Just finished their slabtown backpack online workshop. It was a great experience and we were successful in completing our backpack. Ellie was there all along the way supporting us and guiding us. Her kits are amazing, everything is precut, all the hardware and tools are there. That allows us to focus on the fun of being creative sewers/bag makers. Ellie is a great teacher, she gives all the tools and resources to be successful. I would highly recommend this experience for anybody. read more

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I connected with Klum House through Design Week Portland. I've never used a sewing machine, so "no experience required" appealed to me. I made the dopp kit over about 2 hours. For that class, the machine is set up and no troubleshooting is required. The fabric is already cut to the pattern. This project is ideal for beginners; all my substandard seams were hidden! The owner-instructor has whole series of short project classes to make useful everyday things - bags and backpacks. You don't have to go deep into patterns or fabric, zippers, snaps, rivets, leather and other hardware, all that is included, in a range of a few colors you select. The projects include some specialty fabrics, like sustainable waxed canvas that are hard to source. Some of their other classes cover more challenging material to sew, like leather, and even a Pendleton panel. The most important part of my experience and this review is that the owner-instructor is patient and a great teacher. The owner-instructor perceives individual learning styles and adapts to each student. Her business model is brilliant. The classes are on the boss Singer 4423, which is an affordable machine to set up at home, continuing your adventures. For your own sewing adventure, Klum House has supply kits of useful sewing gadgets you used in class to purchase and take home. Best of all, after a Klum House project, "I made that" is a beautiful thing to say to individuals asking questions about your project, close around you, friends, and admirers on the street! read more

I've been attending workshops and also volunteering at Klum House since earlier this year. Throughout this time, I've not only honed some of my sewing skills, but met some wonderful people along the way. While I had some years of experience sewing previously, bag making was a whole new world for me. Luckily, Ellie's approachable teaching style made it so easy to step into a class and walk out with some great new skills and a fantastic bag to match. Classes range from very beginner up to intermediate/advanced (think backpack) so there really are great options for every skill level. After taking a few classes using regular machines, I finally jumped on an industrial machine class and it CHANGED MY LIFE. I was a little nervous about using one one of those powerful machines for the first time, but our fantastic teacher Thea really lifted the intimidation veil and taught us how to use the machines with confidence. I'm really excited to keep using them for more heavy-duty leather projects/ideas that have been stewing in my head for awhile now. On the beginner side, I've had the privilege to witness many people learn how to use a sewing machine for the first time (or "first time" after very many years away). After Ellie removes the mystery from the machines and teaches people how to troubleshoot common issues, it's been so cool to see people complete a whole project and look forward to taking a more challenging class next time. Regardless of skill level or sewing interest (tote bags, backpacks, garments, leather, etc.), there really is a class for everyone at Klum House. Come join the local sewing community and take a class with us! read more

Klum House - Ellie teaching us how to set rivets as shop assistant Winston supervises. - Arts & Crafts Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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Few things are as rewarding as learning an actual trade or skill. Ellie Lum is the heart and soul of Klum House and she is one of the best teachers I've ever met. Her passion for seeing and teaching others her craft is inspiring and helps to build confidence in even the most uncoordinated chickens that fear the sewing machines needles. I showed up to my second class ready to learn and make something awesome and I left feeling stoked on my waxed canvas backpack and stoked on the sense of accomplishment. Also, Ellie has fantastic taste in music and you will want to dance yourself all the way home with your completed project. Go here!!! read more

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I made a bag and a dopp kit by myself! This would never have been possible without Ellie's knowledge and patience. I feel so empowered. Thank you Klumhouse! read more

This place is so special! After my first class, I knew I would want to come back again and again and again. The instructor taught with such clarity and patience. She made us all feel welcome and capable. We walked out with new skill sets and a bag that I am so damn proud to say I made. People are sho led that u made it - it's beautiful! I can't wait to check the schedule and see what class I can take next. Perfect for some quiet alone time or something fun I can do with a friend. I just love it. read more

Klum House - Arts & Crafts Near Me - Portland, Oregon

I took the Oberlin Canvas + Leather Tote class, and I was beyond impressed. I came into class with little to no sewing experience, and left with an impressive finished bag about 5 hours later. It was kinda unbelievable! This is a true testament to the thoughtfulness of the class project...and the expertise of the Ellie, the instructor. Coming into the class, I had no idea Ellie had been a professional bag maker for over 15 years (I didn't really read the site description apparently)...but her expertise definitely showed. We weren't just rushed through motions of completing the project in some haphazard way, but Ellie took the time to explain why the bag was designed a certain way. Hearing about her design decisions definitely increased my appreciation for the art of bag design and production. Her attention to detail made this almost feel like an intermediate/advanced class...but I definitely enjoyed it even as a beginner. Mad props to revealing so many trade techniques over a 5 hours period...picked up a lot of practical skills I'd probably use often. Overall, super fun and enriching class. It was well paced, and I appreciated the thoughtfulness around the coffee and snack breaks. There were several other students taking the class, no one fell behind, everyone finished around the same it...another testament to how organized the class is. It was a perfect entry to a new hobby. read more

I came to this class knowing a lot of technique about printmaking and block print in particular. But I needed a jump start to get back into my studio and was curious about KLUM HOUSE, right in my own backyard. The thing about taking a class, even if you have a great background, you always learn something new. A new technique, a new way of looking at your creative side, and the interaction - even in the quiet reflective spaces - is not always available in our own workspace. I also loved that the space was small, thus a small group. If you have a chance to take a class with Thea - go for it. read more

