Community Columns

Aquebogue News: Head to Hallockville Museum Farm this winter

While I write this, we are waiting for a major blizzard. It’s a very exciting time. I have been waiting for a big snowstorm since Thanksgiving and I’m very glad it’s finally here. 

If you have cabin fever from being snowed in, then head to Hallockville Museum Farm. Although they had a quiet January, Hallockville is running some great events for February:

Make a handmade wool appliqué brooch for your favorite valentine. It can also be made as a hanging ornament. All skill levels welcome. You’ll learn the blanket and French knot embroidery stitches, as well as appliqué layering basics and working with wool. No sewing machine is needed. All materials and expert instruction by quilter Connie Kilos will be provided. Limited space; advance registration required. Registration: Saturday, Feb. 7, from 9:30 a.m. to noon at hallockville.com, or call 298-5292. The cost is $40; $30 for museum members.

You can also help Hallockville get ready for its 250th anniversary. If you can sew, then join the Volunteer Quilt Project. Also on Feb. 7, at 1 p.m., join a group of talented volunteers who are going to design and make a Hallockville Celebration Quilt in honor of the 250th anniversary. The quilt will be on display and raffled at a later time. Proceeds will go directly to the restoration needed on the homestead. No quilting experience needed. Volunteer sewers will receive kits with instructions and can complete the sewing at home on their own schedule. Attend this first planning meeting to learn more and to get involved. Call 298-5292 or email [email protected] for more information or to sign up.

On Saturday, Feb. 21, from 1 to 3 p.m., learn the craft of needle felting with wool-roving and special pin-felting needles through a simple gnome project. You will learn all the techniques to put together this project plus gain ideas for other projects to create at home. You’ll go home with a completed project, kit and extra materials. Class includes materials and expert instruction. Cost: $45/$35 museum members. Due to limited space, online registration is not available. Call 298-5292 to register by phone or email [email protected]. A second class is also being added for March 7; details will be posted soon.

You can register for any and all of the events at Hallockville by calling 298-5292 or emailing [email protected]. Also, check out their new, updated website: hallockville.com. It’s a really great site and very easy to navigate. Nice job, Hallockville members.

I hope you are safe and warm in your home. As for my family, we are simply singing “Let it Snow.”

Have a wonderful end of January.

R031209_Benthal_R.jpgContact Aquebogue columnist Eileen Benthal at [email protected] or 833-1897.