I am very surprised to see so many positive reviews here. While Alex may be a good designer I did not find her to be very good teaching elementary age kids. She can be aggressive and intimidating and my daughter was scared of her. We won't be doing this camp again. read more

I hadn't taken a sewing class since 7th grade (oh the memories!) and I had recently been dabbling with some clothing making...making crazy Carnavalesque bras. I was limiting myself to the glue gun and realized it might be time to sit back down on the sewing machine and actually sew some fabric together. I found out about Alexandria through a friend and decided to take a beginner class. She is an excellent teacher. She was patient and an amazing multi-tasker. You can learn something from her! Some how she manages a bunch of students at the same time and is able to really address your needs! She gave me one of her patterns to go off and I made an amazing pair of pajama pants that everyone I have shown just loves!! Thanks Alexandria!! I was really afraid of getting back on the sewing machine and I am really glad I took the plunge. I learned a lot and most importantly, I had so much fun!! I can't wait to take another class! read more

My daughter attended the summer camp and I have to say this was a very disappointing experience. There were way too many kids in the class and it was a very small space. There was only one adult instructor, she did not seem engaged at all with the kids, and her "helpers" were about 2-3 young girls who appeared to be in about 5th grade. My daughter complained that she constantly had to wait when she had questions or needed help. I don't feel like she learned much at all and she said she would not be interested in doing the camp again. I would not recommend this camp. read more

I decided that I wanted to learn how to sew despite never doing any sewing in my life. I had a hard time finding someone that could teach me in the area and I stumbled upon Alex's website- and I am so glad I did. After two hours, I already feel that I could work a sewing machine and know how to get started in my own time. She built my confidence and helped me just jump right in. At first, I felt like it was going to quickly but then I realized that she was really just diving in to show me what I needed to know. She slowed down whenever I asked her for help. She also didn't focus on the clock and let me finish my project despite running over on my time. I am looking forward to working with her for a bit until I feel comfortable to make different things. My sister and I walked away thinkng that she's pretty much a creative genius. I cannot wait to go back next Thursday! I just loved my experience. read more

My mom signed me up for the summer camp during 2010 and I had so much fun that I went back for 2 more weeks! I had a great time sewing. Alex is such a good teacher and she taught me the basics, but also helped me with more difficult projects. Within my first three weeks of sewing I made sweat pants, shorts, skirts, recycled clothing, a bikini, decorated shirts, made pillows, and gave my favorite jeans a hem. This camp isn't only about the sewing though. Alex and her helper Lindsay are so fun, and they make the social aspect of the camp so great. By the end of the week everyone was friends, and we had an amazing fashion show! You can really tell that Alex and Lindsay love running this camp and that sewing is their passion. I found Alex to be much better than most other teachers that don't really have fun teaching you. This camp is so fun once you go, you're going to want to keep going back for more! read more

This camp is an absolute lifesaver! I came to Alex for help with close to zero sewing experience trying to whip together an entire portfolio of clothes to apply to fashion school due in 3 months, and we did it! Not only did she teach me how to make college worthy clothing, but she even helped me professionally photograph them and worked with me through the application process. For someone my age, 23 and far behind her younger camp kids skill level, I needed someone who was current and could show me how to make pieces that were actually fashionable. Within a few months I went from nothing to an actually impressive and competetive 10 piece portfolio. I don't see how I could possibly have finished the application without her help, let alone be competetive. She went above, beyond, and out of her way to help me and always made time when I needed her. She even got me some work experience helping her with her own projects. I came out of her classes with waaaay more than expected. If you want to learn to sew for fun, make something for a special event, need help as a student or actually need help with anything fashion related she knows how to make it happen. Plus she's super nice and great with kids. Saw her camp kids working on amazing clothes, holloween costumes and fun projects for the summer camp. Parents: if your kids want to grow up and be in fashion, this is a real opportunity! This camp will turn your kid into every fashion schools top choice! Can't thank Alex enough!! Ill update when I recieve an admissions decision read more

Recommend this camp, and Alex, very highly. In fact, i have given personal recommendations to few friends now and the kids have loved camp! My daughter experimented 2 years ago with a week at CC when she was 5. She was youngest in camp and swiftly developed skills to become amongst the best sewers within the week she was there. Loved it so much she extended 1 week to 3 weeks, and she's been sewing ever since. Even got her 2 older brothers excited. Alex is so excited to spark creativity for the kids, they love coming to camp. She stresses safety and the machines are in good shape. We're going to spend the 1 day of Presidents' Day..just cuz! read more

My 12 year old daughter has been taking sewing lessons from Alexandria for about 5 months and loves it! Alex spends a lot of one on one time with her students and I really feel like my daughter has learned a ton in a short amount of time. Right now they've been working on restructuring clothes for a fashion show at the Maker Faire. Alex has a lot of great energy, is very patient and lets the girls decide what they want to create and gives them guidance and encouragement along the way. Her sewing classes are so much fun my daughter is going to take a week long camp she offers over the summer. I feel very lucky to have found Camp Couture. read more

I highly recommend camp couture for anyone interested in learning the art of sewing. Alex is absolutely amazing!! Not to mention funny. I will definitely be going back for more classes. Thank you again!!! read more

My 14 year old daughter has had the best time at Camp Couture! She enjoyed her 1st week so much she went back for a 2nd week. She had never sewn on a machine before and Alexandria had her going in a short time. Besides learning to sew, Alexandria has triggered my daughter's fashion creativity by exposing her to some new textiles, photo shoot and styling ideas for remaking her old garments. I'm amazed at what she has been bringing home. You can bring your own sewing machine or use one of Alexandria's. And she supplies all the materials. The projects are individually chosen for each person. I highly recommend this "camp". read more

