Learn To Sew At Paramount Sewing Workshops
People of all ages want to learn to sew to express their creativity. There is also a new trend of taking existing garments (from thrift shops and such) and recycling, de-constructing and re-constructing them into something new and wonderful. We have many requests for basic sewing classes from women and men who want to learn this valuable skill, so we have designed these workshops with everyone in mind. They are open to anyone age 17 and up! No sewing skill is required — that’s what it’s all about. Or, if you used to sew but forgot how, this is the place for you, too.
You will learn all the basic techniques so you will be able to sew, mend, quilt,
re-manufacture and embellish everything from clothing to crafts. We will provide the machines for your use in class and, to make this super easy for all you busy people, if there is a kit for the class it will include fabric, thread and necessary notions to complete the project so you can just “get sewing”.
Everyone is also welcome in our “Getting It Done” class. If you’ve taken Paramount’s Sewing Workshops, or if you already have basic sewing skills but wish you had a sewing mentor to help you with your projects, then Workshop 4 is your dream come true. There are several dates scheduled for this term.
Sewing Workshop 1: Seams Great !
Learn all about seams, seam allowances, basting, gathering, blind hems, top stitching and more. You’ll learn the basic terminology and techniques used in sewing. We’ll start at the very beginning with a discussion of needles, threads, cutting fabrics and much more. Then you’ll make a sample of each technique to keep for your future reference. Finally you’ll use that technique on your class project: a great apron (hint: this apron would make a great gift)! When you’re done, you’ll have the basic skills needed to take on almost any sewing project.
This workshop is offered twice this term:
Dates: Saturday, July 19, 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
or Saturday, September 20, 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Tuition: $20 + $10 kit ($30 total)
Instructor: Celeste Lim
Click for Supply List
Sewing Workshop 2: Zippers & Buttonholes
Take the mystery out of installing zippers, making buttonholes and sewing on buttons. You’ll make a sample of each technique to keep for your future reference, then you’ll use these techniques on your class projects: two designer pillows! Sewing Workshop 1 is not a mandatory prerequisite for this class, but it is highly recommended.
This workshop is offered twice this term:
Dates: Saturday, July 19, 1 - 4:30 p.m.
or Saturday, September 20, 1 - 4:30 p.m.
Tuition: $20 + $10 kit ($30 total)
Instructor: Celeste Lim
Click for Supply List
Sewing Workshop 3: Cutting It Out
Patterns can be confusing with lots of strange markings and terminology. In this class you will learn how to read and understand patterns, how to lay out and pin a pattern to the fabric, and how to properly cut the fabric. You can bring a simple pattern (see suggestions on supply sheet) and the appropriate fabric and supplies to class, and Celeste will help you lay it out, pin it and cut it out. You will not be sewing in this class, but you should have basic sewing skills (such as covered in Sewing Workshops 1 & 2, you’ll be able to complete the project at home. This workshop is limited to 6 students.
If you’re not ready to “sew solo” at home yet, you can sign up for our “Putting It Together” or “Getting It Done” Workshops where you can work on your project with guidance from Celeste.
Dates: Saturday, July 12, 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
or Saturday, August 2, 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Tuition: $20 (bring your pattern and supplies)
Instructor: Celeste Lim
Click for Supply List
Sewing Workshop 4: Getting It Done!
Everyone is welcome! Bring a project to work on, and Celeste will be on hand to answer questions and help you get it done. Maybe it’s something you started but didn’t complete, or something that you don’t even know how to begin, or something that you need to mend. We’ll supply the machines. We’ll even let you use an embroidery machine to add an embroidered monogram to your project. Wouldn’t that be great? Basic sewing skills are prerequisites for this class. Class is limited to 8 students, so be sure to sign up soon!
This lab is offered three times this term - come to all of them if you really want to work on your sewing skills!
Dates: Saturday, July 12, 1 - 4:30 p.m.
Saturday, August 2, 1 - 4:30 p.m.
Saturday, August 16, 1 - 4:30 p.m.
Tuition: $20 (bring your project and supplies)
Instructor: Celeste Lim
Click for Supply List
Sewing Workshop 8: Putting It Together
In this new Workshop, we will be constructing the garment that was cut out in Workshop 3. You are free to bring your own sewing machine, or you may use a classroom machine if you prefer. You will learn all about simple garment construction, following instructions that are provided with each pattern. By the end of class, you should be near completion of your project.
Date: Saturday, August 16, 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Tuition: $20 (bring your project and supplies)
Instructor: Celeste Lim
Click for Supply List
Please read
- For everyone’s comfort and health, our classroom is a fragrance-free zone.
- Payment is due when you register for a class.
- Classes not meeting minimum enrollment will be canceled one week in advance of the class date. If we must cancel the class for that or any other reason, we will refund your fees. We will call you if the class is cancelled.
- If you need to cancel a class, refunds will be given only if you cancel at least 7 days prior to the class. You are welcome to send a friend in your place if you cannot attend.
- Make sure you get a supply list for each class when you pay for your class. You can also find them on our website: www.paramount-sew-vac.com. You will receive a 10% discount on any specified class supplies you purchase at Paramount - just be sure to tell us the name of the class you are taking.
- To comply with U.S. copyright laws, if an instructor specifies a book, an embroidery card, embroidery CD or design for the class, each student must own their own copy.
- If you’d like to use one of our machines for a class, just let us know before class. This is a great way to "test drive" a new machine.
- We try to design our classes to accommodate all levels of sewing skills, beginning to advanced — if you have any questions or concerns about a class, please do not hesitate to ask.
When you take a class at Paramount, we intend to teach you the basic concepts for the class. Our goal is to provide you ample time to grasp the concepts and do part of the project. The time allowed may not be enough to finish the entire project, but you will have the knowledge needed to complete it very successfully.
We look forward to seeing you soon.