I just finished this sewing class and can honestly say it was incredibly educational--I learned so much in a short amount of time. Sewing isn't just a hobby for Ms. Antoinette; it's her profession, and she takes it seriously in the best way. She's direct, clear, and highly focused on making sure you actually learn the craft. That level of structure and repetition might feel intense if you're not used to direct feedback, but it's exactly what makes the class so valuable. When you're in her workspace, she's committed to making sure you walk away with real skills--not just a casual experience. What I appreciated most is that you always know what you're going to get: consistency, clarity, and high expectations. Plus, she's funny and extremely knowledgeable, which makes the experience even better. I would highly recommend this class to anyone who truly wants to learn how to sew and improve their skills. Notes: BRING CASH the first day of class. (Not Venmo, Cashapp etc. CASH!!), Bring a notebook, review your notes before class and add a reminder of what you should start with at the next class) read more

I really wanted to enjoy this sewing class and hesitated before leaving this review because I don't take lightly the impact a negative review can have on a small business. However, I also believe prospective students, particularly complete beginners, should know what my experience was like. As a first-time sewer, I came to class expecting to learn in an environment where it was okay not to know things and where questions would be welcomed. Unfortunately, that was not my experience with Antoinette. I found her manner unkind and unwelcoming, and there were times when she appeared visibly irritated when questions were asked. As a beginner, that quickly made me uncomfortable asking for help--the very reason I was taking a class in the first place. A beginner sewing class should feel like a safe place to make mistakes, ask basic questions, and learn at your own pace. I did not feel that way in this class. Instead, I frequently left feeling uncomfortable and discouraged. After three weeks, I stopped attending altogether because I felt worse when I was there than I did before I arrived. I would rather lose the money I had already paid than continue putting myself in an environment that made me feel that way. I have since read responses to other negative reviews suggesting that students should have approached the instructor directly if they were unhappy. I don't believe the burden should be on a student--particularly one who already feels uncomfortable in the classroom--to confront an instructor about the instructor's demeanor. Not everyone is comfortable with confrontation, and students should not have to request kindness, patience, or a welcoming learning environment. Teaching beginners requires more than knowing how to sew. It requires patience, encouragement, and the ability to make people feel comfortable while they're learning something completely new. Unfortunately, that was not the experience I had here. I wish I had read the reviews more carefully before enrolling. I ultimately did not finish the course, and I would not recommend this class to someone learning to sew for the first time. Nicole McKnight Francis read more

Ms. Lee is very good at what she does. She teaches you to sew with basic supplies. And she provides everything you need to complete the class you sign up for besides material and patterns . Most classing you have to provide everything or purchase it from there shop. She also teaches you so that you can make that item on your own again. Great teacher ! Love her ! read more

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A major disappointment and waste of money. The owner/teacher is disrespectful, mean and lacks integrity. She responds to questions centered in humble inquiry with humiliation. The supply list has incorrect information. I bought a pattern which was on the list. Then when it came time to use, she took it way and gave me another. Ended up with PJs that are ridiculously big When I pointed that out, she said that it is not a fitting class. She seeks every opportunity to assert her power by subjecting students to her anger, transphobia, and contempt. Whatever joy and creativity you hope to find will be sucked up the moment you enter the front door. Update: Since my posting this review, the owner has texted me and accused me of lying and cursing her. I am providing more details as a forewarning and also to push back on her bullying/gaslighting. 1. The pattern that was on the list that according to Ms. Lee should Not have been on the list is Simplicity 1563A. She took what I purchased and replaced it with Simplicity 3971. This resulted in my having oversized PJs. During the session when she took it away, she twice stated that it should not be on the list. 2. Regarding her transphobic behavior... On the first class, she intentionally referred to me as sir, in spite of my flawless presentation. I corrected her and then she again repeated the same thing. Moreover, at no point during that first class or the subsequent classes, did she ever say ma'am or sir to any of the other students. She only did it for me. This was Not the case of person who refers to everyone as sir or ma'am making a mistake. This was a case of a person clocking me and calling out my transgender identity. Then at the end of the class, she walked up and hugged me without my consent. I looked past it, acted with grace, and accepted her apology. 3. Suggest prospective students look up reviews on google. I wish had before I signed up. read more

I've been interested in sewing for a long time and was so excited to find Antoinette's class nearby. I've now completed 4 sessions (all three Intros and one session of Open Garment) and have signed up for my fifth. I've made a tote bag, pajama pants, a skirt, a dress, and altered an existing top. In addition to sewing machine skills, Antoinette has taught me about fabrics, pattern and garment alterations, and incorporating zippers and buttons. I really appreciate how she pushes her students to try their best to understand the pattern's instructions on their own before asking for help. I've made plenty of mistakes as a beginner and Antoinette is always ready to help me fix them! I have learned so much and look forward to continuing sewing at Antoinette's classes and on my own. read more

