What an innovative and exciting concept, and a great way to learn to sew! Appropriate for all ages and skill levels, and an exceptionally approachable staff. read more

I haven't sewn since high school home ec. Why? Because who really has: #1 the money to purchase a sewing machine and #2 the room to store it. Not I, that's for sure. There have been times I've been looking for a certain cute top, wanting to repair my favorite article of clothing, or something along those lines in which I needed a sewing machine. Instead of buying one (absurd!) I just lived without or tossed the damaged item. NO LONGER! Made offers hourly sewing machine use, they have all the supplies you will need including super cute fabrics right there (and by cute I don't mean Disney print fleece) and they also have (and this is the huge plus) the people that know what they're doing and are there to help. Yup. I'm sold. They even offer classes - including one on making jeans, which I am super stoked for because it means no more hours in the dressing room trying to find the perfect fit. Also, want to teach your kid how to sew? You can do that here too! I heard they're having a bunch of classes during winter vacation for when kids are out of school - what a great time for some mother-daughter bonding! You can purchase time by the hour or buy weekly or month passes and luckily Greenwood is still the land of free street parking, and there's plenty of it, so you can get right in and get your sew on. So as you can tell, I'm in love. Leave it to Greenwood to have yet another super cute and unique shop, making me wish I still lived there...*sigh*. read more

Made Sewing Studio - Made Sewing Studio - Art Classes Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I had brief correspondences with someone via email who told me they offer private lessons for adults, but when I tried to schedule something, they outright ignored 2-3 of my follow-up emails sent over a 2 month period. If you don't have time for new students, just say that. Ignoring potential customers is rude and unprofessional. read more

I have been coming to Made Sewing Studio for over 5 years. I am continuously amazed by Carisa, her teaching, and the joy she spreads around the classroom. Carisa has taught me so many things, she's taught me how to sew, How to inspire others, and even how to make my own sewing patterns. Most of all every week I come to camp, I expect to go home with a project. Every time I leave I have so much more. Yes I have a project, but I also have better awareness of the people around me, and a smile. read more

Great place to learn how to sew! I went here last week hoping to learn how to use the sewing machine i purchased over a year ago and hadn't yet taken out of the box :). I am VERY novice when it comes to sewing, and they were extremely patient and helpful! I signed up for their learn how to sew class online and had a 1 on 1 session with someone for 2 hours and it only cost about $35! Really awesome deal in my book. I'm definitely interested in checking out some of their classes (how to make a vintage skirt anybody?) soon and I am sure they'll be great too. And after just those 2 hours of lessons, I have successfully made pockets and added them to a previously pocketless dress, made straps and added them to a previously strapless dress, AND made a button hole and sewed on the button with the sewing machine. I'm very proud of myself :). read more

I've been debating about writing this review, but after seeing all the 5 star ratings I thought I had better add my experience for balance. I then discovered that another student in my class (I think) wrote a review that is currently "not recommended" for some reason. First off let me say that I had high hopes for Made and really liked Carisa. I hope that this class was just a fluke, especially considering all the other wonderful reviews. I took a PJ pants with pockets class in January. I do have some previous sewing experience, but always with someone there helping me. I want to branch out into sewing things by myself. That said, I do have some knowledge of concepts and also general garment construction from knitting. I first started to feel apprehensive when Carisa whipped a tape measure around my hips and declared that I would be making the 2XL size. I am not a very small person, but in womens' clothes I would usually wear a L and this is a unisex pattern so it seemed a bit off to me. I asked to use the tape measure and found that I was at the low end of the size range for the L. However, she kept saying "but they're pajamas, you want them to be loose". I should have trusted my gut, but she is the teacher and obviously knows more about sewing than I do. I ended up cutting the XL size as a compromise. It was the wrong choice. Also when I was looking at the finished measurements listed on the pattern, she told me not to go by those because mine wouldn't come out the same size. I asked her if the pattern was incorrect, but she kind of hedged the answer. I suppose (as I later found out) because we were going to make lots of adjustments to the size. But this seemed like an odd thing to say since theoretically the pattern should come out to be the size they say, and from looking at those measurements I could see that the pants were designed to be very loose and I should make a smaller size. We were not told to buy any specific fabric width, only 3 yards of flannel, which I did. Well, the pattern is apparently designed for bootylicious folks and while the front of the pants fit on my fabric (barely) the back was hanging off the edge. I was assured that it would be OK, that it was more important to cut the crotch correctly and the back of the pattern was allowed to hang off the fabric. So at this point I wasn't even actually cutting the XL size but something smaller and not quite the same shape. Then I began sewing and, of course, the pants were HUGE. I mean, clown-sized huge. We ended up cutting several inches off of every seam. Which just makes me wonder why I started with such a big size which I obviously didn't need to and didn't have the fabric for it anyway. And thank goodness I pushed back and didn't start with the 2XL which probably would have fit three of me. After much re-cutting and re-sewing I made some PJ pants. They are still far too large and actually fall off me if I walk around the house much. When I feel up to it I will probably deconstruct them and take more inches off. The other student mentioned above had the same problems I did, and was making her pants smaller in all dimensions. In the end, I measured the actual size of my pants which fell between a M and a L according to the finished measurements on the pattern. As they are still too big, I probably should have made a M to start, but the pattern I was given only went down to an XL. I still really *want* to like Made, and I'm contemplating taking another class there. Mostly because it's hard for me to believe with all the glowing reviews that it isn't usually great. I think the concept is really cool, and I'd love to have a place to get started sewing where there is someone to answer my questions. read more

