About
I'm an International and Nationally recognized instructor. I teach all over the country and in Canada. Along with basic sewing classes, I'm also brought in to teach how to transform sweatshirts into lovely jackets that are fitted and lined, I teach how to create your own pattern pieces that fit you, to measure and cut princess seams, put in zippers, shoulder fitting, adding on collars, and creating bias trim and adding it on. I also teach new techniques, hand embroidery, and hand applique`
It helps even beginner sewers not only to sew but gives them the confidence to move forward in sewing that they may not have to begin with . pockets and zippers and even creating bias trim feels like an impossible task so making it fun for them and showing the simple ways of accomplishing things is the goal
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Marie W.
Chelsea L.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
We start with basic sewing knowledge this gives me a feel of the students level , how they feel behind the machine and to answer questions for them . I teach basic sewing and use their machine and not mine so that they become more comfortable with their own machine . Some of the newest sewers may need help discovering what their machine can do and even threading it .
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I learned to sew through Islander Sewing System, I have been hired to teach at the International Quilt Festival, American Sewing Expo, Craft Sewing and Quilting festival, The Sewing and Stitchery Expo through the Washington State University extension, Creativ' in Toronto, and guilds all over the country. I still travel and teach not only sewing but new techniques of what is trending. I'm a contributor to Sew News , Craftrends , National Quilters Society , Quilts magazine and more and my patterns can be found in quilts shops and JoAnn Fabrics across the country . ( I do not Quilt however )
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Depending on the circumstance the classes are, I charge per hour for any class that is hourly, but an all-day workshop would be a different price that would include kits. So if it is a 90-minute class to teach beginning sewing it would be $75 it breaks down to $25 per hour. If I have to travel more than 25 miles then we would in include mileage. I would prefer that the student travels to me but I will travel if necessary
How did you get started teaching?
I used to just vend at different expos but I realized how much of a need there was to teaching.
What types of students have you worked with?
Anyone that wants to learn sewing, or knows how to sew but wants to learn how to make a certain design that we have or just needs a refresher on sewing. I'm not a quilter but I can hand applique and hand embroidery and in certain circumstances that are in the design, then I teach it, if someone just wants a day of applique' and hand embroidery then I will teach it.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
the International Quilt Festival, such an exciting event , all kinds of sewing, and classes going on . I love it
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
It's always good to approach the teacher with what they exactly want to learn. Whether its basic sewing or something else, specifics help to form a class in our heads that would best fit them.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
It would be advantageous to write a list of questions before talking with the teacher, this would be more thorough. Think about what they need from that instructor, what goals, what specific techniques that they want to accomplish, anything really , the best way to learn is to ask questions.