About
I go by the name Virginia Makes as my married name is Virginia Johns Duppenthaler. My passion for fashion sewing can be seen on facebook, Virginia Makes. I emphasize perfect fit and creativity while making exciting fashion experiences.
I am inspired by courses with Susan Khalje, Kenneth King, Jacque Goldberg, Alabama Chanin, and Maiwa in Canada on natural dyes and millinery. Various chapters of the American Sewing Guild are always offering enticing information. I am a home economist from Iowa State University, Ames.
Most sewing students discover the private classes I teach through lessons.com and word of mouth from other business interests. Students create their dream garments with me and do not have to haul their machine and shop before class.
I founded BlueRibbonCooking.com and host weddings in the historic Mansion where the sewing studio is located beside the garages. Come visit- SandersEstate.com.
Highlights
Payment methods
Photos and videos
Reviews
gina H.
Cassandra T.
Keith S.
Laura J.
Laura J.
Vanessa S.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Discussion in an initial free meeting of 15 minutes in sewing studio.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Bachelor of Science from Iowa State University, Ames
Diploma from Le Cordon Bleu, Paris
Certified as Trained Sewing Instructor through American Sewing Guild after taking a week course in Las Vegas.
Numerous Fabric Art courses across the US including Susan Khalje courses, Alabama Chanin course, Kenneth King Courses and five courses at Maiwa in Vancouver, Canada.
Founder of Blue Ribbon Cooking School, Seattle.
Founder of J. Johns Conservatory of World Cookery, Vancouver.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$35. / hour, minimum of two hours.
How did you get started teaching?
Have been teaching home entertaining internationally since I was hired by the American Consulate to teach cooking in India, Hong Kong and Manilla. Opened my own school in Canada in '77. Taught in my home while raising three children. Began Blue Ribbon Cooking.com which is now run by my daughter and other family members.
What types of students have you worked with?
all types with different needs to express themselves
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Recently offered private classes for a basketball player who desires to have his own line of clothes. We dyed linen fabric and then he painted his designs on pants that were finished with silk lining. From this project we have gone on to make other pants and recently completed 2 signature cropped jackets with gold zippers.
I am proud to say that I taugh other ASG teachers of fabric arts how to eco dye silk scarves at National Conference of the American Sewing Guild held in Las Vegas this past May 2018.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Look for flexibility to meet your current interests. Consider how generous the teacher is with information, notions and providing educational resources they have found in books and the internet.
Be sure location has easy access and parking.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What about supplies? Come with your own or use my top notch machines at no extra charge. I am able to share hundreds of items (fabrics, elastic, patterns, buttons, etc.) at nominal added cost so your do not need to go out and shop.