Category: Sewing
Have you been considering buying a used bicycle for recreational riding or for transportation for yourself or someone else? There’s a lot to take into consideration, such as how to make sure it fits, how to make sure everything works, what to look for during your test rides, where to shop, and what questions to ask. Join us for a lively and informed discussion on all things used bicycles.
Please note that E-assist bikes will not be covered during this presentation.
Location: NESTL or STL
Cost: TBD
Duration: 2 hours
Attendance Limit: 20
Email Category: Bikes
Join us for a hands-on workshop where you'll learn the basics of using handheld power tools, specifically focusing on introductory tools for basic home maintenance and DIY projects. During this interactive session, our experienced instructor will guide you through the proper usage and safety precautions of handheld power tools. From drills to saws, you'll get hands-on practice and expert tips on how to handle these tools effectively.
Location: NESTL
Cost: $50
Duration: 3 hours
Attendance Limit: 7
Email List Category: Intro Classes
This beginner class will give you the fundamentals for using this versatile and sometimes intimidating tool. Learn how to use routers, router tables, jigs and templates to create perfect router cuts and smooth edges.
Location: NESTL
Cost: $75
Duration: 3 hours
Attendance Limit: 5
Email Category: Intro Classes
Join us for an exciting Jig Making Class at the NE Seattle Tool Library! Get ready to unleash your creativity and learn the art of creating jigs. Jigs are essential tools used in woodworking to guide and support your work, ensuring precision and efficiency.
During this hands-on workshop, our experienced instructor will guide you through the process of designing and constructing your own jigs. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced woodworker, this class offers valuable insights and techniques to enhance your woodworking skills.
Please note that you will have had to take the Workshop Orientation class before attending this event! You can sign up for that through our website. If you run into any problems registering for an orientations please send us an email at nestl@seattlereconomy.org.
Bring your creativity and enthusiasm, and get ready to craft your own jigs that will elevate your woodworking projects to the next level!
Location: NESTL
Cost: $50
Duration: 3 hours
Attendance Limit: 5
Email Category: Workshop (Orientation Required)
This is a four-week class where you will learn about the process of designing and building your own stool from scratch. The class is for people who have taken the shop orientation or have some previous experience with power tools, and just need an excuse to come in and make something. The first meeting will be mostly talking about design and material. Some ideas and pictures for relatively simple stools that could be built in this class will be provided, but if you have an idea of something you want to make, all the better. We will talk about materials and where you can get the wood you need, but if you have the wood you want to use, you can bring it to class and start planning how you will be cutting the parts you need the for stool. The next three classes will be spent on making the design you create or choose into reality. We will be using the tools in the wood shop, and if needed tools from the library as well. We will also talk about finishing choices to complete your project.
Location: NESTL
Cost: $100
Duration: TBD
Attendance Limit: 4
Email Category: Workshop (Orientation Required)
Join a representative from PSE to discover practical ways to save money on your electric & gas bills. She will be sharing valuable information about available assistance programs. In addition, you’ll learn how to make your home more energy-efficient and lower your cost. Don't miss this opportunity to take control of your energy costs and keep more money in your pocket. Snacks and beverages will be provided, and we look forward to seeing you there!
Location: NESTL or STL
Cost: Free
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Attendance Limit: 30
Email Category: Advocacy, Educational, or Community Talks
Join Seattle REconomy Executive Director, Josh Epstein as he presents his TEDx presentation on how new economies of reuse, sharing, and circularity are creating more resilient communities. The presentation will be followed by an inclusive open discussion on the topic.
Location: NESTL or STL
Cost: Free
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Attendance Limit: 30
Email Category: Advocacy, Educational, or Community Talks
- Find out about current and upcoming transportation projects in Shoreline and how you can be involved
- Learn some easy and effective ways you can be an advocate for safer streets and greener mobility
- Meet your neighbors who are interested in biking and walking!
Location: STL
Cost: Free
Duration: 1 hour
Attendance Limit: 25
Email List Category: Advocacy, Educational, or Community Talks
Are you confused about recycling? Did you know that what is recyclable actually varies greatly depending on your geographic area? In this presentation we will deep dive into how to recycle, how it works, and resources specific to Seattle in this Waste Sorting 101 presentation in collaboration with Trash Talk Project, Recology King County, and Seattle Public Utilities. We will talk in depth about plastic and how to recycle it (or not), multi material items, how to identify if something is recyclable, and how the recycling system works.
