I came to The Sewing Room room after teaching myself to sew on YouTube, which really worked for me up until I wanted to create more complex, personal things. I'm a total self-starter, but but eventually I needed someone to walk me through the hard things, explain techniques they've learned by applying them directly to my garments, and help me understand why a particular method works for a particular fabric or design. I was nervous walking into my first class. I worried I wouldn't fit in or I would feel out of place. That fear disappeared almost immediately. I was warmly welcomed by Christine Knobel, my first instructor, and by the other students. The community here is genuinely kind, diverse, and supportive. Apparently sewists are just really nice people (or at least the ones who come here are). I expected to improve my sewing skills, and I absolutely have, but what surprised me most was how meaningful the community became. In a world where most of my interactions happen through screens, spending time learning alongside real people has been incredibly grounding and joyful. I also love that they offer a fashion studies track, where you can learn from the very beginning, designing a sketch, all the way through creation. The classes are clearly structured to help you grow into a true sewist, not just complete a single project. Plus, they're always adding new classes, which keeps things fresh and exciting. This place has been a gift, both creatively and socially. read more

I moved to Alameda 6 months ago and wandered into The Sewing Room while exploring Park St. I am a self-taught hobby sewer and was so excited to have a sewing store walking distance from me. They have a beautiful small selection of fabrics, notions, and patterns but they really excel in classes. I decided to take a garment class (the lined jacket), not for help, but for community, and I'm so happy that I did! Christine was a great teacher and I do pick up some tricks! My goal this year was to grow my skills, so I decided to enroll in the Sketch to Garment class. It has been so fun working with Julie Ann and my fellow students. I was worried I'd struggle because I don't have sketching or design experience, but I love how easy and creative they made it! I'm looking forward to more. Come to The Sewing Room for community, creativity, and knowledge! read more

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I hadn't seen since high school, and The Sewing Room classes are exactly what I needed. All the instructors and superb! Sewing has brought so much joy back in my life! read more

The Sewing Room - Churning out baby blankets for friends - Art Classes Near Me - Alameda, California

I've really enjoyed the private lessons I've booked at The Sewing Room. I've worked with Christine mostly. She really knows her stuff and has helped me a lot with pattern drafting, alterations, etc. I've also taken Jennifer's workshop on vintage sewing, which was a lot of fun. I always come out of classes at The Sewing Room feeling more confident in my sewing and excited to try new things. read more

I started classes in 2024 as an adult trying a new hobby. I've taken privates and group lessons mainly with Christine who is very knowledgeable about fashion, vintage, and costuming. She helped me pattern draft my first Halloween costume! Jennifer is also wonderful, and both teachers are not only passionate about the craft, but very patient with students of all skill levels. I look forward to seeing how my sewing grows with their help in the new year! read more

Loved the sewing class! The instructor was patient and knowledgeable, making the process fun and easy to follow. The workspace was well-organized, and I left feeling confident about my new skills. read more

The owner saved my life on Christmas Eve by salvaging a scarf I had ruined. I am forever indebted to her for her kindness and skill, and I'm looking forward to taking classes at The Sewing Room in the future! read more

BUYER BEWARE! I hope this review is helpful to parents who don't have $450 to waste. So many incredible kids' classes out there - this is one to avoid! Told a neighbor about this, and she said, "Is that The Sewing Room in Alameda? Oh yeah, my daughter took classes there too and it's the worst - they are a mess and have no business teaching children." The owner, Jennifer, changed the website now that I've complained loud enough, but still made me eat her $450 mistake. She acknowledged the mistake was her own, but the only solution offered was to buy more classes from her. She also removed the group classes for the instructor who never should've been left in charge of children - the kids didn't like her, said she was mean and yelled a lot, and I personally heard her speaking condescendingly to a 9 year old when she jammed the machine. The website also says kids need to bring a snack, but she refused to let them eat, "Then I have to clean your wrappers out of the garbage can!" A persnickety old grump no good with kids. The website initially claimed that this intro class didn't require experience and, for a series of 3 classes ($300), they would choose a pattern and complete a garment. We could purchase pattern and cloth at the shop (price gouged $150 for 2 patterns and 2 yards of jersey fabric!). At the end of the series I asked to see what they made, but none of them finished and Ms. Grumps told me we would need to buy 2 additional drop-in classes ($300). "But the website said..." to which she responded, "Yes, Jennifer is in the process of changing that because so many parents complain. She is also changing it require a Machine Basics class before this one ($90)." Then came a host of excuses: there's too many kids in the class, I couldn't give them the all support, 9 year olds don't have the attention needed, your kids didn't know how to use a sewing machine (website said no experience needed - she's changed and bolded that now). She then said she understands and she's really sorry, but just reach out to the owner because she gets this complaint a lot from parents. So I reach out and despite admitting it was their fault she refuses to refund my money, instead arguing that they have changed the website now and do I want to buy more classes. read more

