Sewing Lounge


Maggy Schneider, cofounder and current owner of Sewing Lounge, started sewing around the age of four when her Norwegian nanny determined she was old enough to hold a needle. Although she studied clothing design at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design her intuitive approach to sewing has been self-nurtured, bolstered by instruction from co-workers in the clothing industry. Besides having been a sample sewer for local designers she has also done production runs, pattern work and custom sewing. Crafting and sewing with children for the past 31 years has allowed her to keep at least one foot in a very creative world and it remains one of her favorite endeavors.	Instructor, technician and sewing machine enthusiast Steve “Bobbin Doctor” Pauling’s interest in sewing machines began as a teenager when he “borrowed” his mother’s brand new pink and gray sewing machine to repair a school bag. The bag was never repaired but he did begin his life long journey learning about broken needles, thread jams, bad tension and how to fix your mother’s machine without her knowing. Steve has a small business refurbishing pre-1970 sewing machines aptly named “Bobbin Doctor” and currently has over 100 vintage machines in his personal collection. Steve is also an award winning fine shirt maker and popular instructor/lecturer.
	Guest designer Arlene Fisher holds a BFA from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago where she studied fashion design. She also has a fine art background with an emphasis on painting. Interested in many subjects and talented in many areas, as of late she has even been tutoring physics at a local college! "If you were to describe my fashion style it would be very Italian mixed with modern American -- sporty, clean and sexy lines and a real knowledge of the use of color." Arlene began designing at the age of 5 when she made her first Halloween costume. "My main love has always been costume design because I love everything that is theatrical. My designs incorporate a tiny bit of that love, making them both beautiful and unforgettable." She has designed and fabricated many garments and costumes over the years for private individuals as well as corporations including Haagen Daz, Ford Motor Co. and Air France. Her work has been written up in Women's Wear Daily and The Chicago Tribune.
	Instructor Kim Faith began learning to sew at the age of 12. With her mother and grandmother to answer questions she was soon making most of her own clothing. Experimenting with mixing and matching pieces from commercial patterns allowed her to create patterns of her own designs. While pursuing a BS degree in Design at the University of Minnesota a course in pattern making by the “Flat Pattern” method changed everything - the mystery of how to create a completely unique pattern was revealed! Kim refined her pattern making skills and has created custom clothing for herself and others, both professionally and as a favorite hobby. She has worked as a designer of jewelry, clothing, hotel interiors and graphics but her love of designing and sewing clothing continues to be one of her favorite pastimes.

Experience the joy of fearless stitching at Sewing Lounge, your home for sewing support in Saint Paul. Open sewing, private lessons, camps and classes for all ages and all skill levels

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