Why is make it workshop here?  In the past, the traditional art of sewing was passed down from mother to daughter from generation to generation.  Today, things are different.  In the last 50 years, the availability of affordable and well-designed clothing reduced the need for home sewing and with it, the overall understanding of this once-necessary skill.  But now, people from all walks of life see sewing as an opportunity to move beyond the cookie-cutter approach to fashion, and express their own personal style and their creativity in the clothes they wear everyday.   

make it workshop was created to empower people to design and create these fashions.  At make it workshop you can learn the basic (traditional) sewing skills; learn how professionals design fashion; and learn many shortcuts and techniques that make creating your own clothing fast and easy.

At make it workshop we will also have classes on refashioning garments that you already have into fun new things to wear!

If you just need a refresher you could also sign up for an hour or two of private lessons to get back into the swing..

Then, when you are comfortable again, sign up for a make it: workshop or bring in project and make it during

make it: Open Sew times...It'll be fun! 

I’m pretty good at sewing – what classes do you have that will challenge me?
Go for the make it: Skirt to fit you, or make it: Traditional Shirt  workshops. Both of these workshops require that you have good solid sewing skills already under your belt, and involve more complicated construction methods and/or tailoring techniques. These workshops will teach you to use basic pattern drafting skills for those of you who want to turn your sketches into reality! These workshops have varied levels of difficulty and the instructor will work with you at you level.
 

Do I have to bring my own sewing machine and everything else? Tools etc...

No. We have it all set up for you to come in a first come first served basis. There are sewing machines, a serger, an embroidery machine and even an industrial straight stitch machine. (Hoping soon to have a cover stitch) three large tables, scizzors,  most all the tools you'll need.. 

 

Can I bring my own sewing machine?  If you really just feel comfortable on your own machine..We'll make room for you. But you dont have to.

 or if you forgot how to thread the machine and want help bring it on in! ($10 consult)

 

Do you have supplies there to purchase?
We do indeed stock some notions and sewing tools & supplies for purchase.  We are not  set up as a retail establishment with a lot of stock.

Some things you can get at make it workshop include tailor’s chalk, woven fusible interfacing, elastic by the yard, Gingher fabric shears, glass-head pins, tape measures, pin cushions, and the all-important bodkin! We also have some basic fabrics – muslin, black & white cotton, and .......           We also have different fabrics to purchase for class or projects. Some prewashed some on the bolt.

Again, we are not set up as a retail store for walk in customers as we will probably be busy teaching..
 

What does “pre-washed” fabric mean?
For most of our workshops, we recommend that you pre-wash, or pre-shrink, your fabric, and that just means throwing it in the washing machine on the same settings you will use for the finished garment. This will wash out what is called ‘sizing’ – the coating on the fabric that keeps it crisp and smooth in the store – and shrink your fabric before you make a garment out of it. Way better to shrink the fabric before than after you make a garment, don’t you think? Good quality cottons will not shrink that much, but if you are spending less than $8 a yard on your fabric you might want to purchase an extra 1⁄4 yard because it will shrink more. Often when you purchase fabric, the care instructions will be on the bolt for you to note. When in doubt – machine wash cold and tumble dry low for most cottons!

 

How many can work in the 'open workshop' at one time?  

There are 5 straight stitch machines. So its seems the answer is 5-6. But if 5 people showed up to lay out

wide fabric and try to cut it out it may be a little tight. (There are 3 large work tables)  We'll just have to see project by project...

Can I work on my own projects at make it workshop?   By all means!  Thats what we're here for. A space to create!  If you need guidance or help we are here-if you want to just put on headphones and do your own thing-thats fine too...

 

How much does it cost to work on my own projects?  We charge $10 per hour to use the space. 

Punch cards will be sold at a discounted rate. Ask when you come in.

 

What if I only stay 15 minutes?  5 minutes to 60 is still $10.00   We cannot pro rate hours.

 

How  many people will be in each class? 

For the sake of personal attention there will be a maximum of 5 students  class 
 
Will you sew clothes and stuff for me?

Do you do alterations a MI Workshop?  Unfortunately no. On a rare occasion I will sew a home decor item pillows or window treatments but  I would rather show you how and help you make it rather than doing it for you.

Can I teach a workshop at MI Workshop? 

If you have an idea for a sewing, fashion or craft class call Joey

to discuss we are interested in having many more make it worshop!  

 

Can I bring  my kids while I take a workshop? 

 Due to insurance policy.... we cannot allow children to hang out around the equiptment]

while you hang out. This should be YOUR time anyway!!! Come alone and enjoy moment of peace.....

 

How old do kids have to be to take a workshop ? 

Kids  need to be at least 9. 

I have sewing experience do I have to take the Intro 101 course to register for other workshops?

No. But we want people that can come in and sit down and thread a machine and get to work if they say they can. 

If I sew over my finger or cut myself will MI Workshop pay my medical bills?

Sorry no,  although we are sure that sewing injuries happen rarely thats why you signed the liabilty waiver. 

We must ask that you sew and participate at your own risk. Make sure you fill out the doctors

contact info..

 

Is there parking?
There is parking  just outside the building to the east. There is also street parking all around us including on California Ave.

There is a drop off zone just outside the door of  make it workshop....