I found out about and registered for the class super last minute by calling Cecilia the day before the start date and she was able to fit me in. Cecilia is pleasant and the class I am in consists of 8 women, all 30-40 age range. The class that I am taking is called Beginning Sewing I : From the Start. This is a 5 classes series that consists of a weekly 3 hour class from 6pm - 9pm. The class in 5 parts costs $175 (not including materials, which you would have to purchase yourself) consists of: Class 1: Sewing and general concepts Class 2: How to read pattern, marking and cutting patterns, and custom fitting. Class 3: Sewing machine, sewing seams, finishing seams. Class 4: Pressing techniques and pressing tools Class 5: Finish sewing project The series consists of making of a garment from patterns, and we are not expected to touch a sewing machine until the 3rd class. There is a lot of learning -- about fabrics, patterns, and cuts. Thus far what I find the most interesting thing I have learned is why clothes don't fit and how to make adjustments. It is an eye-opening experience for me to take this class. Cecilia is very organized and knowledgeable -- you will learn things in her class that won't be found in your regular beginning sewing book. As for the store, you won't find fabrics or patterns here. The small store offers a good selection of notions (Cecilia has mentioned that she's picky about the quality of what she puts in her store), some books, sewing machines, and sewing furniture (which needs to be ordered and then delivered). There are other classes available but schedules are still being worked out. Beginning Sewing seems to be the most popular regular class. read more

Sew Images - Store front - Specialty Schools Near Me - Oakland, California

3 words for $28 seems like a lot but I'm not keen on how much these things are supposed to cost. Brought in an apron on Wednesday to have 3 words embroidered (not more than an inch in size) and was told it would be ready by Saturday. The only really frustrating thing about the experience was trying to get an estimated time frame of when the apron would be done. When I asked when I could expect it, the lady sternly told me she had a lot of orders but it would be ready by Saturday. I probably should have been more direct about when exactly I needed it but I just figured they close at 6pm so it would have to be done before then... I called around 3pm and was told it would be ready by 4:30. Luckily I was able to get it wrapped and ready for a bday dinner...but it was definitely cutting it close. I'd recommend bringing in your items way in advance just in case they are backed up and can't turn an order over quickly. read more

Yay for Sew Images! Nobody was able to embroider the garter for my upcoming wedding, but Sew Images did it! And she was very friendly and quick too. My fiance caught this garter at my best friend's wedding and so I wanted to use it for ours as well...in hopes that one of my many friends in long-term relationships will catch it ;) They also have sewing classes. I really want to check them out! read more

Sew Images - Nice job! - Specialty Schools Near Me - Oakland, California

Sew happy with the embroidery for my Nurse Costume! Clean and organized shop - sweetest owner ever. A true artist - her passion shows! We didn't really give her very much notice and she was still friendly and helpful! read more

Sew Images - Specialty Schools Near Me - Oakland, California

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I keep returning to Cecilia Franklin's wonderful shop on Piedmont Avenue for her excellent selection of superior thread (Guterman and Mettler in many varieties), bobbins, seam rippers, chalk sewing markers, bobbin holders, and other sewing tools. (Not to mention Ms. Franklin's excellent sewing machine repairs and great advice.) In September 2018, I bought a used Pfaff 1222 E sewing machine that needed repairs. Now that one stripped gear has been replaced and the drive is aligned it is a wonderful machine once again, thanks to Sew Images. I am a loyal fan and grateful customer. read more

Cecelia is an extremely talented instructor. I took a beginner serger class with her. Finding an in-person serger class is very difficult. There is nothing like learning with a master. Within a couple of hours, I could thread and unthread my Brother 1034D. According to what I have read about sergers, manual threading is a huge pain in the neck, but Cecelia broke things down for me. Now I can make sturdy edgings for my handwovens and knits. The cool thing about Sew Images is that there are samples all around the store showing specific techniques that Cecelia can teach you. The world is your oyster. I hope to be back for Open Studio, where I can learn to sew difficult materials and further refine my serger skills. read more

