Help for Beginning Sewer! Anyone here give lessons?

BarbaraSmith · Joined: 07 Nov 2007 Posts: 1 Location: Acton

I have sewn with my daughter since she was a toddler, but we're primitives, that is: we sew in a straight line on a machine I received as a college graduation gift. Now she is at Bennington, ready to participate in a fashion design class during spring term. She'll be home starting Dec. 15 for two months for Field Work Term and in addition to working at an art gallery (if this turns out) she wants sewing lessons so she can really learn the skills she will need. She could drive to Nashua NH to Nashua Sew N Vac, or to Fabric Place in Framingham--but I wonder if someone who knows the basics would be interested in giving her lessons? I intend to get a new machine & learn along with her. Or: does anyone have a good source for lessons closer to Acton than Nashua or Framingham?
Thanks!
Barbara Smith

PatriceSmith · Joined: 03 May 2007 Posts: 1 Location: MA

I see from your geographic references that you're near Boston. I can reference two different sewing instruction programs, both in Arlington, MA (just off Route 2). Laura's Sewing School is dedicated to teaching sewing skills. The Arlington Community Education program also offers a weekly sewing class. I've taken classes at both.

Laura's Sewing School
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http://www.laurassewingschool.com/
781.646.2463

Laura Wirkkala is the owner/instructor. She is patient and informative, tailoring her instruction to your expertise level and learning style. I took a class with her several years ago and produced the first dress that fits me perfectly. My mother is now taking a class with her geared toward home decorating skills. Both my mother and I are intermediate level (but mostly self-taught) sewers; Laura taught us both many useful tricks. (I learned that I had always been applying interfacing incorrectly, go figure!) The website should answer most of your questions about the classes. I'm thinking of taking the pattern fitting course she's offering in January!

Arlington Community Education
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http://www.arlingtoncommunityed.org/
(781) 316-3568

Arlington Community Education offers a weekly sewing class. It's mostly geared toward beginners but I took the class a year or so ago and enjoyed myself. The classes are at the high school, easily reached from Route 2.

I suspect that there are other town community education programs that offer sewing as well. I hope this information helps -- happy sewing!

-- Patrice

Lois · Posted: Fri Nov 09, 2007 10:53 am Post subject:

When I lived in Billerica years ago, I took sewing classes at the Bedford Adult Education program in the high school. That was 20 years ago, so you'd have to call and find out if the program still exists.

Carole · Posted: Sat Nov 10, 2007 10:19 am Post subject:

Hi Barbara,

I work at SB and like to help people learn more about sewing. I live just outside of Worester, so that isn't too far from where you are.

I'm flexible about times, your place or mine, your project or mine, etc. I particularly like working with younger sewers, like your daughter. I teach a sewing 'club' for the middle school at my daughter's school once a week. I think I have more fun than the participants.

What fun to buy a new machine and get your hobby cranking!

Let me know if you are interested.

Carole

Carole · Posted: Sat Nov 10, 2007 10:20 am Post subject:

Really, I sew better than I spell. I live just outside of Worcester.