Uptown Atelier

Uptown Atelier

New
Offers online services
New
Offers online services

About

I am passionate about sewing and art, and I am passionate about helping people find joy in learning to make things. Three decades of sewing experience and over a decade of teaching experience have given me a skill set to help people unlock their creativity.

As I teach both sewing and art, and as I also do professional sewing and design work, I am ready to help you achieve your creative dreams, however unique they may be! Want to sew from vintage patterns, make hand painted fabric to use on a bag, or simply sew an impeccable tailored garment? I can help you with any of these goals and more.

I love when making something makes people happy. When I got my photos back for my website - and my photographer did such a wonderful job, I had such respect for his artistry! - the thing that made me happiest was seeing all the candid shots where people were laughing, connecting, and genuinely having fun. When people express joy that they were able to make a project they are proud of, or just feel pride in mastering a technical skill, it truly warms my heart.


Highlights

Serves New York , NY
Offers online services

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    Frequently asked questions

    Everyone has unique goals, learning style, and taste. I start by talking to a new student over a cup of tea to create a learning plan that best meets their needs. Then we dive right in! You’ll get access to a personalized folder on Google Drive so you can review lesson notes, and - if you’d like! - follow up with homework practice to develop your skills between lessons. You’ll also get a chance to ask questions and give feedback to be sure the lessons are meeting your wishes and needs. 

    I have been sewing 31 years. I loved competing in 4-H county fairs as a child with the garments I made, and I have been sewing ever since. I also teach art for those who wish to add a more personal touch to their handmade projects. I consider sewing an art and I teach it as such, with plenty of room for personal expression, and I also focus on the technical skills to guarantee you will be proud of your projects. I spent eight years as a teacher in the NYCDOE, and have taight adults and children both in other settings for well over a decade. I do professional sewing work in addition to teaching, and I am working on launching a custom couture garments business very soon. 

    Yes. I mostly teach from my home, and I have multiple sewing machines and supplies. A single hour session is $75, and blocks of two hours or more are $60 per hour. If you prefer lessons at your home, I am happy to provide those if it’s possible to reach you by public transportation, and in this case I kindly request a minimum of two hour blocks with a modest travel fee, which varies depending on distance. 

    I first began teaching when I was an MFA student in 2004. I joined NYC Teaching Fellows in 2006 and have been teaching ever since! Even as a teenager, I found it fun to teach and often would wind up teaching art or other creative skills to interested friends. 

    I have taught adults, college students, middle school students, and young children. I have taught English, ESL, French, creative writing in public schools, and now I teach sewing and art in my own business. When I was a NYCDOE teacher in a very busy school, I taught a wide range of middle school aged students, including gifted, special needs, and English language learners. 

    One of my clients was joking that she wanted to call her insurance to get sewing lessons covered as therapy. It made me laugh, but it also touched my heart, as I realized something I have done since I was a child has an almost magical ability to promote mindfulness, connection, and personal confidence, and sometimes I need to be reminded of this since I’ve done it so long it’s just part of my life. Seeing that joy brought to another person truly made me happy. 

    it’s important to know what you want. Are you looking for fun, low commitment creative experience? Some of the other classes I’ve seen offer great easy lessons that are more about competing a project quickly altogether in a step by step fashion as a group. However, if you are truly motivated to learn to sew well, make your own choices about projects, perhaps design your own garments one day, master technical skills, and learn to execute projects on your own while still having fun, then a teacher like me is a better fit. It all depends on your goals.

    A good teacher should always be open about different learning styles. If you have learning style that affects your experience, then you’re not alone! Many people do. I enjoy helping people learn with a tailored strategy that truly respects their needs, and having had a lot of experience in the NYCDOE helped me develop an adaptable teaching style. Even if you feel you learn well in various environments, it’s still a great idea to envision what your preferences are. Do you want more structure or more creative freedom? Do you prefer fast paced or leisurely instruction? A good teacher can and will respond to your needs and wishes with respect. 


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