I bought groupons for two classes - circle skirt and designer pillow. I've taken classes at another studio around the area, and had good experiences there, but wanted to check out another studio as well as ramp up my sewing skills in general. The studio is on the smaller side - when the class is full you have to be strategic as to where you sit. There are patterns for sale, but no fabric or threads so you need to buy those before class. Carisa, the owner and teacher, is very easy to talk to and is in fact on the talkative side. As for the two classes I attended, my general feeling is that it was lacking in direction. When the phone rang or a customer walked in (which happened a lot during both classes) Carisa's attention was diverted and it would take a while before she would regroup again with class. I didn't feel confident with the directions given and the time allotted for class was not enough - two of my class projects were not completed by the time class was over. Although Carisa was happy to let me come back at another time to complete it, I have to be very honest I didn't feel motivated to do so after taking the two classes at this studio. I want to be able to come out of a class with 1) a finished product and 2) a product that I liked and would use. Unfortunately, I felt that I hadn't achieved these two objectives after taking my classes at Made. read more

After having a lackluster experience at a nearby seamstress I called Made to ask if they could take some measurements of me for a dress I was having made or if they could recommend someone. The lady working there (I didn't get her name!) was so sweet and told me to come right in and she would get me what I needed. I popped in and we spent a solid 20 minutes doing measurements, discussing the fit I wanted so I could be sure to have anything and everything I needed. I left with more than I could have hoped for and because of it, would recommend Made and gladly return there myself. read more

