Elmhurst, IL Sewing Lessons

I've been sewing my clothes since 13. I was supporting myself during my years in Art Institute by sewing for clients. After graduating I partnered with SBA Concern and my designs were produced commercially. In 1994 I got award for pachwork design from French magazine "Modes & Travauch". I can teach how to sew from table runner to coat and beyond.

I've been sewing since I was 13. I've sewn things over the years such as dresses, pajamas. I do a lot of tailoring and alterations too. I just love to sew, and I love teaching people to sew too!

The way that I teach is to help the student develop their own style. I have students work on their own individual projects that they pick out while asking me questions that they might have while they are doing their project.

However, if they would like there is an option for me to develop lessons for the student on certain sewing techniques that the student could learn. Although, be aware that learning how to sew takes time and that all the techniques of sewing cannot be done all at once.

Then, there is the third option that the lesson could be a mix of the student doing what they want (choosing their own project) and learning some pre-designed techniques.

My first goal is to give my students all of the tools they need to feel confident from the very first lesson. I would like ...

Whether you are a beginner or would like to sharpen up on your sewing skills this is the class for you! In this two hour class, we will go over step-by-step sewing demos including threading the machine, winding the bobbin, adjusting the stitch length/tension, following seam allowance etc. We will also go over the woven fabric structure and how to properly read and place pattern pieces on the fabric before cutting and sewing.

(We also offer pattern-making classes under this category)

-Beginners guide to hand sewing
-How to read Inside & Outside of Pattern Envelopes
*Body Measurement & size chart
*General Instructions
*Cutting layouts
*Sewing directions
-Sewing techniques
-Pressing
-Guide to Interfacings
-How to work with Easy fabrics & couture difficult sheer fabrics
-Guide to sewing, cutting, and embroidering Laces
-Guide to machine stitching seams
-Guide to Seam finishes
-Intro to Draping

I sew all of my costumes for dance, as well as most of the costumes for my dance teams. I specialize in embellishing.

I have been teaching small group classes of children between the ages of 5 and 13 since 2010. My favorite memory from my earliest class was when my 10 year old student went home and adjusted her mother's sewing machine to sew properly! I have taught classes from very basic sewing machine skills to machine quilting.

The way that I teach is to help the student develop their own style. My first goal is to give my students all of the tools they need to feel confident from the very first lesson. We start with the fundamentals of hand-sewing and make our way up, all this with a mixture of fun, listenting and patience.

Custom classes designed to fit your specific needs. Lessons for the beginner and intermediate sewer who needs some help. Do you need help with learning a specific technique, installing zippers, adding a lining, hand stitching, pockets, choosing the correct needle, thread, seam variations or just want to learn how to alter your own clothing? Each class will be designed personally for you.

My expertise in sewing always inspires creativity and passion within students, and the ease with which i guide them to explore their own creativity bring fun to the lessons. Having over 25 years of custom couture tailoring and teaching has given me a vast experience in order for me to equip any student with the requisite knowledge needed to tackle any sewing project.

I have worked in fashion design production for the past 11 years whether it was my own line of evening wear or working closely with local Chicago designers in sample wear garments for their clothing line's runways or look books. I also have had the opportunity to work at the studio of Nick Cave, visual/performance artist, in creating soundsuits for museum and gallery exhibitions. This is where I spent much time practicing the art of hand-sewing. With my private classes I can teach from the basics of learning how to repair or alter personal clothing items to the basics of sewing and the various stitches there are. Depending on what you would like to learn or accomplish, I can work with you to better tailor the class to your skill level and needs.