Sewing Classes
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June 2007
I am a self-taught sewer and a crappy one at that. I love to sew, but need help with my
technique. I'm looking for an easy-going beginner-ish class in the east bay. I am aware
of the classes at Stone Mountain Daughter in Berkeley, but wondered if anyone had
additional recommendations. I would be especially interested in any classes at the local
adult ed schools, since they tend to be more reasonably priced.
Thanks!
I can't speak to the cost relative to other classes but there is a wonderful new business called
''Sew Now'' in Lafayette just off of Mt. Diablo Blvd.
My daughter's Girl Scout class had an introduction to sewing class that was great.
The machines were extremely easy to use and there were 8 to 10 available. The store has floor to
ceiling windows on 2 sides out of 4 so there is lots of natural light. There were alot of classes
offered and the owner was very nice.
She might even have introductory pricing as it is a new business.
Signed: Not a sewer
Go to www.tinkersworkshop.org (they are in the process of changing their name to Waterside
Workshops) where they list beginning sewing workshops that sound really fun.
I haven't gone yet but hope to go.
Julie
''Better Living Through Sewing'', taught by Diana Stasko in both her home and at the Crucible are
great to start. She's down to earth, patient, and a bit on the alternative side (NOT the home ec
teacher type i avoided and therfore never learned how to sew). check out her website.
lyn
August 2006
My 8-year-old daughter is interested in sewing and I think she would enjoy a hand-
sewing class before a machine-sewing class. I can only find machine-sewing classes
though. Anyone know of a hand-sewing class for children?
Deanna
Just saw an announcement for a Kids' Hand Sewing class at Stone
Mountain. The July one has passed, but there's another listed
for Aug. 22 from 10:30 to 1:30. 2518 Shattuck. 845-6106.
stonemountainfabric.com
hope it works!
March 2006
I have always had a passion for sewing but never pursude it.
Where can I learn how to sew locally? Anyone out there who is
willing to teach for a reasonable price?
Check out Stonemountain and Daughter on Shattuck near Dwight in Berkeley
(http://www.stonemountainfabric.com). My friend took sewing classes there and liked it.
Also, I saw some classes in progress there once and it looked great. The website has
information on classes.
I took a basic machine sewing class at Stone Mountain and
Daughter on Shattuck in Berkeley. My instructor was Alice Elliot,
and we made drawstring pants from a purchased pattern - covering
some minor fitting adjustments and different hems. I enjoyed the
class and would recommend it as a good intro. They also offer
more specialized classes as well.
http://www.stonemountainfabric.com/pages/sewingschool.html
juno
Sept 2005
Can anyone recommend a sewing class for my 7-year-old (in or
near Berkeley)? She's very interested, but my own knowledge is
minimal.
Thanks so much!
Marilyn
My daughters took sewing classes at Stone Mountain and Daughter
on Shattuck in Berkeley and they really liked it. It was a 4
day, 3 hour hour class during the summer. I am not sure what
they have throughout the year or how young they take children
for their classes, but I recommend checking it out. They have a
web site.
I also have a seven-year old daughter who wants to take sewing
classes. I asked at Stone Mountain & Daughter about lessons for
her a few months ago. They were pretty discouraging about
starting her at that age. It seemed to be, at least in part, a
size issue (she is small for her age). They weren't sure she'd
be able to operate a sewing machine safely until she was a
little taller and her arms a little longer.
However, my sister and I took classes at Singer when I was a
child growing up in New York. She was about 6 and I was about
9. We were the only kids in an adult class, and we did OK. So
I'm not sure if SM&D's expressed concern is their actual
concern, or if they just don't really offer classes for younger
children and don't feel comfortable including them in classes
for older people.
Lisa
Marianne Henri runs Sew Much Fun which my middle school daughter
has greatly enjoyed the last few years. Marianne has week long
sessions during school vacations and in the summer. I don't know
if she has on-going classes or if she works with kids as young as
7. You can reach her at MJHENRI[AT]aol.com or 525-6436.
Feb 2005
I would love to learn how to sew & make my own designs and just
received a wonderful machine for my b-day. My husband travels
so frequently which makes it very hard for me to sign up for an
evening or afternoon class. I would love to take some private
lessons with someone who could come to my house. Is there
anyone like that out there?
designer wanabe
You could try Janet Manning in Berkeley at 510.845.3058 or
847.6234. She would come to your house for lessons. Janet is a
talented seamstress and super nice woman. She also has a great
sense of style but isn't so hip as to be intimidating. She is
launching a pattern business but does things on the side like
this.