Location: NESTL or STL
Cost: Free
Duration: 1 hour
Attendance Limit: 15
Email List Category: Advocacy, Educational, or Community Talks
Come in to our workshop to work on wood projects and get guidance on your woodworking. Once you have completed the workshop orientation you may sign up for open shop hours!
We have a recommended donation of $15/hour of shop usage. You will be able to pay this once you have completed time in the shop.
All shop time will be supervised by shop steward volunteers who will help you safely use our tools.
If none of these dates and times work for you please reach out to nestl@seattlereconomy.org
Location: NESTL
Cost: $15/hour recommendation
Duration: TBD
Attendance Limit: 2
Email List Category: N/A
Hang a picture, fasten shelves, install a new electric box, repair a hole in the sheetrock- what’s the best method, and how do you figure it out? We’ll look at the structure of a residential wall, see how different anchors work, and learn a tried-and-true method for repairing a big hole in your wall. Along the way we’ll talk about how the electric system in your house works, and how to safely make modifications. We will also discuss whatever project or repair you need to undertake on your house. Chances are, if it’s on your to-do list, someone else is planning the same activity.
Location: NESTL or STL
Cost: $50
Duration: 2 hours
Attendance Limit: 15
Email Category: Home Care
In the first hour, learn the basic physics and nuances of component choices depending on your use to ready yourself to build your own wheels. In the remaining two hours, using your own parts or those supplied, build a wheel with guidance and supervision.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $50
Duration: 3 hours
Attendance Limit: 3
Email Category: Bikes
Please note that this two-session class requires all students to have taken the NE Seattle Tool Library's "Workshop Orientation Class", which is registered for separately.
Creating your very own cutting board will give you great satisfaction and complement your kitchen for years to come.
In this two-session class, you'll design, craft, and finish a beautiful walnut cutting board while using the Workshop's router, planer, band saw, miter saw and sander.
All materials will be provided by the instructor.
Please only register for this class if you have already taken our Workshop Orientation or if you have registered to take a Workshop Orientation prior to [the date of the class]. If you have not taken this prerequisite, you will not be able to attend the cutting board class.
Location: NESTL
Cost: $100
Duration: 3 hours on Day One & 3 hours on Day Two
Attendance Limit: 5
Email Category: Workshop (Orientation Required)
Come one, come all! The STL monthly game night is a public event that welcomes everyone for a night of face-to-face tabletop board games! Bring your favorites or explore the tool library's games selection.
No prior knowledge or experience required. All we ask is that you bring your best positive self and maybe a little snack to share with the community, if you can 😀
Location: STL
Cost: Free
Duration: 3 hours
Attendance Limit: 25
Email List Category: Game Night
Have you recently unearthed a beloved tool that was left to overwinter in your garden? Don’t worry, it’s probably revivable and could be ready for work in no time. Bring a couple of your favorite tools, (clippers, loppers, shovels, hoes etc.) to class and you will learn how to sharpen, oil and repair them so you can enjoy them for seasons to come. Bring tools, gloves and questions to the class.
Location: NESTL or STL
Cost: $25
Duration: 2 hours
Attendance Limit: 8
Email Category: Tool Maintenance
The focus of this class will be repairs/improvements, but there will also be some explanation on general fixing.
Location: NESTL or STL
Cost: $25 for members
Duration: 2 hours
Attendance Limit: 12
Email Category: Home Care
Have you ever wondered how to follow a sewing pattern? Come learn! This two-hour demonstration will take you through the ins and outs of measuring, fabric selection, and how to understand all those funny markings and directions. You’ll leave with the confidence to begin a project on your own. (Basic machine sewing knowledge is recommended, but not required.)
Location: NESTL or STL
Cost: $25
Duration:
Attendance Limit: 8
Email Category: Sewing
This three part series is an excellent introduction to all the basic power tools needed to accomplish most wood projects. Get hands on instruction and practice with circular saws, jig saws, reciprocating saws, miter saws, table saws, drill presses, planers, jointers, and maybe a even some bonus tools!
Location: NESTL or STL
Cost: $75
Duration: 3 hours
Attendance Limit: 7
Email Category: Intro Classes
Learn the basics of Sketchp – a free, online ‘CAD’ program- to help plan and visualize your next project. We will sketch a plywood bookshelf, but your skills can be applied to kitchen/bath remodels, room layout, furniture design, and more! Prevent mistakes by planning your cuts, and making an assembly list. No previous CAD or drafting experience required at all. Required – a computer and a mouse (scrolling wheel on mouse strongly recommended).