I can't speak highly enough of Jennifer and the Sewing Room! I joined the weekly adult classes with the goal of drafting my own skirt pattern, which in retrospect was a little ridiculous considering my only sewing experience was sewing in a straight line. But Jennifer helped me design a pattern, and over the course of two months I was able to produce 2 skirts from my pattern. Now I'm sewing at home and am confident working from my pattern on my own! It feels like magic. I will definitely go back when I'm ready to work on another garment style. read more

Kid: I love all my teachers at the sewing room. I have a lot of fun and really like Jennifer, my teacher, and the owner and her dog, whose name is Magic. I made some pretty cool things for my American Girl dolls and one thing I started won two ribbons at the Alameda County Fair! I just finished a reversible cape for myself that has a burgundy frog clasp. It's gold and I can't believe Jennifer helped me make a pattern from scratch! Yesterday, we had a real fashion designer come in! Mom: This class is worth every penny! Jennifer is so talented yet humble! She gently teaches her students confidence and life-skills. She is an amazing role-model for my daughter. My daughter has had two other patient and wonderful teachers, both named Maria, who are equally as lovely and creative, and fantastic role-models. The Sewing Room is highly recommended to anyone of all ages! Jennifer sells her own pattern designs in her beautiful studio. She also sells beautiful fabric and fantastic sewing machines. She really has an exquisite eye for beauty and design. I really would like to take a class as well! read more

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I went once just for thread and the woman there was very kind, helpful and informative. I would go there again any time for that sort of thing or to learn about sewing. read more

Recently participated in a Zoom-hosted Surgical Mask sew along with other home based sewers and Jennifer of the Sewing Room. The Zoom format was fantastic! Jennifer walked everyone through each step of two mask making tutorials with clear visual and descriptive instructions and answered any questions along the way. The Zoom format was a great way to build sewing time into an otherwise busy schedule and connect with others even though we were all in different places. Highly recommend any Zoom sewing experiences with The Sewing Room, or any sewing instruction opportunities with Jennifer! read more

The Sewing Room - Art Classes Near Me - Alameda, California

Awesome class, great teaching and sewing space. Thank you so much for providing this to the community.

Great shop and knowledgable staff! I have come in a few times now, and each time have been treated incredibly well! I will come here for all my sewing needs and for help with sewing questions! Thank you! read more

The sewing room is just a magical yet low key place. The teaching and the learning that take place there is unique. What the sewing room had brought to my daughter's life cannot be put into words and eventhough the classes are a little dear for our family budget , the fact that they bring so much happiness and craft makes them priceless. read more

The Sewing Room is the "next level" in classes for kids. Jennifer is the most kind and patient person my 13 year old daughter, Kelly has ever worked with. The level of teaching far exceeds any other class I have enrolled her in. Not only was Kelly excited about going to class she was inspired to take what she learned and apply it outside of the class. Jennifer was able to tap into a side of Kelly that Kelly did not know she had. I cannot express what a positive effect this experience has had on our family. There are "drop in" classes, I highly recommend that you take one, so that you too can experience the magic of The Sewing Room! read more

I took an awesome sewing class with Jennifer! The fitting workshop was so valuable. Personalized, hands on lessons in how to alter armholes and busts to improve the fit of three different garments I had sewed up: a denim jacket, button down shirt and Tshirt. I feel empowered! She was patient and empathic and excited about clothes. I really enjoyed it. read more

The Sewing Room - Fitting Workshop with a fashion expert - Art Classes Near Me - Alameda, California

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My daughter's been taking sewing classes from The Sewing Room and under Jennifer's tutelage - and in a short time frame - my 9yo has sewed her own beautiful shirt, tote bag, and is working on a pair of shorts! She's really learning a lot and Jennifer is patient and a great teacher! I highly recommend these classes as sewing is a lost art and Jennifer makes learning to sew fun and easy! We couldn't be more pleased with the instruction and results. Highly recommend. read more

The Sewing Room - First sewing project! - Art Classes Near Me - Alameda, California

I ADORE this place! There are two owners of the shop, Desiree and Jennifer, and they each offer their unique talents and skills to this fabulous place. Desiree creates AMAZING retro/reproduction vintage dresses that are soooo cute and well made, and very reasonably priced! You can either buy a mass produced retro dress or buy one of her beauties, so unique and expertly made. Jennifer offers sewing classes to young and old, and I for one, am saving up enough money to take one. Just talking to her you can see how friendly and patient she must be as an instructor. Whether you are purchasing or taking a class, or just window shopping, I suggest you stop in the shop and look around. I am sure they do a lot more than I am sharing here, and they can tell you the whole scoop! LUV YA LADIES!!!! read more

