Classes located at:
Piedmont Fabric
3858 Piedmont Ave.
Oakland, CA 94611
Contact Info:
* Email the Instructor - katy@piedmontsewingschool.com - for scheduling and class questions
* Call 510-655-1213 to purchase/reserve class. (Piedmont Fabric)
Happy student with her completed drawstring pants from Beginning Sewing class.
Adrianne, showing off her completed drawstring skirt from Beginning Sewing class.
Youth Fashion Camp student, Ellery, (9 years old) with completed pillowcase that she designed and created.
PSS Instructor, Katy Simola, shows off her latest creation: a jacket from pattern by designer, Issey Miyake.
* NEW: Sign up for our MAILING LIST!
Stay informed about the latest class discounts, new classes, and schedule changes!
* Take a Class at Piedmont Sewing School, located at Piedmont Fabric, 3858 Piedmont Ave., Oakland
Piedmont Sewing School (PSS) is the SMART, FRIENDLY PLACE in the East Bay to learn to sew! Do you have a favorite garment? Why not learn how to make it? We can help you figure out what your next exciting project will be, and what class you should take to make it real. You'll even get a discount on class materials from Piedmont Fabric!
We have programs for kids to learn how to sew and how to make their own clothes and holiday gifts! This summer, why not entertain your kids with priceless lessons in self-empowerment through sewing!
We have programs for kids to learn how to sew and how to make their own clothes and holiday gifts! This summer, why not entertain your kids with priceless lessons in self-empowerment through sewing!
* E-MAIL the Instructor - katy@piedmontsewingschool.com - for scheduling and class information.
* Call Piedmont Fabric (510-655-1213) to RESERVE YOUR SEAT IN CLASS TODAY, by paying in advance.
Most classes sell out. Class reservation is complete upon purchase.
* Cancellation Policy and Refunds:
Cancellations for refund must be made at least 24 hours before the start of class, in person or by phone (510-655-1213).
* Learn to sew! Discover clothes that fit your body!
If you have ever had clothes that were tailored or altered to fit your body, then you know that there's no better feeling than when your clothes just fit!
No matter what body type you have, you LOOK and FEEL GREAT when your clothes fit you!
* Sewing is a survival skill! Sewing is COOL!
Whatever you have in this world, you will make it go farther if you know how to sew. Why not make the most of what you have? Make the clothes you buy at the store fit you as if they were made for you. Customize your favorite clothes with COOL Patches or appliques! You can SAVE MONEY and GIVE GREAT GIFTS when you know how to make them! Select from a wealth of
DESIGNER FABRICS (like Amy Butler, Anna Sui and Dolce and Gabbana (D&G)) and high end trims at Piedmont Fabric!
* We will TEACH you (and your kids) how to sew!
Want to do your own alterations? Want to make designer patterns in beautiful, luxurious fabrics that you can afford, and that fit your body? Teach your kids that they don't have to be satisfied with clothes they find at the store! Find out what what it means to have clothes that really fit your body! We have adult classes. We have kids' classes. We have teen classes. Let us teach you and discover the skills that you aspire to.
* Talk to us about Custom and Private classes!
What's YOUR favorite idea for a class project? Lets make it happen!
Do you have a designer pattern or other project that you've been dreaming about making, but need help? Engage us in a solo Private Class for customized individual instruction.
Details: $30/hr; minimum lead time: 2 weeks; call 510-655-1213, or email katy@piedmontsewingschool.com.
Schedule a private class today!(Instructor: Katy R. Simola)
Do you have a designer pattern or other project that you've been dreaming about making, but need help? Engage us in a solo Private Class for customized individual instruction.
Details: $30/hr; minimum lead time: 2 weeks; call 510-655-1213, or email katy@piedmontsewingschool.com.
Schedule a private class today!(Instructor: Katy R. Simola)
* Class Reservation Policy
Students must pay for classes in full, at least 24 hours prior to class start time, to be considered registered for that class.
CLASS CALENDAR
CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
Current Classes
* Introduction to Fashion Sewing (3 hours, $35) - We help you get started!
