As I have hinted at in a few previous posts, I am learning how to sew. I have ZERO experience with sewing, sewing machines or anything sewing related for that matter. It killed me when I ran across fabric I loved, because I knew the only thing I could do with it was marvel at its greatness. And then Modern Domestic came along and changed my life. Seriously.  At long last, my fabric stash has a purpose in my life.

Modern Domestic’s Welcome Counter (made with recycled wood – so nifty)

New Pretty Sewing Machines on Display

Modern Domestic is a new and beautiful space in NE Portland full of right-out-of-the box sewing machines (Bernina and Janome are the machines of choice). It’s an incredible warm and open studio that houses more than just sewing classes - think felting, silk-screening and surface design…all are in the mix at Modern Domestic. They offer classes for all skills levels and the space is almost always available for drop-in sewing/crafting, which gives you access to Modern Domestic’s shiny sewing machines and tools. Basically, if you arrive with just your fabric and thread, Modern Domestic has everything else you need (they give you a little box when you check in that has all the necessary tools you might need for whatever you are creating).

For someone like me who has A.) no room in her bungalow for a sewing corner and B.) no money to buy a sewing machine (OR additional sewing tools) and C.) no one to teach me how to sew and D.) no business being alone in a room with a sewing machine – Modern Domestic could not be more perfect!

The Official Workspace

I took the Sew Basic class a few weeks ago at Modern Domestic and it was like my first day of high school. I was so incredibly nervous. My palms were sweating, I was bright red…you get the drift. What if I totally sucked at sewing? What if I was so bad the teacher didn’t know what to do with me? What if the other kids laughed at me? Truth be told, I did suck at sewing, but none of the other pupils were very good either. And you can’t blame us, because it was the first time nearly all of us had touched a sewing machine. I was so overwhelmed by the whole sewing experience that I didn’t take a single picture while I was there (these pictures were taken when I stopped in to sew during open sewing time).

Lauren + Bernina Sewing Machine (she’s in the middle of making some adorable jean shorts)

But I was hooked, thanks to the super awesome and friendly staff and again, the idea of being able to create my own pillows and curtains overtook any sewing anxiety I had. So….tomorrow I’m back at it and will be taking my second class. I’ll be learning how to sew an envelope pillow. Wish me luck.

Pillow on Display at Modern Domestic (I should walk out the door with something like this!)

 And you bet I’ll be stopping by the blog to share my creation with you. Just don’t look too hard at the stitch lines, I’m sure they won’t be straight.

Finally, two more wonderful things about Modern Domestic…classes are super affordable and so is open sew time ($8/hour or pre-pay rate of $50 for 10 hours). Secondly, Modern Domestic is owned by three inspiring ladies who are ridiculously passionate about what they do. They are a reason in itself to visit the place. You will be inspired by the space, the people, the crafts – everything!

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