Beginner-Friendly Sewing Lessons
Embark on an exciting journey into the world of sewing with my tailored lessons designed exclusively for new sewers. Whether you're eager to thread your first needle or stitch your initial masterpiece, my classes are crafted to make your sewing experience enjoyable and stress-free.
MY SERVICES
Ready to start your sewing adventure? With my beginner-friendly lessons you'll discover the joy of sewing. No need to be an expert – I'll guide you every step of the way.
Learn Your Machine
If you've just acquired a sewing machine and are unsure where to start, my lessons cover everything from machine basics to troubleshooting. I'll help you become comfortable and confident with your new tool.
Start with Simple Projects
Dive into the world of sewing with beginner-friendly projects that are both fun and achievable. From stylish accessories to simple garments, you'll be creating in no time!
Step-by-Step Guidance
I will take you through each step, ensuring you grasp the basics and build a solid foundation. No prior experience required – I'm here to guide you from the very beginning.
Create Simple, Wearable Pieces
Imagine the thrill of wearing something you've created! My lessons focus on projects that are both practical and rewarding, allowing you to proudly showcase your newfound skills.
STUDENT TESTIMONIALS
ABOUT CHRIS
My name is Chris and I have been a lifelong seamstress. My journey began in middle school, where I learned the basics of reading patterns, which helped me to visualize in three dimensions. As a high-energy person, I found that sewing calmed me and I always had something to show for my effort in the end!
In time, I learned to sew many things. I was a teacher by profession, but sewing enabled me to stay home with my children during their formative years and for 11 years I designed custom window treatments. Working from home, I measured, developed, and installed custom draperies, table skirts, pillows, board and rod mounted valances, swags, cascades, and more for hundreds of clients across the DC-metro area.
As years went by, I developed a desire to teach others the skills that I had learned, and I’ve had the privilege of mentoring students of all ages, from children, to teens, to adults. I believe that sewing is a lifelong skill, saving you money, and allowing you to tap into a creative mindset. Because sewing involves pattern recognition, it increases activity in the frontal cortex, enabling you to relax into a focused state of mind. I always say, “If you hate sewing, you never had a good teacher!”
I have found sewing to be a metaphor for life. Some parts are frustrating, but once you face the challenge and overcome it, you gain more confidence. The encouragement of mastering the craft gives a deep sense of satisfaction. Doing something that you truly enjoy offsets depression and even dementia as we get older. Your time is never wasted if you are continually improving your craft.
Some added qualities of learning to sew are patience, self-evaluation, seeing a task from beginning to end, strengthening mental acuity, and seeing a project to completion. Sewing affords you the ability to visualize the steps before you begin, which is an essential skill in proper planning.
We all need to find that THING we do that allows us to focus and completely lose track of time. This is what sewing does for me. It requires my undivided attention, yet it relaxes me. It can do the same for you!
I am currently accepting students that own a sewing machine and I will train you in your home or mine. My preference is to stay within a 25-mile radius of Manassas. Unfortunately, I am not offering online classes at this time. You can reach me by email at chris.kenderdine@gmail.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What will I need for my first lesson?
For your first lesson all you will need is your sewing machine and the instruction manual. I will provide you with a list of additional materials during the first lesson.
How long will it take for me to start feeling comfortable using my sewing machine?
It varies from student to student, but my students typically begin to feel comfortable with their sewing machine after around 5 hours of instruction.
I already know what sewing project I want to work on. Will you help me?
Yes! I encourage all of my students to find a sewing project that they are genuinely interested in completing. We can work together and come up with a plan to bring your vision into a reality.
