Home Ec Club Revitalized at the Woman’s Club of Spokane
Home Ec is BACK, have you heard?
That’s right, home ec is cool again! I don’t know if “cottage core” is partly to blame, or maybe it’s the rising anxiety that we’re losing the ability to house ourselves and basically survive on this planet with each passing generation. But not for long! The skills younger generations crave, and older generations were glad to be rid of in their daily routines… somewhere in the middle, a balance is being struck. More and more people are interested in learning the basic skills needed to keep a household healthy and under budget. More than that, learning styles, nonviolent communication, mediation, peace building, and practicing vulnerability are also skills that bring a home health and wealth.
So why learn home economics skills, anyway?
Home economics is essential because it equips individuals and families with the practical skills, knowledge, and confidence to manage daily life effectively and sustainably. Beyond cooking, budgeting, and household management, it fosters financial literacy, nutrition awareness, resourcefulness, and problem-solving—skills that directly impact health, well-being, and long-term stability. By teaching how to balance time, money, and energy, home economics empowers people to make informed choices, build resilient households, and contribute meaningfully to their communities. In a broader sense, it lays the foundation for self-sufficiency, intergenerational learning, and the cultivation of habits that support both personal and societal flourishing.
Why meet at The Woman’s Club of Spokane?
Because it’s related to the history of Spokane’s Home Ec group, and the history of the Club itself. For over a century, the Woman’s Club has been a place for Spokane women to get involved in their community to make a difference, and build social lives and careers outside of the home. While careers and homemaking are equally important, the Club provides all citizens with the opportunity to grow themselves as individuals, families, neighborhoods, and Spokane itself. The Club is now a historic building providing the community around 9th and Walnut with a walkable event center, and a venue for the region specializing in weddings, social events, vendor markets, private parties, dance recitals, small concerts, cooking classes, and fashion shows featuring the Vintage Fashion Collection from the Club’s basement (featuring fabulous women’s clothes from the 1974 Expo back to the mid 1800’s!)
This home economics class blends practical skills, creativity, and cultural wisdom to support health and resilience during the winter months. Participants will learn 10 versatile uses for tea as a holistic remedy, explore wintertime wellness practices, and create art inspired by seasonal care and home traditions. We’ll also dive into the history of home economics in Spokane, tracing its roots in community, self-reliance, and shared knowledge, and discuss the future of home ec and its role in rebuilding health, connection, and culture today. Attendees will leave with a practical toolkit for holistic winter remedies—plus a handmade gift to add to their home first-aid kit, ready to use all season long.
This hands-on home economics class focuses on practical mending skills and mindful clothing care. Participants are encouraged to bring at least one item from their “mend pile” at home to work on together. You’ll learn how to mend a sock, identify different textiles and how to properly care for them, and gain confidence extending the life of your clothes. We’ll also host a “trade blanket” for winter and spring clothing, inviting a good old-fashioned clothes swap to support sustainable fashion and community sharing. If the mood strikes, we’ll wrap things up with a casual fashion show to celebrate repaired, traded, and re-loved pieces—because sustainability should be practical and fun.
This practical home economics class is all about saving time, money, and energy while eating well. Participants will learn nutrition basics, five simple ways to preserve fresh food, and how to meal plan on any budget—whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a full household. We’ll break down cost-effective strategies that make healthy eating realistic and sustainable, and everyone will leave with a ready-to-go freezer meal to take home. Bring your calculators and your appetite—this class proves good food doesn’t have to be expensive.
This home economics class connects smart money management with thoughtful home design to support every stage of family life. Participants will explore real-world budget examples for households of all sizes, gain home design and layout ideas from real estate professionals, and learn practical strategies for reaching financial goals—whether you’re planning your next move, remodeling, downsizing, or building long-term stability. The focus is on aligning finances and space with how you actually live, so you can step confidently into the next chapter of your home life.