I was so excited to find this studio and sign up for a beginning sewing class. As I am new to sewing, I was pleased to see in the description that in this class "we will go over the fundamentals of sewing". Pros: Accessible as it is conveniently located in a great neighborhood. Appears to be a wonderful project space for those that have some experience/knowledge regarding sewing. The owner is genuinely excited about this new venture. Cons: Inadequate guidance on what was needed ahead of time, apparently the 3 yards of fabric we were to bring really should have been prewashed. Given that it is a basic circle skirt class it would have been best to come with fabric that did not have a pattern (or at least a very limited one). There was no mention that plaids are incredibly frustrating to work with (luckily I didn't have plaid - but another student did). The fabric should be a certain width and length (Duh, right?). Well, I went to the fabric store and asked for 3 yards (as was instructed). Once in the class I find out that given the cut (shorter width rather than length) of my fabric, my skirt will need to be made out of 4 panels rather than 2 (makes for a more difficult first project & not the look I was going for). The class was held in the main work area where there was really only enough table space for 3 students (there was 4 of us). By the time I had my turn at the table the other students were moving on to step 2 & 3. Frustrating to be completely behind the rest of the class and overhear the owner giving them instruction that I am missing out on. To add to this frustration, she answered numerous phone calls, dealt with walk in customers, and was helping another woman with her project all while attempting to lead this "class". Limited assistance with the basics of measuring, and none with sewing or prepping material unless one specifically asked (and this one specifically asked each time after she screwed up the first time). I did not know that the fabric had to be further back under the foot in order not to jam the machine, or that since I was working with 4 panels instead of 2 that the measurements would change, and that the fabric must be ironed down prior to the second stitch. SO frustrating that there were no visuals. None! Not an example of a finished circle skirt, or of any of the stitches & hems she mentioned, not even pictures! Once asked for clarification (as there was just an assumption that one would know in a Beginner sewing class?) there was a verbal description, no visuals. As we are inching on 2:00 end of the class, it looks as if my skirt may finally come together...wrong! It is too small - the measurements were off! Her solution, let's make it out of 5 panels! Really? That was not the look I want. While she apologized and admitted that the measurements she told me to use were off, and I did appreciate the apology, I was done. After being totally behind the other 3 in the class and feeling totally out of the loop all morning, I gathered my stuff, thanked her for her time, and left. Class fees and materials = $115. Fail. I cannot stress how disappointing/frustrating this entire experience was. If you have some experience/knowledge, or if you have projects to work on but not a sewing machine at home, this likely is a great place. If you are a beginner sewer without any knowledge and want to learn and go "over the fundamentals of sewing" as the class description claims, look elsewhere. I know I am. Update 1/13 - definitely worth saying that the owner contacted me after I posted this review and offered another class at no charge or a refund. I took her up on the refund and she promptly refunded my credit card. It is refreshing when a business owner tries to make it right. read more

I bought a Groupon and was so excited to try this place out after I'd been driving by almost weekly. I signed up for the Birdie Bag class and was super excited to make my bag! I do have some basic experience with sewing, so in the beginning I felt a little bored but it was a good refresher. First, the studio. It was hot and doesn't have air conditioning which was uncomfortable during a hot summer day but there were fans that made it really quite bearable and wasn't too much of an issue. The room wasn't too big but it was enough room for the four of us that were there, but I think if the class was full it might have been a little bit crowded. Second, the instructor- Carisa was really nice and very chatty (maybe a bit overly chatty). She didn't make any of us feel like idiots when we messed up, and was really helpful. Finally, the class. This was a sewing for beginners class that lasted 3 hours. I really thought we would delve a bit more into the sewing process than we did. Carisa cut our fabric for us so we never did any work with the pattern. She also pinned our pieces for us so we did go through the motions of sewing, but I don't feel I really learned the entire process. Overall it was a fun experience. I don't know if I would do another class.though because I wasn't entirely happy with my finished product. I think I'm a bit too much of a perfectionist to give up the control of the cutting and pinning to someone else. I was a little bummed because I noticed when I sewed one panel you could see parts of the stitching. (We weren't told to sew within a certain guideline) I asked if it was okay that it was showing and she said yep! Without even looking at it. I mean, I guess it was okay, but when the bag was done, there are those lines! Maybe I wasn't clear in my questioning but I would have rather been given the opportunity to pull out those stitches and re-sew it so it wasn't visible. Then today I noticed that on the inside of the handle there is a teeny hole. Of course I will be the only one to notice, but I was a little bummed about it. In between us sewing she was pretty busy pinning our next step and often I was waiting for her to finish a step for someone else. This is a three hour class and I felt like a lot of the time was spent waiting. I feel the price was worth it with the groupon deal, but probably wouldn't splurge on this again. read more

I've spent hours here already working on Christmas projects and I can officially call myself a fan. And a reborn sewing nerd, since I haven't done this much sewing in probably a couple decades. Or enjoyed it this much. Their stable of equipment is droolworthy: several excellent sewing machines, several sergers, a selection of thread, fabric on consignment, large tables and rulers for laying things out, cutters, seam rippers...even a bowl of candy. Like I said, they're well stocked. The studio itself is open and airy, perfect for chatting with other sewers while you work or just listening to the music on the stereo while focusing on stitches. I have basic machine skills and am learning to use the sergers, but otherwise I rely on the expertise of the studio's owner and employees. Carissa and Julia are endlessly helpful; both clearly have professional sewing experience and can answer any question I've heard asked. Pretty much everyone else who walks in is friendly and supportive too. In addition to an ambitious class curriculum, there are fun things in progress, such as a sitting nook for quiet work and an upstairs classroom. Working on things there is a great way to pass a Sunday afternoon or dark weeknight. I'm excited for others to discover it. read more

