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Cozy Critter Plushies – STEAM Futures Workshop Series

Cozy Critter Plushies Steam Futures Workshop Series Dog homemade plushie sitting on a table

Event Description

About This Workshop

In this kickoff workshop of the STEAM Futures Workshop Series, youth design and sew their own plush creatures using hand sewing techniques and sewing machines. Participants learn how to follow simple patterns, pin fabric, and assemble soft forms as they turn fabric and stuffing into expressive frogs, monsters, or entirely made-up beings.

This session is designed as a gentle, confidence-building introduction to making and textiles. No prior sewing experience is required, and youth are encouraged to experiment, personalize their designs, and learn through hands-on creation in a supportive environment.

What You’ll Learn & Do

Participants will:

  • Practice basic hand sewing and introductory machine sewing
  • Learn how to read and follow simple patterns
  • Pin, cut, and assemble fabric pieces
  • Explore textile selection, color, and texture
  • Design a character and bring it to life as a finished plush

Why this matters:

These skills build comfort with tools, materials, and step-by-step processes that show up throughout the STEAM Futures series. Sewing introduces precision, sequencing, and problem-solving habits that carry into later workshops involving digital fabrication, mechanical builds, 3D printing, and media creation. An important piece of the puzzle is to see how creative ideas can move from concept to finished object.

STEAM Futures Media Moment

Youth will take part in our Mini Media Crew by helping operate a simple photo booth to capture Plushie Portraits. Capturing photos and short simple “meet my creature” introductions with their finished creations. With permission, these images and clips may be featured in the final STEAM Futures Community Showcase.

Who Can Attend

  • Primary audience: Youth ages 8–18
  • Youth ages 8–12 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who remains on-site for the duration of the workshop.
  • Adults may participate as full creators if space is available. Youth participants are always prioritized.

Cost

Youth participants attend free of charge thanks to support from the Liberty Bank Foundation and Eversource.

Parents or guardians accompanying their child may attend at no additional cost.

Adults may participate as full creators using a pay-what-you-can sliding scale. Contributions help make programs accessible to the whole community, and all are welcome regardless of ability to pay.

Location

Project Imo – Idea Forge Creators Space

About the STEAM Futures Workshop Series

STEAM Futures is a hands-on workshop series hosted at Project Imo’s Idea Forge Creators Space. Each session blends art, design, science, technology, and engineering through accessible, project-based learning. Youth explore tools such as sewing machines, digital cutters, 3D printers, and a laser engraver while building confidence as creative makers and problem-solvers. Participants also help document their work using professional media equipment including cameras, lighting, and audio tools. Youth may attend individual workshops or participate throughout the full series.

Made Possible By

NEXT Workshop in the Series – Tiny Theaters Puppets and Mini Stages

Open Maker Space Hours – Thursday January 8th from 2:30pm to 6:30pm

January 7, 2026
2:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Free – $20.00

Tickets

The numbers below include tickets for this event already in your cart. Clicking "Get Tickets" will allow you to edit any existing attendee information as well as change ticket quantities.
Adult Participant ($20) - Cozy Critter Plushies - STEAM Futures
$20.00
6 available
Adult Participant ($10) - Cozy Critter Plushies - STEAM Futures
$10.00
6 available
Youth Participant - Cozy Critter Plushies - STEAM Futures
$0.00
11 available
Quantity: 0
Total: $0.00

Venue

Base Camp

54 North Street
Willimantic, CT 06226 United States

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Organized By

Project Imo

(860) 786-5799

teamimo@projectimo.org

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Know Before You Go!

Nope! A digital copy on your phone is perfectly fine. Just have it ready at check-in for a quick scan. We would gladly accept 

Project Imo and the Idea Forge Creators Space strive to offer high-quality events and workshops for our community. To ensure fair access and responsible planning, we’ve established the following refund policy:

Ticket Purchases

  • All ticket sales are final unless otherwise stated on the event listing.

  • Refunds may be issued if a written request is received at least 7 days before the event date.

  • Refunds requested within 7 days of the event are not guaranteed and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

  • A processing fee may be deducted to cover platform costs (e.g., PayPal fees).

How Refunds Are Processed

  • Refunds will be issued to the original payment method (usually via PayPal).

  • For in-person registrations paid by cash or check, refunds will be issued by check within 14 business days.

  • Requests must be sent to [insert email] and include:

    • Your full name

    • The event name

    • Proof of purchase

If We Cancel or Reschedule
If an event is canceled or rescheduled by Project Imo, you will receive:

  • A full refund, or

  • The option to transfer your registration to a future event (upon request)

Parking is available at right outside the entrance of our main location.

Street parking may be limited on Main street, so always recommend arriving early or carpooling when possible.

We offer a few light refreshments, including a Keurig station, a water dispenser, and occasional snacks.

However, we do not provide full meals. For most events, you’re welcome to eat beforehand or bring your own food, unless otherwise noted in the event description. If outside food isn’t allowed for a specific program, we’ll be sure to mention it clearly.

Please bring your ticket (digital or printed), a valid ID, and any personal items you may need.

Some events may require specific materials, these will be noted clearly in the event description if needed. If you’re ever unsure, feel free to reach out before attending!

Unless otherwise stated, all events/workshops are intended for adults ages 18 and up.

If an event is family-friendly or open to younger participants, that information will be clearly noted in the event description.

Yes and we encourage it!

You can add multiple tickets at checkout and enter details for each attendee. We highly recommend inviting your friends, coworkers, or creative crew to join you. Events are more fun when shared, and it makes for a great group outing or even a unique gift experience.

Yes, just email us at TeamImo@Projectimo.org with the full name and email of the new attendee at least 48 hours before the event.  Best option would to also copy that person on the email you send.

Use the contact form below or email us directly at TeamImo@projectimo.org. We’re happy to help!

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