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Sewing Class

Thursday, 18 August 2011 12:03 Christa Martin Blogs - Obsessive Beauty
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blog_Sewing_MachineAs some readers might know from reading the "You Reap What You Sew" story in the GT Fashion Issue, I've been taking sewing classes this year at Judy's Sewing Center in Capitola. Judy Hollaway, owner of the store, teaches the class that I attend every week on Tuesdays from 6-9 p.m. The class is called “Learn to Sew,” and that is exactly what I have been doing. Hollaway has been sewing for pretty much her entire life, and I’d say she’s among the best seamstresses in the Bay Area. That said, taking a class with her is revolutionary if you want to genuinely learn how to sew—not just make a nice project for the day. Sure, you’ll make amazing pillowcases, lounge pants, vests, tote bags, buttoned up shirts and so on in her classes, but the key is that she’s teaching students of all skill levels the very important elements of sewing. She doesn’t cut any corners. You’ll learn the essentials: Laying out a pattern, cutting a pattern, how much yardage to buy, where to cut your fabric, how to do a button hole, how to apply snaps, zippers, elastic, darts, baby hems, zig zag stitch, how to use a serger and an endless list of important things to know when sewing. I can’t recommend her classes enough for people who are interested in sewing, or who can sew, but don’t know foundational techniques. With that said, I’m going to start writing some blogs about my experiences in Hollaway’s weekly classes. This week, I’ll also start to take garment construction classes with Dresden Erickson, also at Judy’s Sewing Center. I’ll post about what I’m learning, musings on the craft of sewing and any tips that I learn. Stay tuned.
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written by Garet, December 06, 2011
Not being a person who sews, I signed up for this class, I was not told I had to use a specific pattern, so I brought my own material. I had been shown at Harts how to cut the material so it would be most attractive. Judy kept telling me I could not do it the way I had wanted to do it, and that I needed a "pillow" packet. She was very rude and abrupt. I would not go back to this class or store again. I felt humiliated by her and had a good cry. I WILL find someone to show me how to use my machine and I WILL make my grandson a pillow case.

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