Creative Sewing Lessons in Raleigh

Sewing Machine Basics

2 sessions offered:

June 5, 2021          Sat      1:00 – 4:00 pm                          

July 17, 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: Quilting

6 week class, 2 sessions offered:

March 23 – April 27, 2021 Tues AM        10:00 am – 12:00 pm                               

March 25 – April 29, 2021 Thurs PM       6:30 – 8:30 pm                                            

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: Sew an Apron

April 4, 2020             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.

  • Ages: 16 Yrs. and up
  • Location: Fibers Studio at the Sertoma Arts Center  1400 W Millbrook Rd, Raleigh, NC 27612
  • Fees:
    • Raleigh Resident $30 + $5 supply fee for pattern & apron ties
    • Non-Resident $45 + $5 supply fee for pattern & apron ties
    • Supply list is available on Sertoma’s webpage or on the Supply Lists page here
  • Register through the Raleigh RecLink website (class barcode: 249107) or call Sertoma Arts Center at 919-996-2329. Contact me (Joy.Kelley@gmail.com) at 919-345-1556 with any questions.

Beginning Sewing: Quilting

6 week class, 2 sessions offered:

March 24 – April 28, 2020 Tues AM        10:00 am – 12:00 pm                                

March 26 – April 30, 2020 Thurs PM       6:30 – 8:30 pm                                             

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.

Quilting Basics: Piecing with a Sewing Machine

March 7, 2020         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.

  • Ages: 16 Yrs. and up
  • Location: Fibers Studio at the Sertoma Arts Center  1400 W Millbrook Rd, Raleigh, NC 27612
  • Fees:
    • Raleigh Resident $30
    • Non-Resident $45
    • A $10 supply fee paid to instructor in class covers all you will need for this workshop – no need to buy materials or collect tools.
  • Register through the Raleigh RecLink website (class barcode: 249106) or call Sertoma Arts Center at 919-996-2329. Contact me (Joy.Kelley@gmail.com) at 919-345-1556 with any questions.

Beginning Sewing: Channel Stitched Pillow

5 week class, 2 sessions offered:

Feb 11 – March 10, 2020   Tues AM        10:00 am – 12:00 pm         

Feb 13 – March 12, 2020   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.

  • Ages: 16 Yrs. and up
  • Location: Fibers Studio at the Sertoma Arts Center  1400 W Millbrook Rd, Raleigh, NC 27612
  • Fees:
    • Raleigh Resident $100  + supplies
    • Non-Resident $115 + supplies
    • A supply fee of $10 is paid to instructor at first class.
    • Supply list is available on Sertoma’s webpage or on the Supply Lists page here
  • Register through the Raleigh RecLink website (class barcodes: Tues mornings – 249100 or Thur evenings – 249101) 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

Feb 15, 2020           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

Feb 1, 2020            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 Workshop: Holiday Gift Bag

December 7, 2019     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. Instructor: Joy Kelley.

Beginning Sewing Workshop: Holiday Table Runner

November 16, 2019     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: 16 Yrs. and up
  • Date: November 16, 2019, Saturday, 1:00PM – 4:00PM
  • Instructor: Joy Kelley
  • Fees:  
    • Raleigh Resident $30 + supplies  
    • Non-Resident $45.00 + supplies
    • Supply list is available on Sertoma’s webpage or on the Supply Lists page here
  • Register through the Raleigh RecLink website (class barcode: 244300) or call Sertoma Arts Center at 919-996-2329. Contact me (Joy.Kelley@gmail.com) at 919-345-1556 with any questions.