Creative Sewing Lessons in Raleigh

Beginning Sewing Workshop: Holiday Gift Bag

December 11, 2021     Saturday, 1:00 – 4:00 pm

Sewing for the holidays is fun and this is a great project for getting into the holiday spirit! Set your gifts apart with the personal touch of a custom-sewn gift bag with your choice of holiday themed fabric. In this workshop, you will create a unique gift bag and leave with the skills to make more bags on your own. No prior sewing experience is necessary. We will be using Sertoma’s sewing machines. Supply list available on Sertoma’s webpage.

Beginning Sewing Workshop: Holiday Table Runner

November 20     Saturday  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.

  • Ages: 18 Yrs. and up

Garment Sewing: Preparing to Sew

Oct 21 – Nov 4, 2021 Thurs PM 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.

Sewing Machine – Beyond the Basics

Oct 9, 2021          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.

Sewing Machine Basics

2 sessions offered:

Sept 11, 2021          Sat      1:00 – 4:00 pm                          

Sept 25, 2021          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.

Beginning Sewing: Piped Pillows

Two sessions offered:

Aug 31 – Sept 28    Tues AM        10:00 am – 12:00 pm     (5 weeks)

Sept 2 – Sept 30     Thurs PM       6:30 – 8:30 pm                  (5 weeks)

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. $13 supply fee due to instructor at first class for cording, fiberfill, and interfacing.

Beginning Sewing: Sew an Apron

July 31, 2021             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 Setoma’s sewing machines.

Beginning Sewing: Quilting

Two sessions offered:
July 13 – Aug 17, 2021, Tues 10:00 am – 12:00 pm (6 weeks)
July 15 – Aug 19, 2021, Thurs 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm (6 weeks)

Are you a beginning sewer interested in quilting, but would like some hands on instruction and support as you learn? If so, this is the class for you! Each student will make a small wall hanging size quilt, learning the fundamental steps of fabric preparation, quilt construction and finishing methods along the way. We will discuss key tools and the “why” of each step (exploring topics such as fabric and batting selection and how fabric grainline affects your quilt). Each student will gain the skills needed to progress to more advanced quilts. We will be using Sertoma’s sewing machines and all needed tools will be provided.

Beginning Sewing: Zippered Pillow

Two sessions offered:
May 25 – June 22, 2021, Tues 10:00 am – 12:00 pm (5 weeks)
May 27 – June 24, 2021, Thurs 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm (5 weeks)

Register for this class and together we will create your own special pillow with a zippered closure!  You will also learn how to make a pillow insert, which will enable you to create your own custom sized pillows. You will learn the basics of operating a sewing machine and develop the fundamental sewing skills necessary for progressing to more advanced projects. No prior sewing experience is necessary. We will be using Sertoma’s sewing machines. The supply list is available on Sertoma’s webpage. A $13 supply fee for pillow form materials and interfacing is due to instructor at the beginning of class.

  • Ages: 16 Yrs. and up
  • Two sessions offered:
    May 25 – June 22       Tues AM        10:00 am – 12:00 pm    (5 weeks)
    May 27 – June 24       Thurs PM       6:30 – 8:30 pm   (5 weeks)
  • Location: Fibers Studio at the Sertoma Arts Center  1400 W Millbrook Rd, Raleigh, NC 27612
  • Fees:
    • Raleigh Resident $100  + supplies
    • Non-Resident $115 + supplies
    • Supply list is available on Sertoma’s webpage or on the Supply Lists page here
  • Register through the Raleigh RecLink website or call Sertoma Arts Center at 919-996-2329. Contact me (Joy.Kelley@gmail.com) at 919-345-1556 with any questions.

Sewing Machine – Beyond the Basics

June 26, 2021          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.