Cecilia was terrible as an instructor. She was stern and unkind to my girls. During camp, she spent an hour selling the machine to a potential customer while making the child wait while everyone else was moving ahead. I would not recommend at all. read more

This review is overdue. I was gifted a Bernina machine for my birthday last year and got to pick it up with Cecilia at Sew Images. She was so generous with her time in showing me how to use all the wonderful features and I left feeling really confident! I love my machine so much that I went back a few months later for a Bernina serger. Since I had only ever used the industrial ones at school, she showed me how this one works and was so patient and fun to talk to. My sewing machine needed a repair this month and she was so helpful - I originally called and asked if she could help me order the part so that I could fix it, but she explained that it was a bigger job and that I should bring it in (it was under warranty). I was glad to know that it was in the best of hands! Cecilia is truly a wealth of knowledge - she knows every last thing there is to know about the machines she sells and all the cool features and has always been happy to share it. She also carries all kinds of wonderful notions and accessories. I highly recommend Sew Images and Cecilia! read more

Pros: They fixed my Babylock Decorator's choice. A part inside broke off and they were able to replace it and get it good as new. For that, I am grateful. It took about 2 months, but, to be fair, they had to order a part that was out of stock and THEN replace it. It was quite an ordeal, but they got it done and the cost of that and a servicing was reasonable. Cons: When I got my machine, it was dirty and scraped. The person who fixed it had not wiped it down. There were weird dust particles and dirt on it, and scuffs. Now, I don't really care THAT much about dirt, but it just felt a little like good customer service would fix that problem. Plus, isn't that part of getting my machine serviced? They took my power cord and pedal. A cautionary tale for anyone bringing in their machine: make SURE they mark down that you bring in the pedal and power cord with the machine. If not, they will not give it back. My husband brought in my machine. I am 100% certain that I gave them my power cord and pedal. They didn't mark it down. He didn't check carefully. When I got my machine back, I couldn't use it, because I had neither. When I called, they insisted they did not have the pedal and power cord and that I didn't bring it in because it wasn't marked on the receipt. Be that as it may, I would NEVER have brought my machine in without these items because I would never have thought they could actually FIX my machine without them. They conceded that they would give me a power cord, but I had to purchase a new pedal for more than $30. The worst thing is that when I called to ask about them, they told me, "You don't need the pedal to run the machine. You can sew without it." I felt like that was a bit rude. Sure, I CAN press a start and stop button, but I like using the pedal. The pedal is important to me. And, besides, whether or not I can use it without it is irrelevant to the fact that THEY STILL HAVE IT! They cast enough self-doubt that I scoured my sewing area thinking maybe it was my mistake, but there aren't that many places a giant pedal and power cord combo can hide, so I know they still have it, even though they claim they don't. But, what can you do? I give them 2 stars for fixing the machine at a reasonable price, but I'm disappointed with the lack of professionalism and stealing of my pedal. read more

I took my sewing machine on 12/31/2021 for repair. She asked me for $100 cash deposit for $110 total repair which I gave. I thought it would take 3 weeks but as of today, 4/27 I have not gotten my machine back. Called, left a message several times with no response. read more

My sewing machine was having issues - and by issues, I mean that the needle kept hitting the strike plate and splintering off. I decided to look into fixing it before I lost an eye. My original plan was to tighten the screw on the needle bar, because I thought that it was off kilter and that's why it was hitting the wrong spot....when I went to Sew Images looking for a screwdriver, they told me to just bring in the machine. Luckily I live two blocks away, so I carried it over a few days later. They asked me a bunch of questions about my usage, how I maintained the machine etc...and inspected the needle closely and took several turns with a sample fabric. They essentially determined that I was more likely than not pushing/pulling the fabric as I was sewing (I'm impatient) and that's the only thing that seemed to be wrong with the machine. I learned quite a bit about my machine, and they kindly (up)sold me some machine oil. Both of the ladies were friendly once they understood I wasn't messing around...but I can understand why some people with less confidence might be intimidated by the shop. (I'll admit that I was also there because the nee Longs no longer has a sewing section. :-( But I'm glad I came!) read more

