Valerie Williams, Sewing Instructor

Valerie Williams, Sewing Instructor

5.0(2 reviews)
Offers online services
Offers online services

About

Please note: All lessons as of September 2020 are virtual via Zoom or Skype.

Do you want to make, repair or restyle your clothing, accessories, and home decor? I’ve been teaching sewing professionally since 2010, and I would love to share my knowledge with you!

Private sewing lessons are definitely for you if you’ve been wanting to learn how to sew (or learn how to sew better), but you never seem to be able to make it to a sewing studio or fabric store for group classes.

Perhaps you are just more comfortable in one-on-one teaching situations, or maybe you keep crazy hours.

If you live in the Washington, DC area, I am very happy to come to you for private sewing lessons, and design a curriculum specific to your interests and skill level. Don’t have a sewing machine? I can bring one for you to use during our lesson, no worries.

I believe creating things with your hands can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Sharing my sewing knowledge with others is one of the most satisfying aspects of my job as a designer and maker!


Highlights

Hired 2 times
1 employee
13 years in business
Serves Alexandria , VA
Offers online services

Social media


Photos and videos


  • Reviews

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    Rani

    I have been learning to sew from Valerie for several years now and she has always provided clear and reassuring instruction, and really knows how to tailor her teaching style to be as hands-on (or not) as a particular student may need. If you have a sewing problem, Val will solve it!
    ... Show more
    February 16, 2018

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    Rebekah

    Ive been hoping to learn to sew for a while, and Im so glad I finally found Valerie! She is very accommodating, knowledgable, and patient! I am learning so much and am really enjoying exploring my creative side. I highly recommend learning to sew with Valerie!
    ... Show more
    February 16, 2018

    Frequently asked questions

    The first step is to discover what your sewing goals are, and how much experience you have (zero is a totally acceptable answer). Then we decide on the number of instruction hours needed to achieve your goals. For brand new beginners, I recommend we start with a two hour introductory lesson. That lesson covers all the basics, and includes the opportunity to complete a small project, so you can see your new skills in action! I provide everything necessary for the introductory lesson (including a sewing machine if necessary).

    I've been sewing my whole life, and running a business where I sell the fashion accessories I design and make since 2004. I've been teaching sewing professionally since 2010, in both group and individual private lessons.

    My hourly rate is $75, although students can save by purchasing a package of lessons that never expire - buy now, and schedule whenever you like. 

    By volunteering with a community organization that aimed to teach sewing. I enjoyed the process so much, when the organizer was looking for paid instructors for her sewing studio, I jumped at the chance to start teaching professionally!

    I have worked with students of all ages - from first graders to retirees. I've worked with students who only want to know how to hem their own pants, to those who want to go to fashion school and want to make their designs come alive, and everyone in between! Some people want the practical skill, some people want the creative outlet, and some people want to turn it into a career. I love working with all of them!

    Naturally, I have many students working on holiday gifts during the month of December. One of my favorite projects was with an eight-year-old who made a pillow in the shape and design of an UNO card for a family member who loves the game. She is an experienced sewer, and we finished it in two 1-hour lessons!

    Figure out how much you really want to learn - sewing is a practical skill, but can also be a very rewarding past-time! If you really only want to know the bare minimum in order to hem your pants (for example), that's totally fine! But know that there is potential to do so much more with your new sewing skills!

    I would recommend thinking about what type of sewing you're interested in...do you want to make things to wear? Do you only want to mend or alter ready-made clothing, or are you interested in making clothes from scratch? Do you want to make *things* rather than clothing (bags, accessories, things for your home)? You can do so much with sewing skills, but you don't HAVE to do everything...having a focus for your goals will help you find the right professional to help you!


    Services offered

    Fiber Arts Classes