There aren't that many good places to learn to sew, as I've learned from experience by sampling classes all around Seattle. All of them from Stitches to Nancy's to Experimental College have their plus/minus features. You won't know until you've taken a few that finding a good instructor is painful. Most good sewing instructors would rather be sewing instead of teaching, so I've been frequently told. Lucky for Seattle that we have Carisa to teach, provide sewing/crafting space and support!! They also sell fabric on consignment. I've taken the Dress Form class, where you make your own personal form out of duct tape and glue. Spend a few hours on your feet, let someone wrap you up in tape, wait 'til the glue holds, then come back a few days later to pick up the dried form of you. Best if you bring a friend who also needs a form, as you will be wrapped from neck and shoulders to hip. I didn't sign up with a friend but was familiar with Julia, so I wasn't too uncomfortable with the process. About 6 months went by between having the form made and starting a serious project where I needed a super accurate dress form. I was surprised to find that my form was several inches wider than it should be, though I was warned by a different sewing instructor that can happen. I popped in Made to buy some fabric to alter a dress and got advice on how to proceed with my alteration project. When Carisa found out that my form was wider and therefore inaccurate, she promptly told me to come in have it fixed. That is service! She offered to alter it so it will be a truly usable form. I can't wait to take it back in and spend time with the great staff at Made! read more

I had a fantastic first experience at Made Sewing Studio. I had a project that was too ambitious for me to do at home (needed a serger and a little advice). I am so happy I went to Made. I got the help I needed, I had a fun afternoon with other clients and the staff / ownder, and my project turned out great--no crying (and very little swearing) involved. I bought a punch card and totally look forward to going back. read more

I bought a Groupon for an Advanced Beginner's class that I took yesterday -- it was so awesome I made a Yelp account to write a review. Carissa is really energetic and has a fabulous sense of humor. She was both patient with my issues and explained to me what went wrong every time I "broke something". I'm a total sewing novice, and instead of being intimidated by everything I didn't know, I had a great time learning of the possibilities and growing more confident every time I put my foot on the pedal. 5 hours flew by. I also walked away with a fabulous vintage apron that I adore! If you're curious about sewing, this is the place to go! read more

I took a sewing class recently and Carissa could not have been more helpful. (TIP: use pinking shears instead of clipping all those notches when you need to clip or notch curves. How did I not figure that out on my own??) For me, this was like getting to play in the Project Runway workroom. OK, a bit of an exaggeration, but it really is a wonderful space. It's so nice to have room to spread everything out while working on a project; something that doesn't happen at home unless you have a ridiculously gigantic sewing room. Due to my unfortunate fabric choice, the class took a bit longer than planned. In the end, the project was finished, I got to play with a serger for the first time and I walked out of there with pants that I made myself. (It is far better to pay more $ at Pacific than to go the cheap route like I did at Joann, because the "bottom-weight" fabric I purchased was soooo not appropriate, nor was it actually a bottom-weight.) Being type A, I read the details for the class, but also brought a few notions of my own, not truly believing that they do provide everything you need. Well, they actually do have everything you could possibly need! The only thing missing is a life size cutout of Tim Gunn, but Carissa did a good job of prodding me along, although she somehow fought the urge to utter "make it work." The next time I have a fussy project that I might need assistance with, or if I'm just itching to use a serger, I'll head straight to made. Bonus: they carry Colette patterns! read more

I took the Renfrew class (to sew this pattern: http://www.sewaholicpatterns.com/product/1201-renfrew-top). Carissa was awesome with instructions and walking me through my first time with knits! When I sewed the sleeve on backwards (oops..) she helped me rip the whole thing apart and let me stay until I had a completed shirt. I would have been lost just going off the pattern. I'm SO HAPPY I went and will return. read more