I just completed the 5-part Beginning class at Sew Images. I found Cecilia, the instructor, to be extremely knowledgeable, encouraging, and helpful. Cecilia teaches you how to make any pattern fit your particular body and teaches many shortcuts that you won't find in any book - helping to alleviate a lot of frustration. Be advised however you will be expected to do work outside of the classroom. After the third class, it's all hands on work on your project. Just like anything, you get out what you put in. I would definitely recommend the class to anyone who is serious about kick starting their sewing and is willing to put the time and effort outside the classroom. read more

machine repair: ONE star general shop products and customer service: 3 stars i used to bring my machine here for servicing and tune up all the time. i've never had a problem before, but this last time was a disaster. i didn't get my machine back for two months, during which time the shop owner took over 3 weeks to even look at my machine, lost/misplaced my power cord and foot pedal, and ultimately didn't fix the problem. i finally brought my machine home. right away it is skipping stitches, and a washer fell out from somewhere as i was cleaning the dust out of bobbin holder. maybe the owner was overwhelmed; it certainly seemed like it from the look of her shop. i was disappointed, and the whole experience has left a bad taste in my mouth. very unfortunate. i brought my machine to a different shop to fix it as i was uncomfortable bringing it back here. otherwise, you can get many supplies for your machine here. no fabrics or notions; just machine supplies really. read more

I originally took my Baby Lock serger to Berkeley Vacuum and Sewing Center--what a fiasco!! What I thought would be a routine tune-up turned into a 9-week long nightmare... in the end: they told me that they couldn't fix my machine, the only thing they thought they could fix was my broken lower looper (for nearly $250!!), and that it would cost nearly $700 to ship it back to Baby Lock to be completely fixed--and then they kept my deposit!! ... ... ... Thankfully, I then found Cecilia. What a joy. I dropped off my machine, gave her my disaster of a tale--she just laughed and said she could definitely fix it up, and would keep my machine no longer than a few weeks. True to her word, a week and a half later, and only $145 total-- my machine is back in my possession and in excellent working condition! woo-hoo!! I will definitely be back-- and will be sending everyone and their mother here. :) read more

I took my sewing machine in to get repaired. This was the first time my machine had broken and I chose to take it to Sew Images because it was the closest store to me than any other sewing machine repair store. First off, parking is pretty difficult to find on a weekend. There's only street parking and you're lucky if you can find one close by. I dropped in twice, once in the afternoon and another in the morning. The first time, I drove around for at least 20 minutes just looking for available street parking whereas the second time I dropped in, I found it in my first try. If you are going to go, I suggest going in the morning because parking is a lot easier to find. Secondly, the sales associate didn't give me an estimate of when my sewing machine would be fixed by, but that they'd "call me." I gave it to them on a Saturday and by the following Thursday, I still didn't receive a call. So, I called them. The lady over the phone told me that their repair guy only comes once a week - Thursdays. This would've been nice to know in advance. She said that they'd give me a call on Friday to let me know if my machine is ready to be picked up. Friday comes and passes and still no call. I give them a call Saturday morning and that's when I find out that it's ready for pickup. Were they even going to call me? The total rang up to be $99 - a spring was apparently broken. I've tested out my machine and it works as it should but my needle threader seems to working oddly now. As mentioned previously, I've never gotten my sewing machine repaired before, but it seems like the typical price range for sewing machine repairs is anywhere between $50 - $150 and it falls in the middle of that range. At least Sew Images seems to know how to fix sewing machines but it isn't right for you if you're not willing to wait a whole week to get it repaired. I'd recommend another place that has a faster turn-around time and better communication and customer service. read more

I've been coming here for years for last minute notions, great little shop and very helpful and friendly customer service by the nice lady owner! Shop local read more

On 2 different occasions I have taken my machines to this shop. I should have known better than to go back the 2nd time, but I was desperately in need of my machines quickly and they were the closest place to me. When I got back both my serger and my sewing machine (after weeks of waiting), there were far more problems with them both than when i took them in! Then I had to keep taking it back and getting it back with more problems! Nonetheless- I could go on and on as to why this place took me for a very expensive ride, a major hassle of running around, phone time and basic abuse while there, but instead, i will just WARN you that it is a complete rip off when I could have just bought 1 new machine with the amount i lost to them! They certainly get a 0 on customer satisfaction! read more

