Adult Classes
Adult Classes
• Beginner to Advanced Courses
• Memberships Available
• Workshops
Our Classes
Adult Introductory Sewing Classes
Sewing 1 Intro to Your Sewing Machine - 1 session, 1 1/2 hour - $20.00
Do you have a sewing machine or serger (overlock) or coverstitch machine and don’t how to use it? Thinking about learning to sew? This class will cover so much in a short time about the sewing machine. We’ll wind the bobbin and install it, thread the machine, adjust stitch length and width, backstitch, use some of the different stitches, review the accessories included in package and make an embroidered pincushion. For overlocks, we will spend lots of time on threading so you won’t be apprehensive is something comes unthreaded! Outside of the pincushion, there is no sewing instruction in this class.
Sewing 101 - 4 sessions, 3 hours each + 3 lab hours, 15 hours total - $160.00
Never sewed and want to find out about it? This class is designed for the beginning stitcher and will get you started sewing your own garments and accessories. You will also discover the joy of the creative journey. Cutting on grain, importance of pressing, and following a sewing sequence are covered in depth. Each session is project oriented and each student will leave class with finished usable projects. 3 open lab hours are included.
Sewing 101A - 2 sessions, 3 hours each, 6 hours total, - $85.00
The first 2 sessions of our Sewing 101, brief and concise!
Sewing 102 Jumpstart Sewing - 1 session, 3 hours, supplies included - $50.00
This is a single session class that will introduce you to the concepts of sewing. You will learn about the importance of grainline, cutting correctly, sewing a straight seam, the importance of pressing, and a discussion of closures. You will complete a project - a bag that will fit in your purse or backpack! Supplies are included in the class. Get a group of friends together make this class a Sip’n’Sew gathering!
Adult Open Sewing Labs
Adult Open Sewing - $8.00 hourly
Once you have completed the first class, come in to practice, use the home or industrial overlocks and coverstitch machines, dressforms, cutting tables, irons, and other professional equipment. The lab time is set up to work independently-no instructor assistance is provided. Pre-requisite: current or previous enrollment in a TLSR class.
Wednesday Night Creative Open Sewing Lab - $10.00 hourly
This lab is a more class-like experience to work on your own projects and get help. Or set this up on a membership – see below.
Adult Sewing - $36.00 per 3-hour session
Our adult sewing classes are a $36.00 per 3-hour session. We have estimated the minimum number of sessions needed to complete the projects. If you need more time to finish, you can purchase additional sessions.
We prefer you acquire your patterns from online retailers that create custom fit patterns for you by you inputting your measurements into their system and they email you the style you have picked in your pattern measurements. You can then self print and assemble or forward to a printing company. We can offer suggestions of companies to try. The Big 4 companies that are available at local fabric stores are also acceptable but you will use more class time for fitting, they’re sizing can be confusing, and they generally are not size inclusive. Call the shop for more information.
Beginning Garment Sewing 5-6 sessions.
This class will build on the skills learned in Sewing 101 or is designed for stitchers with some sewing experience. Projects created in this class include a top and a bottom. Accurate cutting and sewing, reading pattern sewing instructions, interfacings, darts, blind hem, zipper can be covered. This class is project oriented and each student will leave class with finished wearable garments.
Intermediate Garment Sewing 5-6 sessions
Continue your sewing journey with more technically advanced projects and use more challenging-to-handle fabrics. This class will cover lined dresses and a light simple unlined jacket. Zippers and edge finishes will be covered and if time permits we can use some couture techniques.
Advanced Garment Sewing 6-7 sessions
Further your skills and learn to make a lined jacket or coat incorporating fusable interfacings and contemporary (and some traditional) tailoring techniques. Single, double welt, and lined patch pockets, notched or shawl collars, and lining can be covered. You will leave class with a finished project.
Basic Sewing Techniques Sampling 2 hours per session - $30.00 per session
Learn a variety of sewing techniques that will transfer to your projects. This class is not project based; it is techniques oriented. You will create a notebook of techniques and when to apply them to use for future reference. This is a great way to learn a plethora of information quickly and easily and will serve you well in the future. We suggest you take this in conjunction with Sewing 101 and Intermediate Sewing. You may never need another sewing class again until you want to sew knits.
Supplies:
binder for samples, basic sewing kit. (Pre-cut fabric supplied by TLSR).
- A What to Know Before You Sew
- B Hand Stitches and Hemming
- C Seam Finishes and Treatments
- D Fullness
- E Facings & Special Seams
- F Bias Bindings Sleeves and Interfacings
- G Collars & Plackets
- H Closures
- I Zippers
- J Pockets
- K Knit Treatments for Swim and Lingerie
Focused Sewing Classes – Intermediate Level Experience Required
Knits 101 4-5 sessions + $10.00 lab fee
This class is all about sewing knits. You will learn to identify knit type, stretch ratios, and cutting knits for optimal stretch benefits. Cutting and attaching rib to necklines in a variety of ways, t-shirt construction, attaching elastic for leggings, alternatives to coverstitching hems, will be covered. Use of the overlock (serger) will be covered. Projects covered include a t-shirt, leggings or pants, and a hooded casual jacket.
