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Explore your creativity and learn new skills using a variety of crafting materials, tools and techniques.

Using handsewing techniques and a variety of materials you can create all kinds of different projects. You'll not only make the project yourself but also learn the skills to make more on your own.

When registering let me know which project you want to make. I'll provide you with different patterns to select from, then during the class I'll guide you through the steps and techniques to make the project.

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Project Options

Several projects to make and different techniques you can learn.
Plush Toy
Make stuffed animals and other plush toys.
Cross Stitch
Create unique designs with this easy form of embroidery.
Embroidery
Apply creative stitching to your clothes, bags, accessories, pillows and more.
Felt Embellishments
Create felt toys and characters, or embellish other items with unique designs.
Applique and Patches
Repair or personalize your clothing, accessories and decor with unique fabric or patches.
Sashiko Stitching
A unique embroidery stitch for reinforcing or decorating garments, accessories and other items.
Want to make your own designs?

Depending on how complex the pattern or your design it may require more than 2 hours to complete that I can show you how to make in personalized lessons.

Prerequisites

None!

This class is for the absolute beginner with no experience or someone who wants a refresher on the tools or techniques shown in this class.

Tools & Supplies

Here are the materials based on the project you want to make, as well as other general tools and supplies that you will need:
All Projects

In addition to the materials for the project you select, you'll also need these materials and tools:

  • Scissors
  • Pins or clips (recommended for kids)
Cross Stitch

Embroidery

  • Embroidery kit
  • Cotton or felt fabric - large enough to stretch across the hoop plus a few extra inches
Applique and Patches

Applique and patches can be applied by hand or machine. If you want to applique, please have your fabric cut out and ready before class, otherwise most of the time may be dedicated to cutting and there won't be enough time to complete the project.

Sashiko Stitching

Learning Options

Learn from me in a live lesson where I'll personally guide you.


Private Class

Live, instructor-led private sewing class scheduled at a time that is best for you.

Number of Students
See discounted price for multiple students


Online
Live Video Chat
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Public Class

To provide a personalized experience and accommodate busy schedules I primarily teach private sewing classes and this class does not currently have any public dates available, but you can request it as a private sewing class.
See registration details below.

Duration
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2 hours
One, 2-hour session

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Discounts
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Instructor-led Private Classes/Lessons

Discounts are available when you sign-up multiple people for private classes or personalized lessons so get friends or family members together too. Select the number of students above to see the discounted price per person.

Online Sewing Classes

Not sure if online learning is right for you?

Choose from options for live, instructor-led sewing lessons over video chat or some recorded classes that are available to watch on-demand when you want.

Live Instructor-led


I developed a unique virtual learning experience to make it as close as possible to being in person. I make the same project along with you, answer your questions, and show you the actions from multiple cameras as I personally guide you step by step.

Recorded On-demand Video


Some classes are available to enroll in to watch online and learn at your own pace. The techniques and projects shown are similar to the live classes. Follow along from your computer or mobile device when you want and return to pick up where you left off.

Learn more about my online learning options or register below for live, instructor led.

About the Instructor

Vanessa has been teaching children and adults for over 20 years and offers beginner to advanced sewing lessons to students locally and virtually across the country. She's also an instructor in the Fashion Design Program at Austin Community College and is a member of the Fashion Design Advisory Committee. Previously, Vanessa was an instructor at The Stitch Lab where she taught intro and specialty sewing classes, gave private lessons, hosted parties, and ran summer camps.

Vanessa is a full-time designer and seamstress working with clients on a wide variety of custom sewing and product development projects for fashion, wearable tech, decor, accessories and soft goods that keep her current with the latest sewing trends and technologies. She is also a machine service technician and has detailed knowledge of a wide range of sewing machines that enables her to personalize sewing lessons for the types of machines students are using.

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New registrations for instructor-led classes are temporarily closed
Thanks for your interest in taking sewing classes with me! Due to extremely high demand I am currently not available to take on more students. When open spots become available I will re-open registration. If you would like to be notified when registration is available please subscribe to the Ronkita Design newsletter below.


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