A six-week Sewing Series at Nine Lives on West Seventh in Saint Paul.
Join us for a six-week series perfect for those who have never sewn but want to, or those who have a machine and need to build confidence in using it.
Cost: $120 for the complete six week series or $25 per individual class (drop-in)
Some machines will be available for use, though participants are encouraged to bring their own if possible.
Registration:
5 full-series spots are available for students who want to build their skills from week to week.
5 drop-in spots are available each class for those who want to learn a specific technique or need help with a current project.
Because each week’s lesson builds upon the last, drop in students are welcome to join any class that fits their interests or experience level.
A limited number of scholarships is available, reach out for more information.
Projects are as follows:
7/13/2026 Week 1: Introduction to your machine. Learn the basics of machine sewing, including:
How to thread and operate your machine
Feeding fabric and sewing straight lines
Making corners and curves.
Using pins and tailer’s chalk
Basic cutting and ironing techniques
Taking body measurements
You will leave with your own measurement chart and a better understanding of your machine. This is primarily a technical class and no project will be completed during this session. Note-taking is encouraged.
7/20/2026 Week 2: Make a simple pillow. Putting your new skills into practice and create a pillow 12” x 12” or smaller.
Materials provided:
Pillow stuffing
Assorted fabrics
You are also welcome to bring your own fabric.
7/27/2026 Week 3: Understanding a pattern. Reading and choosing patterns can be one of the trickiest parts oof garment sewing. In this class we will cover:
How to read a sewing pattern
Understanding size and fit
Choosing the right pattern for your skill level
How pattern selection affects the finished garment
Participants are encouraged to bring a pattern they would like to make. A selection of patterns will also be available.
For your first garment, simplicity is the key to success. Consider choosing a basic t-shirt, loose fitting pants, shorts or another beginner-friendly pattern with minimal seams. I am happy to provide feedback during the first 2 classes to help you choose a project.
8/3/2026 Week 4: We begin to build our garments.
Layout and cutting techniques
Preparing fabric
Sewing major garment sections together
If you did not bring your own fabric, you are welcome to use materials from my collection. Participants joining this class individually who already have some sewing experience are welcome to bring a project they are beginning.
8/10/2026 Week 5: Hemming techniques. A well finished hem can make all the difference. Learn:
Basic hemming methods
Choosing the right hem for different fabrics
Pressing and ironing techniiquess
Tips and tricks for professional looking finishes
We will continue working on our garments while practicing these important finishing skills.
8/17/2026 Week 6: Finishing details. Our final class focuses on the details that complete a garment. Learn:
How to make a buttonhole
How to sew on a button
Demonstration of zipper installation and pocket construction
Participants attending only this class are welcome to bring a project that needs a finishing touch, alteration, repair or mending.
By the end of this series, you’ll have a complete garment, a solid foundation in machine sewing and the confidence to continue sewing on your own.
A six-week Sewing Series at Nine Lives on West Seventh in Saint Paul.
Join us for a six-week series perfect for those who have never sewn but want to, or those who have a machine and need to build confidence in using it.
Cost: $120 for the complete six week series or $25 per individual class (drop-in)
Some machines will be available for use, though participants are encouraged to bring their own if possible.
Registration:
5 full-series spots are available for students who want to build their skills from week to week.
5 drop-in spots are available each class for those who want to learn a specific technique or need help with a current project.
Because each week’s lesson builds upon the last, drop in students are welcome to join any class that fits their interests or experience level.
A limited number of scholarships is available, reach out for more information.
Projects are as follows:
7/13/2026 Week 1: Introduction to your machine. Learn the basics of machine sewing, including:
How to thread and operate your machine
Feeding fabric and sewing straight lines
Making corners and curves.
Using pins and tailer’s chalk
Basic cutting and ironing techniques
Taking body measurements
You will leave with your own measurement chart and a better understanding of your machine. This is primarily a technical class and no project will be completed during this session. Note-taking is encouraged.
7/20/2026 Week 2: Make a simple pillow. Putting your new skills into practice and create a pillow 12” x 12” or smaller.
Materials provided:
Pillow stuffing
Assorted fabrics
You are also welcome to bring your own fabric.
7/27/2026 Week 3: Understanding a pattern. Reading and choosing patterns can be one of the trickiest parts oof garment sewing. In this class we will cover:
How to read a sewing pattern
Understanding size and fit
Choosing the right pattern for your skill level
How pattern selection affects the finished garment
Participants are encouraged to bring a pattern they would like to make. A selection of patterns will also be available.
For your first garment, simplicity is the key to success. Consider choosing a basic t-shirt, loose fitting pants, shorts or another beginner-friendly pattern with minimal seams. I am happy to provide feedback during the first 2 classes to help you choose a project.
8/3/2026 Week 4: We begin to build our garments.
Layout and cutting techniques
Preparing fabric
Sewing major garment sections together
If you did not bring your own fabric, you are welcome to use materials from my collection. Participants joining this class individually who already have some sewing experience are welcome to bring a project they are beginning.
8/10/2026 Week 5: Hemming techniques. A well finished hem can make all the difference. Learn:
Basic hemming methods
Choosing the right hem for different fabrics
Pressing and ironing techniiquess
Tips and tricks for professional looking finishes
We will continue working on our garments while practicing these important finishing skills.
8/17/2026 Week 6: Finishing details. Our final class focuses on the details that complete a garment. Learn:
How to make a buttonhole
How to sew on a button
Demonstration of zipper installation and pocket construction
Participants attending only this class are welcome to bring a project that needs a finishing touch, alteration, repair or mending.
By the end of this series, you’ll have a complete garment, a solid foundation in machine sewing and the confidence to continue sewing on your own.
