FAQ’s

I have never sewn a thing in my life – where do I start?

I used to sew, but haven’t done so in awhile. How do I get back into the swing of things?

I’m pretty good at sewing – what classes do you have that will challenge me?

Why are you so insane about using Mettler thread?

Where can I purchase fabric for class projects?

Do you have supplies there to purchase?

Why do you always recommend cotton woven fabric?

What does “pre-washed” fabric mean?

Can you teach me to copy another modern designer?

Can you teach me to copy this vintage dress I have that is falling apart?

Who runs this place?

Frequently Asked Questions:

I have never sewn a thing in my life – where do I start?

Good question! We recommend that you start with the Machine Intro class to familiarize yourself with a sewing machine and how it works. Then, follow it up with a project-based class to get some practice in – Pajamarama is our most basic class, with a lot of straight seams, but the Tote Bag class is good too. As always, the best way to get better at sewing is to practice, so try to spend a little time at home or in the Sewlab to reinforce what you are learning in class.

I used to sew, but haven’t done so in awhile. How do I get back into the swing of things?

Depending on what you remember, you might want to take the Machine Intro class as a refresher. The Wrap Skirt class is a beginner class that is a bit more challenging than Pajamarama, so you could start there. Then, when you are comfortable again, go for the Fitted Skirt, Sundress or Camp Shirt classes!

I’m pretty good at sewing – what classes do you have that will challenge me?

Some of our more advanced classes include Corsetmaking – It’s a Cinch! and Curves Ahead! – a 1950’s Dress and a Lined Coat. All of these classes require that you have good solid sewing skills already under your belt, and involve more complicated construction methods and/or tailoring techniques. Also, in the Spring 2008 semester, we’ll be scheduling some basic patternmaking classes for those of you who want to turn your sketches into reality!

Why are you so insane about using Mettler thread?

All thread creates dust, which gums up your sewing machine. This means you have to get your machine serviced regularly – cleaned and oiled – to keep it working & sewing well. Especially a computerized machine! At a good service place, this will be $80 – 90 a pop. Mettler cotton thread is a high quality thread that creates the least dust in our experience. So, spend a little more money on thread and save big money on not needing your machine serviced every six months. Cheep thread will just make a mess and annoy you - we ask that you don’t use it in our classroom machines! 100% cotton Guttermans is okay – not as good as Mettler but still acceptable. Cotton covered polyester is right out. Oh! One more reason – the Mettler thread, which is 100% cotton, presses beautifully and makes a lovely flat seam on the outside of your garment.

Where can I purchase fabric for class projects?

Check out the Sewing in LA website links page for a list of local fabric stores – there’s probably a great one close to you. For the folks in our neck of the woods, we recommend Gypsy’s Palace on Vermont (between Hollywood & Franklin) – they have a very nice selection of good cottons and also some to-die-for cotton decorator fabrics (tote bags anyone?) As always, Sew LA advocates purchasing your fabric at independent fabric stores – support your local businesses!

Do you have supplies there to purchase?

We do indeed stock notions and sewing tools & supplies. Some things you can get at Sew LA include tailor’s chalk, machine needles, Mettler thread, 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 some odds & ends.

Why do you always recommend cotton woven fabric?

100% cotton woven fabric is the easiest fabric for beginners to work with. It’s not too slippery and it has enough body to stand up to a lot of handling. Plus, it’s comfy! If you are dead set against cotton for your project, contact us and we’ll discuss what other fabrics would be appropriate. Cotton/linen blends, heavier or raw silks, lightweight wools – all of these would be appropriate for the adventuresome in certain classes.

What does “pre-washed” fabric mean?

For most of our classes, 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, 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 ¼ 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!

Can you teach me to copy another modern designer?

The answer to that is that we could, but we won’t. Sew LA respects the insane amount of work that designers undertake to create their collections along with their creativity and skill. Even though patterns and clothing designs are not technically copyrighted (which may change...) we feel that the artist deserves all the credit they can get for their work. That said, it’s absolutely fine to be inspired by designers and to want to incorporate some of their ideas into one’s own work – just be sure that it’s still your work in the end!

Can you teach me to copy this vintage dress I have that is falling apart?

Absolutely. Vintage clothing is getting more and more rare & expensive, and we can learn so much from studying the construction methods! Sew LA can teach you how to copy a dress without taking it apart in most cases – it depends on how complicated the design is. We ourselves have treasured dresses/worn them into the ground and then successfully made patterns from the tattered remains.

Who runs this place?

My name is Shaerie, and I’m a corsetmaker / sewing instructor who moved here from Boston in 2004. My small business is called Lovely Creature Corsetry but I have also been a sewing instructor since 2005. I realized at the beginning of 2007 that although corsetmaking is my art, teaching is truly my work! I really love it, and have been getting very positive responses from all of my students. The fantastic Sewing Arts Center out in Santa Monica is where I have been honing my skills for the past few years. The commute from Hollywood was really getting to be a drag with the gas prices and all (and who wants to spend so much time in the car when they should be sewing...), so I started looking for a studio space closer to home. I found the wonderful Edna Hart storefront on Rowena Ave. in Silver Lake, and the rest was history. Not much of a history so far, but we’re working on it! The storefront houses Lovely Creature Corsetry along with the Sew LA workspace, conveniently located across the street from The Coffee Table (a laid-back coffee & food place), on the same block as Blair’s (a great little cafe) and around the corner from the Trader Joe’s on Hyperion Ave.