Fair Fit is an individually run sewing studio in Baton Rouge, Louisiana where you can learn how to sew and make your own clothing. I teach individualized sewing instruction for students at all levels of experience, from absolute beginner to practiced and seasoned sewers.
Do you have a sewing machine just sitting in the closet, maybe even still in the box, because you don’t know how to use it?
Believe it or not, if you have a sewing machine, then you are already a huge step ahead of most people who are eager to learn how to sew. Getting a machine is the first step, but when you got that machine did you take one look at the manual and put everything right back in the box?
"Andrea, I got my machine, but that manual is Greek to me!"
Learning a new skill can be overwhelming enough- let alone a new skill that requires you to learn and operate a piece of equipment with seemingly complex features.
Finding and attending a sewing class that fits your schedule isn't all that easy either, with a patient teacher who will work with you personally and walk you through the steps to get started.
And when you do learn how to use the machine, what do you do next? What are the first steps that you need to know to complete a project on your own?
I've heard all of these frustrations from my students their first night of sewing class. The combination of all of these factors is the real reason why so many sewing machines end up back in the box, and all the way in the back of the closet! Hidden from sight and use for who knows how many years.
But what about all of those beautiful dream projects you have saved on your Pinterest boards?
They are waiting for you ;)
Lets give the craft of sewing the respect it deserves - its a form of construction. When you learn how to sew, you are learning how to shape materials into a beautiful and intentionally designed reality.
I have been sewing since I was six years old, and I know how much you can grow with this skill. Making designer garments is like building a home for your body! When you learn how to sew, you will need the right tools, you will need to know the fundamental principles and techniques, and you need to know how to complete the steps in the right order.
The process of getting started can be intimidating.
And that's why a lot of new sewing machines end up in the back of the closet. From my years of teaching, I know when and where beginners get stuck, I know the frustrations with the thread, the frustrations with the machine, and the frustrations that happen when you try to control the cloth and the machine... at the same time!
My course is designed to tackle these common beginner problems so that you don't face the struggle of starting and stopping because you don't know what to do next.
Up until now, my classes have only been available locally in our intimate studio classroom where I can only teach 6 students at a time. When my students told me that they wished they could have Fair Fit video lessons and classes, I knew they were right and set to work building this comprehensive course.
With a video platform, you will get my entire Beginner's Sewing course available 24 hours a day, so you can learn at your own pace and fit it into your busy schedule. The course starts in the same way as my studio classes, with you getting that machine out of the box and your hands on some cloth! I will walk you through the same process I have walked all my students through to get them sewing in one night. And yes, you can do the first lessons in one night so there's no excuses!
Imagine, finally being able to tackle those beautiful Pinterest projects you saved months ago.
What would it be like to make things for your home instead of purchasing them?
And being able to make your own custom clothing and say you made it?!
The huge advantage you will get from the video course format that you can't get in person is that you can watch each video again and again, and repeat the steps until you feel confident you are ready to move on. In group classes, you are forced to go at the pace of the other students. With the option of learning on video, you can stay on a certain step and proceed when it feels right for you.
I will walk you through the machine, explaining the parts and functions that can be confusing at first, like thread, tension, and the bobbin. I will show you how to hold your hands so that you can sew accurately and build the muscle memory that will help you handle the details of construction.
the course covers problems I have seen my beginner sewing students discover in class like:
Too many threads are coming out of the bobbin!
Why is my seam all tangled at the top?
Why is my seam not coming out straight?
What caused my machine to jam and what do I do now?!
I made sure to include the common issues and explain them in each of the exercises so that you can avoid the pitfalls beginners face while sewing.
“I am not quite sure how I got so lucky to stumble upon Andrea’s classes! Since taking my first class, it has snowballed into more classes and private lessons to learn specific techniques. My view of sewing has changed to an “I can do anything” attitude and because of the classes/lessons I feel confident doing anything from minor hemming to altering items in my wardrobe to even sewing my own wedding dress (which I did with Andrea’s help!).
Andrea’s extensive knowledge of sewing shows through in her classes with tips and tricks to get the desired effects in an easy and efficient way. The classes have a laid-back and friendly approach where questions are welcomed. I have and will continue to recommend Andrea’s classes to any and everyone!”
My course is comprehensive, and I have taught it live in studio and refined it at least a 100 times. Seriously, this course has been in the making a long time. Because I have taught in a classroom setting, I hear what people need and the common questions are that they all seem to face. I've laid it all out for you, in an order that will support you as you grow in the skill of sewing.
I teach you the process of learning your machine, developing hand and eye coordination, and the basics of sewn construction. You will learn the most common seams you will use in almost any kind of project.
You will learn more about fabric, its care and preparation for sewing, how to lay out a basic pattern, cutting, pinning, and learn the steps involved in a basic sewing project. In this course, we will start with the machine, and then tackle sewing exercises to develop your skill constructing seams. And then we will do a project together- a versatile bag that will teach you not only the skills to accomplish basic crafts, but also the beginnings of garment construction should you desire to eventually start making your own clothing.
This class is for the absolute beginner. You will learn how to operate and control your sewing machine, working through varieties of sewing techniques and common skill sets. By the end of this class:
you will know how to use your machine and sew basic projects.
you will be able to tackle common mistakes and problems with your machine.
you will be able to sew straight stitches and basic seams, while applying lessons in hand eye coordination to improve your accuracy and refine your sewing.
you will learn about the mechanics and features of most sewing machines.
