All classes are held at the Better Living Through Sewing studio in North Oakland @ 40th and Broadway. Exact address will be given upon registration. To pay via check, or for any questions, email Better Living Through Sewing or call 510-985-0997.
Beginner Level Classes
Introduction to the Machine
Date change: Old date=Tuesday 2/9
New Date: Monday February 15, 6-9 pm
OR
Sunday February 21, 2-5 pm
OR
MondayMarch 5, 6-9 pm
Level: Beginner
Cost: $55; $5 extra to rent a machine
Class description: You’ll learn the basics of sewing machine threading, operation, troubleshooting and attachments. We’ll go over the differences in needle and thread types, how to sew a perfectly straight seam and turn corners. You’ll make a basic pillow, and leave with skills to get you started on more projects! Two machines are available for student use for $5 extra.
Supply list: Bring your machine, any attachments that came with it and its manual, 1/2 yard of non-stretch woven material (no slinky, silky, furry, velvet or knit fabrics please!) and all-purpose thread to match.
The Ins and Outs of Commercial Patterns
Four class series limited to 3 students.
Sundays 10 am-1 pm February 21-March 14th–one spot left!
Level: Beginner/Advanced Beginner
Cost: $140 ($150 if you use my machine)
Class description: This class is perfect for total beginners or those needing a brush-up. First, we’ll go over the attachments and tools used in sewing, how to sew a straight seam, backstitch and turn corners, and machine tension and troubleshooting. From there you’ll go on to take your measurements and purchase fabric and a pattern. Then you’ll cut, construct and alter a simple skirt or pair of pants, install a zipper and create a rolled hem. You’ll leave with a completed garment and the skills to make more!
Advanced Beginner/Intermediate Classes
Copy A Garment
Four-session class: Saturdays 2-5 pm, March 20-April 4th
Level: Advanced Beginner/Intermediate
Cost: $140 (Bring your own machine or rent mine for $10 more.)
OR, take just the first class for $40 if you only want to make a pattern from the garment.
The dress on the left was copied from a vintage slip on the right
Got a favorite garment that’s wearing out? Make a copy! In this class we’ll take a garment (pants, jeans, skirt or blouse) and make a pattern from it. In the following classes you’ll cut it out, make any alterations, and sew it up in subsequent classes. Bring 1 or 2 garments to the first class. You’ll get started on construction and leave with a pattern to make more favorites in new fabric.
Materials: Bring 1 or 2 garments to copy, 2.5 yards of washed and dried material similar to the original fabric, pins, thread and any other notions required (zipper, buttons, interfacing etc.)
Open Sewing Labs
Sunday February 7, 2 pm to 5 pm
Level: All skill levels welcome.
Cost: $35; machine available for $5 extra
Class description: Got projects you want help finishing? Need a hand with something you’re stuck on? Bring it to a Sunday Sewing Lab and get expert assistance! Diana will be on hand to help with machine problems and tricky spots.
3-week series: Elements of Sewing
This 3-week series is designed to teach intermediate sewing skills such as hemming, inserting zippers and seam finishes. You can sign up for the entire series for $100 or drop in on each individual class for $35. Machines are available for a rental fee.
Zip Zap Zippers
Monday February 1, 6:30-9 pm
Learn 4 styles of zipper insertion: invisible, centered, lapped and exposed/separating, and the best applications for each of them. Take away samples of insertion styles you complete and the skills to use them on handbags, home decorating items and garments!
Advanced Stitches and Seam Finishes
Monday February 7, 6:30-9 pm
Take your projects to the next level with this stitch and seam class. Learn French, welt and flat felled seams, bias tape/Hong Kong finish, topstitching, edgestitching, easestitching and gathering, stitching on elastic, techniques for knits, and one-step and 4-step buttonholes. You’ll leave with a sampler of different stitches.
Hem Me In!
Monday February 22, 6:30-9 pm
In this class we’ll cover blind hemming by machine and by hand, rolled and handkerchief hems on the machine, mock cuffs, hem tape and hemming knits. You’ll leave with a sampler of a variety of hems and a new arsenal of hem techniques.
Revamped and Recycled
Sunday March 7, 2-5 pm
Level: Advanced Beginner/Intermediate
Cost: $50; $55 if you rent a machine
Class description: Ever wonder what to do with those clothes that no longer fit, are partially worn out, or are just not right for you? in this creative class we’ll take two or more garments and mash them up to make something totally new. Design new sweaters, skirts, and dresses on the fly! Combining garments and creative cutting and finishing will be covered. Bring 2 to 4 garments and your sewing machine and creativity, leave with a new garment (or two)! Two machines are available for student use.
All Level Classes
Paper Tape Dress Form Class
Sunday February 28, 2-5:30 pm
Cost: $75 includes materials
All skill levels welcome.
Custom-made dress forms can cost hundreds of dollars, but in this class you’ll collaborate with others to make a paper tape duplicate of yourself at a fraction of the cost. We’ll also make a stand for the dress form from pvc pipe. Bring comfortable shoes and a long t-shirt. Please note: This class involves standing for long periods of time, up to an hour and 15 minutes, while you are wrapped in paper tape. Please sign up only if you are able to do so without problems.
Gift Certificates Available!
Gift the gift of sewing with a certificate for lessons with Better Living Through Sewing. For private lessons just click on the paypal button for 2, 4 or 8 hours of instruction. Or, any of the classes listed below can be given as a gift, just specify that you want a certificate sent to you in the “notes” section when you make your payment.
