Knock, knock. It’s 2019, asking how you’re going to improve yourself this year. Luckily, Cleveland offers many choices for learning new skills that are useful and just plain fun.
For the Homebody
AR Workshop’s three-hour Chunky Knit Blanket Workshop leaves you cozy, warm and a little more resourceful. Using chunky chenille yarn, students learn to create a cozy 40-by-50-inch blanket with no needles or knitting experience required. “This is more than just a craft,” says Mary Katherine Donnelly, co-owner of AR Workshop in Hudson. “It’s a skill that you can learn and eventually pass on to other generations.” $85. 1/5 , 1/9, 1/11, 1/15, 1/17, 1/21, 1/25 and 1/29. 85 S. Main St., Suite B, Hudson, 234-602-1015, arworkshop.com/hudson
For the Writer
In Literary Cleveland’s two-hour Developing A Writing Habit workshop, Darlene Montonaro takes participants through free-writing exercises, practice prompts and positive peer review with a goal of being more disciplined about the craft. “The feedback loop is very important,” says Montonaro. “What we really try to do is listen to each other’s work to try and find out where we’re hitting our strides.“ $80, $60 for members. 1/9, 1/16, 1/23, 1/30. Literary Cleveland, 7405 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, 216-532-3875, litcleveland.org
For the Foodie
At Local Abundance Kitchen’s two-and-a-half-hour Ethnic NonProfit Cooking workshop, Nepali women share tips and traditions as they teach participants how to prepare three to four Nepali-style dishes such as Momo dumplings, samosas and more. “It’s that combination of good food, new cultures and community and making a difference,” says Jennifer Thornton, founder of Local Abundance Kitchen. $50. 1/5. Architectural Justice Gallery & Cafe, 13593 Pearl Road, Strongsville, 440-268-8646, localabundancekitchen.org