Learning in a classroom environment is helpful, but where I have seen beginners get stuck is when they get home and can't remember the steps discussed in class. With this class, you get lifetime access, and can practice at your own pace and on your own schedule.
“Working with Andrea has been a dream come true for me! When I finally decided to pursue my long lost passion to learn more about fashion design and construction, I debated taking lifelong learning classes from our local college. But flexibility was a must, and Andrea’s curriculum worked perfect for me.
Meeting twice a week for the past year, Andrea walked me through the absolute basics of sewing, teaching me how to sew, use different machines, and the essentials of garment construction. Now we are bringing my ideas and designs to life, with private lessons on patternmaking and advanced garment construction. I now have completed my own knitwear, silk, and tailored designs. Next we are moving on to making a coat of my original design.
I am truly blessed to have a dedicated teacher and talented designer to mentor me on this path. I would recommend Andrea’s methods and curriculum to anyone ready to learn how to sew.”
faqs
When does the course start and finish?
The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish.
How long do I have access to the course?
After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like and as long as it takes you to work through the course.
What if I don't have YOUR sewing machine?
You can learn how to sew on any sewing machine- in fact, most of them thread the same way across brands and dates that they were manufactured. What I teach in this class will apply to almost all sewing machines, and I also show different variations of parts and features so you can see how tension and bobbins function on other machines. The only type of machine I can't help you with is if you purchase a machine with an excessively complex computer interface which I don't recommend for beginners! Those are the types of machines that you will need to learn directly from a sewing machine dealer.
Can kids take this course?
Yes! The information covered in this course I have taught to beginner's of all ages and all levels of sewing, including children as young as five. For your child to be successful, I recommend that you build it into a routine of learning and practice and take the course together so you can support each other while learning a new skill.
What materials are required?
You will need a computer and a sewing machine, thread, pins, and a great pair of scissors. You will also need access to a printer so that you can print out your pattern and sewing exercises for the class. You will also need a 1/4 yard of fabric for the exercises and 1 1/2 yards of cotton fabric for your project.
What are the technical requirements?
To view this course and its lessons, you will need a high speed internet connection that will allow you to stream videos.
What if I have questions?
You can always contact me and I will respond within 24 to 48 hours with help.
How much time does this course take?
You could work through all of the exercises and recommended reading in one focused weekend, or two weeknights for 2 to 3 hours. However because this course consists of video lessons and trainings, you have as much time as you need to focus on specific modules and techniques. If you are a really busy person with not much free time, dedicating just 15 minutes a day for one month will give you the time you need to learn how to sew.
Do you offer refunds?
Of course I want you to be happy with the course and fall in love with sewing. But if for any reason, you are not satisfied with the results, I do have a refund policy. By purchasing Beginner's Sewing, you agree to the following policy:
I understand that there’s lots of ways to learn sewing online, and you may have been left less than "wowed" by the content and results. However, if you work with my lessons, and complete the sewing exercises, and are still not satisfied, within 14 days of your purchase you can receive a refund.
Your Instructor
Andrea Eastin is a designer and educator and the founder of Fair Fit Studio, a fashion design studio and education platform that teaches you how to sew and design clothing. Eastin’s passion is to bring unique garments to the world, her signature collection Fair Fit is defined by hand-dyed garments sewn into complex constructions. Her elaborate couture collections have been featured in runway shows and presentations that showcase her expertise as an experimental creator, storyteller, and surface designer.
Eastin graduated with honors for her BFA in Painting and Drawing from the University of Iowa, and in 2010 she earned her MFA in Fiber and Material Studies from the prestigious School of the Art Institute of Chicago. She has honed her professional sewing skills by working on as a costume seamstress for the movie Pitch Perfect 2 when she helped construct knitwear and dance uniforms for the major motion picture, and the first season of the television show Underground, where she learned tailoring and advanced sewn construction working on elaborate period costumes. Her studio practice integrates personalized clothing design and construction with mentoring and creative entrepreneurship. Eastin is an expert and teacher of innovative surface design techniques, fashion design concepts and craft, and intentional approaches to self made wardrobe concepts and construction.
You are never going to say, "Man I wish I didn't know how to sew!!"
Sewing is a life skill, and a practical and extremely useful creative practice. There's always a little fear involved when starting any new creative endeavor, but investing in yourself and learning a new form of creative expression is NEVER a bad idea. If you really think about it, every time you put some time and effort into learning something new, it had some kind of way that the effort gave you something back. You will learn new routines, new problem solving skills that will teach you discipline in this and other areas of your life, and sewing is an applicable skill that is absolutely worth the investment of time and effort.
It's so exciting that at this moment you have no idea what this new skill will bring to your life and surprise you :)
After learning how to use your machine, you will be able to :
1. Start making some basic clothing.
2. Tackle DIY projects and crafts that you can enjoy on your own, or with your kids!
3. Fix existing clothes that just need a simple mend.
4. Make some stuff for your home- curtains and pillows are simple and just require you know how to cut a straight line and sew a straight stitch.
Are you excited yet? I hope so! Sewing has been a core passion of mine my entire life, and I am so happy that I get to share this skill with you. I'll teach you the basic mechanics- learn the machine, sew the seams, cut the fabric, construct the project- and walk you through each step to show you the essential skills you need to start sewing.
