Thank you for visiting my page. I'm in the process of moving my machines and sewing studio.
Lessons should resume by late summer 2024.
Learning to sew is more than learning how to use a machine. Sewists learn to visualize and see multiple perspectives, we know the rewards of being patient and the importance of being precise. We can depend on our ingenuity because it is one of the best tools we have to problem solve. Sewing combines creativity with operational skills which requires you to use both sides of your brain at the same time.
YOU WILL LEARN
How to safely operate a machine, including maintenance, troubleshooting and how to fix common problems.
Basic sewing concepts and techniques, types of stitches, ways to finish seams, tips for sewing on difficult fabrics, and skills specific to your sewing goals.
The language of sewing, where to find resources, and all those things that pattern companies assume you already know.
CLASSES
You don't need to buy a machine!
I bring the machine, fabric and everything you need to get started. If you have a machine in working order, I will teach you the specifics of your model.
Individual Lessons
I charge an hourly rate + travel fee. Lessons are tailored to your level of experience and the skills you wish to learn. I give lessons on vintage machines and modern embroidery machines. Please call to discuss the details and pricing.
Group Lessons - I bring the classroom to you!
I highly encourage group lessons with the purpose of learning together, connecting with each other, and with the hope you might form your own sewing community.I have machines to teach 2-10 people. Once you have a group together and have decided on a date, place and time, contact me and we will discuss the details and pricing. The location needs to have sturdy tables, chairs and outlets.
Schedule classes by email or text/cell
[email protected]
502-500-0480
What is Machine Embroidery?
Machine Embroidery can produce professional, precise, and unique items. It requires an embroidery machine, digitized computer files, and a checklist of various supplies.These classes will teach you how to operate an embroidery machine. In addition to basic embroidery functions, you will be introduced to machine applique, in-the-hoop projects (ITH), and free-standing lace (FSL). You will learn the concepts of design density and compensation, design placement, fonts, and knock-down stitching.This is a hands-on experience which is designed to help you decide if you want to pursue the hobby. If you have already decided to pursue the hobby this will be a thorough overview of tips, techniques, and pit falls to avoid. These classes may help you to decide on what size machine/hoop to purchase, if you need a combo machine, and if you want to purchase pre made designs or what software you might consider to edit or create your own designs.These are examples of machine embroidery. I used a digitizing software to create the designs for the embroidery machine to stitch out.
What is Refashioning?
Re-fashioning is taking a piece of clothing or a piece of home decor and using all or a part to create another fashionable item. The following example is how my daughter and I took a dress from Depop and re-fashioned it into her prom dress. She looked fabulous.
We bought a dress off Depop but it was waaaay too short for prom, but we loved the top.
SO, we carefully seam ripped the skirt off. I designed and made flocked tulle and we bought matching red fabric to get the length we wanted
Since it was already deconstructed, we decided to replace the zipper with a lace up back which really changed the style
It turned out better than the original dress, there was no chance anyone would show up in a matching one, and we saved a few bucks. The scraps were perfect for a matching purse and we still have the original cute little skirt. Ta-da! That is re-fashioning!
My StoryIf you know me from No Scraps Left Behind LLC, then you may know I was taught to sew by 3 amazing women. If you are meeting me for the first time, go to No Scraps Left Behind LLC and scroll to the bottom of the page to learn about how I ended up here. It includes me accidentally starting a business. Oops.I love teaching people about what I am passionate about, but I never considered teaching people how to sew. This changed when I crossed paths with two young adults looking at sewing machines in Goodwill.Maybe it was the mom in me, and I'm sure the boys thought "who is this lady?" as I gave them a quick lesson on how to check for cracked gears and if the machine would sew. It's what I do.Later that day, I started to wonder if the current generations might be missing out? The 80's Fashion Shop era changed everything, and sewing skills probably skipped a few generations since it is not taught in schools anymore. I went home and started planning.I am going to do my best to provide a foundation of concepts, techniques, and resources so anyone can start a successful sewing journey. This is not possible in a 2-hour class so please don't expect to take one class and run out and sew yourself a new wardrobe. Honestly, you should expect to take 3 or more classes to get a solid start.The beginner sessions will cover all the things that you are expected to already know - but nobody tells you. The intermediate sessions include techniques that build upon each other, and I have plans for target classes that focus on specific skills.We will laugh together, celebrate accomplishments and just connect with each other.Amy