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Sewing Classes in Richmond, VA

September 14, 2009

This blog is new, but the classes aren’t. I’ve been blogging at Rivercityweaves.wordpress.com .

But the sewing aspect of the studio is growing enough that we need our own blog.  If you are interested in learning to sew, this is a good place to start.  My classes are offered in 4-week sessions.  In the first session (your first), you will learn the basics of sewing: how to use your machine, winding bobbin, threading machine, sew a straight line, curved line, pivot a corner, etc.  In that class, you will sew a drawstring bag, and become familiar enough with reading a pattern envelope to go to the fabric store, and determine how much fabric you need to make a garment that will fit you and how to determine what additional items you will need to complete the project.

Week 2-4, you will put into practice, the use of a commercial sewing pattern with 2-3 pieces.  Your project will involve tracing, marking and cut-out of pattern, assembly of simple garment, making of casing, and insertion of elastic or drawstring.

In your second session (4 weeks) of sewing with me, You will learn to sew darts, insert a zipper, and shirr/gather fabric.  We will also make button holes, as well as learning to assemble more complex patterns, including using interfacing.

Subsequent sessions involve using progressively more complex patterns, as well as learning to draft your own patterns. We have a lot of fun, and generally, class max is set at 4 students. Small class sizes allow for very personalized instruction.

In addition to classes, I offer private lessons, on your machine, or mine and Sewing parties.  Book an evening with friends and make something fun together.  Usually, pillows are good party projects, as are drawstring bags, drawstring backpacks, and simple dolls.  Your party can be adults, parent/child, or 8+ yo children (kids).

Alterations & repairs classes taught by request only when the requestee has 4 students to take the class.

21 Comments leave one →
  1. Jackie permalink
    August 25, 2010 12:31 pm

    Hello,

    I was wondering if you are still having classes???

    • rivercityweaves permalink*
      August 25, 2010 2:19 pm

      Yes! And I have one opening in the Thurs. evening class that begins Sept 2.
      There are also still openings in the Monday evening class beginning 9/13.
      If you download an application today, and send it today or tomorrow, I should be able to guarantee you a spot.
      Call me if you have questions.
      804.687.0543
      C.

    • Sherrie permalink
      May 9, 2011 7:59 am

      I read on her website that she is closing her studio while she tavels the U.S. until her return to Richmond in 2012. Too bad for me – but I wish her well on her journeys! :-)

      • rivercityweaves permalink*
        May 9, 2011 6:45 pm

        I am offering some clinics and classes between 7/15 and 8/15, though.

      • rivercityweaves permalink*
        June 3, 2011 9:59 am

        Lessons and classes are now available from my home in Goochland for June, July and the first week or two of Aug.
        Hope you will join me for lessons, or class.

  2. kim johnson permalink
    September 17, 2010 11:38 am

    I am interested in learning to sew. I don’t have a machine yet, but plan to have one in the next few weeks. Are there any upcoming classes?

  3. mimivelez permalink
    December 10, 2010 10:38 am

    I am looking to learn to sew to make my own clothing designs. When is there an upcoming class and is there a specific sewing machine brand or type that you suggest?

  4. mimivelez permalink
    December 10, 2010 10:39 am

    & what are your rates?

    • rivercityweaves permalink*
      December 10, 2010 11:15 am

      Mimi,
      My rates are $40/hr for private lessons, and a class is $140/4week session.
      I have classes beginning in Jan. 2011. There will be a Monday evening, and Thurs. evening class for beginners.
      The classes are very structured. Week 1, we do a small project that teaches machine use, functions and to sew straight, curved, and cornered lines
      Week 2, we learn pattern use, layout, pinning and cutting
      Week 3, we begin construction of a garment, and Week 4, we generally wrap up the garment project, and when time allows, we will also cover installing a zipper, which is traditionally, where we begin an intermediate class.
      Please feel free to contact me by phone or e-mail to discuss the specific direction you prefer.

  5. Lynsey C permalink
    February 24, 2011 9:08 pm

    I’m interested in learning to sew. I have a few questions about rates, class times, etc. Please send me an email so we can chat. My email is Lacarroll84@yahoo.com

  6. ticia permalink
    September 30, 2011 11:41 am

    I was wondering if your still offering classes, I want to buy a machine on black Friday and learn how to sew?

    • rivercityweaves permalink*
      September 30, 2011 7:34 pm

      I am still offering private lessons and classes. The next dates available are beginning 10/20.
      My e-mail is spokie@earthlink.net and you can send me an e-mail to discuss your sewing goals and when you are available for lessons, or if you are specifically looking for a group class.

  7. Tamasha Triplett permalink
    November 1, 2011 7:36 am

    Are you still giving classes

    • rivercityweaves permalink*
      November 1, 2011 8:31 am

      I am. The next session for beginners is right after Thanksgiving. Registrations need to be in by 11/15.
      If the Nov-Dec class is too soon, I’m looking at the Jan. dates and hope to have those classes on the website before I leave on Friday.
      I’ll send you an email so you can get in touch directly with me if you’d like.

  8. Lorraine Wright permalink
    December 3, 2011 4:31 pm

    Hello, have you decided on your class schedule for January and are rates still $140/4 weeks session. I have some experience sewing, but might be good to start at the beginning and make sure my techniques are correct. I am really interested in your 2nd session that goes over advanced techniques like making your own patterns. Please keep me posted.

    • rivercityweaves permalink*
      December 13, 2011 4:12 pm

      Lorraine, the January classes are listed under the “adult classes” page.
      Let me know if you have questions.
      C.

  9. Belinda Astrop permalink
    March 18, 2012 4:02 pm

    When does the next class start, how do I sign up, and what is the cost of these classes.

    • rivercityweaves permalink*
      March 18, 2012 4:30 pm

      Belinda,
      The next classes available begin on Thursday, April 19 and meets for 4 Thursdays from 6:00-8:30 at the Hobby Lobby in Short Pump. Class fee is $140 and covers the 10 hours of instruction mentioned above.
      April 19, 26, May 3 and May 10. To register, you simply contact me via phone or e-mail letting me know to hold a space for you. If you are paying via Paypal, you will have 24 hours, in which your class space will be held. If you Haven’t paid within 24 hours, your information is deleted. If you are paying via US mail, you have 48 hours for me to receive payment. If payment isn’t received within 48 hours, your info is deleted and the space will be filled by another registrant.
      Hope you will be joining us in the April class.
      Cherri

  10. kagnice eddings permalink
    March 20, 2012 10:10 pm

    When do your new classes start up

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