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Categories: Specialty Schools, Fabric Stores
Neighborhood: Silver LakeMon-Sun. 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
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My wife bought a Jenome Threadbanger here almost a year ago. Yesterday she was freaking out because she couldn't find the instructions and couldn't figure out how to thread the bobbin -- all right in the middle of an important and time sensitive sewing project.
I convinced her to call the shop. They gave her a copied set of instructions free. Crisis averted.
Sew LA to the rescue!
This place is fabulous, period. For chic and contemporary prints that your Grandma would not wear hit up this sewing shop! TONS of Amy Butler fabric (& patterns), great thread, and tools. It's a small shop with a lot of bold personality in its fun young people prints.
Not sure about the rest of the sewing world but I HATE grandma fabrics and have a hard time finding fun prints that I would want to wear in stores like Michael Lavine and F&S Fabrics.
If you are looking to make a fun Amy Butler bag or simple skirt and like styles of the "Anthropologie" type boutiques look no further than this cute little shop!
I first learned how to sew back when I was in middle school for home-ec class. I caught on pretty quickly, and for our final project, we had to make a tote bag. I finished so quickly that some guy in my class offered me cash if I'd finish his bag for him. I immediately accepted his offer.
Fast forward 10 years.... For Christmas of 2006, my fiance got me a nice sewing machine to use so I could start making fun stuff again, ....and to hem his pants since he's not the tallest guy. Sadly by then, I had forgotten how to use the sewing machine.
So over the past 2 1/2 years poor sewing machine has been collecting dust and cat hair. It had never been touched until we moved last month, and it got me thinking... I should start sewing! I found out about Sew LA through Yelp and quickly signed up for the "Intro to Sewing" class.
I was the first one to arrive to class since I wanted the Sew LA folks to check to see if my machine still worked. It just needed a new needle and for some cat hair to be pulled out.
The class had 1 teacher (sadly, I forgot her name) and 8 students, which was just the perfect ratio. Half of us brought our own machines, and the other half just used the ones at the store. The teacher first gave us an thorough explanation of all the basic parts of a sewing machine. She then taught us how to put the thread in the machine and how to sew! By the end of the class, we all had made a cute little bag to take home with us. The class was 2 1/2 hours long, for $45. It was well worth the money!
The store itself is really cute, with cute fabrics, books, and patterns. It's a little tricky finding the store though... it's on the 2nd floor above a restaurant.
They have the best selection of fabrics. The staff is so friendly and helpful. This is not your grandmother's fabric shop! They have a ton of trendy Japanese import fabrics and all kinds of other cute stuff. I love this place!!! You have to go up a flight of stairs to get to the store - it is on the second level not on street level.
I took the Intro to the Machine class this past Wednesday with Hollye. She was a great instructor: very patient and explained all the details one would need to know about the machine and why they're important. The student teacher ratio (8:1) made sure that everyone got help and nobody had to wait too long for it.
I signed up for the tote bag class the next day. I've drunk the sewing Kool-Aid folks.
This place makes me lose my mind with how wonderful it is. I have been a closet embroiderer since I was a kid, but mostly felt like an old lady. Then my husband found Sew LA (I wanted a sewing machine so I could do dull things like close up pillows easily) and it makes me feel cool. You know that feeling when you walk into a Michael's or a JoAnn's Fabrics? That it's just you there, with all the post-menopausal cat hoarders who are looking to make a terrific styrofoam bead display? This is not how you feel at Sew LA. It is hipster retro sewing heaven.
The fabrics and threads are cool and gorgeous and high quality. The women who work there are all nice and super into sewing and make me feel like I could come in any time for help. My sewing machine is awesome.
I took the intro/refresher course, which was so great I suddenly find myself plotting what other courses they offer, and am plotting to make my own belts for a couple of my dresses. Suddenly, I have been taken over by Project Runway.
In short, they are awesome. Did I say they are awesome? They are awesome. I LOVE YOU SEW LA.
I grew up scared of sewing and had no interest in it at all until last summer when I bought a sewing machine in order to make stuff for Burning Man. I realized when it took me half an hour just to thread the machine that I needed some schoolin' big time. But I didn't get around to taking any classes until the beginning of this year. Thanks to Sew L.A., in the course of three months, I have become a rabid fan of sewing and have made pajama pants, boxer shorts, tote bags, even a cute little summer dress. I've learned how to do alterations, too!
