Due to a water main break, the North Carroll branch will be closing at Noon on Monday, November 17, 2025. Please check back for updates regarding tomorrow's hours.
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If you've never touched a sewing machine or a sewing needle, or if it's been years since you've sewed, and you need a refresher on the basics, then this class is for you.
Prerequisite: None
Materials: A sewing machine and all necessary materials will be provided.



About the Presenter
Lou Giles retired in 2012 as a senior executive in the Defense Department. He presently serves as the President of the Society of the War of 1812 in the State of Maryland, a patriotic organization limited to descendants of soldiers who fought in the War of 1812. He is also a member of the Boards of Directors and counsel to the Star-Spangled Banner Flag House in Baltimore. Mr. Giles also volunteers at the Maryland State Archives in Annapolis and as a docent at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine in Baltimore.
As a passionate amateur historian and genealogist interested in the War of 1812 in Maryland, Mr. Giles enjoys delving into primary sources, local archives, and historical newspapers to uncover new findings and perspectives and sharing these findings through writing, presentations, and community engagement.
Mr. Giles first became interested in Francis Scott Key in 2014 when he was tasked with providing presentations on Key to visitors to Fort McHenry. His genealogy experience and knowledge of resources available at the Maryland State Archives and National Archives allowed him to uncover records on Francis Scott Key that provide a different perspective from most biographers of Key. He has published several articles on Key, including identifying Key’s truce ship on which he authored the Star-Spangled Banner and Key’s views on slavery.
He was recently featured in local and national press reporting after winning an appeal against the Veterans Administration, resulting in a ruling allowing enslaved Black Americans who fought in early wars of the United States as servants or waiters to be considered veterans.
Mr. Giles is a lifelong Maryland resident who holds degrees in physics, electrical engineering, and law.


Class Prerequisites: Exploration Commons' Sewing Machine Certification
Required Materials: A sewing machine and all materials will be provided.
About Beginner Sewing Level 1: These classes introduce new or less experienced sewists to beginning sewing information and resources with hands-on practice.
Beginner Sewing Level 1 classes introduce and practice the following skills:
You can take Level 1 classes in any order, but beginners will benefit most by taking the first three classes, Class 1, 2, and 3, in sequence.


This class is for customers who have already been certified for Exploration Commons independent laser use. This class does not result in independent laser cutter use certification.
Previous Exploration Commons Laser Certification is required.



Registration for this class is for first-time Makerspace program attendees. Please do not register for this program if you have previously taken one of our Makerspace programs.


If you have previously taken this class at EC50, please do not register so that someone else may have the opportunity to attend.

If you have previously taken this class at EC50, please do not register so that someone else may have the opportunity to attend.


At least one child aged 6–17
At least one adult
The remaining two spots in the group may be filled by additional participants aged 6 or older or left unfilled.



In the second class, attendees will complete a second granny square and use both granny squares to make fingerless mitts.

Whether a seasoned crafter or a beginner, this class provides everything you need to make beautiful, handcrafted holiday swags to brighten your home and spread festive cheer. Join us for a fun and creative experience, and leave with your very own holiday masterpiece!

Dungeons & Dragons is a trademark of Wizards of the Coast LLC in the United States and other countries. © 2015 Wizards. All Rights Reserved

















Registration required. Only one person per team needs to register. Please keep the team size to 8 or less.

Dungeons & Dragons is a trademark of Wizards of the Coast LLC in the United States and other countries. © 2015 Wizards. All Rights Reserved.