Laura's Sewing School

Wonderful local shop run by such a friendly neighbor! Mask extenders are made of high quality nylon that seems like the same stuff that seat belts are made of. $2 a pop, a small price to pay to save your ears from soreness after a long day.

GREAT EXPERIENCE! I am enjoying my weekly sewing lessons and love that Laura is sharing her expertise with all of us. From Beginners to experienced sewers, everyone can benefit from all the "little" tricks of the trade to make your projects look professional. Laura makes no assumptions that you should know anything and is available to help as much or as little as you prefer. Class size and time length really lend itself to plenty of attention when you need it and you can learn from what she shows others in the class as well. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!

I love taking classes at Laura's Sewing School. I started 10 years ago knowing absolutely nothing; but within the first year I was able to make a woolen fitted jacket! I find I get very personalized attention when I need it but also encouragement to try some aspects on my own but with the safety net of having Laura nearby to catch me before a fatal mistake! When I began I had no idea that my interest in sewing more than some basic garments would spread to quilts, pillows, stuffed animals, dresses and coats. I highly recommend coming to Laura's classes to certainly learn the basics but also to perfect your own already proficient level of sewing.

I have attended Laura's Sewing School for two years. I can't begin to give Laura the accolades she deserves. She is a master at her field and a wonderful and patient teacher. In addition to learning techniques that you just can't find in any sewing book, I have gained skills, confidence, and a sense of community with the women that I sew with every week. It is my favorite day of the week! The environment is welcoming with beautiful quilts and wall hangings made by Laura adorning her space. There is room for everyone, whether you are a true beginner, have some experience, or more advanced. Laura keeps her classes small so that she can give you the individual attention to work on your unique project. I just can't say enough about Laura and the warm and enthusiastic learning environment she creates at her school.

I was very disappointed with Laura's sewing classes. First of all, they are very expensive. I paid $235 for four three-hour sessions. There is very little structure to the class. You are advised to bring in your own project. You get no help picking a pattern or the fabric, so of course, I made the mistake of picking a tough pattern and didn't buy enough fabric. Because of a flood at Laura's sewing studio, the classes were held at different locations around the area. Though that is not Laura's fault, I do wish she had provided a discount since we didn't have access to the tools and space that was promised. Laura is very skilled, but it was tough to get the help I needed as a novice. She was late to two of the four sessions and that time is precious. Also she is a TALKER, which is nice for socializing, but not when you need all of the time you can get. Also, she couldn't make it to two of the sessions and had substitute instructors. These women were very nice, but one of them was not nearly as skilled as Laura and could not help me with what I needed. In four sessions, I couldn't even complete the skirt of my dress. It was very frustrating to spend so much money and feel like I only learned a couple of things. I would only recommend these classes if you have loads of money and are a little more advanced.

I've been taking sewing classes with Laura for the last seven years, and two of the other people in my class have been taking them for longer! I've learned a great deal from Laura, and I'm still learning in every class! Laura's depth of knowledge is amazing, and she is able to keep track of everyone's project at the same time. That's one of the best things about the class, everyone is working on completely different projects. We have some people who have never sewn before and others who have been sewing for many years. Some people make quilts, some people make clothes, some people sew crafts. There is plenty of room to cut out projects, and six sewing stations, you can bring your own sewing machine, or rent one of Laura's. It's wonderful to work on something and know that you can ask for help and advice and get the guidance you need.

I haven't attended a class at Laura's school, but I've contracted with her on several occasions for help and advice with specific issues. In one case, I had a top-stitching job I needed to do on a deadline, and of course my machine picked that moment to go haywire! Laura was able to fit me in, show me how to use her equipment, and as a bonus, provide several useful tips on how to get my task done quickly and efficiently. In another case, I was considering purchasing a serger, and was utterly confused by information available online. She discussed various issues, pros and cons, and gave me a solid grounding on the machine she recommended. I made the purchase, and couldn't be happier with it! I'm hoping I can fit a class with her into my schedule sometime soon.

I have loved lessons at Laura's. Very personalized and, as a complete beginner, a project was recommended that involved the perfect level of difficulty and yielded a very attractive tote bag! Onward and upward! Taking another series of classes and expanding on projects. Very personalized instruction in a friendly environment. There is a great fabric store right around the corner that is so convenient!

I have been taking classes with Laura for about 8 months and have accomplished quite a bit in that time with her help and expertise. I came in not knowing how to thread a bobbin and now I have made numerous types bags, clothes/pajamas for my daughter, a cardigan for myself and shorts for my husband!! I really enjoy the loose structure she provides i.e. you can pick the project and she helps you as you go. You are not locked in to a specific project and can go at your learning pace. I am able to make whatever I want at the speed I want, which is great for someone who is a self starter but with has had no skills : She has many tricks and tips that I wish I could remember on the first pass. You also get to learn from the other students who are working on different projects, but may require the same skill. I thoroughly enjoy the time I spend in that class with my classmates making/creating whatever I want!

Laura does not pay her bills. I, in good faith moved Laura's sign for her move from 91 Warren Street to her then new location at 203 Broadway St.Arlington Ma. In the past 2 years she has never responded to any mailed request or even my collection agent. She just moved again, changed phone # it seems and can not be reached or responds by phone, e-mail, or snail mail. I'm talking under a $400 original bill she won't pay 1/2 of what others would have charged her as I thought she was a friend of the person who referred her to me. So please spend your money at Laura's so I can collect mine.