Learn Something New!

I can teach you to use your sewing machine to make bags, quilts, and home decor.

Classes & Workshops

I am so excited to be working with two local organizations to teach introductory sewing & craft workshops:

  1. Coastside Quilt Studio is minutes from San Francisco, steps from the beach in Pacifica. A project of Dana Miller, it's a Bay Area quilting and sewing studio that offers longarm services, classes, custom quilt services, and fabric sales.
  2. The Japanese Cultural & Community Center of Northern California in San Francisco (also known as "The Center"), is celebrating their 50th anniversary this year. Thanks to a generous grant, we are offering introductory sewing workshops as a part of the Tezukuri Handcrafts program. 

Coastside Quilt Studio Information:

You can register for all classes at Coastside Quilt Studio here.

Upcycled Denim Tote Bag Workshop

Tuesday, September 12th, 5:30pm to 9:00pm
Location: 1305 Palmetto Avenue, Unit E, Pacifica
Fee: $60 + $13 for materials

Are you intimidated by sewing with denim? Let's demystify it for you! Join Katie Furukawa and learn everything you need to know to make your new favorite denim tote bag in one go. In this workshop, we will create a beautiful and durable patchwork denim tote bag. 

Skills you will learn: dissecting denim, sew with denim, attach interfacing, and create a bag.

BYOD: Bring your own denim! Please bring your own used denim, approximately equivalent to 2 pairs of adult-size jeans. Please ensure that your denim is CLEAN and de-wrinkled.

Please see COURSE PAGE for additional information about tools and materials.

Foundation Paper Piecing for Beginners

Thursday, October 5th, 5:30pm to 9:00pm
1305 Palmetto Avenue, Unit E, Pacifica
Fee: $60 + $10 Materials

Perfect points and non-traditional shapes become super achievable when you learn how to Foundation Paper Piece, but most FPP patterns do not come with instructions on how to actually DO this technique. If you're lost on where to start - or haven't done FPP in a while -  this class is for you! 

We will go over how this technique evolved, what you can achieve with it, and (most importantly), how to interpret FPP patterns and complete them successfully! We will make a 10" finished Woven Star block; this block can be repeated several times to make a quilt, or simply add a border to make a decorative pillow case!

Please see COURSE PAGE for additional information about tools and materials.

 

 JCCCNC Course Information:

Please see this page for more information and to register for workshops at The Center.

Introduction to Sewing (2-Part Workshop)

Intro to Sewing Flyer

REGISTER HERE

Never sewn before? No worries! Learn the basics of how to use a sewing machine and all of its features, including: winding a bobbin, finishing edges, and installing zippers.

We will also go over how to choose fabric and thread, cutting fabric, and sewing terminology. All tools, including sewing machines, and materials are included in your registration fee.

By the end of your second session, you will have your own handmade zip pouch to take home.

 

The following courses require successful completion of Introduction to Sewing -or - demonstrated basic knowledge of sewing machine operation

ONGOING SERIES: Open Sewing Studio

open sewing studio flyer

2nd and 4th Tuesday Evening of Each Month (Beginning October 10, 2023)
6:00pm – 8:30pm
Location: The Center
$40 Center Members, $45 General Public
Skill level: all

REGISTER HERE

Join us for Open Sewing – a no-pressure time to hang out and sew. Help with your projects will be available, if needed. Everyone can share pressing equipment, large cutting areas, plenty of table space, and great company! Tea and water will be provided. This is perfect for:

  • If you have a project to tackle, but don’t have a sewing machine to do it.
  • Your home is tight on space for tasks like rotary cutting fabric.
  • You have an unfinished project (UFO) that you are stuck on.
  • You just need to set aside some dedicated time for a project.
  • You like to sew with friends!
  • You want to practice the skills you have learned in the Introduction to Sewing workshops.

A minimum of 3 students and maximum of 6 students per session ensures that you will receive the attention that you need. Registration includes:

  • Sewing machine rental for the duration of the session. Includes polyester and cotton thread in grey, white, or black, and microtex needles. Stretch ball point needles are available upon request.
  • Access to basic supply kit with items like pins, scissors, seam ripper, etc. Please inquire with instructor if you are looking for a specific supply at least 48 hours prior to class.
  • Rotary cutting station for cutting larger fabrics
  • Pressing station with water for ironing fabrics
  • The Center’s sewing instructor, Katie Furukawa, will be available to answer questions and troubleshoot any sewing machine issues.

What is NOT included in your registration fee:

  • Fabric and patterns for projects
  • Thread in matching colors for your fabrics (aside from black, white, grey)
  • Lessons on how to operate a sewing machine. If you are looking for this, please enroll in our ongoing Introduction to Sewing workshops.

Decorative Wall Hanging: 3-Part Workshop

Sunday, October 15, Sunday, October 29 and Sunday, November 12, 2023
1:00pm – 4:00pm
Location: The Center
$150 Center Members, $170 General Public

REGISTER HERE

Additional information coming soon.

Komebukuro Bag

Thursday, December 7, 2023
6:00pm – 9:00pm
Location: The Center
$60 Center Members, $70 General Public

REGISTER HERE

Traditionally, a komebukuro is literally a “rice bag”, used to hold rice that are brought to temples in Japan as offerings during festivals and ceremonies. Today, komebukuro bags are used to carry personal items and accessories. In this workshop, your instructor will guide you through how to make your own komebukuro bag.

Skill level: beginner.

Tezukuri Handcraft Workshops at the Center are made possible with generous support from the Henri and Tomoye Takahashi Charitable Foundation.

 

Want to learn something, but don't see a class offered? Send me an email to let me know what you would like to do! I offer classes and workshops throughout the year, and am always looking for new groups to collaborate with. 

Looking for private lessons? Rates start at $55 an hour. Send me an email for more information.

Check out some of my previous workshop topics!