Sewing circles were once a popular place to exchange rumors about the area's handsomest fireman, which of the neighboring towns' mayors were secretly left-handed, and the fate of the Crumb brothers. Get your finger on the pulse and some thread with today's Groupon: for $20, you get a three-hour beginning sewing class at D&R Sewing Center (a $40 value). Attendees will be given a short supply list of materials needed for the class (up to a $10 additional cost) at the time of registration.

D&R Sewing Center nurtures sprouting stitchers with classes designed to teach the fundamentals of the craft. During a beginning sewing class, students learn to operate a sewing machine's complex systems of pulleys, crankshafts, and supercolliders. Instructors instill positive sewing practices in students, whether they wish to learn to use a machine they already own or want to explore the craft before making a financial commitment by practicing on a classroom machine. After grasping the basics of straight stitching, classmates craft their own pillows, ideal for incubating sweet, self-satisfied dreams or a flock of miniature sheep eggs. Classes are currently offered once a month, with the next session from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, August 2, and additional sessions may be added according to demand.