The classes I've taken with Carisa and her staff have been so helpful and FUN! I've been sewing off and on since junior high. When I took a bootcamp, Carisa explained everything in a friendly and entertaining way while teaching us the sewing terms and reminding us of safety. My kid is 10 and has been hand-sewing since she was about 8. She started taking some kid classes with Carisa and Erin... so much fun! Her projects are super cute and kid-tastic! Some projects turn out better than others (due to my kid not being a professional seamstress). She comes home with stories and happy energy and a project she is proud to show-off to friends, snap pics to show grandparents, even have friends request to create something together! She's always wanting to make something new here at home, or will brainstorm her next project, or will save pictures for her next "to-do"... I love seeing her grow creatively with her own flair. There have been a couple of times where we've (myself and my kid) have not finished our projects in the amount of time alloted. For me: it's my pressing and pinning. For her: it's slow and steady cutting. Carisa has always invited us back and scheduled time where we came in and she guided us through finishing up. My kid and I continue to take classes with Carisa to continue to build our skills, but also enjoy a fun creative community. I know what we make will never be as inexpensive as something I could have bought at Old Navy, nor will it be a photoshopped glory from Etsy/Instagram. It's handmade by me (or my kid). =D read more

Carisa's passion is so evident here! What a delightful business model in an age where many of us have lost the time, talent & tools to sew. Here she is providing all 3, with encouragement & charm. I'm always delighted to see women succeed in pursuing their happiness & motivating others. This company deserves our recognition & support. read more

Edit: Here is the email she sent to me when I ask her why she would give some people a refund, but not others. I have never experienced anyone so rude and unethical. "Erin, I had no doubt you wouldn't. I am teaching thus communication will be slower. My stance is still the same and I do not need to explain my business practices to you and it is unethical for me to discuss my other clients. IF anything changes with the Governor's Orders I will be in contact. Please refrain from emailing or calling me again unless it is to sign you daughter up for a future class. Thank you, Carisa" So far, my experience has been incredibly disappointing, to say the least. First, there was no communication about their plans for holding a 3 day, 7 hours per day camp INSIDE until June 20th! This finally came after multiple emails to ask for information. When we did receive an email explaining their guidelines for camp during the pandemic, they indicated masks were OPTIONAL for students!! Only when I emailed back to express my concern for my daughter being INSIDE for 3 days, 7 hours a day at a camp where masks were OPTIONAL for kids, did I get an individual response (on July 12) explaining that since Gov. Inslee's new mandate (made around July 1) that kids are now required to wear masks. Why wasn't there an email sent to all registrants of the camps like the one with the original guidelines? Why did I have to express my concern about this policy to get an update about the new policy - and only sent to me? I would have thought an email with the new requirement would have been sent to everyone as an update to the camp guidelines for the summer. How did others find out? Furthermore, in the email I received back from the owner after I expressed my continued concerns, I was told that they "take great care to use our outside space to allow the children fresh air while socially distancing" when actually in the guidelines they sent out on June 20, they stated "Lunch and breaks will occur in the studio or right outside of the building". So which is it? And if they do "take great care to use their outside space to allow fresh air", how do they provide enough "fresh air" when it's a sewing camp? Are they moving the machines and all materials outside? Because if it is just the breaks and lunch, it doesn't make me feel better when my daughter is then going back inside after the break for another hour or more to sew when the CDC and WHO are now acknowledging the transmission of Covid-19 is likely airborne and can linger in inside spaces for hours!! I asked Carisa for a refund since the camp is incredibly not cancelled, (I can't see where in the states guidelines for phase 2 it allows more than 5 people outside of an individual family to congregate together inside for hours, but I must be missing something), but she has refused pointing me to the "the cancellation policy upon your purchase" which was in early February 2020, prior to an unprecedented global pandemic. The Woodland Park zoo cancelled their predominately outdoor camps in April with a full refund! Campfire cancelled their 100% outdoor camps in May with a full refund. My daughter's outdoor soccer league cancelled their season with a full refund. I could go on and on naming all of the organizations which have acted responsibly and reasonably during these times. But not Made Sewing Studio...they feel it is perfectly reasonable to not cancel their 7 hour a day, indoor camp and not offer refunds to those of us who are concerned that this environment is not safe for our kids. With cases rising again across the United States, in Washington State and in King County, I cannot believe the owner, Carisa, thinks it's okay to not only keep this camp open for business, but also not allow for refunds. (But actually, she HAS refunded at least one person I know so I guess she picks and chooses who she refunds?). read more

