Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I find out about upcoming classes?

Current classes are listed on the current offerings page. Please sign up for the mailing list to get a heads up about future classes, workshops, and other offerings.

2. Do I need to own a sewing machine to take a class?
No!I have several machines available for students to use. However, if you have a working sewing machine, you are welcome to bring it.

3. I’ve never sewn before. Can I still take a class?
Absolutely. Beginners are welcome in many of the classes and workshops, and I always seek to have at least one offering geared toward absolute beginners. If experience is needed, it will be noted in the class description.

4.I’ve sewn [a little / a lot / a long time ago]. What class would be best for me?
If you have questions or doubts after reading the class descriptions, please send me an email with some information about your sewing experience and interests, and I can make a recommendation.

5. Do you offer private lessons or custom classes?
Yes! I offer private lessons for $50 per hour for one person, $75 per hour for two people, or $100 per hour for three people. Please send me an email or fill out the contact form and share a little bit about your prior experience and what you’d like to learn.

6. Do you offer classes for kids?
Unfortunately, no. If you need a referral for kids classes, I’m happy to provide one!

7. What’s your address?
I provide my address upon registration. I am located in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago, 3.5 blocks from the Morse redline stop. The studio is up three flights of stairs. If you need more information for planning or accessibility purposes, please send me an email or fill out a contact form.

8. What’s your COVID policy?
Masks are always welcome, but not required unless noted. An air filter will be running in the studio and I will open windows if weather allows. Classes sizes are limited. Please do not attend if you feel unwell or have a known COVID exposure. If you are COVID cautious and have needs beyond what is outlined here, please get in touch and we can explore options together.

9. What’s your cancellation policy?
If you need to cancel, please send me an email with as much notice as possible.

Workshops
If you need to cancel your workshop registration, please contact me with at least one week’s notice, and I will work with you to reschedule for a future session or refund you. If you need to cancel with less than one week’s notice due to illness, I can work with you to reschedule. Please do not come to the studio if you are feeling unwell.

Classes
If you need to cancel your registration for a class series, please contact me at least one week before the beginning of the session to reschedule or request a refund. Once the session begins, I cannot reschedule or issue refunds. If you need to miss a session, I will do my best to get you caught up on the material at the next session. If you need to miss class due to illness, I may be able to offer a makeup session - please contact me with as much notice as you are able to provide. Please do not come to class if you are feeling unwell.

Private lessons
For private lessons, please provide me with at least 48 hours notice if you need to reschedule or cancel. If you need to cancel within the 48 hour window due to illness, I will do my best to reschedule you. Please do not come to your lesson if you are feeling unwell.

Instructor cancellations
I do my best to minimize cancellations, but if I need to cancel a class session, workshop, or lesson, I will let you know via email with as much notice as possible. I will seek to reschedule or, if not possible, issue refunds.

10. What makes your classes queer and trans friendly?
At the studio, we respect folks’ pronouns, use gender neutral sewing terms, and try not to make assumptions about people’s bodies and identities. While the sewing world still often presents its offerings in binary ways (e.g. dividing patterns into men’s and women’s sections), clothes do not have a gender and anyone can wear any clothes.

Lots of people struggle to find clothes that fit them off the rack, but the struggle can be especially acute and impactful for queer and trans people. You deserve clothes that fit! While I am not a pattern designer, I love to work with students to select patterns and make pattern alterations that help achieve a better “fit” - in terms of size and shape, but also gender presentation and personal style. If a pattern adjustment is outside of my current skill level, I am excited to learn with you and/or help you find outside resources.

11. What makes your classes size affirming?
Sewing can be a liberatory practice and we aim to create a liberatory culture at the studio, in contrast to the anti-fatness that pervades much of the fashion industry. This includes challenging what it means for something to be “flattering,” and rejecting the notion that there’s any kind of clothing, cut, or print that can only be worn by smaller bodies. It means supporting size-inclusive designers, and designers who design especially for fat bodies.

You deserve clothes that fit, and I will do my best to support you in selecting a pattern that fits you well and making pattern adjustments when needed/desired. If a pattern adjustment is outside of my current skill level, I am excited to learn with you and/or help you find outside resources.

We will talk about bodies and sizing in a neutral way as we discuss fitting. The expectations is that folks will not make comments about anyone else’s body, and that we will all try to limit judgmental self-talk (as unkind comments about oneself can and do affect others and the shared space we are creating).

12. Can you help me learn …[fill in the blank]?

Maybe! Probably! It depends! Please send me an email or fill out the contact form to inquire.

13. Do you do alterations or commissions?

My focus is on teaching, but sometimes I do take on special projects. Please send me an email or fill out the contact form with some information about what you are seeking.

14. I am interested in a class or workshop, but it’s out of my budget. What are my options?

I set my pricing at rates that allow me to cover my costs and make a living. I also want my classes to be accessible and to eliminate barriers when possible. I sometimes am able to set up bartering arrangements with students to defray class costs. Please send me an email or fill out a contact form if you are interested in exploring this option.