Classes
You may register by phone (651.698.9690) via credit card or in person at the store. Please note class dates and times on your calendar! We do not make reminder calls. Full payment is required to reserve your space in class.
Class fees are refundable up to one week prior to class. After that time, they are non-refundable and non-transferable. Cancellations may occur due to lack of enrollment. Refunds will be issued to registered students. Register early - help us to avoid cancelling a popular class and disappointing you.
Most classes have a supply list which will be mailed to you upon registration. Unless otherwise noted, ALL required supplies MUST be brought to your first class. Our staff will be happy to assist you in gathering your supplies. As always, you will receive a 15% discount on all fabric purchases for the duration of your class.
All classes are appropriate for ages 14 and over, unless otherwise indicated. Skill levels are the minimum required. If you are unsure of your skill level, please inquire at the store and we will help you to determine which class is appropriate for you.
SKILL LEVELS
Beginner: Little or no sewing experience
Advanced Beginner: Must be familiar with your sewing machine and general sewing terms and comfortable reading a pattern
Intermediate: Must be knowledgeable of your sewing machine, comfortable reading a pattern, and have an understanding of basic garment construction
BASIC SEWING SUPPLIES
The following supplies are required for ALL classes. A supply list will be sent to you upon class registration.
Sewing machine in good working order and sewing machine manual, bobbins, sewing scissors, tape measure, straight pins, seam ripper, one package of assorted size Universal sewing machine needles
NO SEWING MACHINE?
Treadle has a limited number of sewing machines available for use during class on a first come/first served basis. Please reserve when you register.
Love to sew - except when your machine is acting up? Never know if you’re dealing with a machine hobgoblin or operator error? Learn sewing machine troubleshooting, basic maintenance, and how to get the most from your sewing machine. Top and bottom tension issues, needle choices and stitch configuration will be among the issues addressed.
Skill Level: All
Fee: $35
Instructor: Michele Hoaglund/Melissa Sternal
Friday, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., March 16
If you slept through Home Ec or never had the opportunity, this class is for you. You will learn all you need to know to construct a simple garment in class. Pattern suggestions available. Final pattern and fabric selections will be made during class.
Skill Level: Beginner
Fee: $115.00
Instructor: Michele Hoaglund
Mondays, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., January 30; February 6, 13 (no class 2/20), 27
Thursdays, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., April 5, 12, 19, 26
Mondays, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., April 30; May 7, 14, 21
Instructor: Mary Tradewell
Wednesdays, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., March 7, 14, 21, 28
This is the perfect class if you’ve just finished Beginning Sewing or want to brush up on your sewing skills before tackling a more demanding project. Boost your sewing skills and confidence, learn new techniques, and keep on sewing!
Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
Fee: $115.00
Instructor: Michele Hoaglund
Mondays, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., March 5, 12, 19, 26
Tuesdays, 2:00 to 5:00 p.m., May 15, 22, 29; June 5
Do you love what you sew? Or do zippers, buttonholes and other sewing challenges keep you from trying some really fun patterns? Learn tips, tricks and new techniques to improve your sewing skills. Construct a garment of your choice (no slacks or advanced patterns please). Class will include technique demonstration as well as individual sewing time; some sewing outside of class required.
Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
Fee: $115.00
Instructor: Michele Hoaglund
Mondays, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., April 2, 9, 16, 23
Stumped by a technique, confused by pattern directions, or just need moral support to tackle your next project? Spend an afternoon or evening (or several) working on the project of your choice. All the advice and help you need to finish your project fabulously.
Sewing Salons are now being scheduled monthly.
Skill Level: All
Fee: $15 each
Instructor: Melissa Sternal & Michele Hoaglund
Tuesday, February 7, 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. - Melissa
Friday, February 10, 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. - Michele
Don’t let zippers intimidate you! Whether you’ve been frustrated with your results in the past or have never tackled a zipper, you can learn to put in great-looking zippers. Learn centered, lap, invisible zipper and fly front applications, along with guidelines and techniques to choose the best zipper for the job. Leave with samples for reference in future projects.
Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
Fee: $60.00
Instructor: Michele Hoaglund
Fridays, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., March 2, 9
Learn to make trouser pockets and fly fronts like the pros! These are the details that can set your garment apart in comfort, wearability and professional appearance. You will learn techniques to make beautiful jeans-style hip pockets, formal trouser side seam pockets and slash pockets as well as a fail-proof zipper fly. Students will make samples of each to bring home for future reference. *Fee includes a materials fee.
Skill Level: Intermediate
Fee: $61.00*
Instructor: Sara Langworthy
Wednesdays, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., April 11, 18, 25
One of the secrets to a beautiful garment is the inner structure. Interfacing can make the difference between a garment that is just ok and one that is great, but how to choose? We will look at interfacing/fabric combinations - what works, what doesn’t - and give you guidelines and tips for choosing the best interfacing for the job. A swatch pack will be provided for future reference.