Location: NESTL or STL
Cost: $25
Duration:
Attendance Limit: 5
Email Category: Intro Classes
Calling all kids 5 and over! Join the Shoreline Tool Library and Seattle ReCreative to make your very own one-of-a-kind holiday ornament out of repurposed materials. You are allowed to bring one adult (as long as they behave!) with you, to marvel while your creative talent unfolds right before their eyes.
Location: NESTL or STL
Cost: TBD
Duration: 1 hour 3o minutes
Attendance Limit: 15
Email Category: Classes for Kids
In this class you will learn the basics of needle felting with wool. This will include an overview of setup, materials, and tools - along with some tips and tricks to make getting started easier. We'll quickly get into trying out the needle felting by making a simple felted acorn, a lovely decoration for fall!
This class is for absolute beginners, no experience necessary. Hand dexterity is the primary mobility consideration, due the requirement of repetitive and precise movements.
Students are responsible for bringing the following supplies, all of which can be found at your local yarn shop (specific resources below):
- 1 oz of off-white or cream-colored felting wool (looks best with the acorn top, but can be any color)
- Two 38, 40 or 42 gauge felting needles
- One foam or wool felting pad at least 5"x5"
All other supplies will be provided.
Please be aware that in working with needles, you may poke yourself in the process of learning.
Check out these places for supplies:
- Fiber Gallery
- Seattle Recreative
- Wool Pets (A nice Washington-based online resource)
- Wild Fibers
Location: STL
Cost: $20
Duration: 1 hour
Attendance Limit: 14
Email Category: Arts & Crafts
By keeping our threads out of the landfill a little longer, we can make a dent in the negative effects of the clothing industry. This event will bring together community members to share skills and inspiration as we reimagine our wardrobes with an eye toward sustainability.
Participants may bring 5 items of clothing to work with. These items might need a simple repair, or may be items that could be repurposed in a creative way. Throughout the day we’ll have examples of clothing that has been successfully upcycled for a longer life.
Learn
- Hand embroidery
- Applique techniques
- Basic clothing repair
- Machine sewing
Share
- Showcase your clothing transformations
- Community Resources for clothing repair and repurposing
- Brainstorm ideas for new possibilities
Be Inspired by each other and those who have had success!
Location: Meadowbrook Community Center
Cost: Free
Duration: 5 hours
Attendance Limit: ∞
Email Category: Sewing
With many of us working from home, it is more important than ever that our homes are truly safe. Most homes built prior to 1970 need retrofitting to ensure that they stay intact on their foundations in a big earthquake. Whether you are considering a DIY retrofit or plan to hire a contractor, Leif Jackson will teach you the “nuts and bolts” of retrofitting: Permit and engineering considerations, anchor bolts, cripple wall bracing, framing connections, hold downs, rough cost and timeframe. Plus, the always popular “motivational slides”! Leif’s company, Sound Seismic, has been retrofitting homes in the Seattle area since 1999.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $25
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Attendance Limit: 25
Email Category: Home Care
Come in to our workshop to work on wood projects and get guidance on your woodworking. Once you have completed the workshop orientation you may sign up for open shop hours!
We have a recommended donation of $15/hour of shop usage. You will be able to pay this once you have completed time in the shop.
All shop time will be supervised by shop steward volunteers who will help you safely use our tools.
If none of these dates and times work for you please reach out to nestl@seattlereconomy.org
Location: NESTL
Cost: $15/hour recommendation
Duration: TBD
Attendance Limit: 2
Email List Category: N/A
Come by the tool library to recycle some hard to recycle items before the holiday season. Bring light bulbs, batteries, and up to three strands of string lights to recycle. Please be sure to tape the ends of your batteries with clear packing tape before bringing them to the recycling event.
Location: NESTL or STL
Cost: Free
Duration: 1 hour
Attendance Limit: ∞
Email List Category: Advocacy, Educational, or Community Talks
Sign up for a workshop orientation class to learn the basic safety of the tools that we have in our workshop and in order to use the workshop during our shop hours. Email us at nestl@seattlereconomy.org if you have any questions on workshop usage. The Orientation will take place at the NE Seattle Tool Library, please come to the East entrance of the library at the time of the class.
The space is equipped with a large SawStop table saw, 12" compound sliding miter saw, 2 band saws (one for resaw), drill press, router table, jointer, planer, spindle sander, scroll saw, and various hand tools.
You must be a member of NE Seattle Tool Library or Shoreline Tool Library to take this class. Become a member here!
Location: NESTL
Cost:$25
Duration: 3 hours
Attendance Limit: 2
Email List Category: Workshop Orientation
