Eli and her team are AMAZING! They are wonderful instructors and teachers who really know their stuff and yet are accessible, patient, and understand how to teach complete beginners. I know Eli is also very intentional about who she collaborates and works with, which explains the high caliber of guest instructors who lead workshops and classes. I cannot imagine Elmwood without Studio Sessions! Such a special small business. Please support your small businesses! which also means understanding why their policies are what they are--last-minute no-shows and cancellations are extremely detrimental for experience-based businesses. Anyway, I'm excited to take more classes in the future! read more

I have been wanting to learn to sew with a sewing machine and this was a great experience! The instructors are helpful and knowledgeable! I felt confident that after the class I could pick up my projects at home and get started! I'll definitely come back for more classes! read more

Studio Sessions - Singer sewing machine, pins, scissors, and other tools for sewing provided by Sewing Sessions - Specialty Schools Near Me - Berkeley, California

Best small business in the neighborhood. Every-time I go in I'm greeted with kindness and warmth. The owner is super sweet and talented. Can't wait to my second class coming up next month. Bringing a new friend along for the experience. Reasonably priced for the small class experience. Module #1 beginner sewing class. read more

When I heard about this place, I was SEW excited (pun intended)! I've been wanting to learn how to use a sewing machine for a while, but I don't have the space for it in my apartment. I signed up for the first class, which was "Skill building sessions - module 1 (sewing machine basics)" in early July. The project for the first class was to create a carrying case for sunglasses (or pens). Everything we needed was laid out, including fabric, from which we could choose whichever two we wanted. Eli, the teacher and owner, would show us what to do while describing what she was doing (as well as what not to do). I found her to be patient, positive and supportive. She would let us know that we didn't have to be perfect and helped fix or undo mistakes. Fortunately, the first project had enough room for error to allow for that flexibility. Since I was one of the slower students, I had to check in a little more often with Eli since I missed the initial instruction and she would go over it again with me. In fact, there was something I missed at the cutting table, and I started sewing the wrong pieces together at the machine. Fortunately, Eli noticed it and helped remedy it by cutting the piece I overlooked. For those who are left-handed, she does have left-handed scissors! read more

Studio Sessions - Sunglass case I made in Module 1 - Sewing machine basics (open). - Specialty Schools Near Me - Berkeley, California

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This place is like a magical secret. A place to practice creativity with wonderful people who really care about teaching. So lucky to have them in my neighborhood. read more

I took my first class: made a jacket for my wife in a day, with virtually no prior sewing experience. Enjoyed it so much, I signed up for a second class: made a shirt! Again, in a day. Took my third class just last week, pieced a quilt...in a day. I look forward to many, many more. Eli is fun, patient, listens well, and explains everything beautifully. Studio Sessions is one of those things that is simple put, a rare treat. read more

Studio Sessions - A photo of the shirt! - Specialty Schools Near Me - Berkeley, California

I took the module 2 sewing class yesterday, and absolutely loved it. I've been learning to sew on my own at home and have always felt a little overwhelmed - not so in this environment. Eli, the owner, brings such calm confidence to her teaching and I was delighted to spend a few hours with some amazing folks learning together. Plus now I have this special tote that I made myself! Highly recommended!! read more

Studio Sessions - My tote! And my friend's sunglasses case from Module 1. - Specialty Schools Near Me - Berkeley, California

I had a great experience at Studio Sessions. I booked a two hour block to use the sewing machines to hem some clothes. Oksana greated me showing me where the tools were and left me to my efforts. The sewing machines were high quality and the space was very comfortable and uncluttered. I listened in while Oksana gently and patiently taught someone to sew from a pattern. The staff was helpful and kind. I look forward to booking their space again. read more

I highly recommend Eli and Studio Sessions! I booked a private, beginning level sewing class for my team of 6 as a team-building activity and we had a great time. Most of my team was coming in with zero sewing experience, and they were surprised and proud to come out of the class with a completed project. Eli was warm and welcoming, encouraged us to have fun, and walked us through all parts of the project with patience and clarity: using a pattern to cut the fabric, winding the bobbin, threading the machine, and sewing on the machine to produce a drawstring pouch. A couple of my team members are looking forward to continuing this new hobby and I'd definitely come back for another class in future! read more