I love this place. The owner knows her stuff about regular sewing machines and specialty machines for embroidery and overlock (the small machines that cleans up seams and trims the edges). I haven't brought anything in for repairs yet, but have used her classes for how to overlock! read more

TERRIFIC, wonderful gem on Piedmont Ave. Cecilia is a master at what she does and I'll DEFINITELY be going here for all my sewing needs. Sew Images offers classes for kids and adult, repair sewing machines, and their store only carries quality items. There was a problem with my Singer sewing machine and they fixed it within a few hours! They were kind, funny, and helpful with any questions I had-- regardless if I'm a student or not. Don't shop corporate stores! Support small businesses like Sew Images, keep these beautiful places alive :) Thank you Cecilia and Kelly! read more

The owner is a sewist's sewist! She stocks all things that are needed for any kind of sewing project. The owner is very kind, helpful, and friendly!! The shop has some fabulous fabrics! I picked up some quilt binding clips. The shop also has sewing machines of all sorts!! It is a lovely place. On a lovely street in Oakland! read more

Cecilia saved me - I was working on a big art project that involved sewing lots of industrial felt and although I had not bought my machine from her (which I regret) she let me bring it in and she figured out what I was doing wrong just out of kindness. So rare these days to have good locally owned shops where people treat each other kindly. I felt like I'd gone back in time... in a really good way. I bought a bunch of "extras" - chalk marker, needles, weights, thread - and will go back for any/all of my sewing needs. It became so clear to me all that is lost through the big heartless sewing/fabric stores. Sew Images is a great resource for our community - it deserves to be supported, and enjoyed. read more

I have Bernina machines, a thirty-year old Designer 1000 and a more recent serger. There is no other place I would take my machines for service. Although repair is not usually done on site, Cecelia can evaluate problems, talk them through with you and let you know what to expect. Plus the store has wonderful sewing accessories and a variety of fancy threads Custom embroidery and patches can be made there also. read more

I don't know how to sew, but in my fantasies I'm a kick-ass fashion designer. When I walk by Sew Images, I stop and read their posted announcements for classes and sewing machines for sale... and then I walk on. Anyway, for Christmas my sister wanted a dark blue bath towel with her name embroidered on it. Sound corny? Well, let me explain. Our mother sent us off to college with new bath towels with our names embroidered in script on them. Let me tell ya, it was one of the most useful items I had with me in the dorms! No one could mistake my towel for anyone else's. I loved my towel and I still have it, though it's old and I use it kinda as a rag. My sister has her towel, too, and she uses it on her dog. So sis wants a new personalized towel. After calling around and getting nowhere, I finally called Sew Images and discovered to my delight that they can do this kind of embroidery! I worked with Kelly who was so pleasant and helpful. I had to pay extra for the rush job, but the work was very well done. Sew Images has been a long-time merchant on Piedmont Avenue and I'm glad to have patronized them after years of walking by their storefront. They're a credit to the neighborhood. read more

Came here looking for a curved upholstery needle, had checked out a few other places with no luck. Damn the Longs/CVS for down-scaling, but I suppose I should support my local sewing stores instead. But I really loved that Longs on Broadway. Anyways, the owner (I'm assuming) had some people there and was chit-chatting, but as soon as I came in was quite helpful, in and out in 5 minutes, got my needle (she knew exactly where on the wall it was, well out of eyesight), got me some heavier duty thread, and now all's I got to do is start repairing my couch. Will be back once I "borrow" my friend's Singer and start having fun. read more

I took a class with Mrs. Cecelia. She was awesome. I learned so much about sewing, fabrics, sewing machines, and reading patterns . I learned more in the few weeks with her than I'd learned in all my many years of following YouTube videos. She was very knowledgeable and provided me with a great foundation. Also there were only two people in our class so Mrs. Cecelia was able to give a lot of attention. Sewing is dying art. I was so glad I was able to learn from some one like her. read more

