Update: Vacination and safety requirements. I now require proof of vaccination for all of my in-person classes, workshops, and private lessons. When registering for a class, you will need to upload a picture of your vaccination card. This is a safety measure I take to protect myself, my family, and all those who come for classes at the studio. If you have any questions or concerns about this policy kindly contact me.
Classes at my studio are all small groups (4-6 students), which makes it possible for me to dedicate personalized attention to each individual. Whether you are coming for some weekly creative “me-time” or just want to learn a useful skill, my studio is designed to give you a fulfilling learning experience. I strive to make the classroom vibe fun, focused, and comfortable so you feel welcome to ask questions and experiment with this age-old craft.
Garment sewing is my particular area of expertise, so most of my group classes area clothing-focused. However, if you are interested in home decor or other items like handbags, invention prototypes, pet gear, etc. my private lessons would be a good way to go. Classes are organized into levels (beginner, intermediate, advanced) but if you want help deciding your level feel free to contact me. I’m also now offering some Mindful Textile worshops that do not require and prior experience with sewing or art.
SPECIAL NOTE: USING PRE-PANDMIC CLASS CREDIT
All class credit purchased before the pandemic is still valid! If you have a package code, gift certificate code, make-up class credit, or other type of credit with me from before March 2020, I will still honor it. Many of the codes in my scheduling system automatically expired after one year and there isn’t an easy way for me to make a global fix in my software, but I can still look you up and fix the problem manually. So don’t be shy, email me! We will get it sorted out.
Level 1: Beginners
These classes are designed for complete (or nearly complete) beginners. They are for people who have never used a sewing machine, or haven’t used one recently enough to feel comfortable knowing how to operate it. You will learn the fundamentals of using a sewing machine, handling fabric, and sewing straight to complete simple projects. Classes in this category include:
- a simple drawstring bag
- a pair of PJ shorts
- a zipper pouch or throw pillow cover
All classes will take place at my studio. Sewing machines and basic equipment (scissors, pins, etc) are available for you to use if you do not yet have supplies of your own.
I now offer is this class in two formats: a three part evening class (Tuesdays 7-9pm for three weeks), or a two-part daytime class (Fridays 10am-1pm for two weeks). Both classes cover the same content and are the same number of total hours. The class follows this sequence:
- Part 1: In the first class, you will learn how to thread and operate the sewing machine independently and be introduced to important sewing concepts such as how to pin your material, what a seam allowance is, different types of stitches and what they are used for, understanding right and wrong sides of fabric, and a few basics of construction. You will leave with your first project completed, a small lined drawstring bag. You do not need to bring anything with you to this class.
- Part 2: We will start the class with a brief tutorial on different types of fabric and what makes materials easier or harder to work with. Then you will learn how to lay a pattern on fabric and cut out your second project, a pair of PJ shorts. You will understand more about how patterns need to be arranged on fabric, and will practice techniques you learned in the first class, building on them to try curved seams, hems, and inserting elastic.
- Part 3 : We finish up shorts and work on your throw pillow or zipper pouch.
- Class fee: is $135 + two fabrics, thread and one invisible zipper (see details below)
- Materials needed:
- PJ Shorts: 1.5 yards of cotton fabric (like quilting cotton or flannel) and matching thread.
- Throw pillow (18-20″) or zipper pouch/clutch: 1 yard of home decor fabric (a thicker fabric found in the home decor section of stores), 18-22″ matching invisible zipper, and matching thread
- Fabric stores in the area include:
- Three Little Birds Sewing Co.
- Sew Chic Fabrics and Crafts
- A Fabric Place Basement (my personal favorite)
- G Street Fabrics
- Joann Fabrics
- Max class size: 4 students
- Schedule: If a class does not appear in the list on the next page when you click on “Register” it usually means that the class is now full. Please contact me to be added to a wait list.
- Tuesdays 7-9pm, Oct 25, Nov 1, Nov 8, 2022 REGISTER
- Tuesdays 7-9pm, Nov 29, Dec 6, Dec 13, 2022 REGISTER
- Fridays 10am-1pm Oct 21 & 28, 2022 REGISTER
- Fridays 10am-1pm Dec 2 & 9, 2022 REGISTER
Level 2: Intermediate
These classes are designed as the next step after you have taken a beginner course or private lessons. They are for people who feel comfortable operating their sewing machine, but are still looking for guided instruction to expand their skills. Classes in this category include:
Learn how to tailor garments for a better fit, revive well-worn clothes through simple repairs and adjustments, and make something old into something new in this three part class.