We just finished our second sewing class with Antoinette. It was my three 20 something children and I. She is patient, helpful, and fun. She lets your creativity shine. We will back for more classes. read more

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I took the beginner series class with Ms. Antoinette and loved it! At the beginning, we had a different small project in which we learned a new skill (i.e. how to thread the machine, turn corners, etc). I liked that after each class you have something tangible (and cute!) to take home. We completed a pillow and a tote bag. Then you have a choice at your final project. I made an A line skirt and still have 3 classes remaining to start on a denim dress. For reference, I have never used a sewing machine before so don't feel intimidated. Ms. Antoinette will give you all the tools and direction you need to be successful. I enjoyed my time so much I decided to continue with open studio classes which are independent sewing time. I still get lots of help from Ms. Antoinette and learn new skills and techniques through my projects at each session. read more

I loved taking the beginner's quilting class with Antoinette. I hadn't used a sewing machine in over 10 years, but she broke the quilt down into really manageable steps. Her goal is to help the people in her class become independent makers, and I feel like she absolutely met that mark for me. In her class, it's okay to make mistakes - she'll explain where you went wrong and why, so you know what to look out for and avoid next time. If I want to make a quilt again in the future, I'll have the skills and knowledge needed to do so comfortably. read more

A Special Lee Sewing and Craft Cafe - Sewing & Alterations Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I recently completed Antionette's introductory sewing class. It was a lovely experience! In this 8 week class, I made a pillow, a tote bag, and a dress. Antionette is a fun, kind, and patient teacher. More importantly, she is a supportive instructor, knowing how to provide guidance to her students when and how they need it. With the confidence and skills gain in this course, I am excited to continue to learn this craft! read more

Antoinette is a phenomenal teacher. I signed up for the 8-week beginner series and picked up basic sewing skills very quickly -- I even went home with a finished pillow after my first class! I found the class structure really conducive to learning and retaining skills. After learning the basics the first two weeks, you work independently on a final project (with personalized instruction from Antoinette) and it helps build your confidence in using the sewing machine. The studio in Antoinette's home is also well-organized, clean and stocked with everything you would need to complete a project. Going to class is the highlight of my week and I look forward to signing up for more classes. read more

Took a beginner sewing class with my daughter. Antoinette was awesome and a great teacher- will go back again!

I had a great experience with Ms. Lee in my introductory class. Sewing has been something I have wanted to learn and pick up for years and for various reasons, I hadn't been able to. I came across Ms Lee's studio a few months ago, enrolled in her basics class, and couldn't be happier with my experience! At the end of the class, I feel I have a good understanding of the basics, and I had three fun and useful projects to show for myself (pillow, tote bag, and skirt)! Ms. Lee is a great teacher and very patient. I will definitely be enrolling in another class! read more

I discovered Antoinette's class through The Lemon Collective newsletter. They were promoting a class to sew a reversible tote. I thought it would be fun and it was being taught just up the street in my neighborhood and signed up. Antoinette was super welcoming, greeting us on her front porch, she even had snacks. We picked out fabric, did introductions, told us a little bit about how she started sewing and how she started her business and then we got down to cutting and pinning our fabric. Antoinette explained the basics of the machine and we practiced on paper and with scrap fabric and then got down to sewing up our bags. Antoinette was personable, funny, patient and thoughtful. The class flew by and we all ended up with really cool, professional looking bags. I left class feeling inspired to dig out my machine at home and I look forward to experimenting. It was so great to walk out of there with a really nice, handmade item. Will definitely be checking out more of her classes!!! read more

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Antoinette is a great sewing teacher for any level. I've even brought in my own machine (an older Brother model) and she's helped me adjust it and figure out how it works, since it's different from the machines in class. Something to know about the classes is that even if you buy her package of 6 classes, you can always reschedule individual classes if you have to miss a week! There's no reason not to sign up. read more

Antoinette is awesome! Super nice, a strict teacher and very knowledgeable. She is always fun to work with and very clear in her explanations. I totally recommend her class!! I went from not even knowing how to set up my sewing machine to making my own dresses in just 3 months...! I also love that her studio is cozy and we always chat about things and exchange experiences, it's just a very comfortable atmosphere :) read more

What a find. Antoinette is an amazing teacher with a beautiful light-filled sewing studio in Washington, DC. I looked all over for sewing classes in the DC area and decided to try Antoinette's Intro to Sewing class. I'm now on my third class with her and appreciate the one-on-one instruction and expertise that Antoinette offers. Even in Antoinette's group classes the instruction is individualized. She really empowers her students and sends you home with patterns and things to practice on. read more

I took my first sewing class with Antoinette on 10/15/17 and I was really impressed with her knowledge of sewing, and creating high end fashion. She is truly an amazing artisan and she made learning how to sew a pillow quite easy. She offers a variety of classes based on one's experience level with sewing. I look forward to taking more sewing classes with Antoinette. read more