I have taken numerous sewing classes over the years (from several great teachers) including private and group lessons from Jennifer. SHE IS BY FAR my favorite! She is knowledgable, patient and a delightful instructor -- I especially love her style ;-) She takes the time to answer your silly questions (of which I have many). She explains in as much detail as you want, which I appreciate, because as I get better, I want to know the best way to sew things--not the quickest. I started sewing about 9 years ago when I got a sewing machine for my 40th birthday. I knew NOTHING but thanks to many hours with this sewing Maven, I have learned things I never thought I'd figure out. The best thing I've learned? HOW TO SEW CLOTHES THAT ACTUALLY FIT ME (a curvy girl). She's the best and I can't wait for my next class. read more

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My daughter took a sewing camp from Jennifer at Rhythmix Cultural Works. Two years later she still has her beautiful inspiration collage boards. She had a great time on the runway, modeling her cute little skirt. It was a very positive experience! Jennifer and her team are lovely people. read more

The sewing room is a delightful place to learn, thrive, and grow creatively! The owner truly understands and is passionate about fashion and about teaching! The Sewing Room has something for anyone of any age who is interested in learning about sewing, especially creating well-fitting, unique statement pieces, as well as everyday getups. Love this place!!! read more

Great program for my aspiring teen fashion designer! I was looking to provide me daughter with a quality program that is both challenging and supportive for her sewing and design needs. The teaching is top notch, the environment and tools and resources are more than I could have asked for. Thank you Sewing Room! This is the best program in the Bay Area! read more

I have traditionally not been a fan of online sewing classes. I like real time, live interaction. I need to specifically show my problem or question and get a focused answer. Nonetheless here we are in the time of COVID 19 and I wanted to make masks. I watched YouTubes and read articles. Then I got an email from Jennifer Serr (owner of the Sewing Room) offering a free Zoom mask making workshop. I attended. Lo and behold I learned how to sew a practical, sophisticated mask with pleats and aesthetic details! Like an in person class, Jennifer took individual questions, told me how to position my work so she could see exactly my question area and showed me how to do exactly what I needed to do. As usual, I found myself catching on more slowly. (In almost every sewing and crafting class I've ever taken, I tend to finish last and have the most questions.... LOL!) I was MORE THAN SATISIFIED with the quality of Jennifer's online sewing class. I was delighted. I plan to take more online Zoom sewing classes with Jennifer. She is an awesome teacher and a sweetheart human being. Thank you, dear Jennifer! I love learning from Jennifer and recommend her online sewing classes/workshops to anyone considering taking the plunge. read more

Recently I attended a private event The Sewing Room. This is the most adorable space, it's magical, just the kind of place I could get lost in for hours. It's well organized, neat, practical and has so much charm, just like its owner Jennifer Serr. I hope that soon I can return to take one of their classes, I have an old (torn) favourite dress I need to make a pattern from so I can reproduce it. read more

Jennifer is AMAZING! She taught my daughter how to sew, and design clothes and bags, and she's now taking up my pants, and mending my brothers clothes. In addition, my daughter has designed and made dresses, blouses, and gowns that she wears to school and special events. It's amazing how far she's come with Jennifer's guidance! Jennifer's camps are a dream too! I wish I could take a class! read more

My friend had her baby shower here and it was so much fun. We made bibs and bandana bibs for the baby on the way. We all had fun, and the mama-to-be had something useful and practical to take home with her. Definitely better than your typical shower. Jenn and Maria were awesome! They were the most patient people ever, which is super helpful when you have a group of people with varying sewing abilities/experiences. Pro tip: I highly recommend the Hello Kitty sewing machines if you're a beginner. read more

A huge thank you for the Online Fashion Drawing Class!! My niece recently took the class and loved it. At the time I suggested the class to her and her mom on a whim; she was recovering from some difficult health challenges. She had loved pen/ink drawing in the past and so this class jumped out at me. We hadn't seen her touch art for years and she is so talented. Your class gave her just the impetus she needed to jump back into her drawing, which in turn boosted her mental health. She is now sketching and drawing daily. Thank you. I wanted you to know how much we appreciated it. read more

Wonderful staff, highly knowledgeable and super friendly with beginners and as well as advanced levels. The fabric choices are highly varied. The staff will recommend projects or you can bring in your own. It's a fantastic place. read more

The Sewing Room is a fantastic resource for the sewing community, especially for those of us who are inexperienced and only occasionally sew. Jennifer is so kind and knowledgeable and has never failed to get me "unstuck" when I hit a snag in completing a project. The store is tiny and cute, but seems to have all you could want for your sewing needs. read more

