Sewing and Fitting Mentor is a place to learn, grow, and discover the creative possibilities of fabric! We offer personalized instruction and mentoring in garment construction and fitting, pattern design, and other fabric arts such as bag-making, quiltmaking, and basic home décor.
At the heart of the Sewing and Fitting Mentor studio is Renee, an experienced and enthusiastic dressmaker who opened this shop in Forest Lake, Minnesota, with your needs and expectations in mind.
Since 2018, Renee and her growing team of teachers and mentors have provided an open, lab-style classroom that, as Renee puts it, “is brimming with creativity, learning, and a whole lot of sewing magic”! It’s the perfect place to begin your journey into your first or next level of sewing.
We welcome you to the studio if you:
- Are clueless about threading a needle.
- Feel intimidated by sewing machines or sergers.
- Last sewed in a junior high home economics class!
- Rely on others to hem your new pants.
- Feel overwhelmed by fabric selection.
- Have a stash of fabric that needs a project (or a few!).
- Enjoy sewing, but don’t know how to advance to the next level.
- Are curious about or challenged by pattern fitting.
- Can’t find a thing to wear.
- Can’t get pants that fit your body shape.
- Want your kids to learn how to sew.
No matter where you land on the spectrum of sewing skills, we will help you move forward—creatively! The first step is determining your best starting point, and that requires a little Q&A.
Check out our handy flow chart to see where you might land in the learning process! The best idea is to start at the beginning or where you are least confident.
Click the class options below, consider the questions about your skills (or your kids’), and help us get you on the right track.
We will be glad to discuss your journey if you still aren’t quite sure where to begin. Our goal is to get you started or moving forward on your sewing journey at the point where you can learn best!
Sewing Machine 101
Also known as Intro to the Sewing Machine – the tool of the sewing trade! This is the prerequisite to Beginner Sewing and Kids/Teen Sewing. Learn how to set up your own sewing machine (or use a studio machine): thread it, wind and load a bobbin, and sew straight, even seams. Learn more …
Beginner Sewing
Practice essential sewing techniques for your choice of garment making or non-garment sewing. Prepare and cut fabric, follow a pattern step by step, and sew and finish seams to create polished projects. Learn more …
Kids & Teen Sewing
Beginning sewing instruction designed just for young people ages 8-16. Learn the same basic skills as the adult classes in a kid and teen friendly format. Learn more …
Kids Summer Camp
Multi-day, project-based, and kid friendly sewing classes held each summer with a variety of fun sewing projects that kids will proud to complete. Learn more …
Sewing with Mentoring
Mentored sewing at your own pace for your own garment-making projects. Get help with fit and garment construction, build confidence in your sewing skills with expert guidance. Learn more …
Advanced Pattern Fitting
Next level garment making using the Palmer & Pletch Fitting Method by a certified instuctor Learn to adjust patterns and create your personal fitting foundation. Options for both pant and sloper fitting. Learn more …
Quiltmaking
Learn the ancient and modern art of quiltmaking. Begin with the basics of rotary cutting and fabric piecing, or improve your quiltmaking skills and finish quilt tops you (or someone else) already started. Learn more …
Bag-ology
Learn to sew stylish, functional bags as you build skills in pockets, zippers, structure, and finishing techniques. Learn more …