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I took module 2 (make a tote bag) and it was great. I am a new sewer and it was well paced with the right amount of support. The class size was small and the instructions were clear and each step was bite-sized. Highly recommend! read more

I participated in Eli's workshop and managed to sew a nice jacket even though I don't have much sewing experience. Eli was so well organized and had cut the fabric to the size, made a booklet for instructions and prepared a sewing kit. The best part was that she explained everything to us so calmly and nicely that I even didn't read the instructions. I can really recommend Eli's workshop if you want to improve your sewing skills, meet new people and hang out in the cool place. Tiina S. read more

Last December I attended Eli's class. She's very patient, kind and talented. All the prep work was done in advance and when we showed up all we had to do was sew. I made a gorgeous bull denim jacket. Taking her class inspired me to buy my own sewing machine so I can continue to enjoy this new hobby. If you are looking for something creative to do and know the basics, I encourage you to take one of her classes! Being able to walk away with something you've made is very rewarding! read more

Studio Sessions - Bill denim jacket - Specialty Schools Near Me - Berkeley, California

I did a day workshop with Eli, with very very little sewing experience, and got to make a really cool blouse! Eli prepared everything to make a very pleasant first garment-making experience, with fabric already cut to size and very clear explanations. During the workshop Eli was always making sure we knew what to do, that we weren't stuck on something (and if so, she was great at making us unstuck!), but without constantly hovering. It was pretty fun to get to make the mistakes and learn how to correct them! Really recommend if sewing seems scary and you want to learn from a self-taught awesome woman! Or if you want learn some new tricks, pick up a more daunting project, and generally if you want to spend a day learning stuff surrounded by good vibes :) read more

I booked a private lesson and then took beginning sewing module 2 and can't believe how much I learned! Eli is an excellent teacher - patient, encouraging, and kind, whose projects and directions are clear and accessible. She demonstrates and then has students practice so that each skill builds on each other. It's clear she has put so much thought into what she teaches because there's plenty of time to make mistakes (which are necessary for learning!) and still finish the project. The studio itself is lovely- so much natural light and super clean. Cannot wait to take modules 3 and 4! read more

Eli made me a wonderful skirt to order. I had only mentioned 3 things when we met: the length, the type of fabric and the fact that I wanted it to be comfy with a elastic waistband. Oh how she delivered! The skirt is so easy to wear, the shape and cut are perfect, she took all my measurements and got everything right! And the details, like the pocket linings, make this skirt so unique. I really love it and highly recommend Eli for her vision and talent! She's an amazing and very friendly seamstress who really listens to what you're looking for! read more

I had the absolute best experience sewing a garment with with Eli. As someone with extensive sewing experience, I think that there is always the possibility that you can learn a new perspective or technique of making a garment. Working with Eli was so fulfilling and I felt so proud after our session that I made such a beautiful piece of clothing that can become an heirloom in my family. Truly one of the best learning experiences ever and I encourage anyone new to sewing, a quilter new to sewing clothes, someone wanting refreshing your skills, or an experienced maker seeking to learn more to consider learning with Eli. You won't regret it! read more

I did a 2-hour private lesson with Eli as a complete beginner. She taught me everything very thoroughly and patiently. I came in with the intention of learning how to hem pants and she taught me just that! Eli is a wonderful and kind instructor. She let me stay extra to complete my project. I had an amazing time and would 1000% recommend. read more

We learned to sew an entire beautiful garment and built our creative confidence while taking class with Eli during your Studio Sessions. I got goosebumps when I left the first session because I met great people and the creative energy was flowing. Everyone completed their garments!!! I look forward to more sessions to meet new makers and see my work and skills grow with professional guidance. Eli is a calm, fun and focused teacher who will help you take your wardrobe to the next level in a sewing class or wardrobe consultation. read more