Virginia Makes Dba Worthmaking, LLC

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

Hired 7 times

2 employees

12 years in business

Serves Auburn , WA

Payment methods

Check, Venmo, Paypal, Apple Pay, Zelle

Specialties

Student's age

Under 5 years old, 5 – 10 years old, 11 – 13 years old, 14 – 18 years old, 19 – 25 years old, 26 – 45 years old, 46 – 65 years old, Over 65 years old

Class type(s)

Sewing, Dyeing

Experience level

No experience, Beginner, Intermediate

Photos and videos

Reviews

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gina H.

Virginia is a very kind and thoughtful person she is amazing at what she does. Vaginia, thank you so much for all the extras you did for me. I truly appreciate all your hard work The dress we made is exactly what I wanted. I enjoyed coming to class

mostly because of your personality and expertise.

October 27, 2023

Virginia Makes dba Worthmaking, LLC

I enjoyed the opportunity to make with you what you specifically had in mind. I hope you continue to learn dressmaking.

Cassandra T.

I know how to sew, not really as experienced as Virginia is, but her enthusiasm for sewing has opened up new doors of excitement for me, her very lively and pleasant personality makes me feel excited that I am not only going to a class but that I am going to spend time with a friend. She has a vast knowledge of sewing which makes it all worthwhile.

February 17, 2022

•Hired on Lessons

Keith S.

Virginia is very knowledgeable in clothing construction, sewing, and fabric and has a great amount of experience to share. The location is perfect with a lot of space and all the resources you will need. I’m having a great time working with her, what I like most is that the lessons have been tailored specifically to my interests and she is very patient as we aren’t rushing through anything. I would highly recommend choosing Virginia for classes regardless of experience level!

November 29, 2021

•Hired on Lessons

Laura J.

Virginia is an incredibly patient teacher. We were working on sewing an advanced level project on her machine, with me using the machine. I was not able to sew as speedily as what she is able to do, but she waited with the patience of Job while I took my time to make sure it was straight and not slipping or running the foot too fast for my ability to keep control of the fabric.

She has never made me feel foolish or stupid, which is such a blessing as Ive had other teachers whove lost patience with my myriad of questions and lack of rapidity with machine sewing.

She is an excellent teacher!

November 20, 2021

•Hired on Lessons

Laura J.

Virginia is an engaging, world-traveled instructor. She speaks from varied experiences and lots of practice. I felt listened to, truly heard, encouraged to press on, not just to master the pattern, but figure out my own style. I also feel like Ive made a new friend.

The location is peaceful and welcoming, super easy to get to. Id highly recommend Worthmaking to anyone looking for an instructor or coach.

September 30, 2021

•Hired on Lessons

Vanessa S.

Studio furnished with 5 high end sewing machines, pressure irons and Koala sewing furniture.

Teacher is generous with her supplies.

September 19, 2018

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.

Services offered

Fiber Arts Classes