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8-Limbs
Categories: Shopping Arts & Crafts Shopping Fashion Women's Clothing Arts & Crafts, Women's Clothing [Edit]
1104 Mohawk StLos Angeles, CA 90026
Neighborhood: Echo Park
(213) 353-0149
- Hours:
Tue-Sat 12 pm - 7 pm
Sun 11 am - 5 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
About This Business:
Soma Intimates is about supreme comfort, high quality and flattering fit. Our bras, panties, sleepwear and relaxation wear are made with soft, luxurious… read more »
19 reviews for 8-Limbs
Review Highlights
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"i took my first ever sewing class (bring in my own vintage..." In 4 reviews -
"Erika was very helpful and got me up and running on it." In 6 reviews
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"...but purchase leather earrings made by the owner herself." In 3 reviews
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19 reviews in English
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Review from M. Joanne D.
Los Angeles, CA
4/29/2012
I had never seen a sewing machine up close, but loved learning here! Erica is very professional. I scheduled the class almost a month ago, but it was so worth the wait!! I was in a class of 8; 4 people to a table, in 2 adjacent rooms. The place is a house just off Sunset (main cross street is Alvarado) and is street parking only, so go early!! The house is also a store full of cute clothing and handmade jewelry. Beautiful but expensive stuff!
My 2 hr beginner class included step-by-step instruction on how to load your sewing machine. I had watched a few youtube videos on this, so it was almost easy to do with Erica's well-rehearsed instructions. She also did a 8 min lecture on textiles (how fabrics are made so we can pick good stitches) and when we ran over on time, she still showed us the steps for making a tote bag and invited us to stay an extra hour if we wanted to practice.
The class went over the basics of making a tiny tote bag, but I'm going to need another class just on picking out settings on the machine! Lots of great info here, and she lets students' questions guide and reinforce the class. She is a world of knowledge had has a lot of great car analogies. She provides fabric, so just bring some scissors that cut fabric well, thread if you have it, a notepad and pen, and a phone that records video!! She also sells sewing machines for around $400, but I only bought a pair of Gingher embroidery scissors for $32.99 to cut thread and fabric, and a sewing gauge for $3. Great stuff!! -
Review from miki c.
Los Angeles, CA
3/22/2012
Shes awesome! I brought and bought my little sister whom has a vision for fashion and wanted her to showcase more passion & expression for her love of fashion.
I'm very glad i did!! i also wanted to learn how to sew on a basic level since i too had recently expressed many interests in sewing 101 & making my own outfits!
So her & i, and along with my now fellow amigo who wanted to join the class with us started about 2 months ago. We all have our own sewing machine- so it looks like we were darn ready!!! Learned alot- pretty fast.. Confused a bit at first esp. learning the machine was most difficult for me to remember and get the hang of.. However, after the 2nd intermediate class, i am SOLD.
Erika is great at teaching. Its best when the class is more personal with 3-4 max.
If not, as our first class- time can bypass quickly & you have to learn the next step faster then anticipated.
She does have an eye for sewing & is real GOOD at it. She has an excentric unique style which i admire. She can pull it off~!!
Seeing that she has so much passion- it really helps you and want you to live vicariously thru her :)
Im ready and excited for our next advanced class- the three of us. The trio.
I hope she has more classes to offer- she did offer a great pkg for us 3 for more classes which im thankful & hope she continues to do that!
LEARN. You won't regret. You'll feel great about your accomplishments & skills!!!! -
Review from Matt L.
Los Angeles, CA
2/8/2012
I've been to 8-Limbs a handful of times now, and it's consistently fun and inviting. Erika, the owner, seems like she's always having a good time and there's something inspiring about that. It's also cool that there's a porch and chairs, so you can take a break if you want.
I generally get weirded out in clothing stores, probably because I get overwhelmed. But I don't at 8-Limbs. For one, because it's not just a clothing store. But also, I feel like a lot of care has been put into the selection, and, like I said, it's fun to check out what's on display.
You get the impression that Erika really cares about the experience you have in the store. That goes a long way in my book.
Great taste all around! -
Review from victoria c.
Los Angeles, CA
4/25/2012
Erika's place is great. Came here for the first time with a groupon lesson. Brought my oldie 50's Singer. Ended up buying a beautiful brand new VIking later. My first lesson was comprehensive and very educational. This place is inviting, homey and very creative. She has some killer vintage and modern clothing for sale as well. When I picked up my brand new machine on a different date she took the time to give me a free review and rundown of the parts and how to thread etc... for almost 2 hours! I've signed up for a tailoring class, can't wait to shred on this machine. By the way, Erika is a sweetheart. Love her and her shop.
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Review from Melissa F.
