Sewing Machine 102: Building Skills & Confidence
Class Description
Ready to take your sewing skills to the next level? This intermediate-beginner course builds on the foundations introduced in Sewing Basics 101 and is designed for participants who are comfortable threading and operating their sewing machine and are ready to expand their skills.
Join fabricator and textile artist Deborah Sementelli, who brings more than 20 years of experience and serves in a leadership role with the Erie Fiber Arts Guild, as she guides participants through a series of practical techniques that will increase confidence and independence at the sewing machine.
Over three sessions, students will refine essential sewing skills while exploring more advanced construction methods, pattern reading, garment alterations, seam finishes, and techniques for creating clean, professional-looking projects. Participants will work with simple patterns and learn strategies for troubleshooting common sewing challenges while developing greater precision and control.
This course is ideal for those who have completed Sewing Basics 101 or have equivalent experience using a sewing machine. Participants should bring their own sewing machine and basic sewing supplies and come prepared to continue building their skills, creativity, and confidence—one stitch at a time.
Price
This class is operating on a sliding scale. You may purchase the class at a rate you feel financially comfortable with, up to the maximum class cost of $125. All students will receive the same instruction regardless of payment.
Use the checkout process as-is to pay the full $125 for the course. To adjust the price during checkout, please enter the desired price in the promo code box, between $25 and $100, using the format SEW##. For example, to pay $75, enter SEW75 into the promo code box. Please reach out to us if you need assistance.
Available Promo Codes
SEW25
SEW50
SEW75
SEW100
Dates & Times
This class meets on Sundays, September 6th through 27th, from 1:30 – 4:30 pm.
Materials Required
Participants should bring their own sewing machine
About the Instructor - Deborah Sementelli
Deborah Sementelli is a textile artist, dressmaker, and clothing designer with 39 years of experience, known for creating wardrobes for films like Gettysburg and The Patriot. A Fine Arts graduate from Edinboro University, she has collaborated with numerous organizations, including the Flagship Niagara League, Roadhouse Theater, Lake Erie Ballet, SoMar Dance Company, Erie County Historical Society, and more. Deborah orah has also played key roles with the Northwest Pennsylvania Artist Association, Lake Erie Fiber Arts Guild, and 1505 Artworks (now PACA). Her teaching career spans the Erie Art Museum, Inner City Neighborhood Art House, PA Department of Corrections, Lifeworks Erie, Edinboro and Mercyhurst Universities; and various K-12 schools as a PA Council on the Arts Rostered Teaching Artist.