


If you have never operated a sewing machine or your skills are rusty beyond belief this may be the class for you. Learn the parts and functions of a sewing machine and become confident in your ability to operate it. You will leave class with your first projects: stitched note cards and a lined drawstring pouch. Fee includes supplies.
Skill Level: Beginner
Times: July 31 from noon - 4 (3 openings) or
August 28 from noon - 4 (6 openings)
Cost: $45
Instructor: Maggy Schneider
Learn to operate a sewing machine then choose a simple pattern, select fabric to make it up in and you are off on a new adventure! Students will learn to follow and edit pattern instructions as they complete their project in class. Includes a field trip to my neighborhood fabric store Treadle Yard Goods.
Skill Level: Beginner
Time: August 2, 9, 16 and 23 from 6 - 9 (full)
Cost: $120
Instructor: Maggy Schneider

You are still a beginner but know how to operate a sewing machine and are excited to venture into the world of commercial patterns. Students will select a simple pattern, shop for fabric, then learn to read and follow pattern instructions as they work on their project in class. Perfect for students who have taken Sewing 101. If you were an Extreme Beginner you'll be given more latitude in choosing a pattern.
Skill Level: Beginner Plus
Times: July 5, 12, 19 and 26 from 6 - 9 (full)
Cost: $120
Instructor: Maggy Schneider
•All classes will be held at Sewing Lounge. The maximum class size ranges from three to six students so everyone gets lots of individual attention.
•If you don’t see what you are looking for or the time a class is offered doesn't work with your schedule inquire about private lessons for yourself or your group.
•Skill level indicates the minimum skill required to take a class and are as follows:
Beginner - you are a clean slate.
Beginner Plus - you can operate a machine but need to build confidence using a commercial pattern.
Advanced Beginner - you can operate a sewing machine, know some basic terms like grain line and seam allowance and can sort of navigate pattern instructions and yardage information.
Intermediate Beginner - you can operate a machine, cut out patterns and follow pattern instructions.
Intermediate - You are a self-sufficient stitcher and can handle greater complexity in construction.
•Class fees cover the times a class is scheduled. If you miss a class and would like to make it up you can schedule a private lesson with the instructor which will be subject to their rates.
Registration Information and Policies
Check out the Sewing Lounge Teachers
Experience the joy of fearless stitching at Sewing Lounge, your home for sewing support in Saint Paul. Private lessons, sewing circles, camps and classes for all ages and all skill levels
Master the skill of adjusting and perfecting the tension of your sewing machine for different sewing applications. You'll review basic principles of lock stitch sewing machine operation and tension adjustments. You'll learn about different shuttle actions and bobbin case styles, thread types and sizes, selecting the proper needle type and size, basic maintenance, how to adjust both upper and lower thread tension and tips for gauging proper tension. This is a hands-on-workshop - bring your sewing machine (in good working condition) along with your favorite sewing thread. A materials list will be sent when you register.
Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
Time: August 11 from 6 - 9 (6 openings)
Cost: $35
Instructor: Steve Pauling
Specialty threads (metallics, woolies, stretch, top stitching, perl, monofilament, invisible, yarn, upholstery, etc.) offer a whole new world of creativity and expression for textile artists. Learn the technical skill in how to use them, which ones work better than others, specialty needles and their application. This is a hands-on-workshop - bring your machine (in good working condition). Please note: you MUST have a good understanding of machine tension and be comfortable adjusting both top and bottom tension on your machine. If you need more instruction in adjusting your machine consider taking "Mastering Machine Tension" as a primer before this class. A materials list will be sent when you register. There is also a $10 materials fee payable to the instructor.
Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
Time: August 25 from 6 - 9 (6 openings)
Cost: $35
Instructor: Steve Pauling

Ever wonder what all those gadgets are that came with your sewing machine? Never understood why you might change the presser foot on your machine? Is there life beyond the universal zig-zag foot? Steve "Bobbin Doctor" Pauling will bring his vast selection of specialty presser feet for a lecture and demonstration of as many feet as possible during this 3 hour class. You will learn tips on selecting quality presser feet, tricks on using them for professional looking results and alternate uses for various feet. Students will determine which specialty feet the Bobbin Doctor will discuss and demonstrate. Bring all your mysterious sewing machine attachments and learn what they are used for. Students may bring their machines for a hands-on experience.
Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
Time: August 18 from 6 - 9 (6 openings)
Cost: $35
Instructor: Steve Pauling
Are you intimidated by your serger? Confused by the various tension settings, not to mention how to thread it? This hands-on class will give you confidence and eliminate the mystery of using your serger. Topics include basic operation of the over-lock serger, thread tension, maintenance and care and how to determine timing issues. Cover-stitch may be reviewed, time permitting. Students are encouraged to bring their serger, in good working condition. A list of required supplies and notions will be provided.
Minimum Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
Time: August 4 from 6 - 9 (3 openings)
Cost: $35
Instructor: Steve Pauling
Each fundamental Bobbin Doctor (Steve Pauling) class builds on the preceding one. The possibilities they open are amazing! To maximize their impact consider taking them as a series -- to sweeten the deal we'll sell the trio for $90!

