by Lupine.
So, our list is ready and we can take payment for classes so it is finally time to share. We will have our online registration available within a few days, but for now, you can call: 503-808-9910, or come in and visit: 1408 NE Alberta Street. and we will happily sign you up for class over the phone or in person. You are also welcome to come in for some open sewing on one of our beautiful Bernina or Janome sewing machines. Modern Domestic Hours are Tuesday-Friday 10-8, Saturday 10-6, Sunday 11-5.
Most of our classes will require the use of a sewing machine. Each student will have a sewing machine provided for class, unless otherwise indicated. If you want to bring your machine to class instead of using ours, please feel free to do so, we will just move one out of the way. We will also have tools to check out for class, you may want your own supplies, feel free to bring them, but we will all basic sewing supplies, cutting supplies, and machine equipment provided for you. We will provide you with a list of supplies needed for the class in addition to this list, that will include consumables and fabric, books and patterns. Books and patterns will be available for class purchase at MD, and MD students receive a 10% discount for class supplies purchased from Bolt! All hands-on sewing classes are limited to 8 students. You will also receive free use of the space during your class session and for 2 weeks after class to work on your class project!
Skill level categories:
Beginning: you’ve learned to thread your machine and make the needle move. You know how to wind and change a bobbin, sort of.
Advanced Beginning: You’ve sewn a little, mostly straight seams, read through a pattern, maybe could use some help with that, or just some more practice with keeping your stitches straight. You’ve finished your pillows and want to tackle a skirt — with elastic.
Moderate: You’re comfortable reading a pattern, have made a number of projects. Want to learn how to keep your zippers neat, make even darts, and successful alterations. You’re venturing into more complicated patterns (e.g., fitted and lined blazers, trousers, no elastic here).
Advanced: You use a pattern just as the starting point, and jump off from there. You want to learn to make patterns, be more precise with your alterations, do more detail work. You tackle challenging patterns with joy.
If you need help getting to this point, look for a “learn to sew” level class and get signed up. Learn to Sew classes will cover machine use, choosing the correct needle and thread, and basic sewing terms.
Sew Basic
The first class for the new sewist. This class will cover the basics and beyond of using a sewing machine. You will learn to thread the needle and wind a bobbin, use a variety of different needles and thread, and sample some presser feet. If you plan on using the studio for open sewing, this is a prerequisite (or equivalent sewing skill), and if you have never really know what your machine is capable of, this class is for you. You will leave this class feeling confident on any classroom machine at Modern Domestic and ready to start your first sewing project. Class includes 3 hours of open sew time.
Learn to Sew/Beginner.Cost: $30 (includes 3 hours of open sewing time)
Instructor: MD Staff
Multiple Sessions Offered:
- Sunday March 21st, 1-3pm
- Thursday March 25th, 7-9pm
- Friday April 2nd, 10am-12pm
- Sunday April 11th, 10:30am-12:30pm
- Friday April 16th, 1pm-3pm
- Wednesday April 21st, 10am-12pm
- Saturday April 24th, 2pm-4pm
Friday Night Open Sewing
Come and bring a friend and spend an evening full of productive inspiration. Created to become your favorite go-to place for some sewing companionship, Friday will become the best night of the week to get things done! You can use our sewing machines and sergers, tools, and tables and work on what ever project you like. We can help you pin a skirt hem, choose a project, use a new presser foot, or get started cutting. Modern Domestic Open Sewing fill up fast, so pre-register online to save a spot.
Beginning-BeyondCost $10
Friday Nights 6-9pm
Learn to Sew Pajamas for the People
In this learn to sew class, you will learn your way around sewing machines, fabric, and patterns. You also gain a much greater knowledge of sewing terminology and tools. We will work through these comfy pants in a 3 night class. The pattern from Favorite Things has a basic elastic waist that work for both men and women. These pants are perfect for spring in light-weight cotton or double gauze, and the pattern size accommodates either men's or women's adult (child size pattern available).
