Poekie Nook is the most magical place that our daughter has ever found. It's her retreat and sanctuary; there is no place else she would rather be! My daughter, now nearly 8, found Poekie Nook 2 years ago and since then she has sewn about 40 poekies, made 4 houses, and a couple different habitats. She has gone to summer camps, holiday camps, after school hours, spent most Saturdays, and had her birthday party at her beloved Poekie Nook. It's a place where she can go, be herself, and visit with kind friends and teachers while keeping her imagination and hands busy sewing the softest, cutest animals ever. Sophia, Christine, Jay, Abby, and all the amazing teachers that work with the kids each provide guidance and allow for independence and imagination to flourish. The other children there range in ages so the younger ones get to listen in on conversations about middle and high school life, while they all develop skills of conversation and socialization, as well as dexterity and the craft of sewing. Honestly, it's the best thing that could have happened early in her life to have found such a wholesome place and be a part of such a lovely community. I can't say enough good things about Poekie Nook and the people who work there! read more

Poekie Nook - Pride and Joy! - Art Classes Near Me - Mill Valley, California

One of the most adorable spots in Southern Marin. Poekies are original stuffed animals & characters that kids, age 6 and up, can learn to sew themselves. I've been bringing my 7 year old boy & 6 year old girl here for more than a year. As much as it's a pleasure to drop them off for a couple hours on their own, it's hard for me to leave without wanting to pick up a project of my own. Beading and hand sewing with owner Sophia, and her sweet staff is a delight. I was not surprised to learn Sophia is a trained Waldorf teacher - it's evident in the focus of the shop - good clean fun!! And creativity of course :) My youngest loves making stuffed hearts and animal characters while my older kid is into beading. Both are good options for making gifts for friends, or creating friends to play with! Last time I was in, I made a little stuffed snowman for my daughter, with glass bead eyes and buttons. So cute! This place is so charming and the "work" is so rewarding, a perfect way to counterbalance the instant gratification our kids get so used to in this modern age. PLUS, it's a last-minute guilt-free option if you need a spot for your kids for a few hours while you run errands, finish up some work, or .... meditate? Two thumbs up!! read more

Such a sweet charming vibe where my kids love to unwind and get their calm & creative side nurtured by sewing Poekies! Sophia is so sweet and considerate and it's sometimes a lot of kids in there yet the vibe is always chill and relaxed. It's one of those Gem places someone thoughtfully created. I believe she moves on May 1st, 2015 to the new spot behind Tamalpie Pizza. Get your kid a gift certificate here for 10 hours at least-they will LOVE it! read more

This place deserves more than 5 stars. Poekie Nook a great example and reminder that you can make just about anything a success if you're doing what you love. And it's crystal clear to anyone that Sophia loves these kids and loves to teach them to sew. My 8 year old daughter is just nuts about this place. She looks forward to it all week (and makes sure to remind me of that fact... multiple times). It's her favorite place to go whenever she has the chance. I look forward to dropping off and picking her up to see what she and everyone else is making - and to say hello to Sophia. I was presented with a surprise gift last week - the fruit of much labor: the most adorable stuffed red hippo. It now lives on my car dashboard. If you have kid who is at all interested in creative projects, definitely check it out. read more

Had a lovely birthday party here. They were so easy to work with and did a great job with the guests. The kids loved making little animals and playing with them when they were done. It is a warm and welcoming space and our birthday girl was over the moon. read more

Our 6 year old daughter's time at Poekie Nook has become a bright spot in our lives. Christine, the owner, is kind, accommodating and excellent with children of all ages. She has been helping our daughter improve her fine motor skills by teaching her the basics of hand sewing (whipstitch, backstitch, pattern cutting, assembling 3D shapes and then stuffing those shapes with beads and batting). I can hardly believe how gorgeous the end results are! But more than that, she's given my daughter a wonderfully fulfilling creative outlet. She feels a true sense of accomplishment and, thanks to the hands-on instruction given by all of the teachers, can actually produce what she sees in her mind's eye. Now more than ever, in light of the Covid-19 Pandemic, Christine's excellent communication skills, professionalism and attention to detail really shine. Teachers are always wearing masks, children and staff wash their hands frequently, each student works with a set of designated tools that are disinfected when they leave and groups are kept small enough to maintain social distance. All the while, the teachers at Poekie Nook foster a relaxed and playful environment where the kids can just be kids! This place is truly magical. read more

Poekie Nook is a wondeful place and one we consider ourselves lucky to find in Marin. At Poekie, Sophie and her team teach children a useful and valuable skill while allowing them to use imagination to create their own treasures. My daughters have all made wonderful creations here. If you are looking for a fun, creative outlet for your children in a nurturing environment, you need to stop in and check it out for yourself. read more

A special place. My daughter is so happy here at camps. Creativity and attention to detail and great spirit. She would do every week of the year if she could. read more

My daughter just loves the Poekie Nook! It is a very unusual business, all created personally by the owner, Sophia. She has made a magical place where young people learn to sew and make Poekie characters from scratch, beginning with easy ones, and moving up to more complex Poekies. You will get a lot of information from seeing her website, www.poekienook.com Your child will love this place, and learn a lot while enjoying themselves! Also good for birthday parties! read more