I've been taking sewing lessons from Jennifer for about two years now. She is an amazing teacher for beginners like me. We started by bringing in a piece of clothing that we love and making a pattern of it. Then we took the fabric and cut it with the pattern. The last step was the sewing, really got to get the hang of back stitching, threading and sometimes going off the fabric and learning how to reset the foot on the machine. Wow! It was such an awesome feeling when I had the finished product which was a Christian Dior Caftan. My mother is a master sewer (whom I would never learn from because that's how it is with mom's sometimes). When I wore my caftan to the mom's house, her mouth was on the floor. So...this coming from a professional sewer was beyond an awesome feeling! Thank you Jennifer, I look forward to making more copies of my favorite pieces of clothing. :) read more

Just a couple of months ago I signed up to sew with Jennifer at Rhythmix in Alameda. All I knew about sewing was how to sew in a straight line! Thanks to Jennifer's guidance, I have gained sooooooo much confidence, skill and enjoyment in sewing, that I have taken on sewing as my new favorite pastime. I just finished a purse and am making many sweet, soft baby items for myself and others. Next up, a party dress someday??? Jennifer is a kind, helpful and very skilled teacher. She has a diverse, accomplished, professional background in sewing and is very hip and up to date with her designs and fashion. I highly recommend her as your sewing teacher or as a teacher for your child. Don't miss this opportunity to learn such a fun and useful skill! read more

Fashion camp is great! My daughter had never sewn before and by the end of the camp week was walking down the runway with her tote bag and hat with a little extra swing in her stride and a smile on her face. She had a great time and is ready for another week this summer. I highly recommend Jennifer's Camps and Classes! Can't wait for my opportunity with a mother-daughter class. If only, I could do a whole week! read more

Jennifer was an amazing sewing teacher for our 10 year old daughter. Her classroom setting was calm, grounded and gear toward really teaching the kids the proper steps needed when sewing an item. The kids were asked to select something that they wanted to sew, buy the material and in class together they would make the item. Jennifer went through each step of the sewing process with the kids, all while building their confidence and strengthening their ability to sew. In the end, the kids brought into fruition the item they chose to make in the beginning of class. Jennifer taught the kids how to sew all while maintaining a fun and creative atmosphere for them. She's a GREAT teacher and our daughter loved her class! read more

My daughter just finished a sewing camp in Alameda last week and loved it! She sewed an amazing dress in 4 days and learned an incredible amount while at the camp. Jennifer and her assistants have so much enthusiasm - the camp looks like so much fun I wish I could go! I just hope we can get her to do one in Marin next year so I don't have to drive so far! However, it was worth the effort, it was a great experience! read more

My daughter has been taking sewing classes, and attending camps, with Jennifer for almost two years. It's been so good for her! Jennifer has such a relaxed and respectful way with kids that they take risks and gain confidence almost effortlessly. She listens seriously to their ideas and helps them achieve their fashion visions. She also chooses projects for the camps that provide real gratification for the kids in just a few days. Fantastic way for kids to gain a great skill! My daughter has a new sense of competence because of what she's learned to do. Yea, Jennifer! read more

Jenn was amazing in working with me to create a fabulous Baby Sprinkle for a friend's second baby. She worked with me on our design and fabrics and was more than accommodating in helping meet whatever other needs we had. She even put together some beautiful decorations for the place. Maria, one of her sewing assistants, was equally amazing and patient with our wide variations of experiences. The mama-to-be had a fabulous time and walked away with a ton of bibs in various designs and fabrics. It was an absolutely lovely experience. read more

The Sewing Room - Art Classes Near Me - Alameda, California

I just want to thank Jennifer so much for offering her sewing camp for children. My 9-year-old has never been as happy with a camp as much as Jennifer's. She LOVED everything she did. I never knew sewing camp could offer so much independence and creative thinking. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! read more

So amazing! I gave sewing machine and Jennifer's classes to my daughter for her 8th birthday. After completing her first project she said,"Thank you SO much for giving me a sewing machine. I love to sew!" read more

Jennifer is a fantastic teacher! My daughter started taking sewing classes with Jennifer in 2007 and in 2011 is still learning something new every session. Jennifer's love of fashion, sewing, and craft all come together in her classes in a way that keeps the girls stimulated, excited, and empowered about their own creativity. I am always amazed at how Jennifer is able to pack so much in on an instructional level, what the girls are able to accomplish, and how they can still have time to have fun doing things like--creating fashion boards, studying and drawing the fashions of well known designers, or staging runway events! I can't recommend her enough--she has been a wonderful creative role model for my daughter. read more