Learn To Sew Class/Beginning.Cost $90
Wednesdays, March 24th, 31st, and April 7th. 6:30-8:30pm
Instructor: Lupine Swanson
Learn to Sew Pillowcases
Learn to sew and discover the joy of working with beautiful cotton or flannel fabrics by making matching pillowcases. This class will take someone who has never before touched a sewing machine all the way through completing a project. You will learn machine basics, all about fabric, sewing terminology, and how to use basic tools and equipment. You will gain confidence working on a straight forward project that can get you going into further sewing adventures.
Learn To SewCost: $60
Saturday, March 27th 1-5pm
Insturctor: Autumn Lapour
Learn to Sew Grocery Tote
Learn to sew and make a practical every day grocery tote at the same time. This class will take someone who has never before touched a sewing machine all the way through completing a project. You will learn machine basics, all about fabric, sewing terminology, and how to use basic tools and equipment. You will leave gain confidence working on a darling tote bag that folds up into its self; this great project that can get you going to the grocery store and into further sewing adventures in style.
Learn To SewCost: $60
Saturday, April 10th, 10am-2pm
Instructor: Autumn Lapour
T-shirts!
Looking for a t-shirt that fits perfectly? Using the popular Jalie patterns, you will learn how to lay out and cut knit fabrics and how to sew perfectly stretchy seams. We will discuss which areas need stretch and which need reinforcement to prevent unsightly sag. Choose a Men’s pattern (with sizes for boys) or a feminine Women’s version (with sizes for girls).
Advanced BeginnerCost: $60
Sunday, April 11th
Noon-4pm
Instructor: Sally Hess
Knit Dress
Have you made a t-shirt or two? If so, you are ready to make a knit dress! Working with the charming Sew U Home Stretch Book, we will take your knit sewing to the next level. You will make a great spring dress, choosing sleeve length, waistline (empire, regular, or low) and hemline. Have a custom dress in time for warm weather!
Advanced BeginnerPrevious knit experience required
Cost $60
Sundays, April 18th and 25th, 2pm-4pm
Instructor: Sally Hess
Serger Class
Are you mystified by your serger? Does it sit in the box because you are afraid of how to thread it or what might happen if a thread breaks? Do rolled hems intrigue you? Do you covet the tidy seams on the inside of serged garments and crafts? Come take this class, bringing your own serger or learning to use one of the MD sergers.
BeginningCost: $37.50
Sunday May 2nd, 1:30pm-4:00pm
Instructor: Sally Hess
Good Night and Get Lucky: Camisole and Panties
Are you charmed by the idea of making your own lingerie and undergarments? Do you dream of perfectly fitted and comfortable clothes against your skin? Choose a knit fabric such as soft cotton or a luxurious bamboo or rayon blend and make a snug fitting camisole and matching panties. Or you can choose a woven such as silk, satin or cotton voile and have a bias cut chemise with loose fitting tap pants.
Advanced BeginnerPrevious knit experience required if you choose the knit camisole
Cost: $60
Sunday May 16th, Noon-4pm
Instructor: Sally Hess
Diapers and Diaper Covers
Cloth diapers are the best “green” choice you can make for your baby, and family. Using soft flannel, we will make highly absorbent contoured (hourglass) diapers. In the second class we will focus on waterproof diaper covers with Velcro closures and fold over elastic (FOE) around the leg openings for a snug, leak-free fit.
BeginningCost: $60
Sundays, June 6th and 13th, 2pm-4pm
Instructor: Sally Hess
Sandbox Pants
Increase your sewing and finish techniques with a super cute and practical pair of pants to fit a little child in your life. In this three-part class we will learn how to use a single pattern for multiple sizes, make an elastic wasted pair of pants with a tie, and add front or back pockets. These pants can be made quickly and easily for growing children with seasonally appropriate fabrics from lightweight cotton to denim or corduroy. There are a few great details included in the class to increase your sewing skill level and add a bit of personality to any project. This class will require homework.
Advanced Beginning.Cost: $90
Thursday, April 8th, 15th, and 22nd 9:30-11:30am
Instructor: Lupine Swanson
Uniform Skirt
The uniform skirt is the perfect everyday all the time lots of options skirt. We will install a zipper (invisible), baste some seams, make a super fun skirt, and talk custom details. Maybe you want a lining, maybe you want a simple turned hem. Maybe you find that you can't live with out a ruffle or a raw edge. This is a great class to finally make yourself something to wear, and overcome your fears of fit and zippers. The Barcelona skirt pattern will be the jumping off point, but we will explore the options from there. This class may require homework.