Skill Level: All
Fee: $27.00
Instructor: Michele Hoaglund/Sara Langworthy
Saturday, 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., April 7
Have a favorite something you’ve worn to death, but just can’t part with? You can give new life to old garments! Make a pattern (without taking your old favorite apart) and make a new one! Learn how to copy an existing garment, create a pattern, and make a muslin to test the pattern. An understanding of garment construction required. Sewing will be done outside of class.
Skill Level: Intermediate
Fee: $60.00
Instructor: Michele Hoaglund
Fridays, 10:00 a.m. to NOON, March 2, 9, 16
Thursdays, 10:00 a.m. to NOON, May 10, 17, 24
Knits are so easy to wear, but can be challenging to sew. The techniques are different and stretch stitches are required. You can be successful sewing knits with your sewing machine (no serger necessary). Learn the different stretch stitches your machine has, what works well, and other techniques for tackling knits while you construct a simple top. Some sewing outside of class may be required. Note: Your machine MUST have a zigzag stitch.
Skill Level: Intermediate
Fee: $60.00
Instructor: Michele Hoaglund
Saturdays, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., February 18, 25
Tuesdays 2:00 to 5:00 p.m., April 24; May 1
Love to sew, but frustrated with fit? Learn basic pattern alterations to achieve a better fit. Choose a shirt, jacket or dress pattern. (No slacks or advanced patterns please.) We will refine the fit in a garment muslin. An understanding of basic garment construction required. Some outside sewing required.
Skill Level: Intermediate
Fee: $60.00
Instructor: Michele Hoaglund
Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. to NOON, February 18, 25; March 3
Thursdays, 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., May 10, 17, 24
If you have made pants before, you know the challenge is not in the construction - it’s the fitting and some fitting methods are more successful than others. Learn what key elements you need to look for to achieve a good fit. Working with a basic fitted pant pattern, we will make preliminary alterations, then refine the fit in a muslin. You will leave with a better understanding of fitting your figure and a custom-fitted pattern. Most sewing will be done outside of class.
Skill Level: Intermediate
Fee: $108.00
Instructors: Michele Hoaglund & Sara Langworthy
Tuesdays, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., March 20, 27; April 3
What style looks best on your body type and then how do you make the pattern fit your very unique figure? We’ll highlight a few of the new summer dress patterns and who they will look best on. Bring 2-3 of your own dress patterns and we will work on alterations for your body. Suggested prerequisite: Beginning Pattern Alteration
Skill Level: All
Fee: $30.00
Instructor: Material Girls (Debbie & Kristin)
Tuesday 2:00 to 4:30 p.m., May 8
Looking for a dress form, but your body doesn’t match their measurements? Rather than cut and paste on an expensive dress form, let us tape you up, cut you out, and then we’ll help you stuff your “double” and get her ready to use. You will go home with a dress form that will stand on a flat surface or hang from a hook or pole. *Class fee includes nearly all supplies for a complete dress form. You will need to bring 45 to 60 yards of duct tape and an old or inexpensive new tight fitting mock or turtleneck tee that is midthigh length. (You can sew a man’s old t-shirt on the bottom if you need to add length.) You will not see this garment again as it becomes part of the dress form.
Skill Level: All
Fee: $125.00*
Instructor: Material Girls (Debbie & Kristin)
Saturday, April 21
Taping Appointments at 10:00 to 11:30 p.m. or 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Stuffing and finishing for everyone: 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.
No matter what season, a new jacket is a quick way to update your wardrobe. Current fashions offer softer silhouettes, simpler construction, and great details such as asymmetrical closures and vintage-inspired collars. Learn the best tips and techniques to get fabulous results in a fraction of the time a traditionally tailored jacket would take (and have more fun).
Skill Level: Intermediate
Fee: $115
Instructor: Michele Hoaglund
Thursdays, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., February 2, 9, 16, 23
A cotton shirt is a wardrobe essential, whether you stick with classic white or update with color. Sewing with high quality cotton shirtings is a joy and you will get great results with a few simple techniques. Learn how to choose the correct interfacing, construct beautiful collars and cuffs, topstitch and edge-stitch like a pro, and practice flat fell, french seams and rolled hems as you construct your very own wardrobe essential. Class will include technique demonstration as well as individual sewing time (some sewing outside of class is required).
Skill Level: Intermediate
Fee: $95.00
Instructor: Michele Hoaglund
Tuesdays, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., April 17, 24; May 1
Here is your opportunity to work with artist, designer, and dressmaker Sara Langworthy on the project of your choice. Combine two patterns, work with a new fabric, tackle a sewing project -- what is your sewing dream? In addition to being a gifted instructor, Sara has a creative and unconventional approach to design and sewing. She will boldly lead you into new sewing territory.
Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
Fee: $115.00
Instructor: Sara Langworthy
Wednesdays, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., February 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Thursdays, 2:00 to 5:00 p.m., March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
When you live in Minnesota, you’ve got to own more than one coat. With all the wonderful wools and great coat patterns, you can sew your own! Learn what to look for in patterns and coating, when and how to use underlining and interfacing, and which techniques work best for what you have chosen. Pattern and fabric selection will be discussed in the first class.
Skill Level: Intermediate
Fee: $135.00
Instructor: Sara Langworthy
Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., March 17, 24, 31; April 7
Do you have a new to you serger you don’t know how to use? Never taken your serger out of the box? Bring your instruction manual and any tools that come with your machine and we’ll help you get comfortable with what could become your best sewing tool. Or, if a serger is on your wish list, practice and play with one of ours to decide if a serger is for you.
Skill Level: All
Fee: $25.00
Instructor: Material Girls (Debbie & Kristin)
Tuesday, 10:00 a.m. to NOON, January 31
Tuesday, 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., March 13
If you know how to thread and use your serger for basics, you are ready to discover the other useful and decorative stitches it has to offer. Bring your serger, manual, additional presser feet and accessories, and we’ll walk you through a rolled hem, flatlock, feet and more.
Skill Level: All
Fee: $30.00
Instructor: Material Girls (Debbie & Kristin)
Tuesday, 2:00 to 4:30 p.m., February 14
Saturday, 2:00 to 4:30 p.m., April 14
What are all those funny looking pieces of metal that came with your vintage machine and what do they do? Find out during this class with a demo of each foot. Bring your own vintage machine and feet and try it for yourself. We’ll bring oil and fabric samples to get you going. You may also try feet out on our machine if yours is too big to bring in. Recommended reading: The Sewing Attachment Handbook by Charlene Phillips.
Skill Level: All
Fee: $25.00
Instructor: Material Girls (Debbie & Kristin)
Tuesday, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., April 17
Take advantage of the cold and get inspired to go through your stash and closets. What do you wear? What “holes” are in your closet? What beautiful fabric have you been dying/afraid to cut into? What do you do with your “what was I thinking” fabric? Learn techniques and systems to get it all organized and at your fingertips. Play with fabric swatches (yours or ours) and learn to make wardrobe capsules. Bring a few fabrics or garments for individual consultation and shopping afterwards.
Skill Level: All
Fee: $20.00
Instructor: Material Girls (Debbie & Kristin)
Saturday, 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., February 11
The Material Girls will cover spring fashions and trends, along with how to look your best from neck to knee. You will have hands-on opportunities to see what looks best on your figure. Learn how to make your own croquis and use it to your best advantage when choosing patterns and styles.
Skill Level: All
Fee: $10.00
Instructor: Material Girls (Debbie, Kristin, & Laurel)
Saturday, 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., March 10
Learn how to use pressing tools and more to make your sewing easier and more professional. Then, practice your hand-sewing skills and make your own pressing ham and sleeve roll.
Skill Level: All
Fee: $25.00
Instructor: Material Girls (Debbie & Kristin)
Tuesday, 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., January 31
Sewing can be a solitary sport so pack up your project and come join us for a day of communal sewing. It’s always inspiring to see what others are doing and good to have a sounding board or another pair of hands for a hem or fitting. Class size is limited so there will be enough space for all.
Skill Level: All
Fee: $15.00 per session
Instructor: Material Girls (Debbie & Kristin)
Wednesdays, 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., February 15 OR March 21 OR April 18 OR May 16
Pillows are a fabulous and affordable way to add punch to your decor. Learn the sewing techniques you need to know to duplicate the expensive decorator pillows you’ve been drooling over. You’ll learn the various types of closures available, and how to make and insert piping while you make your own fabulous pillow.
Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
Fee: $45.00
Instructor: Melissa Sternal
Wednesday, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., March 28
Learn to make one fully lined, board-mounted roman shade. Bring in your window dimensions and the first class we’ll design the shades, cut out the fabric and lining and if time allows, begin sewing. The following class will consist of assembling the shade and board mounting it. You’ll go home with a fabulous decorator shade and be eager to make more. Some sewing outside of class may be required.
Skill Level: Intermediate
Fee: $85.00
Instructor: Melissa Sternal
Saturday & Sunday, 12:00 to 4:00 p.m., May 19 & 20
Have a chair cushion that needs some TLC or perhaps you need to start from scratch for a chair that needs a comfortable, stylish seat? In this class, you’ll learn to construct a basic corded and zippered box cushion. From making your own piping to inserting a lapped upholstery zipper, you’ll discover just how easy it is to give your furniture a whole new look.
Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
Fee: $60
Instructor: Melissa Sternal
Saturdays, 2:00 to 5:00 p.m., April 28, May 5
Make bicycling fun with this adorable oilcloth bike basket. It would make a perfect gift for your favorite young cyclist. Or make it for yourself - it’s that charming! With its three-dimensional flower and contrasting cotton lining, you will learn new techniques for working with oilcloth and stretch your sewing skills. *Pattern included in class fee. PREREQUISITE: Sigrid Oilcloth Market Bag class or experience working with oilcloth.
Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
Fee: $68.00*
Instructor: Kathy McGee
Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., April 28; May 5
Learn to sew with oilcloth and make the cutest bag ever! Local pattern designer, Kathy McGee of Hemma Design, will teach you all you need to know as you construct her Sigrid Oilcloth Market Bag. *Pattern included in class fee.
Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
Fee: $50.00*
Instructor: Kathy McGee
Tuesdays, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., February 21, 28
Finally a chance to sew a bag or purse of your choice with moral and technical support. Choose a pattern that appeals to you and Melissa will guide you through the process of creating a bag your friends will envy. We will make fabric choices during the first class.
Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
Fee: $60.00
Instructor: Melissa Sternal
Fridays, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., February 17, 24
You’ll be singing in the rain in your custom umbrella! This class will teach
you to recover an existing umbrella frame with new fabric. Rebecca will take
you step by step from analyzing your chosen umbrellas parts to patterning the
replacement cover to attaching it to the frame. Though it seems complex, it’s
surprisingly simple when broken down into the various components
Skill Level: Advanced Beginner Fee: $55.00
Instructor: Rebecca Ballas
Thursdays, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., May 3, 10, 17
Learn the basics of quilting - from fabric and color choices, machine piecing and construction, to binding and finishing - while you construct a nine-block sampler. Your sampler can be finished as a wall hanging, lap quilt, or table topper.
Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
Fee: $115.00
Instructor: Melissa Sternal
Wednesdays, 10:00 to 1:00 p.m., February 22, 29; March 7, 14
This quilt is created with one block in the manner of One Block Wonders by Maxine Rosenthal. Easier to make than it looks, rotary cut triangles are used to create the hexagon shapes. Then play with the block layout and the results are stunning! Recommended prerequisite: Beginning Quilting or other basic quilting class.
Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
Fee: $105.00
Instructor: LaVaughn Bye
Thursdays, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., March 22, 29; April 5, 12
Member of a group of textile and/or sewing enthusiasts? Our class space is available at a nominal fee for your meetings and get-togethers.
Rebecca Ballas learned to sew when she was 9 and has been sewing professionally in the theater for over 20 years. She places her emphasis on unlocking creativity. Her approach to sewing is organic - which is Rebecca’s way of saying, “If it looks good, it is good!”
LaVaughn Bye has been sewing since she was 6 years old, starting with a classic apron. Her mom told her she could have any clothes she wanted--if she made them herself. She went on to make a coat when she was 13 and entered it in the Make It With Wool contest. LaVaughn began quilting 7 years ago, when she realized that quilting wasn’t just for beds anymore, but a perfect way to create with cloth.
Michele Hoaglund, dressmaker and long time Treadle employee, loves to create garments that fit fabulously and are beautiful both inside and out. She has been teaching for over 8 years and enjoys seeing students get excited about sewing.
Sara Langworthy has been sewing, costuming and generally making stuff professionally for the last 24 years. Her specialities include creative costuming, unusual fabric construction and believing that art is in everyone.
Material Girls’ Laurel Ely began sewing at the age of 13 during ninth grade home ec class. Although her skills did not match the wonderful designs swirling around in her head, she forged on. As she continued to sew her own clothes, fitting became an important aspect of her sewing. It is important for her to have garments that look “hand made” not “home made”, and a good fit can make all the difference.
Material Girls’ Kristin Henak loves the challenge of figuring out a pattern and can’t walk through a fabric store without touching and feeling everything she passes. She taught Serger Club for over a year at Sew Amazing. Serger classes are her favorite to teach because they push people beyond their comfort zone and reward them with new possibilities for their sewing endeavors.
Material Girls’ Debbie Petersen’s love for sewing began in junior high Home Ec class. As a former Home Ec teacher, she has been able to share her love for sewing with youth and adults of all ages.
Kathy McGee is a freelance clothing, accessory and home product designer living in St. Paul. She created Hemma Design Patterns as a way to share her love of sewing, making bright and cheery things for one’s home, and a belief that sewing and handicrafts make our world a happier place.
Melissa Sternal has been solving home decorating problems at Treadle for years. She also creates beautiful custom window treatments, pillows and other lovely decorator items.
Mary Tradewell is a long-time sewing enthusiast. Beginning as a girl at home, she continues to sew for herself and her family. She has taught in community ed classes in western Wisconsin and now joins us here at Treadle.