One look around some of the hottest local boutiques, and you’ll find plenty of custom creations that you could easily make at home – and at a fraction of the price. By learning to sew, you can even recreate garments that you see in the shops, but with the exact fabrics and fits that are suitable for you. Plus, when someone compliments you on that great new tote, jacket or perfectly fitting pair of pants, you can smile with satisfaction knowing that you made it. Yes, we know that sewing can seem a little overwhelming and confusing. Just thinking about threading a sewing machine makes me cringe. Thankfully, Fabric Bliss is now offering Intro to Sewing classes as part of its Learn to Sew Week (taking place March 26 through April 1).
“We opened Fabric Bliss in March 2011 with the intent of teaching folks how to sew, so we have offered sewing lessons since the day we opened,” says Aurora Sisneros, owner of Fabric Bliss. “We found that our Intro to Sewing class was the most popular and that it filled up a month in advance, so we decided to do a promotion for an entire week during Spring Break to help teach people who were dying to learn.”
Sisneros, who comes from a long line of sewers, has found that the art of sewing has been somewhat lost. That’s exactly why she chose to open Fabric Bliss in the first place. “There is a huge DIY movement these days, and people are finding that creating things by hand is not only incredibly satisfying, but it also provides stress relief from our everyday lives,” she says. “We realize that most women these days have more responsibility in the workplace than ever before, and a therapeutic stress relief makes work and life much more balanced.”
Each sewing class at Fabric Bliss runs for two to four hours, and students leave with a finished product. There are currently seven instructors on staff – some teach sewing, some teach knitting and some teach both – and each class can accommodate up to six students. “Students can choose which classes they take next based on the skill they would like to learn, whether it’s zippers, fusible interfacing or creating a garment, Sisneros says. “Intro to Sewing introduces students to a sewing machine, teaches them the very basics of construction and gives them confidence to say, ‘Hey, I made this! And it was easy!’”
Students also can enroll in knitting classes, which run as a series. And, for those who want a more intimate look at sewing and design, Fabric Bliss also refers students to other teachers who offer six-week series classes. “Our main focus is to reintroduce sewing as a modern, stress-relieving hobby that anyone can be successful at,” Sisneros says. “The folks designing fabrics these days are inspiring people to sew again, and people have strong reactions to the fabric when they see it. Even if they don’t sew, they immediately want to learn, so we are here to encourage, teach and inspire.”
The cost of each Intro to Sewing class is $30, and students receive a 15 percent discount on supplies. Each student leaves with a finished tote – which you can see here – along with the schedule of classes. Students can register for classes online, or by calling 303.893.7922.
Misty Milioto is affectionately known as Denver’s Fashion Gal. She covers haute trends and local designers in the Mile High City, all while keeping a close and critical eye on national trends that are currently rocking the runways and the major glossy magazines. Stay tuned for all the best in fashion that Denver has to offer.
