Inspiration, tips and tools for beginner and advanced sewists

New to sewing or just need a win? Tote bags and pillow cases are useful, beautiful and satisfying!

With the perfect pattern and beautiful material, even a sewing project that takes 60-minutes or less can be incredibly rewarding. That’s one of the reasons Piper Tupper stocks so many gorgeous kinds of canvas in her Bainbridge Island sewing supply store, Esther’s Fabrics.

“Sewing a tote bag is a great project for beginners, but I know a lot of accomplished sewists will also make them in between more complicated projects. It’s a treat to make something simple and beautiful that you know you’ll use every day,” she says.

Another project that Piper often teaches in Esther’s Fabrics beginner classes is a pillow case.

“We carry a lot of fun fabrics in modern and classic colors and patterns. Something like a pillow case can transform your living space, it’s useful, and it gives you an instant sense of accomplishment. They also make great gifts!”

Esther's Fabrics has a wide selection of fun, functional fabrics for making tote bags and other beginner-friendly projects.

Sewing classes for kids and adults, from beginners to advanced

The selection of classes and instructors at Esther’s Fabrics continues to grow, with plenty to inspire a total novice as well as seasoned veterans.

Apparel Classes: Customers have been loving instructor Suzanne Edwards Granstrom’s recent apparel classes, and she loves teaching them too! Upcoming offerings include an introduction to sewing pants (and a follow-up course with more advanced techniques for a button fly and other features), how to work with knits, and how to draft your own sewing pattern. “The more Suzanne gets involved, the more she wants to do! And if customers request a class on a skill she’s not familiar with, she’ll practice, do research and even take other classes on her own time to be fully prepared to teach the requested skill,” Piper says.
Quilting Classes: Experienced quilter Felicia Hord is returning to her teaching career, and Piper is thrilled to have her organization and patience in Esther’s Fabrics. “She’s teaching Quilting 101 and Quilting 102, and has also seamlessly filled in for some of our other classes when something comes up.” Felicia is also teaching a T-shirt quilt class, where participants will learn how to turn sentimental t-shirts into a cozy keepsake. “It’s considered a beginner project, but working with t-shirts can be tricky, so a class is a great way to ensure you avoid unnecessary frustration!” Piper says.
Sewing classes for kids: Esther’s Fabrics offers kids classes on weekends and Mondays after school, for beginner and intermediate sewists. Classes are recommended for ages 8 and up, with more options planned for the summer.

Esther’s Fabrics now has a curated selection of Janome sewing machines for sale! A selection of machines (including a long arm quilting machine) are also available for rental. Find Esther’s Fabrics at 181 Winslow Way E on Bainbridge Island, an easy walk from the ferry to Seattle. Learn more at esthersfabrics.com and follow them on Facebook and Instagram for news and inspiration!

Visit Esther’s Fabrics on Bainbridge Island for a wonderful selection of fabrics, sewing supplies and sewing machines, or sign up for one of their classes!

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