Learn the basics, or refresh your memory and learn new tricks with this introductory class. Learn how to choose appropriate fabric for a project, prepare your fabric and pattern, choose the pattern size that is right for you, lay your pattern out on fabric, thread a sewing machine, and basic machine sewing. This class will prepare you for taking future sewing classes. (Instructor: Katy R. Simola)
* Beginning Sewing (3 hours, $35)
Every GREAT DESIGNER was once a BEGINNER! Each month we feature a simple pattern that we complete, step-by-step. Do you find sumptuous fabrics and not quite know what to do with them? This class is for you. You will learn basic sewing techniques and tricks for success. This month's class will feature an elastic wasteband skirt. Other month's projects have included messenger-style bag, pants with a drawstring, and throw pillows. (Instructor: Katy R. Simola)
* Youth / Teen Fashion Sewing Classes
(2 hours, $25) Our popular fashion sewing camp will become an ongoing, weekly class. This class is for Youth ages 9-12 and will focus on fashion sewing projects. Projects will be determined by student interest and individual skill level. (Instructor: Katy R. Simola)
* Knits without a serger (3 hours, $40)
Sew knits using your sewing machine! You don't need a serger to create beautiful knit garments. Knits can be flattering for every figure, learn how to use knits to your advantage. Learn how to use the beautiful knits in our store to make t-shirts, dresses, sweaters, etc. Choose your pattern. Please see the supply list for this class.(Instructor: Katy R. Simola)
* Knit T-Shirt (3 hours, $40)
Do knits seem too difficult to work with? They don't have to be. Learn to use and understand a commercial pattern and create your choice of 6 knit tops from one Simplicity pattern in this class. You will learn tricks to sewing knits with a regular sewing machine. This top can be made in a matte jersey fabric for daytime and a stretch velvet or novelty knit fabric for evening. (Instructor: Katy R. Simola)
* Amy Butler Barcelona Skirt (3.5 hours, $40.00)
Make this easy to wear skirt from designer Amy Butler. This skirt is lined and has a zipper. Take advantage of the great selection of Amy Butler prints at Piedmont Fabrics. Students should know basic machine sewing before taking this class. Please see supply list for this class. (Instructor: Katy R. Simola)
* Reversable Apron (3 hours, $35)
You will use a simple pattern to create a pretty, vintage style, reversible apron. In this class you will learn to "bag out" a garment, how to sew and turn straps, to sew curves, and to top-stitch. (Instructor: Katy R. Simola)
* Skirt Sloper (3 1/2 hours, $45)
Learn how to draft a skirt sloper using your measurements in this class. This class is #1 in a 2 part series. You will make a muslin version of the sloper which will be fit on you, then those changes will be made to the sloper. Once you have a sloper which is customized for you, you will be able to create any type of skirt you desire. A third class may be added, depending on student progress, to demonstrate how to use the sloper to translate your designs into garments that fit you perfectly. (Instructor: Katy R. Simola)
* Project Assistance (3 hours, $35.00)
Have you started a project, but run into fit, construction, or other problems and got stuck? This class can give you tips and tricks to complete your project successfully. All skill levels are welcome. Please bring to class at least one incomplete project, and the tools needed to finish it. (Instructor: Katy R. Simola)
* Zippers.1 (3 hours, $40.00) - Intro to sewing zippers
Knowing how to put a zipper on a garment can give you the ultimate in confidence. Have zippers given you pause in the past, and kept you from finishing a project? Students in this class will create a sample of a centered zipper, a lapped zipper, and an invisible zipper. (Instructor: Katy R. Simola)
* Zippers.2 (3 hours, $40.00) - Intermediate zippers
Learn how to put a fly-front zipper into pants or a skirt. Replace a broken fly-front zipper in an existing garment. Also, learn how to sew zippers into a pillow, purse, and a separating zipper. (Instructor: Katy R. Simola)
* Alterations (3 hours, $40.00)
Give your clothes a custom fit with basic alterations. This class will include an individual fit session by the instructor to determine the specifics of the alterations required. Please bring multiple garments that need altering. Basic alterations include hems, sleeve length on non-cuff sleeves, taking in garments that are too big, and letting out garments that are too tight (if there is enough seam allowance on the inside of the garment to do this.) Please have some sewing machine, and garment construction experience before taking this class. (Instructor: Katy R. Simola)
* Copy your favorite garment (4 hours, $50.00)
Do you have a favorite garment you would love to
recreate without taking it apart? In this class, you will learn
more than one method of copying a garment to create a pattern, without harming your original
garment. Please bring a favorite piece of clothing. Please see supply list for this class.(Instructor: Katy R. Simola)
Upcoming Classes
* Leather Purse (3 1/2 hours, $40)
Learn how to work with leather, and combine both sides of a leather hide with fabric, or make your bag entirely out of leather, to create a lovely purse. You should have some machine sewing experience before taking this class. Please bring a Teflon foot that fits your machine and see supply list for this class. (Instructor: Katy R. Simola)
* Sew Your Own Sweater! (3 1/2 hours, $40)
Learn how to sew your own sweater in this class. Sewing with sweater knits is not as difficult it might seem. Check out our fantastic selection of sweater knits, and learn how to make yourself sweaters without knitting. Please have prior experience working with knit fabrics before taking this class. (Instructor: Katy R. Simola)
* Amy Butler Raincoat Class (3 class series; $40 per class, as necessary)
Learn how to make cute, one-of-a-kind raincoats using the Amy Butler Raincoat pattern. Piedmont Fabric has a terrific selection of cotton-backed oilcloth, perfect for a raincoat that suits your personality and keeps you dry! You will learn how to sew with oilcloth, methods for waterproofing the seams, and more. Please have experience making garments with a sewing machine before taking this class. (Instructor: Katy R. Simola)
CLASS INSTRUCTORS
* Katy Rose Simola, MFA, katy@piedmontsewingschool.com
Katy Rose has lived and worked in Oakland, CA for 3+ years, designed and developed patterns for Bay Area theatres like Solano Youth Theatre, Cal Shakes, ACT since 2007. She holds an MFA in Fashion Design from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. In 2009, Katy Simola won the Fairfield County Register's ARTY AWARD for "Best Costume Design in a Youth Production", for her Solano Youth Theatre production of The Music Man. Working with actors of all shapes and sizes, Katy has learned that fit is key to the success of the garment. Katy Rose enjoys teaching all people the joys of successful sewing and fit.