Session 1: Hemming and Mending: We will cover the basics of hemming and mending techniques through a combination of demonstrations and hands-on practice. You will learn: how to measure and mark garments to shorten/lengthen, ways of hemming by machine and by hand, mending techniques for rips, tears, and holes, and how to sew on a button or fix some types of zipper fails.
Session 2: Alterations and Remixing: This session will help you understand the process for making alterations on existing garments and mixing together two or more garments to make something new. We will cover the basics of fitting, marking, and measurement, and learn how to take apart seams and mark them for tailoring, how to add darts and pleats, how to approach the process of combining two or more garments into a new piece.
Session 3: Project practice time! Bring garments you would like to work on for practice using all of the techniques explored in the first and second sessions.
- Class time: 6 hours total
- Maximum class size: 4 people
- Supplies required: garments from your closet to hem, mend, alter or remix
- Prerequisites: The Beginner Course or comfort threading and operating a sewing machine.
- Fee: $135
- Schedule: If a class does not appear in the list on the next page when you click on “Register” it usually means that the class is now full. Please contact me to be added to a wait list.
- Mondays 7-9pm, Sept 19, Sept 26, Oct 3, 2022
- Mondays 7-9pm, Nov 14, 21, 28, 2022
- Fridays 10am-1pm, Nov 4 & 11, 2022
All clothing projects need two essential things to begin: fabric, and a pattern. A pattern is a template that is used to cut out the pieces of fabric that are then sewed together to make the garment. Patterns can be obtained many ways; you can purchase a pre-made commercial pattern at a store, you can create your own paper pattern by copying a garment you already own, or you can draw shapes directly onto material and cut it out.
The fabric and pattern for a project are interdependent; not all fabrics work for all patterns, and the choice of fabric often informs the sizing of a pattern based on your goals for style, appearance, and fit.
In this three part class, we will dive deep into the process of choosing a pattern, selecting fabric, altering that pattern for your body type and size, cutting a garment out, and starting the initial sewing steps. You will not be completing a garment in this course, but you will start the process and be introduced to essential terms and techniques. The class is meant to give you a solid foundation of fundamental skills that can be applied to each project in your future. After the class, you can always bring a project to an Open Studio or Private Lesson for help as needed.
Class 1: Learn about fabric construction and fiber content, understand how fabric choice informs the garment appearance, choose fabrics that are right for your skill level. We will also cover how to measure yourself and choose the right pattern size, how to determine how much fabric is needed, and what other notions (thread, zipper, buttons, etc) should be purchased.
Class 2: Work with the pattern. You will come to this class with a pattern and fabric chosen for your project. We will go through the process of adjusting the pattern, laying it correctly onto the fabric, and starting the cutting and marking process.
Class 3: Cutting the fabric (continued), marking the fabric, and initial sewing steps.
- Class time: 3 sessions, 2 hours each
- Maximum class size: 4 people
- Supplies required: Pattern and fabric (to be purchased after the first class).
- Prerequisites: The Beginner Course or comfort threading and operating a sewing machine.
- Fee: $135
Schedule: If a class does not appear in the list on the next page when you click on “Register” it usually means that the class is now full. Please contact me to be added to a wait list.
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- Mondays 7-9pm, Dec 5, 12 & 19, 2022
Learn the secrets for accurately copying pieces in your wardrobe that you love in this three-part session workshop. This course will cover techniques for accurately creating a pattern from an existing garment without harming the existing garment, and using that pattern to make your items. We will also learn about properties of different fabrics and how this impacts the replicating process.
You will be learning how to create an accurate pattern for a garment in this class and will begin the cutting and sewing process, but will probably not finish the entire garment in class (that can take many more hours of sewing). After this course, if you feel you still need help navigating the construction process, you can alway attend an Open Studio.
Session 1: Overview of copying materials and techniques and begin the copying process.
Session 2: Continue copying your pattern and truing (checking) it for accuracy. Begin cutting the pattern out from fabric.
Session 3: Cutting (continued) and sewing.
- Class time: 3 sessions, 2 hours each
- Maximum class size: 4 people
- Supplies required: Garment(s) you would like to learn how to copy, pen & paper for taking notes, or a smartphone/digital camera for taking pictures. Even though you will only have enough time to work on copying one item, it is good to bring multiple pieces so that I can help you choose the best one to start with, and explain how you might approach copying the others.
- Prerequisites: Some experience with making clothes already (such as the Beginner Course or self-taught garment construction) is highly recommended.
