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Craft Haven Collective
Categories: Education Adult Education Education Specialty Schools Adult Education, Specialty Schools [Edit]
853 Fell St(between Fillmore St & Steiner St)
San Francisco, CA 94117
Neighborhood: Western Addition/NOPA
(415) 358-0739
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 12 pm - 10 pm
Fri-Sun 12 pm - 5 pm
Jen K. said: "I came here for the Monday night beginners class with a friend on a Groupon. We both had a blast!!! Class lasted an hour and our instructors Ricardo and Tianne were high energy and excellent teachers. Through repetition we learned a…" read more »
14 reviews for Craft Haven Collective
14 reviews in English
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Review from Frances V.
South San Francisco, CA
1/22/2012 2 Check-ins Here
When I was researching for local classes on sewing, Craft Haven came up on my search. From reading other Yelpers' great reviews, I decided to sign up for The Works package, which consists of the Uber Basics, Basics Deux, and Zipper classes. I am a beginner, so I though taking a variety of basic classes would give me some good ground to build on. Plus, if you signup for The Works package, you save a few bucks.
I recently attended my first class which was the Uber Basics class. All the tools that you need are provided for you such as the sewing machine, practice fabrics, and thread. Kelly was great in clearly walking through the basics of the sewing machine, how to wind a bobbin, and thread the machine. I enjoyed this class because it is small and you get a good balance of lecture as well as hands on practice on the machine. After learning about the basics and doing a few practice stitches on fabric, you will spend the last hour sewing your own small pouch that you get to take home with you! -
Review from Kim W.
9/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
Kelly rocks! I took a private course with her to learn how to use my new sewing machine. Keep in mind that I had never even touched a sewing machine prior to my class so I was an uber uber uber beginner.
Kelly took out all the miscellaneous things that came with my machine and thoroughly explained everything. We then plugged in my machine so I could learn step-by-step how to thread the machine and bobbin. Next I practiced sewing on some muslin scrap fabric. I loved that she taught me exactly what I needed to know to get started with sewing. My machine does a zillion different fancy things but she taught me the basics so I didn't get overwhelmed.
Her instruction was so good that I was able to go home and upcycle a 3x shirt from Goodwill into three little dog outfits for an upcoming event!
Once I get tired of making dog shirts, I plan to take another class with her to learn how to read patterns. Thanks, Kelly! -
Review from Anne S.
San Francisco, CA
11/28/2010
I've taken two classes at Craft Haven so far, and I highly recommend it.
Kelly is a fantastic instructor -- she explains things well, is very patient, and provides great handouts as part of the class materials.
The first class, Uber Basics, was the perfect refresher class that made me much more comfortable using my own sewing machine, and enabled me to try out some simple patterns on my own. The second class, Baby Quilt, was a great introductory class to quilting, and, after a 3-session class, you have a quilt that's 95% done. (as opposed to other sewing/quilting classes I've taken where I learned the basics in the class, and then the project sat on the shelf for years since I lost motivation and got frustrated).
The class sizes are small, so there is a lot of individual attention. Kelly also shares lots of great tips and tricks that make the process easier, and more precise. She does a great job of sharing her own expertise while encouraging her students' creativity. -
Review from Katy A.
1/25/2010
I'm going to be real with you...I can build and craft my butt off better than most kids around (comes with the born-to-an-artist territory)...
but I have NO Idea how to sew.
It's pretty pathetic to see me trying to figure our how to operate a sewing machine. I'm much more comfortable hand sewing and doing embroidery.
And so when my mom gave me her 1970s Singer...I was scared. Very very scared...
and it took me over a year to take a class to assist me. I basically just lugged it from one part of my room to another...with high-hopes for myself.
Moving to the Outter Richmond, I have a daily reminder that I need to start learning to sew because my bus runs right past The Sewing Workshop...and although they got me looking into class...the prices were way to steep for someone like me who just isn't so sure that sewing is her Shtick.
Then, by some crazy luck, I met Kelly...she is one of the ladies behind Craft Haven...and she ended up being my instructor for the Ubber Basics class.
3 hours of instruction from Kelly and, although it's clear you have more to learn, you've been bitten by the sewing bug...
and you aren't left penniless and wishing you hadn't jumped in so fast.
In the Ubber Basics class, you learn all about the machine...what all the crazy knobs are for...what kind of machines work best for what kind of budget (if you're interested)...you get crazy awesome hand outs for referencing later and you make a little satchel and go home with a huge smile on your face. For a three hour course...you'd think you'd be missing out on something....but you don't! We all came away with a lot of information, practice doing three types of stitches and something we can say we made!