Los Angeles, CA
5/2/2012
Erika is very patient, explains things clearly and well and makes it a fun time to learn!
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Review from Chau T.
Los Angeles, CA
12/17/2011
Erika is super sweet and making an appointment to take the Intro to Sewing Class was very easy even when I had to reschedule. The store was very cute with original and vintage pieces. I was in love with several of her designs and she will do alterations to make it fit you. However, I am currently broke. I will be back when I get some extra funds cause this place is unique and I would love to own an "original" non-mall item that 50 people would would wear it better ha-ha.
I got the class on groupon, but it normally costs $60. The intro class has only four students max and in a very comfy environment. You can bring your own machine or use one that is provided. Parking was not the easiest. If you had to retake the class, she offers 40% off a repeat. I may have to do this since I don't currently own a machine to practice, but I am excited to make a tote she showed us how. It was unbelievably cool yet easy looking to do.
I also have a groupon for a four hour clothing construction course which I will wait till I own a machine to take, but I'm excited. -
Review from Sherrie L.
Van Nuys, CA
4/29/2012
I may be writing this review prematurely, since I haven't practiced yet, but I took the beginner introduction to sewing machine operation class yesterday and all I can say is that she and the shop are amazing. First, the shop is gorgeous with a beatiful decor and and ambience (and if you are the crafty type and/ or at all interested in decor, you will first notice that the shop is filled with lots of interesting ideas as you admire the decor and peacefulness of the shop. Erika, who is a sweetheart, immediately offered tea or water. Immediately, the nervousness about taking the class seems to vanish. As you walk through the space you can't help but notice everywhere you turn interesting and very unique jewelry, knit and woven clorthing and fabric, as well as artwork, not to mention a variety of excellent sewing machines for teaching and for sale (which I eyed enviously.) OK-- enough about that.
Erika is wonderful teacher. She is patient, thorough and keeps to a tight schedule so that you practice what she is teaching but also finish on time-- which is key to many people. It is amazing the amount of information she covered in a short amount of time, while having the 9 of us taking the class, practically apply the information taught. I was the lone person bringing my own machine (everyone else was using Erika's new Viking models Cadillacs compared by my old Simplicity that I had never learned to use) and Erika even managed to help me with my machine which was different and which I couldn't see to thread.At the end of the course, Erika gave us bonua guidelines on some additional things we should know or think about and some practice exercises we should do at home as we learned. I am looking forward to taking future classes at 8 limbs and learning how to sew well enough to justify a better machine. Erika is a believer that application and practice are important which helped in the teaching and learning process, and as a consequence, although I gave 5 stars I should have reserved a half until I have practiced --. I think my rating will stick. -
Review from Tiana M.
Los Angeles, CA
1/29/2012
I took the Intro to Sewing Machine Operation class--it was great. Erika is a lot of fun, the classes are small, and I left with a burning desire to buy my own sewing machine (she has very nice ones available for purchase, a little out of my price range but they're great so I'm still considering it). I would definitely recommend 8-Limbs for classes, and I'm looking forward to going back for the Clothing Construction class once I've practiced a little more! Parking is a pain, as some people have mentioned, but it's not impossible to find a street spot nearby.
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Review from Shug D.
Los Angeles, CA
1/1/2012
I took a basic sewing class here with Erica and it was fantastic. She is patient, friendly and knowledgeable and was a great teacher. She taught us fabric basics, and how to use our sewing machines. We also rotated to try out the other machines. I learned a lot in just one class and look forward to taking another class with her. I highly recommend classes with Erica for anyone looking for a basic sewing class. She also teaches advanced classes - but Im not ready for that yet!
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Review from Jennifer L.
Eagle Rock, Los Angeles, CA
6/25/2011
Wow! I took a sewing class here on a Friday night for two hours. Erika, the owner was super patient and made sure I was clear on each step before proceeding to the next one. She has an infectious enthusiasm for her craft ---you can't help but become inspired. The boutique attached has some sweet pieces, and though I didn't purchase any items, she gives the sewing students 30% off.
I was looking at two other studios to take classes at, but I'm so glad I went to 8 Limbs because I feel I got the attention I really need. She only allows four students per class, so you'll leave feeling far more confident and inspired! -
Review from Ariel D.
Los Angeles, CA
9/15/2011
I love this place!
Everything about 8 Limbs is AMAZING.I have been in the store about twice in the past week. I have a ring I really want and will be getting on payday.
Erika the Owner is super sweet and has an eye for uniquely tasteful items. Its always fun going there and they have some the most unique selection -
Review from Ariel H.
