PDX SeamstersSewing Studio1412 SE Stark Street, Portland, OR 97214 How do I get there? |
Find Out More
- "Wow! What are is this all about?"
- Find out these answers and more!
Project Ideas
Open Studio Sewing
Reservation only, drop in sewing studio.
Come use our equipment and our know how to make what you want or bring your own machine and learn how to use it!
Custom Bear Project
learn to sew by making a stuffed bear
then practice garment construction techniques by building it a wardrobe!
The Custom Bag Project
Build a personalized tote bag
as an introduction to project planning, drafting patterns and construction techniques.
Sewing Soft Circuits
Electroluminescent wire and LED's
in sewing and crafts. Join us for an afternoon overview of working with and wiring LED's and EL wire and ways to integrate them into your clothing.
"Introduction to the Sewing Machine + project"
3 hours.
In this class we will focus on the terminology and mechanics of the sewing machine. Students will learn how to thread the machine and bobbin, back stitch, straight stitch, zigzag stitch, turn corners, sewing curved lines, working with seam allowance and basic problem solving with the sewing machine such as tension and threading issues. All materials for this class are included in the tuition, students will leave with a series of sewn samples and reference handouts as well as a small project. This class is intended for students who have little to no sewing machine experience.
"Beginning Projects: let's make a pillow"
You know how a sewing machine works and you're ready to take on your first projects! In this class students will begin the adventure of working with patterns and seam allowance by applying the skills covered in "Introduction to the Sewing Machine. Students are responsible for supplying a pillow form, fabric and thread for this class. Instructor will provide handouts for students to keep as well as examples of piece work and embellishments ideas including appliqué, piping, edging and trim. Skills developed in this class include: further sewing terminology, creating and working with a paper pattern, modifying a paper pattern, working with seam allowance, turning corners, bagging out, top stitching, and introduction to the concepts of 3D sewing. This class is intended for students who have little to no sewing machine experience but know how to thread a machine and bobbin.
"Beginning projects: reusable cloth napkins or a hankie"
3 hours.
Reduce your daily waste with reusable napkins! In this class we will make a set of four cloth napkins using a shirt tail hem technique. Students will leave class with finished napkins, a handout and instructions for continuing project at home as well as ideas for further embellishments.
"Beginning skills development: Hand sewing intensive"
3 hours.
Create samples of basic and advances seam finishes and sewing techniques such as: running stitch, basting stitch, slip stitch, blanket stitch, whip stitch, cross stitch, multiple hemming stitches, button hole stitch,padding stitch and tailors tack just to name a few. Students will leave class with finished samples as well as handouts and instructions for continuing at home.
"Beginning skills development: Sewing with commercial patterns seminar"
2 hours.
An important and recommended class to take before venturing into the world of sewing with commercial sewing patterns, or our intermediate level classes! In this class we review pattern terminology and discuss the information on and in the pattern envelope such as measurements and sizing, fabric suggestions and requirements, notions, fabric layout and a review of pattern markings and directions. This class is intended for students who have not sewn with a patterns purchased from a fabric store and will enable students to achieve greater success in early sewing projects by avoiding many mistakes common to beginner sewers.
Intermediate level classes: These classes are intended for students who have a basic understanding of how to sew and sewing machine problem solving. Skills required include: backstitching, turning corners, sewing curves, clipping and notching, easing, seam allowance, bobbin winding, thread tension and thread take-up.
"Intermediate sewing skills"
3 hours.
Start learning more complicated sewing techniques like placing and sewing button holes, folded and applied casings, centers and lapped zippers, attaching shank and non shank buttons as well as a discussion on fusible and sew in interfacing. This class is taught with a combination of demonstrations and hands on machine time. Students will receive a comprehensive set of instructions and sew a selection of samples.
"Intermediate sewing Skills: Alterations and ideas for garment reuse"
3 hours.
By learning a few simple alterations you can open up the world of garment reuse! in this class we combine technical skill and rule breaking to foster creativity and learn how to hem pants, adjust side seams for fit, add darts or elastic, adjust the armcye, insert a gusset and techniques for refashioning garments. Bring in some basic alterations and thrift store finds and leave with skills and ideas to inspire! A selection of altered and refashioned garments will be on hand for you to consider.
Sewing Studio FAQ:
How does the Sewing Studio work?
How do I sign up?
Cancellation Policy:
How many people can fit in the studio?
Can I bring my own machine?
Can I use one of your machines?
