Sewing With Isabel Varela
About
The service I offer is catered to meet where the student is at and to understand the needs and the goals of the students. The qualities my students love the best about me is my empathy, patience, passion, and my enthusiasm. I make learning fun and am able to simplify complex alterations. I love to share all of my knowledge so the student can then go out on their own and feel comfortable enough to start making their own clothing.
I love sharing the knowledge and art of tailoring. I also enjoy when the student is excited about the project and accomplish their goals!
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
We will first have a 30minute consultation over the phone to understand what the students wants to learn and will proceed from there.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a B.S in Apparel Design, Textiles, and Merchandising and studied couture sewing and embroidery in Paris, France. I have been in the fashion industry for 22 years. I have worked as a fashion designer, owned my own brand of womenswear, created costumes for film, commercials, and off-broadway plays. I have created and tailored garments for women, men, and children with clients ranging from HGTV Property Brothers, Ryan Seacrest, Lady, Gaga, J.LO, and many more. I have worked as a Master Tailor for LVMH, Saks, Balmain, Suit Supply, Nordstrom, and many more brands. I have also taught sewing workshops and tailoring to several to students in grade school all the way to college students.
How did you get started teaching?
I have always enjoyed teaching others and sharing my skills. It started at my first job at Nordstrom and teaching the apprentices. I also have held many sewing workshop teaching students how to create they own garments from scratch all the way to simple and quick alterations.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with children starting at the age of 10 all the way to 65 years old.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I am really excited about the current program I am building. I am working with a non-profit company and have created and online virtual sewing program where I will show students how to create a cross-body bag from their own pair of jeans. The students will learn about the importance of up cycling and will create their own work of art with a presentation at the end!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
I would recommend the student to speak with the teacher and ask them about their background. If a teacher has taught other students and has a true love and passion for education and loves to share their knowledge then I would definitely go with that teacher.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
1. What do you want to get out of your class?
2. What is the one skill you would want to learn?
3. What are projects that you want to make in the future?
4. What is the final goal?