The Evolution of the 'Learn to Sew Series" version 3.x.

When I signed up for my first sewing class back in 1995 I never thought I would be building my own sewing school in 2020.

In 1995 it took three months to complete the program. After finishing the three months you were invited to join a Studio class where you could sew on your own projects and had access to a Master Tailor for assistance. I was fortunate enough to be able to spend three hours every Tuesday for three months to learn from one of the best instructors in the world. This was followed by many Wednesday evenings honing my skills, under her tutelage.

In creating my 'Learn to Sew Series' I knew I had to offer something different. In my experience, the old model no longer worked. Whatever I designed had to be "short, sweet, and to the point". And I realized that I had to expand beyond garment construction and tailoring. The world of sewing is wide. There is home decor, quilting, garment construction, tailoring, thread painting, sculpture and so much more.

The current "Learn to Sew Series" consists of two classes. In the first class the student will learn how to operate a sewing machine and how to work with straight seams on different types of fabrics. In the second class the student learns how to shape the cloth by using easing, gathering, and darts. By the conclusion of the second class a student should be able to do basic sewing.

After finishing the two classes, the student will have the option to choose in which direction to continue their studies. Exploring Textiles will offer classes in Home Decor, Garment Construction, and Quilting. Later this year we will offer classes in various Fiber Arts techniques.

To those who were fortunate to take classes from my teacher and mentor, the Master Tailor, I invite you to come see my new Studio. I have a fleet of new and old Bernina sewing machines. When I was sourcing sewing machines I made sure that I purchased something that my guests, students, clients, and friends would be familiar with. A sewing machine with a technology that has been proven for close to 100 years. A sewing machine many of us are quite familiar with and most likely have something similar at home. Sewing and Fiber Arts should be fun and relaxing. You should never have to struggle with your equipment and technology.

And to reiterate from my last post, although I have Bernina sewing machines and sergers in my Studio, I am in no way affiliated with Bernina or any of the dealers.

I welcome everyone with any brand of machine. When I taught skiing I would say that a good skier can ski on any type of equipment. A friend once went as far as saying he could ski down the Mary Jane/Winter Park mogul fields on a 2x4 piece of wood with bindings because he thought he was that good. He was that good... I can teach you how to sew on any sewing machine.

With gratitude,

Monique