Three Little Birds Sewing Co — Attraction in Hyattsville

This review is specifically about their summer camp. I had heard such great things about the store, the owner and their classes, and my daughter had gone to a sewing birthday party there probably 2-3 years ago and had a great time so I was really shocked at how bad the camp was. First, we were provided with a supply list and schedule of projects. We had the option of purchasing kits from the store for each of the projects, OR bringing our own things in. Since I sew myself and have a large stash of fabric and sewing supplies, I only ordered one pincushion kit (the first project) because it included pre-cut fabric and a special pincushion insert made from walnut shells, along with three patterns to be picked up on the first day of camp.

What I expected: my order put together and ready to be brought home on the first day of camp. What I got: One pattern that had already been open, the owner frantically looking around for the other patterns and upon not finding them, a link to look at another pattern online. The kids also brought home the completed pincushion they did first day. The completed pin cushion that was brought home looked nothing like the kit, and was in fact made from scraps of fabric and poly-fill. If I had known that was to be the case, I would not have spent $9 on a special "kit". When asked about the pattern where I was only provided with a website link, I was told "don't worry, we'll make sure the kids get what they need".

Day 2 of camp was to be tote bag making, per the schedule emailed to us ahead of time. Kids arrive and were told no, they're making pillows. Well, kids were sent with stuff to make totes because that's what the schedule indicated. Kids were told fine, you can make totes and were given a USED pattern, cut out by some other kid (poorly, I might add) with marker and pin holes all over it. Instructor told kid "here, I guess this is yours now". Kid came home and complained that instructor was very rude and impatient, and gave them this partial pattern. I looked at what was brought home and not only was the pattern used, it was missing pieces! The pattern was for three different variations of a bag, but what was brought home was a cut out piece for one. The next day, we arrived at camp and asked for a new, unused pattern with all pieces intact. Instructor very rudely said "no, they're all there" and WALKED AWAY. I was floored. We all know that kids can exaggerate when they feel like a teacher is being mean, but after that experience, it's very obvious this person hates children (and maybe all people?) and should not be teaching.

After much back and forth, we were refunded for the used pattern and the pincushion "kit" so that was the only redeeming thing about the whole experience.

I also found out later that the awful instructor was THE OWNER OF THE STORE! Who conducts business like that? It's really unbelievable. We found the camp disorganized and the whole experience was made worse by the fact that we went in thinking it was such a fantastic place. If you or your kid is an absolute beginner at machine sewing, I would look elsewhere for classes as this person does not have the patience to deal...

Three Little Birds Sewing Co shop is a GEM in the neighborhood and I am so glad I found it after moving from VA. The owner, Kate, is especially helpful and patient whenever I have questions, or need pattern/fabric direction, which is often.

Her Learn To Sew classes and Kids Summer Camp are very popular in the community and we’ll organized. (My kids are grown but my neighbors send their little ones who have a blast.)

The fabrics are so beautiful and well curated that it’s hard to chose, and are of better quality than you see in the chain fabric shops. I like her kits too, (like the new underwear/bra kits and the fun class to go along with them.) And her pattern selection is drool-worthy. There are also fun and edgy gifts, candles, cards, jewelry, embroidery kits and sewing accessories.

I’ve been to several of her events, including the Holiday Makers Event Mothers Day event and looking forward to the October Halloween event. They always provide food and beverages, (adult ones too) for free! Kate is a fantastic teacher and a true...

Oh my goodness, I absolutely love this store. It is a stitcher’s heaven.

I want to give a special shout out to the sweet lady working today. I believe her name is Sharon (so sorry if I got that wrong!)

I brought my mom today to help me pick colors for my Alaska quilt. My mom is a Type 1 diabetic and while we were at the store her sugar started quickly crashing and she forgot to bring some sugar with her. She usually has something with her but she had forgotten today. I thought I’d have to run fast to get her something but she quickly stopped cutting fabric and offered my mom some cookies they had in the back.

We then noticed candy canes in the front as we were checking out and grabbed one, crisis averted! She was also very patient with me as I had realized during check out I needed one more cut of fabric for my quilt.

Thank you so much for your kindness, patience, and great selection. I’m excited to come...