Novice & intermediate • Learning together, in person
Made by you. ♡
A place to learn • A reason to create • A little time for you
Find your starting point
There’s a seat for your next chapter.
Brand new to sewing or ready to build on what you know? Start where you are.
01Novice
Your first stitches
For the curious beginner who’s ready to get comfortable with a sewing machine.
During this class, we’ll cover the essentials to help you start sewing on your own:
Learn how to thread the sewing machine
Get to know the basics of operating your machine and using its settings
Practice stitching straight lines and sewing simple seams
Learn beginner techniques and build the confidence to start sewing yourself
The starting point for a brand-new skill.
Beginner / novice projects
Two lovely ways to get started.
When you choose the Your first stitches class, pick one of these two sewing projects to make during class, using your choice of fabric.
Small pot holder
Make a small pot holder with your choice of fabric.
You will make one pot holder during class.
Plastic bag collector
Choose a plastic bag collector as your project and make it with your choice of fabric.
You will make one plastic bag collector during class.
Choose one of the two options. You will make one item during class.
02Intermediate
Make your next move
For sewists who know the basics and want to stretch their skills a little further.
Build on your machine and stitching skills
Explore construction and finishing techniques
Practice with more involved sewing projects
Your basics, with room to grow.
Intermediate projects
Choose your next project.
When you choose the Make your next move class, pick one of these three sewing projects.
Classic apron
Make a classic apron with your choice of fabric.
Reversible tote bag
Choose a reversible tote bag as your class project.
Mini duffel bag
Choose a mini duffel bag as your class project.
Why “with friends”?
Making is better when we’re together.
There’s something special about sitting down to create alongside other people. Sharing the little victories. Asking questions. Trying again.
Simply Sewing—with friends is about learning a useful skill in good company, one stitch at a time.
A maximum of six people per session keeps our time together personal and welcoming. Sewing machines and all materials needed are supplied. You just bring yourself and a smile!
Make it a fun friend event.
Add a little something to share: choose a meat, cheese, and cracker platter or a dessert platter.
You can also add non-alcoholic drinks. Let me know the two types of drinks you’d like, and I’ll supply them.
Snack platters and drinks are optional add-ons available for an additional fee.
Let’s get sewing
Your creative time starts here.
01 / Choose your level
Find your fit.
Begin with novice if you’re new to your machine. Explore intermediate if you’re comfortable with the basics.
02 / Find your class
Make a little room.
Choose a first- or last-weekend class at 12 PM, 2 PM, 4 PM, or 6 PM. Classes are $30 per person.
03 / Come ready to create
Take the next stitch.
Sewing machines and all materials are supplied. Just bring yourself and a smile, ready to learn and create.
Class location
A welcoming space to create.
Classes take place at a residential house: 13184 El Dorado St. NE. Blaine, MN 55449
Class dates & times
Choose a Saturday or Sunday on the first or last full weekend of the month.
12 PM · 2 PM · 4 PM · 6 PM Sessions last 1–2 hours, depending on the project and number of people attending. Maximum six people per session.
Choose your creative time
Pick a date. Make something lovely.
Select a class date and time, then choose one project for everyone in your group. Each session welcomes up to six people.
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Class calendar
First and last full weekends • Central Time
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Select a date to see times
Classes last 1–2 hours. All dates and times are in Blaine, Minnesota (Central Time).
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PayPal items & extras.
This is the existing PayPal cart. It does not receive dates chosen in the calendar above. Please arrange a class date with Ali before using these buttons.
One project per class—for the whole group.
Ali teaches one project during each class. Everyone attending must choose the same project. Please select only one project option and set the quantity to the total number of attendees. Do not add multiple project types for the same class.
Class dates are not reserved by this checkout.
Online availability and automatic booking are not connected yet. Please arrange your class date and time with Ali before purchasing. Each session has a maximum of six attendees.
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$30 per person
Sewing class
Choose one project for everyone in your class, then select the total number of attendees (up to six) in the PayPal options below. Everyone will make the same project. Machines and materials are included.
$30
Meat, cheese & cracker platter
An optional platter to enjoy during your class.
$40
Dessert platter
Add something sweet to your sewing get-together.
$10
Non-alcoholic beverages
Add drinks and enter your two drink choices in the customer notes.
Select View Cart to review your items and continue to PayPal. Payment confirmation comes from PayPal; it is not a class reservation.
A few helpful things
Before your first stitch.
I’ve never sewn before. Is this for me?
Yes! The novice class focus is designed for people getting started with sewing and learning their way around a machine.
Are the classes online or in person?
All Simply Sewing—with friends classes will be held in person. The location will be included with the class schedule.
Do I need to bring my own sewing machine?
No—sewing machines and all materials needed for your class are supplied. Just bring yourself and a smile!
How do I book a class?
Use the connected calendar when it is active: choose a date, time, shared project, and attendees, then pay through PayPal. Your booking is confirmed only after payment is verified. While calendar checkout is being connected, the separate PayPal cart still requires arranging a date with Ali.
Simply Sewing—with friends
Come curious. Leave inspired.
A new skill. A creative moment. Something made by you.
I’ll be running your classes! I’ve been sewing since the age of nine, and I own and operate a small business where I make and sell personalized keepsake items from clothing.
I have a passion for sewing. I feel it’s becoming a lost art, and I want to keep it alive by sharing my knowledge with everyone who wants to learn.
I’d love to be part of your next girls’ night out or birthday party event!
