Newton Sewing Studio

Newton Sewing Studio is our next local business of the week. Located in Newtonville, Newton Sewing Studio offers a variety of classes, camps, and parties to kids (as young as 5) and adults. This September will be the third year of NSS, and Brian Remlinger, the founder, took some time to answer our questions. Brian has been teaching sewing in the Newton area for the past five years.

Boston Tutoring Services: Which age groups of children most commonly visit/attend?

Brian Remlinger: The studio attracts most students between 7 and 11 years old.  We do accept students aged 5 and up and have a huge variety of projects that are attractive to both little kids and adults.

Boston Tutoring Services: Can you tell us more about the services/programs that you offer?

BR: We offer sewing instruction with an emphasis on self exploration and self reliance.

Boston Tutoring Services: What sets you apart from other similar businesses?

BR: Unlike most independant sewing studios we’ve built our business around the “maker” culture. This is similar to studios of other types in that students have access to advanced equipment and instruction well beyond what they could have at home. Here’s a link to what I’m talking about: http://www.techshop.ws

Something else that makes us different is our extreme flexibility.  Students purchase packages of time “hours” which can be used anytime they wish for whatever duration works best for them.  This time doesn’t expire.  Students show up when they like and stay for as long as they like.  Time is deducted from their account down to the second so theres no rounding or lost time for finishing early.  Time can be used for any of our after school and camp programs with no need to schedule in advance.  Another thing to note is that all supplies are included in the hourly cost.  We have a massive selection of fabrics and trims to choose from plus extras like snaps, rivets, buttons, elastic, velcro, ribbon, and just about anything you could imagine that’s sewing related.

The studio is very tech and equipment heavy.  We have 24 regular computerized sewing machines plus two embroidery only machines.  Industrial machines include coverstitch (for hemming knits), straight/zigzag machine, and an industrial serger.  There are also two domestic sergers available for use.  The felting machine is a popular choice when kids are adding embellishments to projects and want to go a step beyond hot glue.

Kids are highly encouraged to add embroidery to any of their projects from stuffed animals to bags and even clothing.  Speaking of clothing we use all computer drafted sewing patterns that are made to each students individual measurements.  Kids can create garments simply by clicking different aspects and choosing what shapes they’d like.  For example, you can create a t-shirt with any of 14 different sleeve options and that’s just the beginning.

We also have the capability to do heat transfers.  These can be images found online then printed and cut or simply cut directly from colored vinyl.  The cutting machine makes this easy and professional.

Did I mention we have a vast variety of google eyes?

Boston Tutoring Services: What do you enjoy most about working with children?

BR: Children offer an opportunity to witness unlimited potential.  As adults we cap out once we realize that no, we will most likely not be president of the united states or an astronaut and we start to settle.  Kids haven’t been discouraged from a lifetime of setbacks. With kids we’re always building and growing, with adults we spend a lot of time trying to break down barriers.  I never wanted to work with kids, it came as a complete surprise (shock perhaps) that the majority of my customers in my new career would be under the age of 11. I treat kids the same way I treat anyone else, like they have the potential to do anything. One of my biggest challenges is working with parents who won’t allow their kids to realize their own potential.

For more information on upcoming classes and programs, go to http://www.newtonsewingstudio.com/.

Newton Sewing Studio

161 North St

Newtonville, MA 02460

(617) 213-0344

NewtonSewingStudio@gmail.com