Made Sewing Studio is basically a one woman show, Carisa runs the business, manages the website and teaches all of the classes...which is pretty darn impressive if you ask me. So, if you have expectations going into the class (and we all do!) then discuss them with her before you pay/attend the class so you and her can decide whether it's a good fit. Seems like some of the complaints about Made could have been mitigated by this. My background/experience: I'm in my late 20s and took my first sewing class, ever, at Made this past March after purchasing 2 Groupons for beginner/intermediate adult classes. I signed up with a friend which I suggest doing if you've never taken a sewing class or shopped for supplies, the experience is more fun when shared and less intimidating when you have someone to bounce ideas and questions off of. The Studio: Made is a casual learning environment. You'll find that during adult classes the studio is usually open for anyone else who wants to work on a personal project. At first it's like "WAT. I have to share the teacher?!" but there is a benefit of being surrounded by other sewists at different levels of experience. If Carisa isn't available right away I would watch what the other students were doing and asks them questions about the project they were working on...because really...isn't that why you're at the studio in the first place, to soak up some knowledge? Take advantage of the casual environment - you'll find that the people who show up to continue to work at Made are friendly and more than happy to "talk shop"! My classes and what I took away from the experiences: 1st class: Pajama pants In this class I learned a lot about basic sewing skills like threading the bobbin and the needle, back-stitching, sewing around corners and moving at a reasonable speed instead of my previous speed of 100 mph. Also, I was introduced to following patterns and a variety of useful and essential sewing tools. Defiantly learned a valuable lesson about pre-washing the fabric (won't be skipping that step again!), learned how to add pockets and remove pockets after realizing I hated the pockets (so we'll go ahead and add seam ripping to the list!) The pants, as other students have mentioned, were too large BUT here is why I'm not going to complain about it: - Better too large than too small!!! Carisa would rather you size up your PJs than cut them too small and end up not fitting into them at all AND not having enough fabric to make a second pair. - Now I've learned how to alter what was essentially a box-shaped pattern to fit my individual shape - which thankfully is not a box ;) and really most of us don't fall into the S/M/L/XL sizing precisely so you're going to have to make some alterations if you want the end result to be flattering. 2nd class: Weekend Boot Camp; infinity scarf, hobo cinch bag & circle skirt. Infinity Scarf - I learned that I need to be more precise about my cutting because I had some uneven edges and some puckering at the point of closure when finished it. Also, I think next time I'll use a lighter fabric that lays better, my fabric was a bit to ridge. Hobo Cinch Bag - The fabric I chose was...eeeeh...not the best for this project, I over did the blue tones. BUT I did learn about anti-fray glue and how to sew rounded corners for the bag. I will admit this bag ended up in my donation to the Goodwill - but at no one's fault but my own! Circle Skirt - Oh boy, I LOVE my skirt! LOOOOVE IT. I must have f*cked up the hem, like, three times but it was worth the seam ripping because now I have something I'm proud to say I made. I learned about how to measure a circle skirt for my height and waist measurements which I can now apply to future circle skirts (short and long), sewing a visible elastic waist band, and of course hemming* a skirt. *I had to come back to the studio during the work week in the evening to get my skirt hemmed, I had ran out of time in class. There was no extra charge - Carisa wants you to enjoy what you've made and accomplish what you set out to do. She stuck around extra-long chatting with me while I finished my hem, I really appreciated that. 3rd class: Chardon Skirt I really like my skirt, I learned about the warp and weft of fabric which we actually learned about in the other classes too but I think it really sunk in this time. I learned how to add a zipper and alter the zipper if it's too long. I can now create a box pleat which I think is a very sophisticated looking pleat technique and I realized that I need to work on sewing in a straight line! My 4th class will be the Button Down Shirt. read more

I cannot believe I haven't reviewed this place: Carissa and her people run classes, teach personal lessons (thanks for explaining my serger to me), rent out table space for big projects, donated time and materials to Seattle Public Theater's costuming efforts, I could go on. An amazing community resource. A swell human being. I have no greater compliments to pay than those. read more

Love Carissa! Over heard her teaching a class-so enthusiastic and knowledgeable! I just purchased my first machine. Carissa is so sweet. I am looking forward to taking a class! read more

