Our classroom is located inside the Agawam United Methodist Church in Feeding Hills.
The street address of the church is 459 Mill St, Feeding Hills, MA 01030.
Everyone is welcome to come sew with me!
Sign Up Now as Space is Limited...
I look forward to sharing my love of sewing with anyone who has an interest in learning how to sew. I will teach a class to as few as two people and as many as five.
Classes become available by popular demand. I offer a flexible day and evening schedule.
I view my students in the same way I view my clients. I will treat you with the utmost respect and understanding, regardless of age , gender, religion, orientation, political perspectives, etc. I truly appreciate the investment of your time and your efforts in learning a new skill. I know that you can learn to sew and I would be happy to have the chance to teach you.
I keep class sizes limited to five people. Small groups seem to work best so that everyone gets the attention they need. In larger groups, some people may feel a little overwhelmed or are afraid of lagging behind. I want everyone to be comfortable and to move along at their own speed and skill level.
In addition to hands-on sewing, each student receives a lesson plan with notes and diagrams to take home. You can review what we have done in class on your own and will have printed information to refer back to. Homework will be fun, and it will be optional. It will not be graded!
Are you interested in one of my classes but you do not own a sewing machine?
You can rent one from me for a very small fee for the five week courses. This is a great way to try sewing before making a major investment in a sewing machine. It's always a good idea to "try before you buy"! A security deposit will be required if you would like to take the sewing machine home with you between classes. The deposit will be given back when the machine is returned in the same condition in which it was rented.
If you choose to purchase the machine you rent, the $25.00 rental fee and any security deposit will be deducted from the sale price.
"DESIGN INSPRIATION"
YES, YOU CAN LEARN TO SEW!
Beginning sewing classes forming for Western Mass and Conneticut
You will learn how to thread your machine, wind a bobbin, buy fabric and patterns, and make a simple project. You do not have to start with making placemats or pillows. You may choose your own pattern, however I suggest starting with something simple.
Clothing without zippers or buttons may be a good idea, as well as a whole range of home decor and accessories. The main thing to look for is simple construction. Look for patterns that are marked as "easy" or "2 hour" and the like.
"DESIGN INTERVENTION"
Advanced Beginner / Intermediate Class
Starting in October 2008
An advanced beginner is someone who can wind a bobbin, thread their machine and use it without assistance. An Intermediate is someone who has completed several projects and is ready to learn how to insert zippers, and to make buttonholes.
In "Design Intervention" we will be able to make some alterations to commercial patterns. We will modify garment patterns to fit better, and may eliminate or add elements to a basic pattern. Techniques such as embellishing with trim, applique and beading will be introduced. The goal of this class is to encourage the student to add their own creative flair to their projects.
Students who own dressmaker's forms are encouraged to bring them. Any student who has completed the beginner class with me may sign up for the intermediate class.
Both "Design Inspiration" and "Design Intervention" are taught to groups and individuals.
Classroom-
Group classes, which meet once a week for five weeks, are two hours long. The fee for the entire group course is $250.00. A deposit of $125.00 is required when you register, with the balance due at the second class. I will teach the class for three to five students at a time.
If you have to miss a class, I will arrange for a makeup lesson if you like. If you start in a group and find that you need private lessons, I will be happy to work something out.
Private Lessons-
In addition to group classes, I offer private lessons in your home and am willing to work around your schedule. Private lessons are a good option if the group classes are inconvenient or if you prefer one on one instruction. Private lessons are $35.00 per hour. There are no minimum hours required.
We can always reschedule a private lesson if the need arises.
Discounts-
Discounts are available when you refer a friend, or if you decide to host a class for one or more friends in your home. Class size will be limited to five people. I would ask you to think carefully before you volunteer to host a class. Other people will be counting on you to be able to do this for five weeks.
Make-up Classes-
I will arrange for makeup lessons if you have to miss a class. I understand that emergencies arise, and I'll be happy to keep you caught up.
Refunds-
Although deposits are generally non-refundable , exceptions can be made at my discretion depending on the circumstances. Sometimes a private lesson or starting in a later class group might work better.
In Summary-
Whether in the classroom or your living room, I want this experience to be as joyful as it is informative. You tell me what you want to do, and I will help you do it. I am happy to provide fabric and patterns to practice with for a nominal fee.
Private and group classes are for anyone who wants to be there. A "beginner" is a person who has either never sewn, or may have taken a class years ago and has never touched a machine since. If you've always wanted to know how to sew, this is the class for you. Just bring yourself, your machine, and a willingness to try something new.
If an interest in more advanced techniques develop, I will offer new classes to build on your skills.
Free help is always available to anyone online, whether you are one of my students or someone who just wants to ask a question.
If you are interested in group or private lessons, please email me through the "contact us" page.