Los Angeles, CA
12/18/2011
This is such a wonderful, fun shop. I just did ALL of my christmas shopping there and have such a lovely experience every time I go in. The owner Erika is really sweet and helpful and fun to talk to. She had a sale going in which I got 40% off of every other item I bought (and I bought a lot...) I love the variety of vintage clothes, gorgeous jewelry, and one-of-a-kind hand-crafted interesting clothes. There is some artwork that is lovely as well. Im looking forward to taking her sewing class there soon (she gave me a 2 for 1 for me and my boyfriend to take the class). This is the sort of place where you feel good buying great stuff to support a great little local business.
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Review from Mama J.
Oak Park, CA
3/23/2012
With all due respect, this is the worst class I've ever had. It is falsely advertised, we were supposed to make a tote bag. We never made the bag. Why? Poor teaching strategy. Erika did not time her lessons well, so we never really got around to sewing. Even if we had, she was only going to supply us with paper bags, rather than fabric, to work with. Cheap. Better sewing classes in Santa Monica. They have the lesson down. They have enough machines for everyone. They let you pick fabric and you walk away with a product you've made.
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Review from Diz M.
Los Angeles, CA
7/19/2011 Purchased a Yelp Deal
Erika, the owner and sewing teacher, is absolutely AMAZING! I had a two hour one on one sewing lesson on my sewing machine. She is super patient and has great analogies to help make learning as fun and relatable as possible. I came out with a great, professional looking tote- super adorable!
The boutique is filled with inspirational creativity that I couldn't help but purchase leather earrings made by the owner herself. I've already recommended my artistic co-workers to stroll through Echo Park lane to take advantage of this hidden gem. -
Review from betty s.
Los Angeles, CA
2/16/2012
I bought a sewing machine operation class on Groupon. When I got there the class was small (4 people) and the shop is super cute. Erika is a great teacher. I've taken a few sewing classes over the years and I definitely learned more at this class than any other. I became more comfortable my machine. It was also great to learn about different fabrics and needles. Erika also showed us how to make a tote bag, so we could do it on our own. I really enjoyed the class and have signed up for the garment alteration class and the garment construction class.
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Review from Christine W.
Alhambra, CA
11/23/2011 Purchased a Yelp Deal
First, I want to be clear that I am rating the basic sewing class, not the actual store. I want to give this a higher rating. I agree with everything the other reviews said. Erika is super polite, has a great taste in fashion, and her store has an awesome selection. I bought a deal on yelp for basic sewing machine operation in which I brought my inherited grandmother's sewing machine. When I first got there, there was some confusion as to whether or not I was the only one taking the class (for some reason she thought I had three others that were supposed to come with me) But it wasn't a big deal. She cleaned off an area and showed me the basic parts and how to thread the machine- which is the most important. She saw me thread and showed me a basic stitch. That took maybe 20 mins. at most. She then left me to do it 5 times on my own while she did work in the room next door. To be fair, she said to call her if I needed her and I had to a few times- she didn't like to hover over people. But I could tell you that my work was pretty bad. I had trouble keeping my stitching straight. I kinda did need someone to hover, but didn't want to bother her. After working on my own for about 45 mins, she came back and showed me how to thread a modern machine so that I could work with whatever machine I had available. Then she left me on my own again to do it 5 times on my own. And again, I could call her if I needed any help. For some reason, the machine would not thread for me. After 5 mins, I called for her to help. She figured out that I had put the thread in wrong at the top. Then she left again for me to work the machine on my own. I did it twice and decided I was done. She was obviously busy and I didn't want to feel like a burden. I'm glad I got this class on a discount. I would be pretty upset if I paid more- it was barely worth the lesson I got. You might do better asking a friend to show you how to use a machine if you have one.
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Review from jerran f.
Los Angeles, CA
8/23/2011
Erika is smokin' hot, very helpful, and obviously passionate about what she does. I saw earrings that were feathers made of rubber. So cool. She was doing a sewing class and rearranging the space and hosting people all at once with grace and ease. I'll go back just to watch the whole scene. The next time I went, there was a live band and dj-ing going on in front, with some hilariously wacked-out dude dancing around while people shopped through racks along the sidewalk. Made me want to eat some of Erika's banana bread. This place is like a scene out of a 70s movie that I missed. Love it. Run don't walk.
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Review from jess l.
Los Angeles, CA
4/4/2011
what a great place! i took my first ever sewing class (bring in my own vintage machine!) Erika was very helpful and got me up and running on it. what a great addition to echo park!
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Review from Alexandra F.
Los Angeles, CA
7/10/2011 Purchased a Yelp Deal
Erika is a very patient and amiable teacher. I got 50% off the normal price, so I only paid $30 dollars for what was essentially a private lesson. I loved it! She teaches you everything from types of fabric to the anatomy of the sewing machine. She is also very funny and a great to talk to, which adds to the appeal of the class. Take this class or you'll regret it!