Carisa and Julia are awesome. This is the first review I've made on Yelp and I can not recommend this studio enough. In a matter of a few short weeks, I went from fearing my new sewing machine to being fairly confident creating French seams in mens' shirts. The bragging rights alone feel good, let alone the finished product. In addition to the classes I've taken, I've also gotten advice and assistance during a sewing hour on how to finish a basic project I'd started with one of the other studios in town. (Class time was not managed as effectively at the other studio and I was left with pajama pants several sizes too big and partially completed). It feels good to be able to drop in and finish a project you may just need a little nudge with and know its expert advice. (Julia does costume design for area theaters, Carisa studied clothing construction in London and is a genius). The ladies at Made ensure you get the time and attention you need to really learn what you're doing and complete the project, all at a reasonable price. As an added bonus, they've got a varied rotation of classes, unique gently used fabrics for purchase, group meet-ups, and cool current and vintage patterns to be inspired by. Five stars for sure! read more

Used a groupon to take a sewing class and it was great! Carisa is the best, she really took the time to explain the sewing basics and was so helpful. I hope to return here again. read more

If you (or your girlfriend/wife) are into sewing, or even better want to take up sewing, then this is the place to go. No snooty Martha Stewards around here expecting you to know what kind of stitch is what or even how to thread a bobbin (what's a bobbin? Ask them!). They will teach you from the start or pick up where your knowledge ends. They have a lot of different classes for adults and even kids and tables full of fun stuff to use. I don't know that coming here you can resist the urge to sew even if it's not your thing. They provide the perfect setting and the super helpful staff. Since they have the fabric and tools there you need to only bring yourself. read more

What a great place! Carissa is the best teacher. I've had a sewing machine for years but the few times I attempted to use it my thread snapped or I heard a big clunk when I stepped on the pedal. I took the machine basics class and it really helped. I learned what I was doing wrong and what all those knobs and numbers are for on my machine. You can even bring in your own machine and they'll show you how to use it. The best part was we got to sew, sew, sew! I can't wait to take more classes and hang out! read more

Unlike others I did not buy a groupon and paid full price so perhaps having spent more I had higher expectations? I felt the class was not worth the money I paid. I did not care for the open studio format while the class was taking place. It meant there wasn't enough space to cut fabric and lay out your pattern so we had to take turns and awkwardly share a table. So, lots of time was wasted standing around waiting to do something. Big up to Carisa for having a vision, and the get up and go to run a one woman business but in my experience she was constantly distracted by things that had nothing to do with the class she was teaching, so it was pretty frustrating trying to learn anything. Also she advised that there's never time to finish the garment in class so to stay late or come back - not likely. I was actually glad when my dog experienced explosive diarrhea in close proximity to the half sewn hoodie so I could trash it without guilt. I like the idea of this business but not my experience of it. I'm glad others fared better. read more

I took a the basic machine class and was very impressed. I left with knowledge of my own machine and the machines at Made - can thread the machine and the bobbin, load a bobbin and had an introduction to stitches and machine accessories. It was so fun! I also love that the owner and instructor, Carissa, was flexible in helping others while teaching our class. I feel like when I come back there will be help available in case emergency strikes! She was also very knowledgeable and gave us practical advice. The class size was limited to four so we got plenty of individual attention. I can't wait to come back for the basic sewing class, studio time and more. Now, to hem those damn Ikea curtains that have been frayed for years! read more

I took the Yoga pants class here yesterday. The studio is a cute place with everything set up. Carisa even setups up your sewing machine and serger for you, so you don't have to go through the trouble of threading the serger. There were 3 people attending and that small number made sure, we all got individual attention and the space to sew. Carisa is efficient and helped us get through the project within the duration of the class. When I didn't get the fit of the pants right the first time, Carisa helped me alter it several times, until I got it right. That, I felt was the best part of the class. At the end of the class, I went home with a pair of yoga pants that fit me wonderfully. I will definitely be visiting her studio and taking her classes as I get better at sewing. read more

I have had nothing but wonderful sewing experiences at MADE. I discovered this place a few years ago when they ran a groupon promotion. I took the serger class and loved and also the Friday Night Apron class. It came out super cute! The owner is very friendly, super knowledgeable and super patient! They have a great calendar of events and offer drop in sewing! read more

