Class CATALOG

Descriptions of upcoming and past Stash House events and class offerings

class Key

🧵 True Beginner

🧷 Beginner friendly

✂️ Intermediate to advanced

See below for our definitions and recommendations!

  • Instructor: Elsa

    Duration: 3 hours

    Class description:

    Are you new to sewing and looking for a place to start? This is the class for you! We will learn how to use the home sewing machines available at the Stash House, overview the basics of reading patterns and learn about selecting and preparing fabric for your projects. We will also practice some basic hand sewing techniques, and apply your new skills to some stash house projects!

    You can expect to learn:

    • How to use the home sewing machines in the Stash house

    • An overview of hand sewing methods (running stitch, basting, backstitch)

    • Fabric preparation - ironing, understanding the grainline, laying out pattern pieces

    • Basic seams - finishing the edges of your fabric, straight seams

    • Basics of garment sizing and introduction to reading sewing patterns

    This is a skill building class - you may not be leaving with a finished product

    ($65)

  • Instructor: Kendra

    Duration: 2 hours

    Class Description:

    Come learn how to knit at the Stash House!

    In this class, you will learn...

    • basic knit and purl stitches

    • how to cast on

    • how to cast off

    • basic increase and decrease stitches (k2t, p2t)

    All materials included. You will take home a pair of knitting needles and some yarn to continue knitting on your own!

    ($55)

    limited to 6 people

  • Instructor: Kathryn

    Duration: 3 hours

    Course Description:

    This one-day workshop will cover...

    - How to start a braided-in rug

    - How to create circles and ovals

    All supplies are included, though you are welcome to bring some of your own.

    capped at 6 people, $65 a person

  • Instructor: Marlene

    Duration: 2 hours

    Class Description:

    Join Marlene at the Stash house to work on beginner sewing projects! You do not need any sewing experience to take this class.

    Example projects to choose from:

    • pillow case

    • tote bag

    • applique patch

    You can expect to learn:

    • How to use the home sewing machines in the Stash house

    • Basic seams - finishing the edges of your fabric, straight seams

    ($55)

    limited to 6 people

  • Instructor: Elsa

    Duration: 1 hour

    Class description:

    Part lecture, part hands-on workshop, this skills class will help you develop your fabric ID skills

    You will learn:

    • How to conduct a burn test to determine fiber content

    • How to differentiate basic types of woven fabrics

    no experience necessary!

    ($30)

  • Instructor: Elsa

    Duration: 2 hours

    Class Description:

    Have you been wanting to learn about alterations and more complex garment construction but aren't sure where to start? This is the workshop for you! Bring a few garments of your own to learn about what's possible, or learn with some of the demonstration pieces we have on hand.

    In this workshop, you may learn about:

    • Adjusting seams and inserting fabric/gussets

    • Raising or lowering hems

    • Repairing/replacing zippers

    • Adjusting necklines

    • Hands on guidance on improving fit of existing garments.

    ($55)

  • Instructor: Elsa

    Duration: 2-3 hrs, depending on session

    Class description:

    Looking for hands-on help with your works in progress or assistance while you start something new? Office Hours with Elsa are meant for working on independent projects. This is a hybrid between individual lessons and group workshops, with more focused instructor assistance than a fellowship session!

    Office Hours are open to beginners and confident sewists alike.

    Elsa can help with garment sewing, patterning, knitting, crochet, and more! Just fill out the questionnaire with what you are working on when you sign up.

    You can even treat this as sewing 101 if you can’t make it to our scheduled workshops!

    ($55 2 hr/$65 3 hr)

  • Instructor: Elsa

    Duration: 3 hours

    Class Description:

    Have you been wanting to explore the world of garment making? Take this class if you are a beginner, need a refresher to get back into it, or are just looking for company and to upgrade your skills! You can take this class more than once, and will learn something new every time.

    To take this class, you need to know how to use a machine and run a consistent seam allowance - if you don’t we recommend you take our sewing 101 class first!

    If this is your second time around, you're welcome to come with all of the steps completed that you can do on your own. Any supplies you need for this class are provided, but you are welcome to bring your own 1.5 yards of fabric washed and ready to go

    You can expect to learn about…

    • Basics of garment sizing and review of reading sewing patterns

    • Basic seams - finishing the edges of your fabric, straight seams, french seams

    • Inserting an elastic waistband, hemming pants, in-seam pockets, understanding darts and pleats

    • Depending on your skill level, you might not leave with a finished garment. You will leave with an instruction booklet to finish on your own, and can stop by “works in progress” with any questions!

    Your first time in the class is making a wearable muslin - then you can take it again to learn about fitting and pattern modifications, like adding darts, zipper fly, pleats, etc.

    If you have a functioning sewing machine, you are welcome to bring it to use in class!

    ($65)

  • Instructor: Elsa

    Duration: 3 hours

    Class Description:

    Have you been wanting to learn to sew your own clothing? Take this class if you are a beginner, need a refresher to get back into it, or are just looking for company and to upgrade your skills! You can take this class more than once, and will learn something new every time.