Unfortunately, I had a bad experience with this place. First,it took $110 and 6 weeks to replace a screw on sewing machine. When it was returned, it was missing the bobbin plate. Cecelia got hostile on me when I asked her to refund my money since the machine is rendered inoperable. She said then that she would look for a part, if she could find one and would call me. One month later, she has not called me. read more

Cecelia is a peach! I couldn't be happier with the logo she custom set up and embroidered for me. The shirts look great and done in just a few days. I'll definitely be back. read more

So today I took a Sewing Beginning class it was $50.00 without supplies. When I got there she said your the only one who signed up. It was like she wanted me to cancel. I was thinking it was music to my ears!!! A one-on-one class.... So the class was good I was excited I never took a sewing class in my life. Cecelia was very nice but 30 minutes to finishing the course she went a full 180 on me. She told me sew this...and I have never sewed she walked away and went on her computer. Now I paid for the course I want my instructors full undivided attention. I was the only one there no one else signed up for the course. So I sewed it then she kept walking away to her computer looking at exercise videos. So I'm the type of person who will ask questions if I need help so I kept asking & it seemed like she was getting irritated. Then near the end she's like 6 minutes to 9:00 and she is the type to say sew this and expect you to sew it & get it. Well if you have never really sewed before your not going to get it right away. Anyway she said sew this so I sewed it then she comes over & is like you did it wrong!!! Well if you were next to me and not playing on your computer watching exercise videos maybe I wouldn't have sewed it wrong. Then it was 9:00 and she's like 9 all rushing. So when I called prior to the class she said all supplies is $10.00 when I got to the register the price of the supplies jumped to $27.00 I was confused so I asked her the beginner kit says $15.00 how is it $27.00 and she said because the fabric you sewed on. Now I would think the $50.00 would cover that she said no the $50 is for my expertise. So your basically paying $77.00 for the course without the book. I am so happy I saw first hand how she acted before signing up for the 8 weeks. So I saved my time and money I'll go elsewhere. Pros: She is knowledgeable of sewing Cons: Rude! Rushing, She is always on computer read more

Sew Images - logo for sew images on piedmont - Specialty Schools Near Me - Oakland, California

The owner is such a nice lady that takes her time to make sure everything she works on is top quality. I was referred to her by a family friend and am very fortunate to receive her services...great place and great customer service all around. I will definitely be a returning customer. read more

My wonderful fiance bought me a robe for my birthday and wanted to get it monogrammed with my soon to be letters! He took it to sew images and said Cecilia was so nice and polite when talking to her in the store. However, once he picked up the completed robe we were greatly disappointed. The monogram on the robe looked nothing like the correct initials. It was supposed to be LLJ and it looked more like UUG. We even asked our friends and they could not even tell what letters they were supposed to be. I personally decided to call the store. I politely requested that it either be redone or simply get a refund. When I asked for that Cecilia got angry. She said that was the font my fiance picked out and that if I wanted it redone I would have to pay to get the stitches taken out and the monogram redone. I explained how the monogram looked nothing like my letters. She then asked for my full name and claimed she knew me personally when I have never been to the store, nor met her and live over 25 miles away. She then proceeded to tell me to just come back to the store and we could work something out without specifying how much she was going to charge me. I live over 45 minutes away and this is extremely difficult for me, especially without knowing how much money she was going to charge me to fix it. I am in the process of working with my bank to get a refund as Sew Images is not willing to work with me. My fiance and I will never use Sew Images again. They have poor quality and a lack of customer service. It is very disappointing that I now have a robe with incorrect letters on it. Please don't let Sew Images ruin any of your items. read more

Sew Images - This is supposed to be LLJ. No one I showed this monogram to could make out the correct letters. - Specialty Schools Near Me - Oakland, California