Beginning-Advanced Beginning.Cost $90
Wednesdays, April 14th and 21st. 6-9pm
Instructor: Lupine Swanson
Kimono Wrap Dress and Obi Sash
Sew this flattering dress for your spring wardrobe in all sorts of beautiful fabric. The beauty of this dress will be fully recognized with a great fabric that drapes well and a contrasting Obi sash; from there, you will learn about using elastic thread, garment fitting, and gain confidence following a pattern. Using the pattern from Heather Ross's Weekend Sewing book, we will trace off and sew this beautiful project that is sure to flatter any figure and become a favorite for the warm weather ahead. This class will require homework.
Advanced Beginning.Cost $90
Saturdays, April 3rd, 10th, and 17th. 10am-12pm.
Instructor: Lupine Swanson
Sewing 101: Kids 8-12 or 13-17
This is the perfect class for the child who has never sewn before. They will learn sewing machine functions, the basics of fabric, using measurements, and how to sew seams. This class will include finished projects that can be shown off and used for years to come, and of course their sewing skills will last a lifetime. Shelly has chosen wonderful projects such as a roomy reversible Tote Bag that they can use on your trips to the library or help carry home the grocery goods and envelope pillow covers to decorate their room or special spot in the house. Both of these great projects will allow your child to be creative with fabric choices and express their personal taste.
Learn to Sew/BeginningCost $120
Tuesdays, April 30th, 6th, 13th and 20th. 3:30-5:30pm (ages 8-12)
Wednesdays, April 14th, 21st, 28th, and May 5th. 3:30-5:30 (ages 8-12)
Thursday April 1st, 8th, 15th, and 22nd. 3:30-5:30 (ages 13-17)
Instructor: Shelly Figueroa
Sewing 102: Kids 8-12 and 13-17
If your child is ready to take the next step into sewing clothing this class is right for them. Geared toward the second level student who understands sewing machine functions, fabric, and seaming sewists will gain further confidence and skills in this class and be ready to take off sewing. Your child will learn the basics of apparel sewing, increased knowledge of pressing, and beginning garment fitting skills. The projects include darling pajama pants with a drawstring and the perfect springtime elastic waisted skirt.
Advanced Beginning/or equivalent knowledgeCost $120
Dates: to be announced
Instructor: Shelly Figueroa “Mary Go ‘Round” Child’s Reversible Wrap Dress
This is a wonderful all season wrap dress that your little girl (size 2-6) can wear twice for every trip to the laundry. Shelly Figueroa will take you through the pattern with a snap closure and also give you a few variations: adding piping or a buttonhole. You will have the opportunity to make this cute dress with the designer herself. It is the perfect pattern for the newer sewer who is just beginning to make clothes for little ones.
BeginningCost $45
Tueday, April 27th 9:30-12:30
Instructor: Shelly Figueroa
Screen Printing Basics
Learn the fundamentals of screenprinting in this two-part workshop. The first class will explore the stencil making process with contact and freezer paper. We will make a small screen and use the screen-filler method to produce a one-of-a-kind design. We will also cover the principals of proper inks and technically appropriate images for our second class covering the photo-emulsion process. The photo-emulsion method of screenprinting is the most effective in achieving the highest level of image detail. You will have the opportunity to "burn" your favorite photograph or illustration.
Beginner.Cost: $210 (includes $60 kit fee)
Two sessions offered:
Saturday March 20th and 27th 12-5pm
Saturday April 17th and 24th 12-5pm
Instructor: Nicole Cipriano
Undercover
Time to protect your investment and cute-up your sewing area all at the same time. You will make a sewing machine cover that is custom fit and styled (by you ) to be the perfect patchwork addition to your work space. Working off the measurements that you bring to class, we will use some quilting techniques to piece a sewing machine cover. We will also explore a “walking” or “even feed” foot to quilt our projects and learn how to apply grommets. This pattern is from the book, I (Love) Patchwork, and is perfect for the sewist who wants to give quilting a try on a small and useful scale.
