This special class will cover the basics of sewing with faux fur. We'll learn about pile, cutting strategies, minimizing the bulk, and finishing. Samples of several kinds of fur will be provided for testing and practice.

We'll have a one-day workshop to cover the details. The first part is all about the fur, and the second half is starting on a holiday stocking with a fur cuff. (With a break in the middle for a quick lunch.) We might only get part of the stocking finished. I'll provide white fur for your cuff; you provide the rest of the materials (1/2 yard of outer fabric and 1/2 yard of lining is usually sufficient).

Class is suitable for ages 13+, although you should already have basic sewing skills. Bring your sewing machine and favorite tools to the first class.

Part of the Getting Better series*, this 4-week class will cover pockets. We'll go over patch, in-seam, and 3-piece. If time allows, we might discuss how to add pockets to an existing garment.

Bring your sewing machine and favorite tools to the first class. Practice materials are provided. This class is suitable for ages 13+ (if you're not registering a teen, click "continue" to skip on the registration page).

*especially created for people who want to Get Better at Sewing, but aren't working on a specific project. Excellent for beginners who aren't brand new, but appreciate a scaffold to the next level.

For those brand new to sewing, this class will walk you through how to use your machine, what tools are generally useful, basics about seams and finishes, and will complete a small book bag project. Estimated materials cost for outside purchases is $20-25; other class materials are provided. Class meets 5 times.

This session is for ages 13+. If you do not have a teen to register, simply click continue to skip that screen.

Does fitting a commercial pattern make you crazy? How do you know what "ease" is and where to put it? Why don't the sizes line up to anything we recognize? What size should I be using? 

Colleen talks through all of these common questions and more, in this one-day session on fitting a commercial pattern. Bring your pattern and the measurements of the wearer to this class. We'll first make a couple of practice adjustments, and then move on to your own project.

If you're elbow-deep in a project and are having trouble, you can bring that along and I'll help you solve your issue. Bring the pattern too!

We'll spend most of our time working out the predictable pattern issues, so probably won't get to doing much sewing. However, if you speed through the process, you're welcome to use the time to work on a test garment. Muslin to make a test garment is optional. 

Part of the Getting Better series*, this 3-week class will cover different shaping techniques. We'll cover darts, pleats, and gathers.

Bring your sewing machine and favorite tools to the first class. Practice materials are provided. This class is suitable for ages 13+ (if you are not registering a teen, click "continue" to skip to the next screen).

*especially created for people who want to Get Better at Sewing, but aren't working on a specific project. Excellent for beginners who aren't brand new, but appreciate a scaffold to the next level.

Sewing with knit fabrics is a whole new set of skills. This class will provide basic information about different kinds of knits: plain cotton, sweater knits, and high-stretch spandex. Suggestions, tips, and tricks provided, along with generous fabric samples for practice. This class provides practice and information, preparing you to jump into your own projects.

Bring your regular sewing machine and favorite tools to the first class. Some sewing machines are very picky about which fabrics they will sew - stretch and ball point needles sometimes help here. If all else fails, I have machines on site for you to use.

This class is for people who have some experience sewing. Teens 13+ welcome. (Click continue to skip registering a teen.) 

Making alterations to store-bought clothes can be tricky. I'll help you through it.

In our first session, we will talk about hemming pants: blind hems, topstitched hems, and especially jeans.

The second session will focus on sleeves, including simple knit edges and cuffs.

Our last session will cover shortening straps and sleeveless tops, plus time spent identifying fit issues.

Our well-equipped studio has everything you need, but feel free to bring your favorite machine or little scissors. I'll have items for you to practice on, so you can build your skill before tackling your favorite blouse.

Meets 3 times, two hours each.

How to identify and define fabrics, where to buy them, what all the words mean. Online resources provided. 4 sessions will barely scratch the surface, lots of fabric samples provided for you to cut and sew.

Sewing tools not needed on the first day, but you might like a notebook.

This session is for ages 13+ (if you are not registering a teen, click "continue" to skip to the next screen).