Who are the Instructors?
 | Lessons and classes are currently taught by Emily Horton. For Emily's resume and experience please see http://m-horton.com/ |
 | Teaching assistance provided by Jim Mulhearn -- when he's not serging, seaming, pressing, or pinning, you will find him working on this website! |
 | Journeywoman corset-maker and and couture designer Melody Rossiter teaches sewing classes and her Corset Making Master Class. |
Where is the sewing studio?
Click here for directions to the sewing studio
Contact us via email at sewingstudio@pdxseamsters.com or telephone at (503) 616-4691
What do I need to bring:
How do I know if I have the skills:
Fabric Stores in the Portland Metro Area:
Fabric Depot: www.fabricdepot.com
My personal favorite simply because of the size and the sales
Knittn'Kitten: www.knittnkitten.com
Retro fabric, beads, & craft supply thrift store
The Mill End Store: millendstore.com
Again, a personal favorite!
Cool Cottons: coolcottonsinc.com
Tons of Cottons, cottons and more cool cottons. Not a FFS*
Bolt Neighborhood Fabric Boutique: boltfabricboutique.com
My friends like it however I've never been.
The Whole 9 Yards: w9yards.com
Interior Design Fabrics, great for pillows, curtains, etc. Not a FFS*
Pendelton Woolen Mill store: www.pendleton-usa.com
Great for Pendelton wools at great prices, but not a FFS*
Jo Ann Fabrics:
Nation wide chain with affordable fabrics and a good pattern assortment
_____
- FFS means "Full Fabric Store", I consider a "Full Fabric Store" one with commercial patterns and a comprehensive assortment of notions and sewing accessories.
PDX Seamsters expands to include retail, new classrooms, and larger sewing studio
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE What: Learn to Sew for FREE! When: May 20th, 2010 1pm-8pm Where: 1412 SE Stark ST, Portland OR 97214 Contact: Jim Mulhearn (503) 616-4691 – jim@pdxseamsters.com PDX Seamsters has expanded into a new 3,400 square foot retail store and workroom located at 1412 SE Stark Street! Join us Thursday May 20th from 1-8pm at our new studio for an Open House; take a tour of the new facility, learn about new sewing classes, meet instructors, and get involved in our new community and volunteer opportunities. Learn to sew for FREE -- We will be offering 'Sewing Machine Basics' drop-in sessions to attendees all day long. PDX Seamsters Sewing Studio offers sewing instruction and education via small group classes, private lessons, "drop-in" guided open sewing studio access, as well as advanced 'Master Classes'. The sprawling new location at 1412 SE Stark Street begins with a brightly-lit retail store selling tools of the trade: vintage sewing machines, highest-quality sewing notions, and selected local handmade clothing, jewelry, and crafts. Here you are invited to "test drive" a quality-assured vintage sewing machine. All machines on the floor at PDX Seamsters are put through the paces by our staff and come with a one-year warranty. Machine service is performed on-site at competitive rates. PDX Seamsters is a members-access only studio. Membership is free, and studio time is made available by enrolling in classes or by purchasing open studio access by the hour or monthly. After checking in at the front desk, seamsters gain access to the entire well maintained and professional facility and head to one of three meeting areas: past the front reception area is an intimate craft lounge for groups of five or fewer, beyond the bathroom and full kitchen is the medium-size 'Basics' classroom accommodating up to eight seamsters, and members of the studio can avail themselves to the fully-stocked 1,100sqft warehouse workroom replete with several pin-top 4x8 cutting tables and industrial sewing machines to accommodate larger 'Master Classes' and sewing project builds. The Seamsters Community Mission strives to empower seamsters near and far by fostering a venue for teaching skills that provide a foundation for self-expression and creativity. Our expansion heralds new opportunities to connect teachers with the community. We are interested in developing relationships with educators, and expanding our class offerings to PDX Seamsters members. Work-trade arrangements and paid teaching positions are possible; contact us at teaching@pdxseamsters.com Volunteer opportunities for seamsters allow up to a 50% discount on classes. Volunteer duties are varied depending on skills and can range anywhere from prepping fabric samples for classes, assisting in open studio time, making copies or monitoring reception. Please contact us at volunteering@pdxseamsters.com for more information on getting involved. |
About M-Horton Clothing: The mission of M-Horton Clothing is to bring unique, stylish and quality clothing manufactured locally to active urban individuals. M-Horton is founded on conserving resources, community development and fostering creativity.
 | Rise in Portland Sewing Studios Answers Growing Interest in Art and Business of Making Clothes April 19th, 2010 By Jennifer Coughlin |
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