Sewing is a fantastic creative outlet and a rewarding pasttime, but it's also a super-handy practical skill. It might seem a little mysterious, but I promise with a bit of instruction, patience, and practice, anyone can learn how.
I first learned to sew when I was little. I was curious about clothes, and was already sort of in love with fabric. I didn't really get into it until later, though. After graduating college, I desperately needed a creative outlet...and I've been sewing ever since. I don't think I'll ever get tired of the thrill I get seeing tangible evidence of my imagination and effort.
You're going to get hooked, too!
You've been wanting to learn how to sew (or learn how to sew better), but you never seem to be able to make it to a sewing studio or fabric store for group classes. Perhaps you are just more comfortable in one-on-one teaching situations, or maybe you keep crazy hours. Private sewing lessons are definitely for you!
Whether you are seeking that thrill I mentioned for yourself, have been inspired by Project Runway, or just want to be able to hem your own pants, learning to sew is going to be awesome. You're going to love it, and I'm going to help you.
Private sewing lessons with me are great for lots of reasons, but most importantly: I will come to you. Don't have a sewing machine? I can bring one for you to use during our lesson, no worries!
I've designed the three sessions below to focus on the needs of new sewers. Do you already have some sewing experience? Perhaps you just need guidance on your current project? Then the general instruction option is for you. Otherwise, check out the sessions below, and save by purchasing a package!
General Instruction
If you are already familiar with the basics of sewing, but still need a little bit of guidance on your current project, this option is for you! Purchase by the hour to get the exact amount of instruction or guidance you need.
$50 per hour 
Introduction to Sewing
This two-hour session is designed for brand-new beginners! You'll learn:- the parts of the sewing machine and how they work together
- how to thread the machine and fill the bobbin
- basic machine operation and troubleshooting
- hands-on practice sewing with different types of fabric
- how and when to use basic machine stitches
$97
Sewing for Beginners
This two and a half hour session is a great next step after Introduction to Sewing, or if you already have some basic sewing knowledge. You'll learn how to:- properly prepare your fabric for sewing
- strategically lay out your patterns on fabric
- cut fabric accurately + efficiently
- cut and apply interfacings + interlinings successfully
- follow and draft simple patterns
- choose appropriate fabric for your project
- understand and identify the grain, bias, nap, + selvage of fabric
$117
Fabric 101
This hour and a half session is all about demystifying fabrics. We'll take a trip to the fabric store, where you'll learn:- the difference between fibers and weaves
- how to identify different types of fabric
- the properties and behaviors of different types of fabric
- how to choose fabric that's a perfect match for your project
$57
Packages
Beginner's Suite PackageIntroduction to Sewing + Sewing for Beginners
$190
Fabric Lover's Package
Beginner's Suite + Fabric 101
$230
General Instruction
Enjoy additional instruction hours at a reduced rate when you buy a package!
$45 per hour
I take my sewing evangelism very seriously, and so my schedule for private lessons is very flexible. I want you to learn to sew and to love it! After you purchase your lessons, I will contact you to set up a schedule for us. Whether you prefer daytime or evening, weeknights or weekends, we will make it happen!
I am happy to bring the absolute awesomeness of sewing right to your door. But right now I can only do that for those of you living in the Washington DC metro area. Are you somewhat Metro accessible? Then we are definitely in business. Not sure? Contact me before you purchase a package, and we'll work something out. If you are on my Syndicate mailing list, you'll be the first to know when my private lessons go on the road!
You can cancel or reschedule your private sewing lessons for a full refund or credit if you contact me at least 72 hours in advance of your scheduled session. For cancellations within a 72-hour window, I can't offer a refund, but will be happy to reschedule your session for a better time.
You do not need to have anything or do anything in advance for the Introduction to Sewing session or the Fabric 101 session. Your burning enthusiasm to learn how to sew will be enough!
For the Sewing for Beginners class, we will be chatting before your session to talk about the project you will be working on, during which we'll discuss the exact materials you'll need for the session. I am happy to bring basic sewing supplies for you to use during the session, or I can recommend tools for you to buy to start your own well-stocked sewing kit.
If you have your own sewing machine, great! We'll use that. If not, no worries, I will bring one for you to use during any private sewing lesson you schedule with me.
Any questions? Please don't hesitate to contact me. I can talk about sewing all day long, so don't be shy!
~ Valerie