Creative Sewing Lessons in Raleigh

Garment Sewing Classes

Garment Sewing: Preparing to Sew

March 20 – April 3, 2025           Thurs      6:30 – 8:30 pm (3 weeks)

If you are excited about sewing clothes but not sure how to get started, this class will help you find your path. We will cover the preparatory steps necessary to make your garment sewing projects both successful and enjoyable. You will learn the ins and outs of patterns as well as how to choose fabric and supplies. The class will also cover what essential tools you need as you get started and what tools would be helpful to add as you progress in your skills. Please note that this class is focused on getting ready to sew – we will not be sewing a garment.

Garment Sewing: Seam Finishes

Feb 20, 2025         Thurs      6:00 – 9:00 pm

Applying a seam finish to the raw edges of your fabric will improve the look of your garment and increase its durability and longevity. In this class, we will be sewing samples of various seam finishes, focusing on those that will be most useful across a range of garment styles. You will learn how to choose a seam finish based on garment type and fabric characteristics. This class will also introduce you to some specialty sewing machine presser feet that will make finishing your seams quicker and easier. This class is part of a series for sewists who want to advance their sewing skills by exploring the techniques of garment making in more detail. To complete the class exercises you will need to be comfortable using a sewing machine and have basic sewing skills. We will be using Sertoma’s sewing machines.

Garment Sewing: Hems

March 6, 2025         Thurs      6:00 – 9:00 pm

A successful hem does more than just adjust the garment’s length. The right hem can help the garment hang and move as intended. A skillfully made hem can prolong the life of the piece by providing appropriate support to the garment. In this class, we will be sewing samples of several of the most versatile hem techniques that are applicable to a variety of hem locations – sleeve and shirt hems as well as pants and skirt hems. You will learn how to determine which hem technique to use based on garment type and fabric characteristics. This class will also introduce you to some sewing machine presser feet and specialty tools which make sewing hems easier and more successful. This class is part of a series for sewists who want to advance their sewing skills by exploring the techniques of garment making in more detail. To complete the class exercises you will need to be comfortable using a sewing machine and have basic sewing skills. We will be using Sertoma’s sewing machines.

Sewing Machine Classes

Sewing Machine Basics

Two sessions offered:

Jan 11, 2025           Sat      1:00 – 4:00 pm

March 8, 2025           Sat      1:00 – 4:00 pm

Sewing machines are wonderful tools, but they are also complex and can be intimidating for beginners. This hands-on class offers a fun and supportive environment where beginners will gain the confidence to set up and use a sewing machine. We will cover machine set-up, operation, accessories, safety and basic maintenance. We will also address your particular sewing goals and offer advice on sewing machines and supplies to consider as you progress. Note: This class does not cover computerized or embroidery machines. We will be using Sertoma’s sewing machines.

Sewing Machine: Beyond the Basics

April 5, 2025           Sat      1:00 – 4:00 pm

Take your basic understanding of a sewing machine to the next level. This hands-on class offers a fun and supportive environment where beginners will explore various specialty stitches and presser feet. We will also discuss some of the more advanced sewing tools and accessories you may want to add to your supplies. This class is intended for students who can confidently and independently thread and operate a sewing machine. Note: this class does not cover computerized or embroidery machines. We will be using Sertoma’s sewing machines.

Beginning Sewing: Sew an Apron

Feb 22, 2025            Sat      1:00 – 4:00 pm        

In this fun beginner’s class, you will gain experience tracing and cutting from a basic apron pattern, sewing with a consistent seam allowance and other fundamental sewing skills that are essential for progressing to more advanced projects. The goal of this one day workshop is for participants to leave with a completed apron and a personalized pattern to use in making other aprons. No prior sewing experience is necessary. We will be using Sertoma’s sewing machines.

If you would like to purchase a kit rather than buying and pretreating your own supplies, kits are available for $38 and contain all the materials you will need for the class project. To reserve a kit, please contact me at joy.kelley@gmail.com at least 2 weeks prior to class.

Quilting Basics: Piecing with a Sewing Machine

Feb 1, 2025         Sat      1:00 – 4:00 pm

The goal of this class is to introduce you to quilting and help you discover whether you enjoy it. We will do this by exploring one of the fundamental quilting skills: piecing. Piecing is the process of joining cut fabric pieces together into a quilt block (the basic unit which composes a quilt). If you find you like piecing, you will enjoy the rest of the quilting process as well. Please note this class is focused on learning one of the many necessary quilting skills – we won’t be completing a quilt. We will be sewing several different types of quilt blocks focusing on developing your piecing skills. No prior sewing experience is necessary. We will be using Sertoma’s sewing machines.

Beginning Sewing: Channel Stitched Pillow

Jan 9 – Feb 6, 2025  (5 weeks) Thurs PM       6:30 – 8:30 pm   

Channel stitching is a great technique for adding visual and textural interest to pillows. In this beginner class, you will learn how to construct a pillow and use interfacing to give it structure and a professional finish. You will use a walking foot – one of the most versatile of all sewing machine feet – to customize your pillow with channel stitching. You will also learn the basics of operating a sewing machine and develop fundamental sewing skills necessary for progressing to more advanced projects. No prior sewing experience is necessary. We will be using Sertoma’s sewing machines.