Today I visited Poekies for the first time with my two girls. We moved to San Rafael in June from Campbell Ca. Being new to an area is a huge change for any one. Finding good a community, good people and hidden gems is always a challenge when you are new. We found all of that the minute we walked into Poekies today. The place was filled with sweet kids, buzzing around, working on their Poekies. I was clueless as to what to expect, since this gem was recommended too me by a friend and his family. I dont know anything about sewing so I was nervous as to how this process would play out. I was greeted at the door by Nicole, who lead me through the process of checking in and explaining how we would pick our pattern, fabric and go from there. It was crowded with kids, but everyone took the time to welcome us and were always available to help us on the next step we needed. I felt like the room was just so alive and filled with sweet conversations, and bonds being developed. Friends being made, old and new, just sitting around a cozy room sewing. Its exactly the ambiance and community that I as a parent of two girls, wants for my girls. A place to learn, grow, develop a confidence for a skill in sewing, creating and being inspired by others. I was in awe of Sophia, sitting around a table of kids, and their projects, and never once loosing her smile and her bond with those around her. I loved just sitting there and listening to all of their laughs, and conversations they were having as they were helping each other sewing. After 2 hours there, we left with the cutest Poekies and a building confidence in my girls in a new skill. They are so in love with what they created today, and honestly, we cant wait too go back! Thank you too Sophia and Sammy and Nicole for your help today, your patience, and for your hearts shown through teaching others to sew and create! See you all soon. read more

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Though Poekie Nook is new to Mill Valley Sophia has been providing this tremendous service to parents and tremendous fun for kids for many years in Sausalito. My daughter, now 15, has been with Sophia for at least 8 years. Kayla has learned SO much about arts and crafts and now that she also assists Sophia part time she has learned responsibility and how to work with younger kids. And Sophia is exceptional! She cares deeply about 'her ' kids', is provides firm loving guidance when the kids need some help navigating socializing with other kids. Sophia is very creative, patient, and devoted to the kids well being and to there having fun. The Nook is vibrant and engaging. There is always fun, chatty energy between the kids and with Sophia. And when a child is feeling down Sophia provides her experience, caring heart and considerable wisdom to help transform the moment. As a working parent when my daughter was young Sophia and her Nook was a god send in knowing I can bring my daughter there and she will be held, have a lot of fun and learn a lot Oh, and beside being a really lovely person, she is also a teacher trained in the Waldorf method. David W read more

My 10-year old daughter loved Poekie Nook. It really made the end of the summer super enjoyable. She plans to be back at the Poekie Nook this fall to make more complex Poekies! Thanks Sophia. Very, very fun learning experience that give my daughter a great sense of accomplishment. read more

I have been working with Sophia for 10 years now. I started going to sophia for projects when i was 5 years old and am now 15 and working for her at the Poekie Nook. Sophia and the Poekies have always been a big part of my life not only growing up as a child, but as a learning experience now as an employee. Sophia really cares about every single child that walks into her room and even, i have no idea how, is able to remember almost every single name of every child. I loved working with Sophia and now for Sophia and if i could give it 6 stars I would. read more

We love Sophia! The Poekie Nook is an incredible, home made DIY work space that continues to blossom. Nicole is also a top employee who works alongside the kids, teaching them to sew 'poekies' big and small. Each animal has a a story and a pattern to be crafted with sustainable materials (100% recyclable). From there the creature can be tailored as far as fabric and imagination can take it -- creativity everywhere. The new space is bright and spacious, conjuring an even more glorious atmosphere. Keep an eye out for summer camps and continued expansion on this sustainable hotspot that teaches hands on skills, communication through imagination and a little bit of Dutch. 10/10 recommend read more

Sophia and the Poekies have been a part of our family for six years. The Poekie Nook is a happy, warm, creative, safe and super fun place that sparks my daughter's imagination. Sophia is wonderful to the core and adores what she does. You have to meet some of her Poekie characters to fully understand what captures the children. They also love the social aspect of sitting around a large table sewing, beading and talking. read more

Marin is so lucky to have Poekie Nook! Sophia's beautiful new space in Tam Junction (Mill Valley) is a delightful wonderland full of whimsy and creative energy. My 11 year old daughter loves learning increasingly challenging sewing skills and creating personalized adorable "poekies" to collect and share with others. She also loves the social aspect of Poekie Nook, as kids are friendly, open, helpful and supportive of each others' efforts - everyone is welcome and the "drop-in" practice assures there are always new friends to meet! The teenage helpers who work right alongside Sophia clearly enjoy helping younger children as well as teaching (and though they don't know it, they are awesome role models). Last but not least, Sophia - she alone is enough of a reason for children to love Poekie Nook - firm but nurturing, playful yet serious- she has set up a relaxing, fun, contemporary in an old-fashioned-kind-of-way place for kids and kids-at-heart of all ages to unwind, sew and be as social (or quiet) as desired. While I'd love to keep Poekie Book a secret, it is too fantastic a place not to share. read more

Poekie Nook is an incredible place for learning and creativity. Sophia is a master at enabling the kids to explore their inner imagination and creativity all with gentle guidance. The atmosphere is calm and relaxing and kids thrive. My daughter wants to go to Poekie Nook every free hour that she can! It is the first place where I have been able to drop her off and have her feel safe and independent. I highly recommend Poekie Nook for both boys and girls! read more

The Poekie Nook is truly a magical place! Sophia is amazing with the children, she helps each child learn to sew their own poekie with incredible patience and humor. She understands a child's inner life by bringing these characters to life for them. The children having made by hand their very own poekie now have this incredible relationship with them. Their creativity and imaginations run wild. We can't thank Sophia enough for creating such a loving, safe, beautiful creative environment for our children to explore. read more

I have two grandchildren, twins - a boy and a girl. They are in the bay area, but we have since moved to Seattle. Both of them think of Sophia at the Poekie Nook as the best thing since candy! They have both told me of how nice she is; how they like working with her and actually learn something without it being difficult or feeling like learning. When I have come to pick them up instead of rushing to the car they want me to go away for just a little while longer whilst they finish their projects. The Poekie Nook is the only place that I have left the children while they were in my care, and I know that they are safe, nurtured and stimulated - something that I don't always get from their school. Truly a lovely place with lovely people doing really good work. read more