Shaerie is the sewing teacher I wish I'd had in 7th grade. Her classes are project-based, and the projects are actually very practical (unlike the sad lumpy elephant-shaped pillow I made in in my home ec class). For someone who doesn't absorb techniques in the abstract, this is the best way to learn. Shaerie also has great taste in fabrics and patterns. If you choose to buy your supplies there, you won't have to sift through lots of crap like at Jo-ann's. That place is just sad.
An extra bonus: Sew L.A.'s new location on Silver Lake Boulevard is so cute and cozy. It's a lot bigger than the old place, and the atmosphere is very pleasant. It doesn't feel like being in a classroom. I highly recommend Sew L.A. for anyone who wants to explore their creativity or just learn something new.
This place is located right across the street From LaMill and up a small stairway above Domenicos Italian,
They carry kwik sew patterns, ME LIKEY!
I will def be back to take a class.
Sewing machines petrify me. Don't ask me why-- my mother was always dressing me up in homemade atrocities for holidays and grade-school performances as a child. Well, perhaps that explains it.
So when I was given a sewing machine as a birthday gift, I knew I'd need some professional help in harnessing the thing. Sew L.A.'s Machine Intro class was the perfect solution for me: it was concise, very informative, and packed a bang for its buck. I left understanding how and why my machine works, and how to keep it running like a champ.
If you are just considering taking a class here, definitely go for it. It's a great atmosphere for all levels of sewing ability.
If you're looking to collect an arsenal for sartorial warfare...
This place is totally awesome! They have a wonderful and friendly staff, great instructors, and an uber-friendly owner. So far I have only taken the Machine Intro class and it was great! Not only did I learn the basics of how to set-up/use a machine, I also learned how to choose thread, what needles to use for different fabrics, and I walked away with a nifty little tote bag.
The classes they offer are numbered and divided by levels, where you can progress from one level class to another. They offer many courses ranging from bags, to garments, to home decor, to even alterations and repairs! Also offered are introductory pattern-making classes for all you designer hopefuls!
All-in-all... this place is a great place to start if you want to take up sewing... the people are friendly, the cost is reasonable, and their shop is pretty well stocked from what I can see (you can even buy a sewing machine there! The only carry a limited selection from Janome - but Janome is a great brand to start with!)
I don't think I could recommend this place enough!
I heart Sew LA!
There is a 50's housewife in me that has been itching to get out. (damn women's lib . . . . ) I've been wanting to take sewing classes for awhile, and decided to try Shaerie's place because the graphics on her homepage were so cute.
The classes are taught in workshops or a short series, so you advance as you work on different projects. The first class was an introduction to Sewing Machines, which was a really great primer since I'd never so much as flipped a switch on one before. Shaerie took the time to explain all the ins and outs of basic machine operation, as well as thoroughly going over the basic tools you would need. You walk out with a basic bag after those first 2.5 hours.
I have also taken the tote bag class, which is really fun--it's amazing that me, an amateur, could create such professional looking product with just some fabric and thread. I've also signed up for pajama pants and handsewing, and can't wait to move onto skirts, dresses, curtains and pillow, altering clothes, etc.
Although there are other sewing classes closer to my place and some that are cheaper, I really like the fact that the classes are limited to 4 or 5 students, as you get a lot of individualized attention. I also like how thoroughly Shaerie explains the whys and wherefores of what supplies to get, and the little tricks and shortcuts here and there that you just can't learn from a book or from a teacher who is not as observant. It's nice to support independently owned businesses as well, so I try to buy whatever fabric and notions here that I can.
Sew LA is a fun, open, encouraging atmosphere to learn in and I highly recommend it for anyone who has ever thought about diving into learning to sew. I'm now completely addicted and am sewing like a fiend . . . .
My roommate and I are currently in the middle of taking private lessons with Sew LA, and we are "sew" happy! Shaerie is superpatient, helpful and a great teacher. I'm the type of person where information goes in one ear and out the other, but Shaerie's method of teaching is actually sticking. I've learned so much, gotten over my fear of zippers (they're easy!) and I've gained the confidence to try more projects.
Plus, she's always wearing the cutest skirts! If you've got a chance, drop by. She has way cool fabric and more.
And drop into Edna Hart (in the same building) if you can. She sells really cool local designer-made goodies. Knit baby Converse? Too cute for words.
