Five Affordable Skills You Can Learn This Summer in Miami

Sippin' fancy cocktails poolside while looking fly AF is a natural-born skill for Miami natives. But when summertime rolls around with its high temperatures and sudden downpours, it's time to expand and sharpen your skill set. Hey, you've already spent the last seven months soaking up the sun. It's time to widen your horizons. From cooking to sewing, here are five new skills you can learn this summer for cheap.
1. Learn to Sew at Queef's Sewing Factory. Gone are the days of learning to use a needle and thread in home economics. But if there's anyone suited to teach a sewing class, it's a fierce drag queen. Beginner and intermediate sewers can learn the coveted skill at Hotel Gaythering with Miami's favorite bearded drag queen, Miss Queef Latina. From tote bags to fanny packs and voodoo dolls, there's something to inspire your inner designer. Join Queef's Sewing Factory every last Tuesday of the month at 8 p.m. in Miami Beach. Admission includes materials, the use of a sewing machine, and one free drink. In the words of Queef Latina, learning how to sew is as "easy as 1...2...QUEEF!" 8 p.m., every last Tuesday of the month, at Hotel Gaythering, 1409 Lincoln Rd., Miami Beach; 786-284-1176; Gaythering.com. Tickets via eventbrite.com.
2. Learn to Cook at the Wynwood Yard. Popping a couple of Bagel Bites in the toaster oven hardly qualifies as a home-cooked meal. This summer, ditch the TV dinners, roll up those sleeves, and channel your inner Emeril Lagasse with hands-on cooking classes at the Wynwood Yard. The lush outdoor hangout is pulling out the culinary stops with classes from pastries to cooling summer dishes. On July 25, sate your sweet tooth and learn how to bake churros with pastry cream filling, rice pudding, and raspberry panna cotta verrine with Romina Naparstek of La Romi Bakery. On August 15, join the Wynwood Yard's farm-to-table chef and director of community and culinary, Julie Fran, for a Right on Target Cooking Class featuring summer foods paired with wines by Juan Hernandez of Domaine Select. And Ilde Ferrer from Essensia Restaurant at the Palms Hotel will set up shop on August 29 for a special cooking class. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Wednesday, July 25; Wednesday, August 15; and Wednesday, August 29; at the Wynwood Yard, 56 NW 29th St., Miami; 305-351-0366; Thewynwoodyard.com. Tickets cost $50 plus fees via eventbrite.com.
3. Dabble Class at the Wolfsonian–FIU. School is out, but that doesn't mean your brain should completely shut down. The Wolfsonian offers a short "Dabble Class" that teaches a variety of skills at an affordable price. Need that perfect piece of summer headwear? On July 15, learn to crochet headbands and hats. Want to preserve your summer shenanigans in a journal? Learn coptic book binding on August 19. These intimate workshops are capped at ten students, so don't snooze on your registration. For a full list of Dabble classes, visit wolfsonian.org. 2 to 5 p.m., Sunday, July 15, and Sunday, August 19, at Wolfsonian–FIU, 1001 Washington Ave., Miami Beach; 305-531-1001; wolfsonian.org. Tickets cost $20 for members and $30 for nonmembers via wolfsonian.org.
4. Intro to JavaScript Session at Wyncode Academy. Some skills are mere hobbies; others can make you more valuable in the workplace. For the latter, check out Wyncode Academy. On July 17, head there for Codecademy 101: Intro to Javascript for a free intro lesson. If you've ever wanted to learn what coding is, here's your chance. Don't forget to bring your laptop. 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, July 17, at Wyncode Academy, 549 NW 28th St., Miami; 305-720-2422; wyncode.co. Admission is free with RSVP via eventbrite.com.
5. Stitch N Bitch Crochet Class at the Freehand. Sometimes the only thing that'll make you feel good after a long day of dealing with a not-so-tasty soup of office personalities is a good old bitch fest. Gather the pals for Stitch N Bitch, a monthly crochet lesson with Karelle Levy of KRELwear at the Freehand, and let all your 9-to-5 woes spill out. On July 11, crocheters can partake in a special Swim Week Edition of the class from 7 to 9 p.m. in the hotel's lobby. August 15's lesson will feature part two of bikini creation. Get to stitchin' and bitchin', Miami. You'll feel better. 7 to 9 p.m., Wednesday, July 11, and Wednesday, August 15, at the Freehand, 2727 Indian Creek Dr., Miami Beach; 305- 531-2727; freehandhotels.com/miami. Admission is free.