There are only 6 machines...so you know you'll be getting hands-on attention...
and all the materials are included.
I can't stress how awesome this class was. I've even already signed up for the Part 2 class...
Can't wait!
And PS - guess who already set up a sewing corner at her house?! Yeah...that's right...I did...some "magic" is about to happen. -
Review from Krissy M.
San Francisco, CA
4/5/2010
Looking for a really casual, unintimidating place to lean how to sew? Check out crafthaven. Kelly is a great instructor and knows her stuff. The classes are small, and all the basic necessities are provided (other than the fabric).
There are a few quirks. When you arrive, you need to wait at the front door to be let it (there is no bell). Sometimes is smells like serious herb (it's a live in studio space). And sometimes classes are canceled or rescheduled and treated pretty cavalierly.
I really liked the instructor and the space, but keep in mind that this isn't a huge business and the people running it have a lot going on other than your 2 person class. -
Review from alysha n.
Phinney Ridge, Seattle, WA
12/13/2008
When I was 8 years-old, I had a sewing lesson from our next-door-neighbor, Nancy. Nancy and her husband, Bill, lived in a cool A-frame house and had a very mean Dalmatian named Brandy. Sometimes my mom and I would go over there and we would follow the directions on a cassette tape to do yoga. I still remember my first attempt at cobra.
But I digress... When I was a kid, Nancy gave me a sewing lesson. And I made a pillow. And it was awesome. And really fun. And I was so excited about it.
A few weeks later I got sick at school, and my mom wasn't home, so the school called Nancy. According to my mom, when she went to pick me up from next door, I was ensconced in Bill and Nancy's king-sized bed eating homemade macaroni and cheese and watching television. Apparently I told her that Nancy had carried me up the stairs to her bedroom (honestly, I don't remember). I thought this was all quite fabulous. My mom did not.
My mom didn't really like Nancy. I think she saw Nancy as some sort of anti-feminist, which, in retrospect, was not an unfair characterization. So, my sewing lessons stopped. Which is a shame. Because I want to be crafty and cool and DIY, but really I'm just hopeless.
Or at least I have been hopeless for a long, long time. Today, I had my first sewing lesson in, um, many years at Craft Haven Collective - ÜberBasics it's called. Basically you spend an hour and a half learning all about how sewing machines work, then you spend an hour and a half sewing. You leave with a little drawstring bag that you made yourself and a big smile on your face.
The instructor, Kelly, was really knowledgeable, patient, and funny. I look forward to taking some of their level 2 classes in the future.
One tip: it was pretty cold in the studio, so bring a sweater! -
Review from David C.
San Francisco, CA
5/12/2010
So me and a few buddies took a sewing class here last Sunday - Uber Basics. Kelly was our instructor. It was just me and three of my buddies and that's it. Small intimate class.
Kelly was super friendly and tolerated many of our bad jokes and normal tom foolery a group of buddies would usually do when they're together in a formal setting. The first hour or so it was more lecture based covering the technical aspects and terminology for sewing as well as the sewing machine. After that we hopped on the machine and she taught us the different types of seams one could sew. Then to top it off we made a small bag. The hands on was great and the instruction was top notch. Kelly owns/designs/creates her own clothing line called Foompa so she knows what she's doing for sure.
Great class to get started off on the sewing machine. I will most likely be signing up for more classes. -
Review from Myla A.
San Francisco, CA
1/4/2009
I just took the Uber Basics sewing class with Hannah. I feel totally empowered and more crafty. In the class, we learned the parts of a machine and how to do some basic stitches. Totally enough to get on with my sewing life. Project Runway, here I come!
Also, your class fees go to help an awesome organization that helps young folks learn to sew and make money they need for their kids, families, etc. These ladies are definitely not doing it to get rich. They're helping you and a bunch of other deserving people DIY.
Can't wait to take the next class and hope they add more crafts! -
Review from Kira Z.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 4/6/2009
Yep - reaffirmed my previous class. I took the Basics part deux class which was all about fasteners, and more detail on interfacing, button holes, and plackets. (http://en.wikipedia.or...)
The class was much smaller (only 3 ppl) but still incredibly informative. One of the really great things about the class - Kelly has all of the materials there at the location, she even provides a set of illustrative notes to use for when you get home, (after you've been bitten by the crafty "i can do it" bug.) Totally helpful - primarily because she was patient and her expertise in the field just reaffirms it.
