Brush up on these life skills in and around Asheville

From knife techniques to CPR we’ve got a roundup of basic skills to make life a little easier.

Asheville Tool Library

Asheville Tool Library is located at 16 Smith Mill Rd.

Photo via Asheville Tool Library

City Editor Bethany here. Earlier this week, I found myself trying to figure out the best way to cut up a cantaloupe. As I was struggling through the rind, it hit me, “I need to take a knife skills class before I slice off a finger.” And thus, this article idea was born.

Whether you’re looking to get CPR certified or want to learn how to patch up a sweater that’s seen better days, Asheville has a lot to teach you about life.

In the kitchen

In the house

  • WNC Repair Cafe | Bring damaged kitchen appliances, tools, bikes, clothing, and more, where volunteers will fix your item for free, and maybe show you a trick or two along the way. The next event is on Thursday, April 24 at 5 p.m.
  • The Asheville Tool Library | The nonprofit organization hosts monthly classes teaching household maintenance skills for items like bikes, lawn mowers, chainsaws, and more.
  • Remnants Thrift + Sew | This community space in Mars Hill hosts weekly classes, including open sew hours, intro to your machine, and repair events. Use their provided machines or learn how to hand-sew.

In your wallet

In the community

More from AVLtoday
AVL Sounds Fest will follow the same venue-based format as AVLFest, while Asheville Busker Fest will spotlight the sounds of our local street artists.
With the 2026 Winter Olympics well underway, we’re craving an Italian day without having to leave the 828.
For Valentine’s Day, we’re sharing your heartfelt local love stories.
Mark your calendars for these shows, from folk to electronic and rock to rap.
See what’s on the ballot, when + how to vote, and important information for Election Day in the Land of the Sky.
Celebrate the community through talks and storytelling, education and art, all month long.
The average Super Bowl 60 ad costs $8 million. Here are some more interesting ways to spend that money in the Land of the Sky.
Winter is coming — and so are winter sports.
The Great Backyard Bird Count attracts more than one million people nationwide to help record the bird population.
The nonprofit is working towards building the RAD Creative Campus, a flood-safe arts space designed to restore the district’s creative economy post-Helene.