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I went in on referral for embroidery. Had bathrobes for bridesmaids' gift to be personalized. The owner Cecilia was nice and seemed like she knew what she was doing. I chose a font and requested the names "across" the back of robes. We decided that space in the front was too small. After a couple weeks I got call to pick it up and I came in to pay for it. I did not check the work until I got home. The embroidered names on the back were so tiny it made zero sense. You'd have to squint to see it at all. I called her, she was irritated and said it was my "font". That was the biggest she could do. What!!! She never told me it would be so small you'd need a magnifying glass. We discussed to have the names "across" width of back. She proceeded to tell me I needed to pay for her to take it out, on top of what I already paid. Further more, the work was crappy. Threads hanging off the letters and uneven words. I was so excited to find a place to go for sewing classes too. But now, I'd never set foot in that place again. I've always been one to support independently owned Oakland businesses but stay away from this one. Adding insult to injury- taking out the names would ruin the robes. Will never spend a dime here again. read more

Cecilia is ver kind, patient and skillful. She made my clinic coat pop with a custom embroidered patch of our clinic logo. She is generous with her time, and has a calm and authentic demeanor, which translated to her work. I'm so lucky to have met her, and have a local business that I can trust now with my custom clothing! read more

Service was prompt and efficient, staff was kind, so that earns some starts. But this place is a huge RIPOFF!!!!!!! $95!!! That's more than my machine is worth! She couldn't quote me a price because didn't know what was wrong with my machine. Turns out, a thread was caught. They removed the thread. They also did a full tune up (which I did not ask for) and charged me for it!! NEVER going back. Looks like a lot of other Yelpers had the same experience $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ To follow up, I was contacted by the owner after the original encounter. She just called me to argue that I am wrong for feeling ripped off!! She put the blame on me and showed truly horrid customer service and common decency. Atrocious! read more

I'm blown away by Cecilia's generosity in giving her time. She is an amazing teacher who encourages you every step of the way. I had a blast tonight learning how to make pattern adjustments. I will definitely take more classes with her and look forward to sewing well fitting garments. read more

While some here at the store may be helpful and as reviewed, I found the proprietor insulting - though it may have been unintended. After having just lost over 30 lbs, the proprietor commented re considering alterations I might be doing that I, and I quote, had a "big a__". Yes, that is no lie. I was shocked and after talking this over with a couple of friends (this was almost a year of hard work on my part to lose that weight - imagine how I felt!!!), I realized this was not a place I would want to patronize ever again. There are other places to buy sewing supplies and increase one's sewing skills. The owner also clearly was working hard to try to sell me a machine and impress me with her design skill (I don't & didn't need a machine and only needed a small accessory when I came in and as a designer myself coming from a family of working artists and designers, gotta say I was not impressed... at all). It's a folksy place and clearly the owner knows sewing but where consideration of others and customer relations are concerned, clearly the only reason this place is still in business is because in the nearby area, there is no competition... ...YET. read more

Ran in here really quickly to get some bias tape, the ladies were "SEW" nice! Super helpful and the bias tape was like $2 each. Not bad!

Do not come here. Worst service, and huge rip off. My machine is actually in worse shape than when I brought it. And she charged me an insane amount for the tune up. I would never go here again. read more

I had a sewing class with Cecilia tonight and it was really great. I'm a total newbie, with no real idea of how to navigate a sewing machine; I'm just on a mission to learn some new stuff and we happen to have a machine that doesn't get used much. Cecilia was patient but also funny, and after showing me something (like, say, threading a bobbin), she'd always make me repeat it myself. It was super fun and I can't wait to start my first real project! read more

Cecilia is very sweet and will work with you to make your custom order to your liking. I had handkerchiefs personalized for my brother. They turned out very well and he loves them. In addition to putting his initials on the handkerchiefs I asked if she could add a symbol on it and she did without hesitation. She even corrected a small mistake without asking for an additional fee. I will go back to her future embroidery projects and I just might even show up for a sewing class. read more

Took my basic Bernina in because the presser foot was going crazy and also because it hadn't had regular maintenance in several years. Machine was fixed within a week and now works beautifully. The only surprise was that when I phoned to say I couldn't pick it up right away, I had to pay for the repair and service over the phone with a credit card or they wouldn't hold my machine. Don't know why that would be a policy because not everyone can drop everything to do a pick up - and what would they have done with my Bernina if I had refused? read more