Beginning Sewing: Sew an Apron

Two sessions offered:

Sept 12, 2026            Sat 1:00 – 4:00 pm  

Nov 12, 2026            Thur 10:00 am – 1:00 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 the studio’s sewing machines.

If you would like to purchase a kit rather than buying and pretreating your own supplies, kits are available for $45 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
  • Location: Brentwood Park Community Center located at 3315 Vinson Ct, Raleigh, NC 27604
  • Fees:
    • $37 
    • Supply list is available in program listing on RecLink or on the Supply Lists page here
    • A supply fee of $7 for pattern & apron ties is due to the instructor at start of workshop.
  • Register through the Raleigh RecLink website. Contact me (Joy.Kelley@gmail.com) at 919-345-1556 with any questions.

Beginning Sewing: Piped Pillows

Sept 2 – Oct 7, 2026    Wed AM       10:00 am – 12:00 pm      (5 weeks) Note: Class skips Sept 16

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 the studio’s sewing machines.

  • Ages: 18 Yrs. and up
  • Location: Brentwood Park Community Center located at 3315 Vinson Ct, Raleigh, NC 27604
  • Fees:
    • $121 
    • Supply list available in program listing on RecLink or on the Supply Lists page here
    • A $25 supply fee for cording, fiberfill, and interfacing is due to the instructor at the first class.
  • Register through the Raleigh RecLink website. Contact me (Joy.Kelley@gmail.com) at 919-345-1556 with any questions.

Beginning Sewing: Sew an Apron

May 21, 2026            Thur      6:00 – 9:00 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 $45 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

May 2, 2026          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

April 30 – May 14, 2026           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 Classes

Garment Sewing: Preparing to Sew

March 19 – April 2, 2026           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 19, 2026         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 5, 2026         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.

Beginning Sewing: Sew an Apron

Feb 7, 2026            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 $45 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:

Jan 17, 2026          Sat      1:00 – 4:00 pm

March 7, 2026        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

March 28, 2026           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: Channel Stitched Pillow

Jan 8 – Feb 5, 2026  (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: Piped Pillow

Nov 6 – Dec 11, 2025    Thurs PM       6:30 – 8:30 pm      (5 weeks) Note: Class skips Thanksgiving 11/27

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.

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