- Fee: $135
Schedule: If a class does not appear in the list on the next page when you click on “Register” it usually means that the class is now full. Please contact me to be added to a wait list.
- Mondays 7-9pm, Oct 10, 17, 24, 2022
- Class fee: is $40/class + supplies or purchase a package of 6 for $210 ($35/class). If you are using the package, purchase it first and then schedule your dates.
- Max class size: 4 students
- Prerequisites: Beginner Course or knowledge of basic sewing machine operation
- Schedule: If a class does not appear in the list on the next page when you click on “Register” it usually means that the class is now full. Please contact me to be added to a wait list.
Level 3: Advanced
At this time I recommend private lessons for advanced learners. You can also feel free to email me with questions about your interests or goals.
What if I want to become a fashion designer or get help preparing for fashion design school?
If you are interested in becoming a fashion designer, I recommend starting with a 1.5 hour private lesson so that you can share your ideas and I can help you understand the steps in the road ahead of you, whether that may be embarking on an entrepreneurial endeavor or preparing a portfolio for a fashion school. I operated a small production house in Washington, DC for almost three years and can work with you to explain the stages of product development, offer you resources for further learning, and help connect you with ways to begin production once you are ready.
All Levels Welcome: Mindful Textile Workshops
The pandemic has taken a toll on all of us, and now more than ever it is important to make time for practices that bring you in touch with your innate creativity and help you center in the midst of so much uncertainty.
This spring I am offering a series of workshops that weave together techniques of mindfulness, contemplative art, and textile play, giving you a relaxing and creative experience that engages your senses and brings you in touch with what you love and value most.
No prior sewing experience or artistic skill is required for any of these. Just come as you are, ready to explore and find a little joy experimenting with fabric and color. Each workshop is a stand alone activity on a different topic. With luck, you may find something that can be a satisfying practice to continue on your own in the future, or it may just be a fun way to treat yourself in-the-moment.
Block printing is a process of creating your own textile “stamps” that can be used to create striking fabric designs. The process is simple, soothing, and requires no prior experience or special artistic skills.
In this 3-hour session you will learn how to use tools, inks, and materials to create your own prints and try your hand at making a small textile. I’ll show you examples of different blocks and walk you step by step through the process of carving your own design (or designs) on an easy-to-cut soft rubber block.
As we work, you will practice moving through each stage of the process with mindfulness and gentle attention, letting yourself explore what unfolds. You will be provided enough material to experiment, make mistakes, and have fun!
- Class time: 1 session, 3 hours
- Maximum class size: 6 people
- Supplies required: none
- Prerequisites: none
- Fee: $60 (all materials included). You will leave the class with your own carved block(s), plus small textiles that you have created in class.
- Schedule:
- TBD — if you are interested in this class in the future please contact me
Painting on silk is a deeply satisfying way to play with color. Using different techniques, silk dyes can create designs that are fluid and organic like watercolor or sharp and defined like stained glass. The class will cover the dyes, resists, and materials that are used in the process, as well as methods for blending, mixing, and altering colors.
You do not need to know how to draw or paint or have any special skills to enjoy this class. Templates for designs will be available for you to trace onto fabric and then fill in with color, like a coloring book. You can also draw your own design if you prefer, or freehand paint.
As we work, we will practice breathing with the brush strokes and watching what unfolds with patience and curiosity.
Each participant will take home a design they have made and an 8” embroidery hoop used in the process. The designs you create can be framed as artwork or incorporated later into a sewn piece.
- Class time: 1 session, 3 hours
- Maximum class size: 6 people
- Supplies required: none
- Prerequisites: none
- Fee: $60 (all materials included). You will leave the class with your own designed piece(s), plus an 8” embroidery hoop
- Schedule: TBD — if you are interested in this class in the future please contact me
Take a breath, take a stitch, take another breath, take care of yourself! In this three hour beginner-friendly workshop you will learn basic skills to create an embroidered design of your choosing that reminds you of something you need more of in your life, such as joy, support, nature, gentleness, strength, energy, freedom, and so on.
You will learn six basic embroidery stitches — running stitch, backstitch, cross stitch, satin stitch, chain stitch and the french knot— to create a small (4″ diameter) design. The class will be taught using simple, breath-oriented mindfulness techniques to slow down and self-soothe as we work.
- Class time: 1 session, 3 hours
- Maximum class size: 6 people
- Supplies required: none
- Prerequisites: none
- Fee: $60 (all materials included). You will leave the class with your own embroidery hoop, your sewn design, and a small format frame to display it.
- Schedule:
- TBD — if you are interested in this class in the future please contact me