This place rocks. I've taken two classes here and each time I walked away feeling like I learned something that I would use again. Everything is very hands on and most of the time, one -on -one training. I highly recommend this place if you want to learn your machine or learn how to make something super fun. read more

If you're looking to make/sew something Made is the place to go! First of all Carisa, what a delight! So personable and helpful. Her direction in assisting me make a couple of projects is exactly what I needed. The manner in which she teaches is fun...lots of laughs and sharing stories of mistakes (let's face it, we all make them!) I've been there a few times and will go back many more! My projects get better and better every time. Thank you Carisa! read more

I went in here at Christmas time to rent a sewing machine and make stockings for my new family. The lady running the place was so helpful. Despite the fact that I came in late and without an appointment, she gave me tons of advice and basically gave me a free sewing lesson. Would definitely recommend this place! read more

Carissa and Julia offer wonderful summer camps - filled with creative challenges and supportive instruction. My middle school daughter has taken a couple different classes and is looking forward to taking more! read more

This is a great concept. I wanted to love the sewing class I took, but I found Made Sewing Studio to be very disappointing. 1. The studio is very small, which would be fine except that it is extremely messy. (The pictures of the lovely studio featured on the web are from their old location). There were only two other people in the class with me, and we couldn't all cut at the same time. Which meant lots of waiting. 2. The instructor was full of bad advice. I ended up with a garment that was way too large (even though I made a smaller size than she suggested). The only person in the class who ended up with an appropriately sized garment, did so by completely disregarding all of the instructor's poor sizing recommendations. Overall, the instructor's solutions for fixing things left us with sloppy looking, ill-fitting pants. I've sewn enough to know that I should have just skipped this class and made this project at home by myself! 3. The class instructor seemed more interested in checking her email than acknowledging customers. Someone came in to sign up for studio time and donate fabric, and the instructor could barely be bothered to look up from her computer. Overall, I will not be recommending Made Sewing Studio classes or studio time. This class was a waste of an afternoon and three yards of expensive fabric. read more

Owner Carissa and her sidekick Julia offer classes for all ages as well as drop-in use of the machines and studio. They are helpful, patient and encouraging to everyone, regardless of skill or experience. I've spent several enjoyable hours at Made repairing a worn-out comforter. Prices are quite reasonable and the studio atmosphere is laid-back and friendly. read more

Here is an update of my first review: Since having first started sewing with Carisa at Made Sewing Studio in January of 2014, (now being December 2014), I have enjoyed the same generous and friendly customer service as on my first day. I am always welcomed to the studio with a smile. All my questions are answered. I feel comfortable to ask my many questions without feeling that I am asking dumb questions, and Carisa is too good a teacher to ever make me feel that my questions are not good ones. She answers them all. Also, her helpfulness extends beyond the studio. She cheers me on as I am learning on my own to sew stuff at home. When I told her that I was trying to make a costume for cosplay, she immediately told me to tell her which material I was using so that she could give me proper suggestions to make it fabulous. To her, sewing is an activity that has made her own life happy and rich and she wants to share this same JOY of sewing to everyone. It's not 'just a job' at her studio. it's a place to share this joy. read more

I truly love this place. My daughter loves the clubs and summer camps. Carissa is amazing - she has a class full of kids design and create their fashions in THREE DAYS! My daughter takes such pride in wearing something she made herself - thanks, Carissa! read more

At last, a local source for all my favorite independent pattern designers. No more paying postage to ship Deer and Doe from France. How great is that?! And Carisa couldn't be more helpful. Instead of charging me for technical advice or a class to fix an adjustment problem on my new Janome Sewist 500, she guided me via email and I'm now making perfect little buttonholes on my grandson's sailor suit. Thank you, Carisa! read more

I love this place!! If you need to learn how to sew, want to brush up on skills our hang out with like-minded others, this is the place to go. Carisa is the sweetest thing ever and very knowledgeable about all things Made ;) Her classes are fun, the studio is open and organized, she's got patterns and books galore and everyone you meet here is friendly. Check out her calender for the various classes she offers, from pajamas to purses. read more