SEW L.A. IS THE BEST!!!!!!!!
I have a brand new sewing machine that has been siting in the box for a couple of weeks because I was not sure how to use it. Last night I took the Machine intro class and I can't wait to fire up my new machine this weekend!!!!!! I would suggest this class to anyone who is new to sewing or even before you purchase a machine. I can't wait to sign up for the Boxer shorts or Tote Bag class next with a friend.
. . . . HEIDI
Congratuations! You are the finalist for the 2009 Project
Runway. What's your inspiration?"
THEO
(tears run down face)
Well you see HK, her name is Varna, Husqvarna
Viking. I met her at the Introduction to the machine class at
Sew LA. There was an instant bond the minute I touched her
knobs. She whirled and twirled into an orgasm.
HEIDI
Oh, that's so sweet. Is she here today?
THEO
No. She's actually at home, but I'm sure she's watching now.
(into the camera)
HI HONEY, I LOVE YOU!
(turns to Heidi)
and I'm hope she' ready to poke more fabric with me.
HEIDI
So what's next for the new winner of Project Runway?
THEO
Well, since California doesn't recognize human-sewing
machine matrimonies, Miss Viking and I may have to leave the
country to sew our seeds of love.
THE END
I've had a sewing machine for years, but mostly just for making my jeans shorter. I decided it was time to learn how to make them look a bit less "home altered" so sought out a sewing class. Sew-LA was getting such great reviews here on Yelp, I decided to take the plunge and signed up for a class.
3 classes later (and a couple months) I'm doing projects on my own, and even planning to sew most of my christmas gifts!
The instructors are fabulous, they really make everything make sense and seem so much simpler than I thought they would be.
There is a reason no one gives sew-la a bad review.. because it's the best!!
(Thanks Shaerie and Alicia)
I was raised to believe sewing machines were demonic, eating thread and dreams of making your own pillow covers for lunch.
And then I found Sew LA! I've only taken the Intro Machine class so far, but it was great. I learned how to properly thread and care for my machine, measure fabric, do straight and zigzag stitching, and made a simple tote bag. Shaerie also taught us about good sewing tools-- where to invest, and where to save.
The classes are small (3-4 people!) so you get tons of attention and can ask off-the-wall questions without fear. I had so much fun I already signed up for her more advanced machine class, tote class, and pajama pants classes.
The focus seems to be more on clothes here (classes progress to skirts, dresses, and even corsets), but you can also take lessons on making tote and hobo bags... or buy a few private sessions to get professional help on your personal projects.
All in all, I'd say the classes aren't the cheapest I've found, but they are the best and most fun. There's a big difference between sitting in a class with 20 people and in Shaerie's warm studio space with just a couple others students.
Coming from a hot glue gun gal, totally give a class a try!
Let me be honest. I never really wanted to LEARN how to sew but I've always wanted to KNOW how to sew. What's the difference between learning how to sew and knowing how to sew, I've often thought to myself? Many, many hours of work and an equal amount of raggedy-looking projects.
It would be great if someone could just beam all the knowledge and experience needed to make me a proficient seamstress directly into my brain via special laser technology. But alas, the "know-how-to-sew" laser technology has yet to be developed and so I've been forced to do it the old fashioned way.
That is where Sew L.A. comes in. After I made the decision that I was going to have to learn how to sew I found this particular Yelp review page and became convinced that Shaerie was as close to "know-how-to-sew" laser technology as was currently available to the general public.
So I showed up to the class expecting that I was going to leave knowing the basics of sewing but also with the reinforced idea that I did not have the patience needed to learn how to sew adequately. Of course I left knowing the basics of sewing but I also left feeling like I could actually one day KNOW how to sew.
....And I actually made an unraggedy-looking little tote.
That, my friends was the most amazing thing of all.
Take this class. You'll be glad you did.
I had never touched a sewing machine and was pretty sure I had no talent for sewing until I took a machine intro class at Sew L.A. and came away having made a cute little carry all bag. After that class I took a wrap skirt class. I can't wait to go back for more! The teachers are knowledgeable and thorough, the classes are well-organized, and the fabrics are gorgeous!
I took Shaerie's intro 101 class and I could not have asked for a better experience for my first sewing class! Shaerie takes you step-by-step through all of the tools you will need (and will not need!) for putting together a basic sewing kit and she teaches you exactly what to do with each tool, how it works, why it works a certain way and whether or not to spend a lot of money on the tool.
