About
Hello, My students call me Miss Emma (in diference to my age) and I have been sewing for about 60 years, quilting almost that long and along the way I have won several blue ribbons at the L. A. County Fair. (WooHoo!) I love to share my knowledge with students regardless of their age. I offer group or private lessons. Nothing thrills me more than seeing that "Ah Ha" moment when a student ungerstand a technique. My classes are structured so that with each project the student learns a new technique and repeats the old ones so they are constantly learning and reinforcing their knowledge.
I also teach embroidery which I absolutely love and have been doing for... Well my mama sat me down when I was 3 years old and showed me how to embroider so that's a long, long time.
I'm am accepting new students however I do not take girls 7 or younger. Through experience I have found that their motor skills are just not where they need to be to sew.
I owned a scrapbook store, have been scrapbooking myself for 40 years and taught all the scrapbooking and paper crafts in my store.
Please email or call me if you'd like to know more about any of the classes. I hope to see you soon.
Highlights
Reviews
Yvette
Heather
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
The first class with any new student is one-on-one. Just the student and me. The first class covers their machine, safety, how to operate it, what to do if things go wrong. We also talk about sewing terms, patterns and fabrics. They also learn to measure, pin and cut.
Teaching the first class with just the two of us is key so I can devote the entire class to them, evaluate how they are doing and help them finish their first project.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have been sewing for 60 years and quilting for about 40 years. Ering which time I have won blue ribbons for my sewing and quilting.
Sewing, I have made clothing for men, women, kids and Barbies, curtains, drapes, tablecloths, purses, totes, recovered fuirniture and just about anything else that can be sewn or quilted. I had a shop "Antie Em's" on Etsy and between the sales on that and private sales I have sold over 100 purses that are my own design.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
The cost for each lesson is:
$20 for each 3-hour class in a group
$25 for each 3-hour private class
$30 for each 3-hour evening classes that starts after 3:30.
How did you get started teaching?
I wanted to share my love of sewing and quilitng with others. It seems to have become a lost art that I would very much like to revive.
I will admit that I was surprised and pleased at the number of students that signed up. I love it when they come to class with a smile on their faces because they know they are leaning and having fun too.
What types of students have you worked with?
My students have ranged in age from 9 through adult and I do have one man who wanted to learn to sew. Occasionally I will take an 8 year old but that is as young as I accept.
I do have one student that is a little chalenged but she tries hard and is continually improving.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
We had our second annual "Sewing for Santa" event in November. This is to help the girls make "homemade" Christmas gifts for their family and friends.
The event last for 6 hours and we split the girls into two groups. I take my half for sewing and my daughter Cat takes her half for Mixed Media Art. After we break for dinner (usually pizza and something sweet, of course) we switch girls so each one gets to do both things.
The girls really enjoy this and they take home their gifts ready to wrap for Santa to deliver.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Make sure that the teacher has worked with all ages and can sew expertly herself.
Ask about pricing - some classes are too overpriced.
Call the teacher and chat with her over the phone - you can tell a lot about a person just by having a little chat with them.
Ask about refunds, missing due to illness, etc.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
If you are a true beginner as in never having touched a machine before then you need to think about why you want to learn to sew and what you see yourself making.
If you are experienced or sewed in home ec 30 years ago and then packed the machine away, be sure to tell the teacher about any experience you have or don't have.