Elizabeth
August 2004
I am considering taking beginning sewing classes at Sew Images on
Piedmont Ave. Wondered if anyone has taken their classes and
could comment on the instruction they received. Thanks!
Erin
I took a beginning sewing class at Sew Images last spring (15
months ago) and loved it. I had never used a sewing machine
before and the beginning clas really got me going. Cecilia was
fun and patient, with very clear instructions. A few thoughts:
choose your first project with some thought - it should have
elements you'll find challenging but manageable. I wanted to
know how to do sleeves and a whole dress. Others wanted to know
how to do a lined skirt. I liked how she gave you the freedom
to choose your own project. You need to have time to work on
your project at home, otherwise you won't really benefit from
the class. And you need your own machine - it doesn't have to
be fancy (mine is a 1960s Singer). Cecilia will try to sell you
a fancy new one (that is, after all, her main business), but
she's very understanding if you want to use your old one to get
your feet on the ground.
good luck and have fun!
Mary Ann
May 2003
There is a summer sewing class being offered by Marianne Henri
in her home this summer. I need to find somewhere for my 13-yr
old to be for a couple of weeks, and sewing is a life skill I
feel she could get some use from. She isn't particularly
interested in sewing per se, but loves doing crafts and working
with her hands. Can anyone vouch for this teacher? anyone used
her for a week of serwing camp?
Any other ideas for last two weeks of July for activities for
my daughter so I can work those weeks before taking off in
August for the family vacation??
Marianne's class was wonderful for both my gals. At ages 11 1/2
& 9 they were absolutely engrossed with their week with Marianne
last summer. They learned a lot about sewing, fabric and were
positively charged about creating their own designs after class
ended. Marianne was a pleasure to deal with and the kids really
enjoyed learning from her. If you have any other questions, feel
free to contact me.
Tree
The Tinkers Workshop holds weekly sewing classes for
beginners and workshop for those experienced at sewing.
It is located at 1337 Channing-between San pablo and
Sacramento.
Phone is 644-2577- call ahead to make sure it's on.
judith
November 2001
Can anyone recommend adult sewing classes for a beginner?
Thank you very much
Julie
There are classes offered at a place on Piedmont Avenue
in North Oakland but I don't know much about them. Just
this weekend I went to Stone Mountain and Daughter Company
and pickup their brochure. They are on Shattuck just
south of Dwight Way. Their classes look great and I
think I'm going to take a class there to brush up on my
ancient sewing skills. They also offered a wide array
of dates/days of the week, etc. Also many classes.
Samantha
Two places come to mind: The Sewing Workshop in San
Francisco has lots of sewing classes, for beginners and
up through advanced sewers. Very interesting people
teach there, and the classes tend to be excellent and
unusual. However, it is a long way to travel. In the
Berkeley, check with Stonemountain and Daughters fabric
store on Shattuck at Dwight. They have a list of classes.
Have fun! Carolyn
Stonemountain and Daughter offers great sewing classes
for beginners.
Danielle
For clothing, Stone Mountain & Daughter, on Shattuck.
For quilting, New Pieces on Solano.
Heather
I enjoyed a couple of beginning sewing
classes that I took at StoneMountain
and Daughters in Berkeley on Shattuck
Avenue (just south of Dwight on the west
side of the street).
Stone Mountain and Daughter in Berkeley
The Sewing Workshop in San Francisco
Elysse
I've really enjoyed the beginning sewing classes at
the Emeryville JoAnn Fabrics. I took the class three
times and emerged with three wearable pieces of
clothing. The instructor, Pat, is a dynamo. She
takes you from pattern and fabric selection to
finishing the project in five weeks. A great
non-frustrating way to learn how to sew. It's
probably still on Tuesday nights.
Have fun!
Shirley
May 1999
Some places to check for sewing classes are: Joanne's Fabrics
(previously called New York Fabrics) in Emeryville, New Pieces on Solano
Ave., Poppy's Fabrics, and Stonemountain Daughters. These places either
have sewing classes or would know of private parties who offer them.
Updated (June 2003):
Barbara Allen teaches sewing lessons in her home studio in the Oakland Hills for girls third
grade through high school. Maximum class size is six students. Each student is provided
her own machine and tools. Three twelve week sessions are taught during the school year.
In class patterns are provided, which are used along with the teacher's small line of sewing
patterns that can be viewed at www.brownpaperpatterns.com. For more information call
510-655-9496.
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