    To take this class, you need to know how to use a machine and run a consistent seam allowance - if you don’t we recommend you take our sewing 101 class first!

    If this is your second time around, you're welcome to come with all of the steps completed that you can do on your own. Any supplies you need for this class are provided, but you are welcome to bring your own 1.5+ yards of fabric washed and ready to go

    You can expect to learn about:

    • Basics of garment sizing and review of reading sewing patterns

    • Finishing garment seams - finishing the edges of your fabric, french seams, using bias binding to finish a neckline

    • Depending on your skill level, you might not leave with a finished garment. You will leave with an instruction booklet to finish on your own, and can stop by “works in progress” with any questions!

    Your first time in the class is making a wearable muslin - then you can take it again to learn about fitting and pattern modifications, like adding darts, button plackets, collars, etc

    If you have a functioning sewing machine, you are welcome to bring it to use in class!

    ($65)

  • Teacher: Carl, the sewing machine repair man

    Duration: 2 hours

    Class Description:

    Bring your *working* sewing machine for two hours of exploration and getting to know each other. You will learn about the functions of your machine, how to adjust for different fabrics, threads, textures, and more! Bring your machine and accessories (foot pedal, feet, bobbin case, etc.)

    In the basics class, you only need to show up with your machine, no background knowledge needed! You will learn how to thread, oil, and perform basic sewing machine maintenance and troubleshooting. You will also learn about matching sewing machine settings with project needs and how to choose the right needle for your project!

    This class will cover:

    How to thread, how to oil, basic maintenance, basic troubleshooting

    all about needles

    matching sewing machine settings with project needs

    *This is not a sewing machine repair course. This is an opportunity to learn about the function of your sewing machine and how to use it properly.

    ($55)

Regularly Offered

  • Teacher: Elsa

    Duration: 3 hrs

    Class Description:

    New to working with knits? Interested in making your own lingerie? Practice with a quick and fun bralette project! This workshop is about making a soft, pull on bralette. You will not learn how to make a structured underwire bra in this class, but it may be a good stepping stone on that journey!

    In this class, you will learn...

    • How to identify and apply lingerie elastic

    • How to measure yourself and choose a pattern size

    • How to identify % stretch in knitted fabrics & choose an appropriate one for your project

    • How to read a pattern

    • How to sew a soft bralette

    Being able to reliably sew a straight line and run a consistent seam allowance using a sewing machine is key for this class, so if you are a true beginner we recommend taking a sewing 101 or beginner project class with us first!

    All materials included

    ($65)

  • (Underwear Workshop, $65)

    Have you been wanting to learn to sew with knits? Making underwear is a great place to start! Take this class if you are just starting out, need a refresher, or are looking to upgrade your skills! All materials are included.

    This class is open to beginners and confident sewists alike

    In this class, you will learn:

    -How to read a sewing pattern

    -How to select the appropriate knit fabric and needle type for your project

    -When to use a sewing machine vs a serger

    -How to attach elastic leg and waist bands

  • Guest Workshop at the Stash, presented by J Cuz Uza!

    Sunday, February 18th

    • 1-2:30 - Punk 101: History of Punk Fashion - Fight the Powerpoint Presentation

    • 2:30-4 - Hey Ho, Let's Sew! Demo of Punk sewing techniques (patchwork, embroidery, repair, upcycling)

    Come make a patch! Get help sewing on patches you already have! Other projects welcome! Materials provided, but feel free to bring your own.

    BRING YOUR BATTLE JACKET. IF YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS, DON’T WORRY, COME FIND OUT!

    $25 (normally $65. You’re all on the guest list.)

    Limit 15 people

  • ($80)

  • Instructor: Elsa

    Duration: 2 x 3 hour sessions

    Course description:

    In this two session class, you will toile a pair of fitted trousers (any style with a fitted waistband) and leave with a pattern fitted to your body. There will be homework to work on between the two sessions!

    Prerequisites:

    Sewing 101, pants class

    OR

    The ability to run a consistent seam allowance and experience making at least one pair of pants

    2 day workshop ($175)

  • Instructor: Kathryn

    Duration: 4 x 2 hour sessions

    Course Description:

    This rug braiding series will take you from beginner to complex rug braiding methods! You do not need any prior experience to participate in this class.

    Week 1 (April 3) will cover circles and ovals

    Week 2 (April 10) will cover squares and rectangles

    Week 3 (April 17) will cover pictorial/images

    Week 4 (April 24) will cover three dimensional forms

    Limited to 6 people, all materials included. You must sign up for all 4 sessions

    $225 for 4 sessions

    If you want to provide your own fabric, we recommend 2 contrasting woven fabrics (about two/three yards each - bedsheets work well)

Special Event Workshops

Virtual Workshops

  • Instructor: Elsa

    Duration: 1.5 hours

    Class description:

    Part lecture, part hands on workshop, tune int to develop your fabric ID skills and improve your ability to match project ideas with appropriate fabrics! For this virtual workshop, you will receive a fiber ID packet in the mail with 10+ labeled fabric scraps and an ID booklet.

    In this workshop you will learn...