Beginning Sewing: Holiday Table Runner

Nov 16, 2024   Sat  1:00 – 4:00 pm

If you’re a holiday decorator, this is a nice class to kick-off the holiday season. You’ll love how this project enables you to create a unique look for your holiday table. In this fun workshop, you will sew a table runner while learning some fundamental sewing skills that will enable you to progress to other home decor projects. No prior sewing experience is necessary. We will be using Sertoma’s sewing machines. Supply list available on Sertoma’s webpage.

If you would like to purchase a kit rather than buying and pretreating your own supplies, kits are available for $22 and contain all the materials you will need for the class project. To reserve a kit, please contact me at joy.kelley@gmail.com at least 2 weeks prior to class.

  • Ages: 18 Yrs. and up

Beginning Sewing: Piped Pillow

Nov 7 – Dec 12, 2024    Thurs PM       6:30 – 8:30 pm      (5 weeks) Note: Class skips Thanksgiving 11/28

Piping is a great way to add some color contrast and ‘pop’ to a decorative pillow. Once you learn how to make and attach piping, you can use this skill to add piping to many other kinds of projects. In this beginner class, you will learn how to construct a pillow, create your own piping, and trim your pillow with it. You will learn the basics of operating a sewing machine and develop fundamental sewing skills necessary for progressing to more advanced projects. No prior sewing experience is necessary. We will be using Sertoma’s sewing machines. Supply list available on Sertoma’s webpage. $18 supply fee due to instructor at first class for cording, fiberfill, and interfacing.

Beginning Sewing: Sew an Apron

Oct 19, 2024            Sat      1:00 – 4:00 pm        

In this fun beginner’s class, you will gain experience tracing and cutting from a basic apron pattern, sewing with a consistent seam allowance and other fundamental sewing skills that are essential for progressing to more advanced projects. The goal of this one day workshop is for participants to leave with a completed apron and a personalized pattern to use in making other aprons. No prior sewing experience is necessary. We will be using Sertoma’s sewing machines.

If you would like to purchase a kit rather than buying and pretreating your own supplies, kits are available for $38 and contain all the materials you will need for the class project. To reserve a kit, please contact me at joy.kelley@gmail.com at least 2 weeks prior to class.

Sewing Machine Classes

Sewing Machine Basics

Two sessions offered:

Sept 21, 2024           Sat      1:00 – 4:00 pm

Nov 2, 2024           Sat      1:00 – 4:00 pm

Sewing machines are wonderful tools, but they are also complex and can be intimidating for beginners. This hands-on class offers a fun and supportive environment where beginners will gain the confidence to set up and use a sewing machine. We will cover machine set-up, operation, accessories, safety and basic maintenance. We will also address your particular sewing goals and offer advice on sewing machines and supplies to consider as you progress. Note: This class does not cover computerized or embroidery machines. We will be using Sertoma’s sewing machines.

Garment Sewing Classes

Garment Sewing: Preparing to Sew

Oct 3 – 17, 2024           Thurs      6:30 – 8:30 pm (3 weeks)

If you are excited about sewing clothes but not sure how to get started, this class will help you find your path. We will cover the preparatory steps necessary to make your garment sewing projects both successful and enjoyable. You will learn the ins and outs of patterns as well as how to choose fabric and supplies. The class will also cover what essential tools you need as you get started and what tools would be helpful to add as you progress in your skills. Please note that this class is focused on getting ready to sew – we will not be sewing a garment.

Garment Sewing: Seam Finishes

Sept 5, 2024         Thurs      6:30 – 9:00 pm

Applying a seam finish to the raw edges of your fabric will improve the look of your garment and increase its durability and longevity. In this class, we will be sewing samples of various seam finishes, focusing on those that will be most useful across a range of garment styles. You will learn how to choose a seam finish based on garment type and fabric characteristics. This class will also introduce you to some specialty sewing machine presser feet that will make finishing your seams quicker and easier. This class is part of a series for sewists who want to advance their sewing skills by exploring the techniques of garment making in more detail. To complete the class exercises you will need to be comfortable using a sewing machine and have basic sewing skills. We will be using Sertoma’s sewing machines.

Garment Sewing: Hems

Sept 19, 2024         Thurs      6:30 – 9:00 pm

A successful hem does more than just adjust the garment’s length. The right hem can help the garment hang and move as intended. A skillfully made hem can prolong the life of the piece by providing appropriate support to the garment. In this class, we will be sewing samples of several of the most versatile hem techniques that are applicable to a variety of hem locations – sleeve and shirt hems as well as pants and skirt hems. You will learn how to determine which hem technique to use based on garment type and fabric characteristics. This class will also introduce you to some sewing machine presser feet and specialty tools which make sewing hems easier and more successful. This class is part of a series for sewists who want to advance their sewing skills by exploring the techniques of garment making in more detail. To complete the class exercises you will need to be comfortable using a sewing machine and have basic sewing skills. We will be using Sertoma’s sewing machines.

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