The Art of Sewing
Learn to sew or take your skills to a whole new level with private or group classes. Classes taught at The Art of Sewing are taught in a fun, supportive and creative atmosphere for children and adults. Classes range from ages 8 and up, with students who come after school, homeschooling students and adults who want to relearn their sewing skills. At The Art of Sewing, we take serious consideration of all the materials we use, the waste produced and incorporate a focus on repair, revamp and renew.
About me
My name is Christina and I have been sewing since I was 10 years old, the age most of my students begin. I love creativity, teaching and passing on my skills. I've worked in the fashion industry as an assistant designer, pattern maker and cutter in designer, sportswear and swimwear. After a number of years, I left the industry as I was concerned about the incredible amount of waste produced from making garments as well as the marketing and consumerism of it all. As I wanted to make a positive difference in the world, I moved into studying naturopathy, drug and alcohol counselling and worked in addiction rehabilitation, half way houses for women and prisons. I also expanded my creative world by studying visual arts and working in costume creation for a while.
In the last few years, I’ve returned to focusing more on caring for the environment on this amazing planet as well as living a creative life, so returned to sewing, but not fashion. My focus is on teaching a valuable skill which is disappearing. I want people to have the confidence to repair their clothing, upcycle and to enjoy the adventure of making beautiful things for themselves and enjoying the creative process.
I am passionate about the environment and take into consideration all materials used and discarded and their impact on our Earth. I enjoy teaching people how to reduce clothes going to landfill by repairing and renewing and love the joy and creativity of my students and really value bringing the art of sewing back into fashion.
I have a diversity of students ranging from ages 8 – 65, differing abilities and have had many students in my classes with learning challenges (dyslexia, ADHD, ASD) and welcome participants who are supported by NDIS. I love wild creativity, learning by mistakes and challenging you to make something you never thought you could!
Join me for sewing and let me support you in your creative adventures.
Classes
Student testimonials
I learnt so much in Christinas classes and I made bags, a dress and a top from a pattern that I learnt to make. This gave me the skill and confidence to put an entry in for the Wearable Arts competition.
What a delightful afternoon creating moontime cloth pads with Christina
...she's so gentle in her instruction & such a lovely, trusting friendship she has developed with my daughter after 3 terms of sewing... the pads are so super sweet in fabric design & very functional to last & grow with Brielle for years to come.... thank you Chris xxxx
"I learned to sew so fast, Christina makes it fun and easy. I learned how to make a toy whale in about 5 lessons and I had never used a sewing machine before. "
Luka age 12
Veronique
(mother of Brielle age 11)
Angus age 9
FAQ
I've never sewn before - where do I start?
For children, we have a beginners class and we start from the very start - machine basics, safety, exploring different stitches. For adults - we begin where-ever you are - beginners or need support making a creation come to life.
Do I need to bring my own sewing machine?
I have sewing machines and overlockers - always plenty for the class. If you'd like to bring your machine, its often a great idea as I can show you little tricks that you may not know or fix minor issues. I do not repair machines. I can give you a contact for someone who does if needed.
What happens if I or my child misses a class?
24 hour notice is required for private lessons (unless this is discussed with me beforehand as I understand life happens). Unfortunately, if you miss a class as part of a course, I cannot refund that class but will always do my best to help you catch up with anything you may have missed.
If my child is nervous at the first lesson, can I stay?
Yes! I understand children can be a bit apprehensive and I usually find that after 1 lesson they warm up and really enjoy it. I ensure the group is supportive of each other and won't tolerate any bad behaviour between them. I have a couch outside the studio that you can relax in until your child is at ease.
My child has behavioural or learning issues. Will it be appropriate for my child to attend?
Yes and I am happy to discuss beforehand. I have had many students with ADHD, ASD or have physical disabilites and I will always follow up with a parent if there are challenges during the class. Its very important to me that the children in the class are inclusive and supportive of eachother. I am happy to invoice to NDIS if arranged with your plan co-ordinator. I charge an extra $5 admin fee per lesson to cover my invoicing time.
What is your cancellation policy?
Payment is due 1 week before class begins. 50% will be non-refundable if cancelled 72 hours prior to class beginning. If I chose to cancel the class, I will happily refund all payments to you.
Where are you located and is there parking?
The studio is in Mullumbimby - address will be given on enrolment. Parking is easy.
Do I need to provide my own materials?
In the beginners class, all materials are provided with the $20 material fee. This covers all fabric, thread, and any other materials. Once students begin making clothes, they purchase their own fabric and will be supported in learning how to make good fabric choices.
Do you do alterations?
No, we are a teaching studio and do not offer an alteration service
Get in touch
For interest in childrens classes, please let me know if your enquiry is for after school or during the day as well as your childs age
Text or Call Christina at 0411122668