Swimwear 3-4 sessions + $10.00 lab fee. Prerequisite: Knits 101
Do you have an extra long torso or are large on top? Maybe you have had a mastectomy. Do you just have trouble finding a cute and sexy swimsuit that fits you? Learn how to fit your suit, handle elastics for the openings and create straps for tying and wrapping. We can even create a cover-up for lounging in.
Lingerie 4-6 sessions + $10.00 lab fee. Prerequisite: Knits 101
Learn basic lingerie construction and elastic applications to create your choice of a sexy nightgowns, robes, tap pants, camisoles, panties or nightgowns. Most garments are made in knits and you will be using the overlock for most construction. Stretch lace elastics, picot edge elastics, and lace appliques will be covered.
Formal Dresses 4-6 sessions
Be the only one on the dance floor with your own custom formal dress. Choose your own pattern and our instructors will provide instruction in cutting, sewing, fitting, and finishing your formal dress. This class is project oriented and you will leave class with a finished and wearable garment.
Traditional Tailoring 10-12 Sessions
Learn to make a custom tailored jacket the “old school way” using hand tailoring techniques. Basting, tailor tacks, padstitching are covered. Minimum enrollment required. Please call the studio for information.
Seasonal Adult Classes
Dorm Room Delights 2-4 sessions.
Send your teen to the dorm with items to make their lives easy and organized. You choose your projects: robe, pajama pant or short, oversized laundry bag, bedside organizer, hanging toiletry bag, or sleeping mask. Got other ideas – Let us know! This class is project oriented and you should complete 3-5 projects.
Horrors of Halloween 3-4 sessions plus 1 consulting hour.
Spooky costumes galore come from this class. Consult with the instructor before class begins, shop for patterns and fabrics and come sew costumes for yourself and loved ones. Instructor is a costume designer with a variety of experience making kids and adult costumes for personal, theatre, and film. This class is project oriented and you will leave class with a completed 1 – 2 piece costume.
Table Linens and Hostess Apron 3-4 sessions.
Get ready for the holidays and make your own linen placemats, napkins and rings, table runners, and a matching apron. Practice a few heirloom sewing techniques. This class is project based; you will leave class with an apron, placemat, and napkin and ideas for rings. You will finish the rest on your own or in lab.
Quick and Easy Gifts 3-4 sessions.
Avoid the last minute rush for holiday gifts by making your own gifts from the heart! Gift projects can include zipper bags, holiday aprons, table runners, casserole carries, pillowcases, etc. Bring your ideas! This class is project oriented and you can make 2-3 items during the class.
Don’t see what you are looking for? Call The Little Sewing Room. If we can sew it, we will try to set up a class for you so you can!
Adults, Kids, and Teens
Beginning Fashion Illustration 4 sessions, 2 hours each - TBA $
In the world of fashion, concepts need to be conveyed through drawings and illustrations. Express fashion designs and ideas through artistic renderings of the fashion figure, showing apparel on the body and in “flat” form for technical purposes. This class may be offered online.
Mommy (or Daddy) and Me 2 sessions, 2 1/2 hours each, 5 hours total - $75.00
(price for one parent and one child, $25.00 for each additional person)
Spend some fun time with your child and sew together and then bake or cook together. You will make matching aprons or skirts for yourself and your little one. Prerequisite – parent should have some sewing experience. Child age 8 and up.
Preparing for Fashion School 4 sessions 3 hours each, 12 hours total - $145.00
Get a preview of some of the techniques you will be learning when you enroll in a college fashion program. Practice makes perfect and this class will take the pressure off and help you get the best grade possible!
Memberships for Labs
Need a place to sew in a creative environment? We would love for you to join us at The Little Sewing Room. Bring your machine and use our tables, dressforms, and irons and just sew! Don’t have a machine? We have newer mechanical machines available.
Membership Plans:
Plan A: includes 6 hours of monthly use of shop $ 48.00 monthly
Plan B: includes 9 hours of monthly use of shop $ 70.00 monthly
Plan C: includes 12 hours of monthly use of shop $ 90.00 monthly
Plan D: includes 15 hours of monthly use of shop $110.00 monthly
Plan E: includes 18 hours of monthly use of shop $ 125.00 monthly
Membership Policies:
- Priority use of equipment is given to currently enrolled class members first.
- Shop availability is closed during kids classes.
- Schedule in advance the time you wish to come so that we can advise you od classes in session, space and equipment availability, and to ensure staff is available to open the shop.
- Instructors may not be available to answer questions or assist you if you need help; this is generally independent sewing.
- Unused hours may not be carried over to the next month.
Machine Rental
Have a special project or a collection to create and don’t have the equipment to create it? Rent ours! Student must demonstrate proficiency in operating industrial equipment.