The class time 3 hours - goes by super quick. It's a great use of time, and I'd highly reccomend the small class fee (which is incidentally MUCH MUCH less than City College courses) I 'd suggest this to you if you're even slightly interested in being crafty with that piece of fabric that you found, and don't know what to do with it. 3 hours of your time will help drasticaly with your knowledge.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/4/2009
I just took the Uber Basics class taught by Kelly. It was so awesome. Although I do know the general… Read more »
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Review from Bruce S.
San Francisco, CA
1/11/2009
Excellent teachers, a good space for learning, and ... parking!
I'm a computer programmer and was looking for a not-so-technical hobby where I could make something tangible. Cooking is great therapy, but I wanted to make something I couldn't eat. I took some classes at Stitch Lounge (a couple from Hannah) just before it closed, and I was wondering where I could learn more. So, I was excited to hear about Craft Haven.
I recently took Basics Deux and Zip It Up! from Kelly-- partly a review but some things went beyond the classes at Stitch. And, I'm looking forward to some project classes: yoga mat roll-up, hobo bag, hoodies, etc.
Not many men sew. Maybe that's because men's apparel looks too hard for a beginner. So, I really appreciate their classes on bags, pillows, quilts, etc. Those are things I can use at home or give to friends. -
Review from Mira C.
Berkeley, CA
3/7/2009
I made the most incredible thing ever in this class! A utility garter!!!
What is a utility garter you may ask?? Well ladies, have you ever wanted to wear that great skirt or dress but needed somewhere to put your stuff besides that cumbersome purse? Well, with the the utility garter, all your problems are solved. Basically, its a garter like a bride wears but with a perfect little pocket just big enough for a key, ID and cash. I also made one that slipped over a belt that was the perfect size for my phone. Wore both of them last night at the Opulent Temple party and it was absolutely perfect....everyone lugging around their big bags and there I was with my sexy, little garter.... ha ha ha! ;)
Oh and the teacher Kelly was great. Very knowledgeable and clear, yet laid back. And even though I actually already knew a bit about sewing I still learned a LOT of great new tips to make my sewing so much less frustrating! ;) Also its in a lovely, clean space in Potrero Hill with great parking... What more could you want in a rainy Sunday afternoon? -
Review from Nina K.
San Francisco, CA
2/7/2010
I signed up for a class, 51 Hours prior to the class meeting...the night before the class I had a dental emergency and had to go in the day of the class....i sent an email explaining what happened....I got back a note which said 'sorry' but we have a "pretty firm policy" on cancelations and that they planned to keep the full amount of my payment ($62.00)...they offered me a 25% discount if I wanted to sign up for the class another time...as if!!
I was allowed to sign up for a class 48 hours prior to the class, yet the refund policy states they must be informed 5 days prior to the class if one can not attend...how can this work?...and, given medical emergencies, how can this be fair at all?
I run a small sewing business so I am lucky that I already know how to do what the class was supposed to teach...I signed up to try and get some new techniques and to overcome my phobia of taking classes....
it was an expensive attempt as they are keeping $62.00 of my hard earned money...it's challenging enough to grow a small business these days...why anyone would have such unreasonable policies is beyond me...the $62.00 hardly seems worth losing, not only me, as a client but all the people I know, and the people they know and on and on...I would have been fine if they took the $15.00 fee they have listed for punishment at canceling a class 5 days in advance...but, the whole thing?...
my suggestion is not to sign up for any classes unless, or until, you have a note from the universe which ensures that there won't be any emergencies which come up in your life...hard to predict that, I know, but otherwise you have to figure you're making a donation to a For-profit business once you make your pay-pal payment ..and, these days, with so many in need I prefer my donations go to those who really Do need it...I give by choice, not by "pretty firm policy"
hard lesson learned...be careful!
ninaComment from Kelly W. of Craft Haven Collective 2/11/2010
Students are required to read our cancellation and transfer… More » -
Review from Ellen H.
San Francisco, CA
11/7/2010
You get to be truly creative here. Kelly is an awesome teacher!
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Review from nic d.
San Francisco, CA
2/1/2010
*REVIEW IS FOR HANNAH'S BABY QUILT CLASS ONLY*
What a great class! You do everything in class-meaning no homework. After 3 classes I feel confident enough to make another quilt on my own. Hannah has the patience of a saint and an unmeasurable amount of general sewing & design knowledge.
I was 99% sure my 1st quilt would be some crappy scrap the dog would sleep on but to my surprise-it's super cute. If only I could get my sewing machine back from being held hostage at Grand Lake Sew & Vac, I would have another quilt made already.