Shaerie also makes sure that you understand each step in the sewing process and is there to guide you in the right direction when you happen, to, you know, sew your project inside out. ;) Anyone who is interested in sewing should take classes here, as they are small (only four people in the class I took) and very hands-on. The classes are also affordable, so there's really no excuse to take classes elsewhere!
1 star for easy parking and location
2 stars for affordability and learning value
2 stars for shaerie!
= 5 stars!
eta: I should also say that the #1 reason why I chose this place over other sewing classes is because it's a female owned and operated business, which is very important to me. If you're a socially conscious consumer, and you like to know where your money is going when you spend it, you can pretty much guarantee that the money you spend on your classes here is going to fund more classes to help more women empower themselves by learning something creative! It's so important for women to support each other in any way we can, and by choosing to buy things from Sew LA instead of a big box fabric store, you're helping to support womens' businesses!
Thank god for Shaerie and Sew LA!!! I had been wanting to learn how to sew for ages but i put it off because i always thought that it was IMPOSSIBLE feat. Last year, I found Sew-La and decided to give it a shot. I have taken the intro course, pajama pants, tote bag, hobo bag, home decor and the essential summer dress classes. i am still shocked and amazed at the fact that i made these things.
Shaerie is an amazing teacher. Not only does she know her stuff, but she loves to teach, which makes it so much easier to learn. She has genuine, positive attitude and an infectious passion for sewing and fabric. The project based classes are perfect; you get enough one-on-one attention and get to leave the class with a sense of satisfaction that you have actually completed piece.
I cannot even say enough about the new space and fabric shop. Not only does she have an excellent selection of fabric but her prices are reasonable. Say goodbye to crappy JoAnn. She has sewing machines now too, so don't buy a Singer until you talk to Shaerie first.
If you want to learn how to sew, this is the place. You will not be disappointed!!!
I'm reviewing this for a friend who lives in SoCal because I haven't convinced her to join Yelp, yet, but she really wanted to help out this great business. She's taking a couple of classes, and made a tote bag recently. She was really excited telling me about the classes, so much so that I wish I lived down there so that I could join her! The cost seems pretty reasonable for what you get out of it.
i've daydreamed all my life about making fabulously custom-tailored clothes of my own & finally decided to treat myself the artistic pleasure during a late quarter-life crisis. typical that i finally grow the balls to register for a sewing class & find nothing out there but jo-ann fabrics' courses (fine, for the older, um... less "dynamic" crowd) or curriculum classes with hefty tuition payment (downtown, for the fidm lifers). i found Sew-LA & shaerie's rave reviews, here on yelp. and then, i look online & am pleasantly surprised to find very reasonable priced & seemingly sassy class curriculum!
...and then, i get to the first class & i'm gobsmacked by the possibilities of learning from this one edgy, rockabilly-ish sewer with her meticulous technique & cool sense of style. the classes are so small - limit 4 people - that it's impossible not to get the attention that even the newest, most inept sewer needs. i've taken 2 classes & i'm so looking forward to my next!
i am a big believer in taking classes to pick up skills. Reading a book is just not as effective bc you don't know what 'noise' to drown out. The female-owned and passion-infused store is absolutely wonderful. Shaerie was patient and caught on to what we needed repeated, which is key to a GREAT teacher. 2 hrs later, I was a lot less clueless & left with a lil' tote and a lifelong skill! Thanks!
This past Friday, I took the Intro to the Sewing Machine class with Hollye. She is very knowledgeable about the best fabric scissors, thread, etc. to use. The store uses Viking brand sewing machines, but you can bring your own. I brought my Brother sewing machine, which I have just purchased, and barely knew how to thread. I definitely agree with Samantha F. (another reviewer) that Hollye is very patient. Let me tell you a little about me and my craft skills. . . I nearly failed Home Ec in high school, I am kind of a klutz, learn slowly, and my straight line is more of a meandering slant (and with no prior alcoholic beverages consumned). . .but she took her time to show me the right way to sew and tailored her instructions to those who brought their own, non-Viking sewing machines. You can purchase a kit with the class and I was trying to finish the purse that they have you sew as part of that class. By the way, they sell beautiful fabric with a vintage theme and, as part of that kit, will let you choose from several pieces of their fabric. Well, the fabric bunched up under some of my stitches. Hollye was so sweet and told me that I should rip out the thread and sew over that area - even though I was the last person left! This was a great experience and I am thinking of going back for the wrap skirt class.