Home overlock (serger) or coverstitch rental $ 5.00 hourly
Industrial single needle rental: $ 6.00 hourly
Industrial overlock or coverstitch rental $ 10.00 hourly
Industrial corner (all of our machines) $ 12.00 hourly
Students must provide own thread in cone form and needles. Bobbins, cases, and needles can be purchased from us.
Private Instruction
Sessions with our instructors may be scheduled at instructor’s availability with fee of $25.00 an hour for sewing instruction and $35.00 an hour for pattern drafting instruction.
Girl/Boy Scout Leaders
Does your troop need their badges sewn on? Schedule a class for you or parents to learn badge sewing. Bring your machine or use ours. Call
for more info. We can also create classes for your child to earn their sewing badges.
Workshops
We offer several 1-session or multiple session workshops, 2-3 hours each. Refer to our drop down menu for a list of workshops we can offer. Don’t see what you are looking for? Let us know and we will see what we can do to accommodate you.
Planning Your Upcoming Wedding
If you are planning your wedding and would like to create some of your wedding accessories or would like to have a fun and creative get-together with your bridesmaids, join us for Bridal Boot Camp!
From hair accessories, ring bearer pillows, flower girl baskets, garters, robes for the bridal party, or any other idea you have; we can help you create it. Get your bridesmaids together and make this a Sip’n’Sew gathering! Call us to set up an appointment.
Basic Sewing Kit Includes
- 2”x 18” clear C-thru flexible gridded ruler
- 60” (most common), 90”, or 120” measuring tape
- fabric shears – this is an expensive item, talk to us about what to look for before purchasing
- pins – 1 ¼” minimum length, many people like ball head pins. If you choose ball heads, please try to get glass heads so they won’t melt if they get too close to your iron
- sewing machine needles – a variety of sizes
- pin cushion – any type, you can even make it. Ask us about the tomato pin cushion; we have trivia!
- fabric chalk or disappearing markers
- seam ripper
- hand needles – assortments are best
- thread – black, grey, and white are used the most, matching to the ground color for each fabric is the most professional and visually pleasing. Purchase 100% polyester or cotton covered polyester for look, durability, and performance. No rayon, cotton, carpet, or topstitching thread please.
- a yard of plain weave fabric (like muslin) for practice
Sewing Machines
Everyone has an opinion of what type of sewing machine to purchase. Everyone’s needs are
different; so what you purchase is a personal choice.
We generally do not recommend a particular brand. Think about what you want to make before you commit to what type and manufacturer of machine to purchase. Be sure the machine you choose can do what you want to do. What we do recommend:
- Vintage machines are great. They have more metal so they will last longer, but all that metal adds to the weight of the machine (if you are bringing it to class, that may need to be considered for your purchase). If you find one at a thrift store, check it to see that it is functional, has foot pedal, a cord that is not frayed, and a bobbin case if necessary. Sometimes the things listed previous that might be missing can be found or fixed if the quality of the machine is good. Vintage machines may need a professional tune-up before using but the money you will save will more than make up the cost of repair. And think about all the projects that were made on it before you!
- There are 2 types of general home sewing machines. Mechanical and Electronic.
- Mechanical machines have basic stitches and limited bells and whistles. These can be good learner machines. If you choose this kind, please try to get a machine that allows YOU to adjust stitch length and width individually; not “preprogrammed or preset” to the machines choices. These machines will usually cost less to repair, as there is no computer chip.
- Electronic machines can run the gamut from simple to complex embroidery machines. These machines can also have needle position limitations so be sure you know what they are. What types of stitch requirements do you have? Don’t get a machine that is beyond your needs or comprehension.
- There are 2 types of bobbin designs for both these machine types.
- Separate bobbin case that is inserted into a door opening underneath in the front of the machine. We have found young students and some adults have more thread jams with this type of bobbin case but you have full freedom of adjustment with it.
- Top drop-in bobbin. We have found students have fewer thread jams but there are more limitations with tension adjustments.
- Get the most expensive machine you can afford that has the features you need, or another way to think about it is don’t get the least expensive machine. The bottom level of machines (the cheapest), usually cause more problems than create successful sewing. If you are just starting your sewing journey and taking a class with us, you can use ours until you know you like sewing, and then make the investment in the machine.
- We DO NOT recommend purchasing a “toy machine” or “mini machine”. They will not last, have too many limitations, and can sometimes be sub-par quality to be functional. We have had many frustrated students with these machines.
We consider:
- Bernina – top of the line. We do consider these the best machines on the market.
- Janome - many people think this is a good brand and a bit more affordable than a Bernina. They have a variety of machines.
- Husquvara, Elna, and Pfaff machines are good also but they are harder to find in a sewing machine shop and can be harder to find someone to repair them.
- Juki makes a good machine and they are what we have in the shop. Juki is best known for industrial machines and they are great. In the area of next level sewing, we can make a recommendation; their home overlock (serger) MO-644D and coverstitch MCS-1500 are the best for ease, long term use, and convenience for these advanced needs.
- Brother is a fine product and they also have a large variety of machines and are easy to find and easy to use.
- There are a couple of brands we discourage purchasing.
Call us so we can discuss your needs.
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