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
Time: February 20 from noon - 4 (full)
March 6 from noon - 4 (full),
April 17 from noon - 4 (4 openings),
May 29 from noon - 4 (6 openings) or
June 12 from noon - 4 (6 openings)
Cost: $45
Instructor: Maggy Schneider
It's a class, it's a sewing circle, it's an opportunity to learn professional approaches for sensational results! Whether you want to perfect your skills or just have the use of a great sewing studio, this is my offering for those who already know the basics. Put some dates together that work with your schedule; bring your current project or let me help you select and get started on a new one. Reservation required.
Many of us love to sew but are challenged by fit. My fitting method creates a template of one's body giving a visual guide for adjusting patterns rather than a sea of numbers. Students will be measured on the first night, then starting with a simple dress, top or jacket pattern they will learn to calculate ease, block their shape and adjust their commercial pattern. Some work outside of class required. Class fee includes written instructions, measurement charts and an adjustment guide for figure irregularities.
Minimum Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
Times: February 22 and March 1, 8 and 15 from 6 - 9 (full)
Cost: $120
Instructor: Maggy Schneider
Tired of struggling with fitting pants patterns? Consider starting fresh with your own custom pattern! If you can read a tape measure, plot points and connect dots you can make a great fitting pants pattern. In the first session students will learn how to take body measurements and draft their pattern. At the second meeting we will fine-tune the test pants you sewed between classes and transfer the changes to your pattern. Outside work required. Class fee includes written instructions and measurement chart.
Minimum Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
Time: February 12 and 19 from 10 - 1 (1 opening)
Cost: $60
Instructor: Maggy Schneider
Openings per Session: 4
Minimum Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
Times: January 12 - June 8, every Tuesday from 11 - 2 except March 30 or
January 15 - June 10, every Thursday from 6 - 9 except April 1
Cost: $10 per hour
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
Times: February 26, March 5, 12 and 19 from 10 - 1 (full),
April 5, 12, 19 and 26 from 6 - 9 (1 opening) or
May 7, 14, 21 and 28 from 10 - 1 (4 openings)
Cost: $120
Instructor: Maggy Schneider
We'll start with a Kwik Sew pattern, make a few modifications and create this trendy little skirt featuring side seam pockets and a wide elastic waistband. Students will learn an industry technique for the side seam pockets as well as how to gather woven fabric and stitch it to an elastic waistband that fits your waist yet stretches over your hips!
Minimum Skill Level: Beginner Plus
Time: March 27, April 3 and 10 from 1 - 4 (4 openings)
Cost: $97 (includes pattern)
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: April 9, 16, 23 and 30 from 10 - 1 (2 openings),
May 3, 10, 17 and 24 from 6 - 9 (full) or
May 1, 8, 15 and 22 from 1 - 4 (3 openings)
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.
•American Sewing Guild and Textile Center members receive a 10% discount.
•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
A mechanical slide fastener first introduced in the 1920s, zippers are considered to be one of the neatest closures for all types of garments and accessories. As they learn the parameters of their zipper feet and needle adjustments, students will complete samples of a fly zipper as well as invisible, centered and lapped applications. They will also learn to take zippers apart and reassemble them as they sew a little zippered pouch. Fee includes supplies and complete written instructions.
Minimum Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
Time: February 27th from noon - 4 (3 openings) or
June 5 from noon - 4 (6 openings)
Cost: $50
Instructor: Maggy Schneider
Anatomy of a Shirt
A series of classes focusing on the major elements of fine shirt making
Pick and choose or take them all, the methods learned in these classes will expand your sewing skills and can be applied to many other garment styles and projects. Each session is three hours and will include hands-on demonstrations as well as time for sewing. Additional time outside of class will be needed to complete a shirt.
The series starts with an overview of how to modify a commercial pattern for fine tailoring techniques as well as materials and supplies used in the process. Learn the mysterious technique of "bagging the yoke" and tips for making perfect flat felled seams and beautiful rolled hems.
Available Openings: Full
Minimum Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
Time: February 24th from 6 - 9
Cost: $35
Learn tips for making crisp, flat, sharp-cornered pockets with perfect top stitching. Assimilate techniques for pucker-free plackets. Master sleeve modifications for a professional-looking encased armscye.
Available Openings: Full
Minimum Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
Time: March 3rd from 6 - 9
Cost: $35
Learn to make cuffs that naturally roll around the wrist and join the sleeve perfectly. Additional tips include making traditional sleeve plackets, matching patterns and simple custom modifications.
Available Openings: Full
Minimum Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
Time: March 10th from 6 - 9
Cost: $35
Finish your shirt with the symmetry of a beautiful 3-way rolled collar that naturally holds its shape. Learn how to join the stand to the collar and shirt body with perfect seams - no lumps, bumps or bulges.
Available Openings: Full
Minimum Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
Time: March 17th from 6 - 9
Cost: $35
Always entertaining, Steve "Bobbin Doctor" Pauling has a passion for fine shirt making and vintage sewing machines. For each class he will use a different classic straight stitch machine from his collection to demonstrate how fine tailoring techniques can be accomplished on a simple straight stitch machine like your great-great-grandmother might have used.
Learn to use your four-thread serger (or one of ours) to whip up a no side seam pair of leggings -- perfect to wear with That Skirt! While learning to sew knits students will also acquire a cool, time-saving elastic insertion method.
Minimum Skill Level: Beginner Plus
Time: April 24 from noon - 4 (3 openings)
Cost: $47 (includes pattern)
Instructor: Maggy Schneider
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: April 28 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: May 12 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: May 19 from 6 - 9 (5 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: May 26 from 6 - 9 (6 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!
A boxed cushion, an under collar set into a jacket or coat, the neckband on a V neck tee or scrubs -- all a piece of cake once you know how to deal with the pivot point. Students will also learn an easy method for a beautiful rolled hem. Fee includes supplies.
Minimum Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
Times: March 22 from 6 - 8 (5 openings) or
April 10 from 10 - noon (6 openings)
Cost: $30
Instructor: Maggy Schneider
Learn strategies for an expertly attached and turned facing that won't roll to the outside of your garment! Students will also learn an industry method for a professionally installed side seam pocket as they complete samples in class. Fee includes supplies.
Minimum Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
Times: March 26 from 10 - noon (6 openings) or
May 8 from 10 - noon (6 openings)
Cost: $30
Instructor: Maggy Schneider
