The New York Sewing Center — Local services in New York

What a wonderfully run place. Clean and Organized. I had the most patient instructor: Meredith. OMG...it did not come naturally to me...but she was so sweet never tiring of having to explain it to me again. Here is what I wrote on Facebook about my experience at the NYSC and my own "growth". I am one who literally cannot sew a button correctly/appropriately. I have no desire to knit or crochet. I do wish I could sew but not enough to discipline myself. However, I remember when I was growing up in an Italian American household we had linen napkins and coasters and the like all around the house...and I'm sure my Barese Italian grandma who lived upstairs had on display such things in her place. I also remember doing some child like embroidery stretched out with the help of an embroidery hoop and I liked it. So a little more than a month or two ago I decided to look for a class in NYC that teaches embroidery. Found one! Went today. The class had only 4 other women. The instructor was Meredith ..the most patient woman ever.....Everyone in the class was following her quite well...except for me....while people were embroidering I was still trying to figure how to thread the embroidery needle...pathetic.....I was indeed the student who needed the most help. But what I learned...I learned to touch the fabric, the special thread, the threading needle and with the constant help of the instructor....began to stitch....Still behind the 8 ball. (I become extremely self conscious if someone is watching me....so I just decided to go at my own speed.) And some of the steps I knew would do better at home with no one watching me. Takeaway: I'm glad I went. I was way out of my comfort zone. Embroidery takes all your concentration which is a good way to get the news out of our heads for a while...and I do know I like it. The place I went to is The New York Sewing Center 38th street between 7th and 8th...in the wonderful garment center. I will now have to buy some of the supplies.....I'm so challenged but again found joy in it...and am encouraging each of you to do something that you find yourself attracted to and try it...whether you try it once or stay with it...It is a cool feeling....because you feel you "grew" even if in a little way.

Thank you dear Meredith and the NY Sewing Center for opening a world I never...

I took an In-Person embroidery class a few weeks ago and didn't have the best experience. I shared my feedback about the class via my original review. I wasn't expecting anything to come from it and it wasn't one of those, "I'm NEVER coming here again!" situations. Nevertheless, the owner Kristine replied and thoughtfully acknowledged what I had shared, kindly offering me a complimentary class. I was surprised and would have still come back regardless; they offer a wide-variety of classes and I think for a much better value than what's available at other places.

I gratefully accepted and had a much better experience! Amy, my instructor was knowledgeable, patient and attentive. I enjoyed chatting with her, learning about her connection to sewing. One thing I really love about the team here is hearing/seeing how genuinely passionate they are about their craft and creativity.

Kristine took the time to follow up with me by phone (a rarity these days!) We had a great conversation. She is a wonderful example of someone who balances the responsibility of being a business owner with care and intention. She values what she does and the impact that has for the people around her. Would definitely recommend to anyone seeking to up their skills or who's in need of a refresh or new challenge.

Looking forward to coming back! Thanks again, Kristine, Amy and Chloe. Peace to the whole team at New York...

I do not know how to sew. I can manage a button, and I do needlepoint, but I haven't made garments since helping my great-aunt when I was still in elementary school. I emailed the NYSC about two weeks before I needed to have a project entirely completed, explaining my circumstances, and they patiently and responsively helped me schedule private lessons around my availability, suited to the purpose of just getting this garment done. Not a moment of time was wasted -- and while I do feel a lot more comfortable working with patterns and the Janome machine we used, the hours I paid for were used to drive the work for the project home. Despite that -- Emily, the instructor who was paired with me for the bulk of the project -- was incredibly helpful and willing to answer questions about technique and function, effectively learning some of the sewing basics as we worked on the garment together. While I imagine that this isn't usually how the private tutorials are meant to be used, I am really supremely grateful that the NYSC and their teachers were willing to help me the way I needed to be helped to get my project completed.

I hope to take a Sewing 101 at the NYSC in the future -- the staff and instructors are incredibly friendly, the space is cozy and well-equipped; zero complaints. Worth...