Sewing Classes in Richmond, VA
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.
Sewn up! 
Hello,
I was wondering if you are still having classes???
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.
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! 🙂
I am offering some clinics and classes between 7/15 and 8/15, though.
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.
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?
Yes, there is a Tues night class forming.
It begins on 10/5.
Email me for more info.
Spokie@earthlink.net
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?
& what are your rates?
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.
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
I was wondering if your still offering classes, I want to buy a machine on black Friday and learn how to sew?
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.
Are you still giving classes
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.
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.
Lorraine, the January classes are listed under the “adult classes” page.
Let me know if you have questions.
C.
When does the next class start, how do I sign up, and what is the cost of these classes.
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
When do your new classes start up
https://sewdelightful.wordpress.com/
Interested in classes, please let me know schedule and charges. Thanks
Dorothy, information on the class fees is on the “Adult Classes” page.
Generally, beginner classes are on Monday evenings and intermediate classes on Thursday evenings.
The fall schedule isn’t up yet, but the classes at Hobby Lobby should follow that same pattern, as well as
some daytime classes in Sept. also. Hope to see you in class.
I am new to sewing, or going to be new to sewing if I take this class. I would love to learn. I would first need a starter machine for cheap. My first instinct was Craiglist but, I don’t know a thing about sewing machines. Any guidance you could offer would be greatly appreciated. I would love to join the October 18th class if I can get ready by then.
Felicia,
We will cover machine choices in class. Hope you will join us. You want to register for the morning class beginning 10/18? The evening class is an intermediate class.
I would like to learn how to sew but I work for the post office and therefore only have sundays off. I rarely get off work before 7pm ,do you do private lessons?
I do offer private lessons, but my classes are usually in the evenings. Our little rural post office has been closed for hours by the time class begins. Even my private lessons are usually on weekdays. It’s a very rare day, that I book something on my weekend, and it would have to be a group session. If you want a Sunday evening class, let’s talk dates, get you booked and paid, and I can advertise the class and see if we can get some other students. If so, we’ll go forward with the class. If not, I’ll refund your payment and you can decide whether we can work out some weekday (day or evening) hours for private lessons for you. They are taught at my home studios, though. So, depending on where you live, that might be in Goochland, Schuyler, or W. VA.
Hello,
Do you offer children’s sewing classes? My daughter is 6 years old and interested in learning.
Thanks,
Leslie
Hi oh my goodness I’ve been looking for sewing lessons for so long. I live in Tappahannock Virginia and I really want to learn how to sew because I aspire to be a fashion designer. I would like to know if you are still doing classes and where do you have them and how do they cost to take?
Do you still offer sewing classes?
Yes. Class is on Wednesday nights in Chesterfield and Thursday nights in Short Pump. Kids after-school classes are on the corresponding afternoons. The current class begins this week. The Chesterfield class cancelled for lack of enrollment. The next series of classes begins on 2/5. Registrations are due between now and 1/27.
Hi I’m high school student (Trinity) and I’ve been looking for a class that I can really learn how to sew. I have a passion for fashion and 2D art. I really want to learn more about making the high fashion I love some much but I can’t find a class the suits me and trying to teach myself through youtube videos on my moms old sewing machine only got me so far. The classes I only can find are from Joann’s or Micheal’s and really not what I’m looking for. I want to take a summer course at VCU and learning more about how to sew will determine if I go the 2D art route or Fashion and Design. Do you think you have what I’m looking for, do you think any one has what I’m looking for?
Kip, I have emailed you a response. I believe I can help you, but let’s talk. In addition to sewing, I am a weaver, hand-felter, spinner and dyer. C
My friend and I are looking to take a beginner’s sewing class in RVA! We would prefer to take the class during school hours if possible;however, may be able to work something out. Please let me know when your classes are offered. Thank you!
If you can do it in March, we can do Thursday’s at the short pump hobby lobby, or Wednesdays at the hobby lobby store at Hancock Village shopping center in Chesterfield. You let me know what time works for you. Ok? But I need to know this week, so I can advertise the class. Ok?