I have been working with Alex for a little over 4 years now. I have accomplished so much and she has helped me realize what I want to do for my career, Fashion Design. I heard about Alex on craigslist just by searching "Sewing teacher, San Mateo" and luckily it showed her name. Once I met her I knew that we were off to start a great long lasting friendship. My mother had agreed for me to attend series of private lessons of either an hour or two, I remember she said that if I ended up not enjoying sewing as much as I thought I would, then at least I would learn how to sew, which is a good thing to know. At first, I would not have called myself the best starter, my first time in front of the machine was scary and nervous, but Alex always told me to take it easy and concentrate on either keeping my lines straight, stay steady on the line she had drawn for me, or "needle down, foot up, pivot." My first projects I did with her were simple things, well what I thought were going to be simple, like pajama pants and a skirt from a pattern. And then there was my sister's prom coming up, I had only been with Alex for maybe 3 weeks, but my sister asked me if I could make her prom dress. PROM dress??! and she was a senior in high school too! As my third project to sew and the pressure of making my sister's high school senior prom dress, Alex had helped me soooo much making it a beautiful dress (my sister in her purple dress and I on profile picture). Meanwhile, I also got to learn from Alex, the process and how much effort it takes to start and finish a project. I always tell myself, that its one thing to say that you will do something then actually do it. I actually started and finished that project and hey! who said it was going to be easy? because it sure wasn't. After about 6 months with Alex, summer was coming around the corner and school was about to get out soon until Alex told me about Camp Couture. My first year of Camp was amazing!! I went every single week of that summer, I got to meet some really cool kids from different schools that lived local in San Mateo or around here. All of us kids got to learn from Alex how to become a better sewer or some of us were actually still learning how to sew. I did what I could to help out because I knew at least how to thread a machine, so I taught a few girls that. For a long time, Camp Couture and just private sewing lessons with Alex were at her apartment. Just imagine at least 10 students every week working with their projects and sewing machines??! I cant and I was there! I'm still not sure how she pulled it off, i dont think Alex is sure either. But, over the years of Camp Couture, the camp has grown so much from when I first started. Now the camp has re-located to an awesome decked out garage in San Carlos. Just the place and environment is so cool because you dont realize that its a garage until the door is closed due to wind problems. Once you are inside, you feel the positive vibe in everything you are surrounded by,its crazy and hectic, with scraps and threads lying around all other. Then we have our fabrics and old clothes (for recycling clothes and making new, fun, and intersting things) laying out in the summer sun on the steep driveway. I have heard of some modifications to the place but I have yet to see it during the summer, I can not wait. There are more new projects, sometimes featured projects such as last years' telephone book gown, new fun and crazy environment, and a new year. I absolutely cannot wait until the Summer of 2011 because I know that it will once again be awesome and full of thrilling projects. read more

Alex's parent/child sewing class was such a wonderful way to spend the morning together. We both learned SO much and had fun doing it!!!! We will definitely be back for the camp experience. Thank you Alex for sharing your knowledge, kindness and craft with us!!!!!! read more

Alex is awesome! My daughter has taken private and group classes and is in the camp now. She's learning a lot and is really motivated to keep sewing! Alex is super-creative, knowledgeable and enthusiastic about sewing and textiles in general. That's very fun to be around. My daughter hopes to continue with more lessons, which means she'll keep learning more. read more

Alex is amazing with kids! She has so much energy and an incredible ability to speak to them like actual human beings and not just little children. She doesn't "dumb it down" for them. My daughter loves going there! Alex is very patient and excited to teach her students. I read the reviews and the few negative ones are very much not what I or anyone else I know has experienced with Alex. It's possible that maybe the child just didn't do well with her out of the box teaching style and needed a different type of camp. I don't think that's any reason to bad mouth Alex and cause such a huge fuss. I'm sorry but a simple conversation and a goodbye would have done just fine. It's very out of character for Alex to act like that and frankly I don't think she has a threatening bone in her body. I'll still be taking my daughter there with no apprehension! read more

Camp Couture was awesome. Alex was a great teacher and I made plenty of things. You have lots of freedom and can make anything you want. I would definitely recommend this camp if you are looking for a fun sewing camp. There were some kids who had no clue how to sew which was perfectly fine. Alex and her assistant helped them and they were making things before you knew it. If you have sewn before but you're not really a pro then this camp is perfect and if you have been sewing for a long time and is a pro this is great for you as well because there are many advanced patterns and things that will challenge you. Over all, I had a great time and I and for sure going back next year. read more

I am sorry, very sorry, to have to write this. My girls and I spent several years working with Alexandria. While I always found her extremely talented and her vision inspirational - her methods and organization was lacking. Her ability to be patient and work with children who were more quiet was poor - they got lost in the midst of the cute ones. I left my sewing machine at her place to work with and when we decided to part ways I forgot about it until one of my daughters reminded me. I have sent several emails asking for a resolution - for almost a year now. I finally got an email from her accusing me of random things. Yes, she and I disagreed with how she handled one of my girls. I accepted and moved on from working with her. But, I do want my sewing machine back. This is a reflection of her lack of order and organization. I even offered to go to the store where I got it and if she wants to provide credit it would be a business write off for her. Otherwise, I will find the receipt and file at small claims court. I really didn't want to write this review as I understand not every one can work with every one. And, again, her artistry and talent is amazing. Her business approach is poor to say the least. read more

what an amazing way to spend 2 hours with my 11 year old niece - Alexandria was friendly entertaining and amazingly skilled! i didn't know what to expect, but kept an open mind and we could not have had a better time - we walked in with fabric and walked out with matching pajama pants and purses!! worth every penny:) read more