fibre space is offering our space for furloughed civil servants to gather, connect and stitch or craft together during the 2025 government shutdown. Join us to pick up a new skill, or just come and hang out in our lounge space for some stash-busting time. Staff and volunteers will be on hand to teach, help with dropped stitches, and all your other needs.
Our planned schedule:
Stitch in Space Thursdays and Fridays:
Gather and connect with others in our second floor lounge space. This event is free, and no registration is required. We are extending a very special invitation to our civil servants to gather with us on Thursday, October 2 from 5 pm to 9 pm or Friday, October 3 from 11 am to 2 pm. Bring your current work in progress or any other hand craft that will help you to be present and connect with others who are also impacted by this shutdown.
Free learn to knit classes:
fibre space will once again offer free learn to knit classes for all furloughed government employees and federal contractors during the shutdown. These classes will open for registration on Monday. We are aware of the current administration’s actions to end contracts and employment. Proof of recent employment will be accepted. Any currently furloughed or recently terminated federal workers are welcome for these classes. Pick up a new stress-relieving skill and find a new community at fibre space.
10/2 Update:
The fibre space community is truly amazing. Within a few hours, you all donated all the learn to knit kits for shutdown-affected workers we needed for upcoming classes! Thank you for showing up for your friends and neighbors.
At this time, we would love for you to take your donations to our friends at ALIVE! Founded in 1969, ALIVE! is the oldest and largest nonprofit serving Alexandrians facing food insecurity and housing instability. Together, we’re neighbors helping neighbors, and building a more compassionate and connected Alexandria—where no one has to face crisis alone.
If you want to help:
- Donate to ALIVE! by clicking here.
- Find out about other ways to volunteer or get involved with ALIVE! here.
If you need help:
The Capital Area Food Bank’s annual Hunger Report, released last Thursday (pre-shutdown), found that 41% of households impacted by recent cuts to federal jobs and spending are experiencing food insecurity. That number is expected to increase due to the federal shutdown’s impacts. In Alexandria, if you need assistance with food, housing, or finances right now, please check out ALIVE!’s services and food hub locations here.
10/10 Update: Schedule of Classes for next week
See more details on individual registration pages, or see all of our classes for furloughed workers on our calendar.
Monday, October 13
12pm – 3pm Stitcher Bing0
Tuesday, October 14
10 am – noon: First Mittens (session 1/2) (meets Tuesday and Wednesday)
Noon – 2 pm: Intro to Knitting (session 1/2) (meets Tuesday and Wednesday)
2 – 4 pm First Hat (session 1/2)
Wednesday, October 15
10 am – noon: First Mittens(session 2/2) (meets Tuesday and Wednesday)
Noon – 2 pm: Intro to Knitting (session 2/2) (meets Tuesday and Wednesday)
2 – 4 pm First Hat (session 2/2)
Thursday, October 16
2:30 pm – 4:30 pm: Intro to Knitting (session 1/2) (meets Thursday and Friday)
4:30 pm – 6:30 pm: Holiday Stocking (session 1/2) (meets Thursday and Friday)
Thursday, October 17
2:30 pm – 4:30 pm: Intro to Knitting (session 2/2)
4:30 pm – 6:30 pm: Holiday Stocking (session 2/2)
