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Where to take up a new hobby or sport

By Richard Liebson • rliebson@lohud.com • August 15, 2010

Quilting

Why do it: If you start learning now, you could have a nice, cozy quilt before the end of the winter. Village Squares Quilters, a quilting guild with about 80 members, offers lessons and help for beginners. Make new friends, learn a traditional American craft and get involved in one of the many charitable activities the group sponsors.

What to expect as a beginner: Lots of advice and people willing to teach you. Quilts can be made by machine or sewn by hand, and the Village Squares have people who can show you both. At your first meeting, you'll get a chance to see different members' works in progress and make arrangements to take a class or learn privately from other members.

Where to do it: The Village Squares have been meeting in White Plains since they were founded in 1983, but in September they move to a new home at Atria Woodlands, 1017 Saw Mill River Road, Ardsley. A beginner's quilting class is held regularly at Hartsdale Fabrics.

Details: For the Village Squares, there's a $5 fee for visitors, and a $40 annual membership fee if you decide to join. Lessons are free. Visit www.villagesquaresquilters.com for more information. It takes about three yards of material to make a small, 36-x-36-inch quilt. A teacher at the Hartsdale Fabrics beginner's class estimates the cost of a class and materials at about $200.

Where to get the gear: You'll need basic sewing items — needles, threads, scraps of cotton cloth, etc., that can be found in most sewing shops.

Just tell them you're learning how to quilt and they can steer you in the right direction. Michael's Arts & Crafts, 319 N. Central Ave., Hartsdale, 914-946-1872, www.michaels.com. Hartsdale Fabrics, 275 S. Central Ave., Hartsdale, 914-428-7780, www.hartsdalefabrics.com.

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