“Ilah is friendly and knowledgeable. Her relaxed, mellow attitude towards measurements and instruction made me feel comfortable about trying the recipes on my own. My first batch that I created in my kitchen turned out beautifully and it was great fun to do.”-Annie Kenny
“I liked that I could ask questions that were not necessarily addressed in the books. I also liked the peaceful, creative setting.”-Rebecca Anaya
Private Classes
Students can meet with me privately at Black Squirrel, in their home or a location of your choice. A one-hour class is $45 or $60 for two students.
Group Classes in Berkeley, Danville and Albany
This is a great sewing class for beginners. Students will receive guidance on how to follow a pattern, use a sewing machine, tool review and simple construction techniques. Plus everyone will leave with a large bag, perfect for grocery shopping or to hold that massive shawl or sweater in progress. Students should bring at least 1 1/2 yards of woven fabric, or three yards if they would like to line their bag, matching thread, scissors, pins and a clear plastic ruler.
Don’t drown your broccoli in ranch dressing! Learn how herbs and spices can turn greens into delicious sautés and salads. We will also use leafy herbs to make your green smoothies extra yummy, not bitter.
We all have them – that all-time favorite pair of leggings. And most of the time they’re either more worn than should be allowed in public, or well on their way. Or sometimes we wish they were just a little longer, a little higher-waisted, or had better elastic. In this class you’ll get to make your perfect pair of leggings by using a pair of your own to make a pattern, and you’ll learn how to modify them to be even better than the original! Students will need to bring their own sewing machines, fitted with a ball-point needle (also called a jersey needle). We do have two machines to lend out for a very small additional fee, on a first-come-first-served basis, so please send us a direct message if you would like to reserve one. Also, be sure to bring a pair of leggings to copy, cotton knit jersey fabric with at least 5% lycra and basic sewing tools.
Learn these three major cooking techniques to prepare everything from pork loin to fish. This class includes tips to prevent dry, tough or underdone meat, as well as a list of recommended techniques and herbs suited for particular varieties of meat.
Learn how to apply layered washes, basic drawing and perspective to create simple and beautiful landscape paintings. Students should have taken beginning watercolor or an equivalent class. Drawing skills are not required and gentle instruction is provided as needed. A materials list is provided upon registration.
Crochet A Hat Sunday October 21 12-2 pm (1 session) at the Black Squirrel at 651 Addison St. just west of the train tracks, near Aquatic Park (805) 441-3886. Enrollment is $35. Join us and learn all you need to know to make beautiful beanies and slouchy hats in the round from the top down – it’s easier than you think and crochet in the round can be applied to so many wonderful projects!
Sew a Simple Project Bag 12-3 October 7 (1 session) at the Black Squirrelat 651 Addison St. just west of the train tracks, near Aquatic Park (805) 441-3886. Enrollment is $50 (1-session)
Delicious Vegetables Wednesday 6:30-8pm October 10 (1 session) Albany Community Center 1249 Marin Ave Albany, CA 94706 (510) 524-9283. Enrollment is $39/residents, $49/non-res.$7 material fee paid to the instructor.
Make Your Favorite Leggings Sunday 12-3pm October 14 (1 lesson) at the Black Squirrel at 651 Addison St. just west of the train tracks, near Aquatic Park (805) 441-3886. Enrollment is $50.
Meat Preparation Wednesday October 17 6:30-8pm (1 session) Albany Community Center 1249 Marin Ave. Albany CA 94706 (510)524-9283. Enrollment is $39/residents, $49/non-res. $11 materials fee paid to the instructor. 
Watercolor Landscape Fridays 6:30-8:30pm October 19-November 30 (6 sessions) Albany Community Center 1249 Marin Ave Albany, CA 94706 (510) 524-9283. Enrollment is $129 /res, $139/non-res.