Just took the 'Make Your Own Waxed Canvas Backpack Class with Ellie and it was really a wonderful experience. I am a novice sewer and was a bit nervous that the class may have been over my skill level (parts of it were) but Ellie was very patient and kind in helping me when I needed it. I learned so much in this class. It was definitely well paced, really well organized, instructional, inspiring and I felt that from this foundational learning, I can expand and create in a myriad of directions. There was a nice feeling amongst the other workshoppers and plenty of snacks and tea and coffee. This six hour class flew by and the final product was very cool and utilitarian. If you want support in your making by an expert, want some inspiration and ideas, want to learn from someone with vision, then this is the place for you. read more

Ellie is the best teacher. I found her while looking for ways to learn introductory skills for sewing, leather work, etc. and both of the classes I have taken have been perfect for that. She is fun, to boot. Highly recommend KLUM HOUSE and the doors it opens for newbies to the making world! :) I WILL BE BACK FOR MORE LESSONS!!! :) read more

Taking a class at klum house is my new favorite thing to do, so much so that I want to take a class every month! Coming to take a class here is good for the soul. Ellie is an incredible teacher who inspires with ease and makes you feel like you can make anything! Can't wait to go back for another class, see ya soon klum house! read more

Klum House - Arts & Crafts Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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I took a basic sewing course here to tackle some personal projects I've accumulated over some time. First, the class fulfilled its intention: Having entered the room with ZERO experience and an inability to distinguish a sewing machine from an ice box, I left the room having resolved the aforementioned personal issues and the added skill of being able to setup and use the machines basic operations (straight stitch, zig zag, problem solving and material basics). For $48, thats getting quite a bit. However, thats only part of why I'm giving 5 stars. I mean thats rare in itself to walk away from something feeling like you didn't overpay, but the friggin' sprinkles on my cupcake were the staff, the space and the overall experience. I didn't get a chance to meet the owner, but due to a registering snafu I was able to talk with her on the phone - during which time she patiently STAYED ON THE PHONE WITH ME (happily, I might add) while I re-signed up for the class. Later that night, one of her staff led the show. Now, I brought my own machine (more of a prank than a gift from my mother) instead of using one of the shops newer, more capable machines. The instructor spent as much time helping and translating what she was teaching to my machine as she did with the course as a whole. That really made a great experience for me. The shop was clean, well-organized and even inspiring. I would enthusiastically encourage anyone and everyone to take a course here. I hopefully will be returning to up my stitch game... *thanks Klum house :P read more

We booked the "make your own leather and waxed canvas tote" experience through AirBnB and couldn't have been happier. Loved the space and experience. We agreed by the end of the class that it is truly a "bucket-list" activity. Ellie is a dream - patient, pleasant, and a great teacher. Her fool-proof teaching style and the great quality materials make for a well-worth it experience! read more

Second class I have taken - just as great as the first. Took the Crash course - making a Portsmith Tote and the Dopp kit. Easy to follow instructions, no worries if you make a mistake - just easy to follow instructions on how to fix it. Have never even tried to sew in a zipper, takes some thinking, but really no big deal! Looking forward to taking other classes - also seeing the different color combinations everyone selected is a bonus read more

After 25 year in the Industrial Fabrics Industry I thought it was time to learn a little more about Industrial Sewing Machines so I enrolled in the "Industrial Sewing 101 Workshop". Ellie is an amazing source of information and has a way of explaining information without talking over your head or making you feel overwhelmed. You can't help but get excited about making stuff in such a creative environment. We're very lucky in Portland to have such a great resource to learn and grow with teachers and mentors like Klum House! Keep up the great work! Thanks, Chris Nash - Vaughan Brothers read more

Ellie is a fabulous teacher and a brilliant bag/leather goods designer. Her patterns are beautifully crafted and the end result is a professional looking item that your friends and family will covet if a gift or envy if not! Highly recommend. You will leave with knowledge, having had a great time and a beautiful item. read more

To start, I contacted Ellie to explain what my needs were and she was able to respond in a timely manner to explain what would be the best approach. It was very easy to purchase my lesson online and we were able to promptly schedule my 2 hour lesson. Ellie is a natural instructor! Coming from being a teacher myself, that's saying something! She was able to quickly assess my needs during my private lesson and utilize our time efficiently so that I walked away with so many tips and tricks, I had no doubt it was a wise choice to go with a two hour lesson. Ellie was friendly, knowledgeable, and was able to build off of my current sewing skills to create a valuable and fun experience! If you are debating whether or not you would like to take the plunge and either learn the basics of sewing OR build on what you already know, look no further!!! I know that this was not the last lesson I will take from Ellie. I can't wait to learn more!! read more

Please please please remove the listed number! It belongs to someone else now and they don't need daily calls for "Ellie" or "Klum House". Thank you! read more

I travelled to Portland (from California), to take two classes: the Crash Course Sew, and the Design and Sew Overlook Tote. Ellie offers a special combination of designer aesthetics (I'm so elated to be carrying away beautiful products expressly designed by her for class), business experience, and a passion for teaching. It is truly unique and worth travelling for!!! Klum House itself is a well-appointed space with a wonderful sense of community, and in a cool area -- offering a great introduction to Portland's maker culture. Thank you for the invaluable experience, Ellie and Klum House! read more