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Sewing Lessons
Sewing Lessons
If you're drawn to working with fabrics, experimenting with designs, playing with colors,
and if you enjoy freedom in your process and learning in your unique way,
Seams Good Studio can offer a fun, open-minded and supportive space for success.
Lessons for Kids & Adults
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All ages and experience are welcome—from absolute beginners to those returning to sewing.
We'll work together to tailor projects that feel meaningful to you,
building on each new skill as we go.
You will be listened to and guided with skill and cheerfulness. You are respectfully invited to make this studio a creative place of your own, and to take up as much space as you want.
Lessons for individuals or pairs, custom classes and discounted packages, gift certificates are available.
I started quilting when I was 8 with my Girl Scout troop at Lisa’s summer camp. I had so much fun I signed up for more camps and started taking weekly lessons.
I like quilting for many reasons. It is relaxing for me, I can use what I make and I can give great gifts to friends and family. I think I have a talent for choosing colors and patters that go together in exciting ways. [I also like] using a sewing machine…especially when I can go fast. I hope more people get to try quilting and love it just as much as I do.
Julia
Julia
age 11
The things that inspire me to sew are that you can do anything that you want with your work, and you can move at any pace you want. I want my art to go to people in need…in poverty, people fighting for our country and to anyone who doesn’t have the objects they need to create art. Over this summer [at camp] I made a quilt that really made me value life, like an inanimate pep-talk. I found that inspiration to be really amazing and I would like to create more like it for people in my future.
Elsa
Elsa
age 12
I find inspiration for my sewing in bright, bold colors. I find something usual, then add something to it. I really like to add pockets. Right now, I find overlapping to connect two piece of fabric a challenge. I also find zippers to be a challenge.
A goal I have is to sew clothing for me and others. I would like to see other people wearing my clothing. I have learned everything I know from Lisa. She is really nice and I look forward to every new day of sewing.
Joel
Joel
age 9
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Click Here to Add a Title
I heard Lisa give an artist’s talk on quilting…[where] she spoke of her grandmother, who taught her to sew. I missed my own grandmothers…both had been quilters, and I regretted not taking the time to sit by their sides and learn to sew.
“I want to learn to quilt,” I told Lisa. I signed up because I had quit my job and [had just] moved to Portland…[without] a clue what I was going to do next. But I could make a quilt, Lisa assured me, even though I had never sewn anything before and had
“sewing machine anxiety.”
...
For eight weeks…under [Lisa’s] calm, gentle guidance the fabric I chose magically became my own creation. During our first class, she gave me a seam ripper. “You will need this,” she said solemnly. “Everyone makes mistakes, and the first time you use it
we will clap and cheer.”
Making a quilt is the perfect metaphor for reinventing myself. [In choosing the colors and styles] the possibilities are endless…I get to listen to my heart and my inner artist,
and find out what she likes. Mistakes could and would be made.
But in the end, something tangible and tactile and lovely emerges…How grateful I am to Lisa for teaching me that.
—Sheri
You have been a great teacher to me and others and you have spread your love and kindness to everyone in the room. Thank you for teaching me to sew.
Emily
age 8
Emily
age 8
As always, my daughter LOVED her week with you and I was blown away by what you facilitate these kids creating.
Erin D
parent
Erin D
parent
I just want to let you know that K is loving sewing camp. I mean LOVING!
I don't think I have ever seen her this happy and excited about something. Seriously.
THANK YOU!
Molly J
parent
Molly J
parent
I liked that we got to work by ourselves, and we got access to the fabric we wanted.
Jane
age 11
Jane
age 11
I admire your passion for art. Thank you providing the supplies for us to each make something beautiful. It was fun and it took my mind off things and that was nice.
Justin
9th grade
Day & Residential Treatment Schools
Justin
9th grade
Day & Residential Treatment Schools
I noticed that your really patient and non-judgmental and I liked that about you. I was worried about how my pillow was going to turn out but with your help and patience it turned out great!
