Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to our FAQ page where you might find the answer to the burning questions you have aboutTHE SEWING ROOM, Sewing in General or trouble shooting. No worries, however, if you don't find the answer your are looking for. Just email Jennifer@TheSewingRoomAlameda.com and she will try and answer your questions within 24-48 hours.
Where do I start?
We’ve created this flow chart to help you understand how it works when you first get started sewing.
For those who have never used a sewing machine we have them start with Machine Basics. These are short, 1 1/2 hour classes, that familiarize students with the operation of the machine and gets them started sewing.
After machine basics, students usually move on to small easy to finish projects. We’ve developed a series of small-project classes we call Intro to Sewing. Those are a two-class series where students make an apron, tote bag or zipper pouch. Take one or all! They make great gifts.
From there we recommend that students continue with weekly sewing classes where they bring a sewing project of their choice and we guide them through it. Weekly classes are crucial for young students. They need constant repetition in order to retain what they learn. Much like Ballet Lessons or Sports or even Math, practice is key.
For those interested in pursuing a career in fashion, elevating their existing skills or those interested in the “Art” of fashion, we have a Fashion Studies program that might interest you. Sewing skills are not prerequisite for fashion design and illustration, but will help in understanding the “bones” of clothing and how it gets put together, which in turn, informs design. If you are interested in pattern making then sewing is an imperative tool that you will need to understand the skill. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to Jennifer@TheSewingRoomAlameda.com if you have any questions.
How do I sign up for classes at The Sewing Room?
The easiest way to sign up for WEEKLY classes and specialty workshops, is by visiting the classes page of our website. We have all our schedules listed there. You can also find all the Adult classes on our Adult Sewing Page. And if you are interested in Day-long, Holiday or Summer Camps, Camp Schedule page is for you! Just Click the Register button to the right of the class description to sign up and pay for the class or classes you are interested in.
What program is the best one for me or my child?
Weekly classes are crucial for young students. They need constant repetition in order to retain what they learn. Much like Ballet Lessons or Sports or even Math, practice is key.
For All students who have never sewn before or do not know how to operate a machine, we first require you start with Machine Basics Class which will give you the fundamentals of operating your sewing machine. We do these classes several times a month, on a Saturdays, Sundays & Mondays and you can sign up by visiting our Machine Basics Schedule page. We recommend that you follow up your initial lesson with either an Intro to Sewing class and/or a series of weekly classes that run monthly Weekdays and Weekends. That is a great way to apply your skills and get a project underway and/or completed. Some of our kids classes are available to adults as well so that parent and child can sew together. It’s Fun!
What should I bring to class?
Bring a project to work on that includes pattern, fabric, trims and thread. But if you don't have this, we have wide variety of projects for sale in the classroom. You can see what pattern brands we offer on our Shop page. We also have plenty of machines, but you may bring your own machine if you would like to learn on your own machine.
Do you offer Gift Certificates?
Yes, we do! They are the old fashioned paper gift certificates and can be used for product (in-store only) or for classes. You can come in person to purchase one (of any value) or email Jennifer@TheSewingRoomAlameda.com for more information if you would like to purchase online. We can send you an invoice and send your gift certificate to the recipient of your choice.
Do you offer an alterations service?
We do NOT do alterations but we will teach you how to alter your own clothing. Check out our Classes page for available class times.
We recommend Studio Trousseau (Karen Tierney) for Custom Design and Couture work, as well as Stitches on Santa Clara Avenue in Alameda for & Mimi's Custom Design and Alteration in Downtown Oakland for all your custom design and tailoring needs. Mimi is located on 17th Avenue near Franklin and her phone # is 510-763-7777. ( Mimi is Amazing! - I sent all my Bridal Alteration Business her way after I stopped doing Bridal Alterations to rave reviews, of course)
Which sewing machines do you recommend?
As far as brands go, for beginners, we like both Janome & BABY LOCK brand sewing machines. They have many models at all different price levels. Beginning students need a strait stitch, zig zag stitch and a good buttonhole function. If you are willing to spend a little extra, then I would recommend a machine that has a speed control function. Everything else is pure bonus. In the Shop we use the Janome 7318 machine and we also sell these used for $150. Please email Jennifer@TheSewingRoomAlameda.com or Call 510-710-9525, if you are interested.
Where can I get my Sewing Machine repaired?
Bring your machine by The Sewing Room! (but call first) We may be able to take a quick look to determine whether it is necessary to get it repaired or serviced. We find, about 90% of the time, the trouble your having has to do with USER ERROR in the way you are threading your machine or bobbin. Regular servicing is a good idea to keep your machine in good working order. We recommend you do it annually and will refer you to the Dublin Sewing Center or The Sewing Machine Shop in Walnut Creek. Both are terrific, however they only service specific brands and/or models, so call them first before heading over there.
What is the difference between Sewing Machine Repair or Service?
Sewing machine SERVICE includes, cleaning and oiling your machine inside and out as well as a general assessment of it's functionality. Servicing your machine regularly helps avoid repair later. Much like a car service (oil change) , a sewing machine service helps preserve the life of your machine.
Sewing machine REPAIR usually involves replacing certain parts or fixing the timing on the motor. This usually incurs additional costs to the service fee. Occasionally, things just break and need fixing.
What is Bonjour Teaspoon?
Bonjour Teaspoon is a product line produced locally by Sewing Room Owner, Jennifer Serr. These sewing patterns and fabric/pattern kits have been developed for beginning and intermediate students and geared mostly toward our Tween-age students. They are available at The Sewing Room or in our Etsy Shop.