    • How to determine stretch percentage for knit fabrics

    • How to recognize basic weave types

    • How to conduct a burn test for fiber identification

    Limited to 15 people to allow for Q&A. Sign ups end 2 weeks in advance to allow for fiber ID packet shipping time.

    This class is for adults only as you will be working at home with an open flame to conduct the burn tests. You will need to provide your own lighter or matches and a safe work space with a non-flammable surface & water nearby.

  • Instructor: Elsa

    Duration: 2 hours

    Class description:

    This virtual workshop will have you mending in no time!

    We will review basic visible darning methods - depending on material choice these can be subtle or elaborately decorative!

    You will receive a darning kit in the mail prior to the workshop. You will need to provide your own materials to mend, such as holey sweaters, hats, or socks, and a willingness to experiment with them

    These methods work best on knitwear, but can be applied to other textiles as well

    $55, limited to 15 people. Additional darning kits available for purchase. No experience necessary

These themed drop-in sessions at the Stash House are meant to build community, bringing together people and their independent projects around the fellowship theme. You will have support from our staff to answer questions and offer advice.

$10 drop-in/$5 for students, free for members

Fellowship Sessions

  • Tuesdays 5:30 - 7:30

    Join Elsa at the Stash House and work on your mending - get advice and supplies for your clothing repair projects

  • Thursdays 12:30 - 2:30

    Join Elsa at the Stash House and work on your works in progress! Need a hand with fitting, advice on a project, or just some motivation to finish up? Come to works in progress!

  • Sundays 5:30 - 7:30

    Work on your Handwork while watching a Horror movie at the Stash House! Get friendly advice with your knitting, crochet, embroidery and more!

    *All are welcome though some films may not be suitable for children or those uncomfortable with the horror genre :)

Member’s Only Equipment Orientations

We have a number of specialty machines available for reservation by Stash House members. In order to access our reservation system, you must first take the relevant machine orientation, or contact us about “testing out”. Once you demonstrate readiness to use the machine independently, you can reserve the machine during Open Studio hours! If you find you need more time or guidance with the equipment, we will suggest how to develop your skills - via classes, drop-in sessions or community learning.

You can find the orientation schedule and machine reservation calendar on the members hub.

  • Duration: 1.5 hours

    Class description:

    An introduction to our long arm quilter

  • Duration: 1 hour

    Class description:

    This orientation will introduce you to our fancy serger - we have other sergers for use during open studio time, but once you have completed the orientation for this one, you can reserve it in advance!

  • Duration: 1.5 hours

    Class description:

    This orientation will introduce you to the basic functions of our embroidery machine, including how to access the built-in embroidery designs

  • Duration: 1 hour

    Class description:

    Do you like to sew with PDF patterns but are tired of all the cutting and taping? The combination of a short throw projector and cutting table will revolutionize your pattern prep! This orientation will get you started with the technical set up we have in the workroom, prepping your pdf settings, and cutting techniques.

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🧵 True Beginner

For those who’ve never used a sewing machine, are just starting out, or need a refresher.

For learning foundational skills, like sewing in a straight line, how to thread a sewing machine, how to change stitch settings, how to wind a bobbin

No experience needed!

🧷 Beginner friendly

For those who are new to sewing, just starting out, or need a refresher.

For learning foundational skills, like sewing in a straight line, how to sew zippers and buttonholes, and skills needed to make basic garments. There is some overlap with our true beginner courses - because we try to assess and tailor each class to student needs!

Should have some experience with:

  • Threading a sewing machine.

  • Changing your stitch settings.

  • Winding a bobbin.

We recommend taking one of our Sewing 101 workshops first if you are just starting your sewing journey

✂️ Intermediate to advanced

For those who’ve used a sewing machine but could benefit from support, AND those who are confident in their ability to use a machine and are looking to learn new techniques.

For learning skills like pattern making, fitting, or working with specialty fabrics

Should have some experience with:

  • Threading a sewing machine

  • Changing your stitch settings

  • Winding a bobbin

  • Cutting out fabric

  • Troubleshooting machine issues independently

Cancellation and Refund Policy

Classes with fewer than two people enrolled are subject to cancellation, in which case participants will receive 24-hour notice.

Full refunds will be available if you withdraw from a class a week or more before the event OR If we cancel an event for any reason.

Credit toward another event will be offered for those withdrawing from a class or event a week to 24 hours before or in the case of extenuating circumstances.

No-shows or withdrawals less than 24 hours before an event will result in a forfeit of the ticket price.

class expectations

The majority of our classes include materials in the list price, but you are always welcome to provide your own. We also supply sewing machines, but you can bring your own if you prefer! Just make sure it is in working condition.

Mistakes are a common part of sewing, no matter how much experience you have! It is also common for students to not fully complete a project in the workshop timeframe - our aim is to send you home with all of the materials and knowledge you need to finish it independently, or you can join us during a fellowship session to wrap up your project with a little guidance.

By signing up for a class, you are acknowledging that there are inherent risks to sewing, cutting, and ironing. In signing up, you agree to abide by safety guidelines and recommendations provided by instructors and staff.