Sew L.A. is my sewing education space on the corner of Rowena and Hyperion in Silver Lake. Right across the street from the Coffee Table! We have sewing classes for absolute beginners and for more experienced folks as well - all listed on the website calendar. We have gotten rave reviews from students about how fun the classes are and how much everyone learns! Email classes At sew-la DOT com for more info.
I just took a couple of classes from Shaerie in her adorable space out in Silver Lake. The classes are intimate (max 6 people), and I just can't rave enough about how great Shaerie is at teaching. She times her classes perfectly, so you'll have exactly the amount of time you need to complete a project (you'll never feel rushed, even if you screw up!) and the projects she offers are really fun. She also sells a small selection of really sweet fabrics and quality sewing accoutrement at prices that are equal to the big fabric stores. I feel good buying from her and supporting her independent business. The only drawback for me is the drive to the east side, but I'm sure I'll be doing it again. I would definitely recommend these classes to anyone starting out in sewing, or who may have had some education from family members that was a little lacking in details. Worth every penny!
Last night I took my first class at Sew L.A. and it was great!!!!! My teachers Shaerie and Hollye were so helpful, very knowledgeable, and incredibly patient. Basically I showed up with a sewing machine without any clue as to how to use it. By the end of the class I knew how to work the machine and left with the cutest little bag that I constructed with the ladies help. These gals rocked and I really look forward to more classes in the future. The space was great, the walls were lined with colorful bright fabrics, parking....easy, all in all a great thing going on! I would recommend any aspiring sewer to CHECK IT OUT!
I had so much fun in the Machine Intro class that I couldn't stop smiling as I stepped on the foot peddle to make my little tote which is Shaerie's beginner project. I brought my own machine, but hadn't touched it in 10 years, and found parts missing, which worked out to be OK because Sew-la has nice, easy machines there for the students. I don't consider myself a seamstress by any stretch of the word, I hardly sew on buttons or repair my own holes. I had many bad experiences on my machine and was afraid to touch it, once you go on a roll of breaking needles, the machine seems to be a big mystery; but Shaerie made it so easy to grasp, and so fun, that I can't wait to sew again! I highly recommend her, she was wonderful, and I had a blast!
Shaerie is such a great teacher. I had so much fun in her tote bag class. I left the class with a new bag, learned how to sew and had a great time! She teaches you all the steps and explains why you do things in a certain way so it all makes sense when you do it at home. I can sew now! How cool is that? I will definitely be taking more of her classes.
i never ever leave feedback on these sites (obviously, i just joined yelp today), but i was so inclined after my experience last night at Shaerie's Machine Intro class. I was introduced to the Sew LA center by a friend...not quite sure how she heard about it. But, my understanding is that she runs her business entirely by word of mouth, which i always really support. She could obviously make a killing if she opened it up and aggressively advertised, but she chooses to keep her classes small so she can give individualized attention. The space is cozy, clean and visually appealing. She has sewing supplies tidily arranged around the room in a way that makes you aspire to use them! So, at the start of class, you choose a fabric (we made a bag for our sewing supplies). There were a multitude of fun fabrics and I think she really takes into account the wide array of personalities that take her class. A note about the supplies: I recommend purchasing them from her. She really has sourced some amazing tools and is very frank about which tools you should spend money on and which ones you can opt for the cheapest alternative. The instruction itself was very clear and she infuses it with a great sense of humor. I was just taken by how fun the class was! I was thrilled to not be staring at a computer, to be learning something new with a great group of people, and to be working with my hands on something tangible. I was a bit weary by the price tag for the class, as I compared it to other schools in the area, but it was worth it. The individual attention cannot be beat. Plus, you really get the sense that she's trying to build community with her center, something that is all too needed here in LA! I will definitely be back for perhaps the pajama class? lol
Neighborhood: Westchester / LAX
Category: Appliances & Repair
Neighborhood: Downtown
Category: Used, Vintage & Consignment
Neighborhood: Pasadena
Category: Women's Clothing
Neighborhood: Santa Monica
Category: Specialty Schools
Neighborhood: Pasadena
Category: Colleges & Universities
Life means buying stuff, fixing stuff, washing…