BeginningCost: $60
Wednesdays, April 28th and May 5th, 6:30-8:30
Instructor: Autumn Lapour
Charm Squares Baby Quilt
Make this beautiful row style baby quilt with a clean modern feel. In this 3 session class students will use pre-cut 5" fabric squares (or "charm packs") to make a 33"x40" baby or wall quilt. You will learn the basics of quilt construction, including sewing with a quarter inch seam allowance, making a quilt sandwich, machine quilt using a walking foot, and making and sewing on the binding. This class will require homework.
BeginningCost: $90
Wednesdays, March 31st, 7th, and 14th. 10am-12pm
Instructor: Elizabeth Hartman
Crazy Nine-Patch Lattice Quilt
This class will walk students through each step of the process of making a simple modern patchwork quilt measuring 38"x53". Students will learn how to make "wonky" patchwork blocks, how to piece a quilt top and back, make a quilt sandwich, free-motion quilt, and make continuous double-fold binding. This is a great class for the sewist who has always wanted to venture into quilting but not know where to start. This class will require homework.
Advanced BeginningCost: $180
Sundays, April 18th, 25th, and May 2nd, 1-4pm
Instructor: Elizabeth Hartman
Introduction to Felt Making
Felt is the oldest textile on earth. It is a non woven material which is created by the compression of wool with the help of moist heat and rubbing, but without use of binding compound. Wool is the only fibre endowed by nature with the properties that enable it to be felted. Through use dyed super fine merino fibre from Australia, and mostly recycled fabrics, I am endeavoring to explore the creation of unique textiles, that rest on the laurels of this prestigious fibre, wool. In this introductory class, students will learn to make a basic piece of flat felt using superfine merino wool tops as well as using fabric and/or thread to embellish it. Time permitting, we will also explore cobweb and nuno techniques.
BeginningCost: $45
Sunday, March 28th 11am-2pm
Instructor: Margy Alexander
Never Tear Us Apart
Learn to make a pattern from an existing favorite garment with out even tearing it apart! A well fitting garment is a treasure that you want to keep forever, and maybe even have another? In this class you will create a paper pattern to use to sew another one of your most flattering pieces of clothing.
Advanced BeginningCost: $60
Tuesdays, March 23rd and 30th, 6:30-8:30
Instructor: Margy Alexander
School House Tunic
You will love the School House Tunic by Sew Liberated. This tunic is flattering on lots of body types and is a stylish essential for your spring wardrobe. This tunic is cute longer layered with jeans or leggings, or sew the shirt variation and turn your tunic into a top. Choose a fabric with nice drape, such as a mid-weight to light cotton, cotton voile, or linen. In this class, you will gain confidence gathering, sewing pleats, sewing and setting in sleeves, and make an elastic casing. This is a class for the moderate sewer who is ready to make a shirt. There will be some homework required.
Advanced BeginningCost: $60
Thurdays, May 13th and 20th. 6:30-9pm
Instructor: Autumn Lapour
Kitchin' Stitchin
This three night class will get you sewing some great accessories for the home as well as learning a ton of fun new skills. You will make a reversible lined apron with patch pockets and ties, quilted oven mitt, and dish towel with applique trim and a hook to hang it with. There will be the opportunity to use a walking foot, practice edge stitching, and apply a pocket. These modern, chic, and useful kitchen items brighten up any space and make for wonderful mothers and/or fathers day gifts.
Beginning.Cost: $120
Thursdays, April 1st, 8th, and 15th 6-9pm
Instructor: Autumn Lapour
And the fine print:
Full payment is due upon signing up for a class
100% of class fee is refundable if cancellation is at least 72 hours before class. 50% of class fee is refundable if cancellation is less than 72 hours before class starts; other 50% goes to teacher payment; unless student’s space is filled by another student
No-shows forfeit any refund unless it’s an unforeseen emergency.
Your class fee includes use of the studio and machines at no additional charge to work on your class project during the class session and 2 weeks after the class has ended. This is to encourage you to complete your project and is not intended to be used for other projects.