I LOVE IT.
Tasha
11th grade
Day & Residential Treatment Schools
Tasha
11th grade
Day & Residential Treatment Schools
I liked that when we messed up like when having to rip out something, Lisa made it fun.
Linnea
age 8
Linnea
age 8
This design is like me—a lot of different parts that don't seem to go together, but underneath there's a balance in the explosion.
Carlos
12th grade
Day & Residential Treatment Schools
Carlos
12th grade
Day & Residential Treatment Schools
We spent the weekend sewing a sweater for our dog from pieces and scraps.
My daughter did a great job and I saw her skills she learned from you at work.
Martha M
parent
Martha M
parent
I can't believe that I made two pillows and it was my first time using the sewing machine.
Kiera
age 8
Kiera
age 8
My project turned out to be more beautiful than I could have guessed. I am so excited to give it to [my husband.] THANK YOU. Your work is important [and] meaningful to me and my family.
Jane M
Jane M
I am proud of myself because I feel like I did a good job. I liked how it turned out even though at the beginning I was feeling insecure. I trusted myself.
Brandi
11th grade
Day & Residential Treatment Schools
Brandi
11th grade
Day & Residential Treatment Schools
My daughter purchased some fabric with her own money this week,
along with a simple pattern for a dog coat.
[She] has discovered a love for sewing due to your camps. I am amazed with her abilities and how well she knows how to use the sewing machine after just two camps with you.
I greatly appreciate how well run, kind and thoughtful your sewing camps are.I am sure we will be seeing you again.
Kay L
parent
Kay L
parent
Quilting is now a coping skill for me.
I plan on doing more art when I want to feel calm or when I feel like relaxing.
Quilting just makes me feel like being kind.
Michelle
11th grade
Day & Residential Treatment Schools
Michelle
11th grade
Day & Residential Treatment Schools
Lisa is just so positive and nice—I feel good about making mistakes.
Sophia
age 10
Sophia
age 10
Here’s what we’ve been working on
Here’s what we’ve been working on
Internships
Internships
Are you interested in teaching?
Learn how to guide a group of multi-experienced learners, prepare for lessons, streamline your instruction, adapt to changes, "read the room," and how to hold a space for students to create their own success in their own way.
Ages 12-Adult
Some exceptions for younger applicants, depending on experience.
Please reach out for more info. Thanks!
Lisa K Alan
(she/her)
Lisa K Alan
(she/her)
My Grandma Margaret taught me to sew at age 7. My Grandpa Paul helped cut out her dressmaker designs. The safe space they provided together to learn and create was foundational for me. I hope to create a similar space for my students, who inspire me so much!
In addition to fiber, I've experimented in ceramics, photography, drawing, painting, collage, mixed media, sculpture, dance and music. My mixed media quilts have been exhibited on both US coasts, including Quilts For Arts Sake in Montclair NJ, and The Biennial at Oregon College of Art & Craft.
I hold a masters degree in Humanities, Quilt History, and have been teaching continuously since 1986—as an arts instructor in my studio, in classrooms as a private school ESL teacher, artist-in-residence, college-prep and life-skills coach, language arts & history tutor— with extensive experience working with students in alternative schools and students with disabilities.
I'm also in the process of unlearning much of the history I've absorbed and passed on through teaching. These "facts" inherited through the colonizing settler's lens are causing harm and need urgent updating. Currently, I am challenged and learning from Embodying Antiracism, a series offered by Nicole Lee and Laura Halpin of Inclusive Life and My Grandmother's Hands by Resmaa Menakem.
I love feeling the pull of ocean tides, tracking the moon, walking labyrinths, petting bumblebees, bantering with hummingbirds, making gifts, smelling damp earth, imagining a moss' world view, getting to the bottom of things, silly cat videos, watching my loved ones shine and sewing my own clothes.