About

Welcome to Sewing and Fitting Mentor …

Hey there, fellow sewing enthusiast! We are thrilled to welcome you to the Sewing and Fitting Mentor studio. We are your go-to spot for all things sewing and garment fitting–and we offer classes in bag making, quiltmaking, and more! We are here to be your guides and your cheerleaders as we explore the wonderful world of needle, thread, and endless creativity.

A Little About the Studio …

Sewing and Fitting Mentor opened in 2018 to serve the north side of the Twin Cities metro area with personalized sewing instruction and mentoring for people of all ages and sewing skill levels. 

The studio, located at 99 Lake St. N. in the heart of downtown Forest Lake, offers new and ongoing in-studio courses and mentoring classes Monday through Thursday, and Saturday, year-round.

Sewing and Fitting Mentor is the dream-come-true for Renee, a dressmaker and teacher who has skillfully stitched prairie dresses, bridal couture, hipster fashion, historical costumes – and everything in between – for more than 30 years. Renee has a degree in apparel services, with a specialty in pattern drafting and bridal and special occasion apparel. Additionally, she is certified in pant fitting by Palmer and Pletsch.

Aside from its primary goal of being a classroom and creative space for garment and non-garment making, the studio offers a variety of quality dressmaking tools, sewing notions, and Gütterman thread and zippers are available for purchase (but we aren’t a fabric shop).

From Renee … the Founder of Sewing and Fitting Mentor

Before diving headfirst into the world of sewing education, I was a dedicated homeschool mom and, yes, a motorcycle enthusiast! Riding my Honda Shadow 1100, whom I lovingly call Gypsy Rose, is one of my favorite ways to feel empowered and free. Just like sewing, riding is all about the journey, the exploration, and, of course, a bit of adventure.

My transition from professional dressmaking to teaching came from a desire to share the joy of sewing with others. After teaching through community education, I found my true calling in mentoring. The Sewing and Fitting Mentor isn’t just a studio; it’s where I get to support and celebrate every stitch, challenge, and triumph alongside you.

Of course, before those triumphs, there were struggles … we’ve all been there. Believe me, I’ve faced my fair share of sewing challenges, from daunting patterns to the elusive perfect fit. That’s precisely why Sewing and Fitting Mentor exists – to offer you a helping hand, an understanding nod, and to invite you into a community where every sewing obstacle is another opportunity to grow and celebrate! Change the link above to the pants fitting page.

If you are between the ages of 8 and 100 and are eager to learn the art of sewing (always at your own pace), this is your sewing studio! Our classes cover everything from the basics to more advanced techniques, all in a supportive and friendly environment. Here, it’s not just about the sewing; it’s about building friendships, sharing stories, and creating memories that will last long beyond the pattern, garment, quilt, or bag you make.

Let’s get your sewing journey underway! Contact me with any questions. 

Meet the Studio Team …

Cheryl Glassel – Teaching Assistant and Bag-ology Instructor

Cheryl is ever-ready to help students with anything they need! She’s a skilled bag-maker who embarks on her many travels with delightfully designed bags of her own making. She strives to help students feel supported in their sewing journey, whether they are learning a new skill at the sewing machine, or putting their creativity into a stylish bag. Cheryl loves the Sewing and Fitting Mentor studio and the energy and enthusiasm every student brings to class. She loves seeing their joy in a finished project!

Joy Carlson – Quiltmaking Instructor

Joy loves the art of quiltmaking and has been making and gifting quilts of all sizes to family and friends for nearly three decades. Cutting fabric into little pieces with the intention of sewing them back together to make beautiful quilt tops makes her happy (even though cutting isn’t her favorite part of the process). Joy shares her enthusiasm for quiltmaking with students of all ages, encouraging both new and more experienced sewists to expand their skills in the art of quiltmaking with beautiful fabrics.

Ali Long – Administrative Assistant

Ali is the mostly behind-the-scenes admin who keeps things running when everyone else is sewing, mentoring, or otherwise creating. Ali supports Renee in the business of keeping everything afloat even as she also enjoys being part of the studio vibe.

Aria Rose Clingman – Studio Assistant

Aria enjoys graphic design, arts and crafts and all things “fabric,” which makes her right at home in the Sewing and Fitting Mentor studio. She keeps things organized in the studio, everything from patterns and fabrics to inventory and class prep. Aria is a dancer and figure skater at who finds delight in making students feel comfortable in the studio. She loves seeing the variety of fabrics students bring to class (especially the cute pastels!).