Just as making sourdough bread became last year's pandemic skill, it turns out that as means of entertainment continue to be restricted because of the virus, some old home-making skills are gaining in popularity.
The latest such skill may be sewing.
Tori Spencer saw enough interest that she has opened a new business called That Sewing Place at 20015 E. Riggs Road in Queen Creek. That Sewing Place is a sewing school for kids and adults.
Independent Newsmedia spoke to Ms. Spencer about her new venture and why now is the right time for it.
Why did you decide to start your school? I was working at home for many years as a long-arm quilter and thought it would be fun to run a summer kids sewing camp, which I ended up doing for several years and just loved it. As I thought more and more about it, I knew that one day I would have a full-time sewing school. I knew what it would look like, how it would run and that it would make me so happy. We investigated several possibilities but, in the end, it just didn't work out at that time. But the sewing school dream stayed with me until the chance came around again and we were led to this place in Queen Creek. I'm so excited and grateful for this dream-come-true opportunity.
Has the pandemic had any impact on the school? Why or why not? The pandemic has absolutely had an impact on the school. With families staying at home and kids unable to go to school, I know many people have been looking for quality classes that their kids can attend. Now is the perfect time to come to our school and sharpen your sewing skills. Everyone needs to be more self-reliant in the future, and these skills will last you and your kids their whole lifetime.
Why do you think people are interested in sewing? Is this something new? In recent years, the home arts skills took a back seat to everyone's busy lives. Who needs to cook when you can stop at a dozen drive-thrus for dinner? The old-fashioned ways take more time and effort, and with both parents working outside the home it sometimes seemed impossible. Now we are all slowing down, staying home more and wondering how we can relearn these essential survival skills. This is the perfect time to get out that sewing machine that's been in the back of the closet since your mom or grandma gave it to you and learn to use it for your family's benefit.
Describe your clientele and what they are looking to get from the class. My clients are literally everyone. Kids young and the old, stay-at-home parents that can come to a daytime class, working people who want an evening class time, homeschool families looking for quality classes. When you learn a new skill, it always comes with a heightened sense of self-esteem and who doesn't want that for themselves and their family members? Never again do you have to be intimidated by that sewing machine in the corner or about learning any other new skill. You can do it.
What kind of COVID protocols do you have in place? We will use all the normal protocols that everyone is used to by now, like asking everyone to wear a mask while they are in the school (and you can even make your own masks while you're here). We are cleaning and disinfecting all machines and surfaces before and between each class and spreading out the working spaces. We will also have everyone wash their hands when they first come to class.
How many students can you take? We have space and machines for 10 students in each class.
How is your curriculum set up? Every beginner will start by making a "carrying bag," which will then become the way they will take their projects to and from school each class time. This first project is even included in the class tuition. After that first project is completed, they will be free to choose another from the many sample projects we have prepared or even some other ideas they come up with. The students will be able to choose their own fabric colors and designs and be taught how to follow the written instructions. Every student will work at their own pace and be able to make things they love. Younger beginners will be directed to a few easier projects at the beginning to help sharpen their skills and increase their confidence. We have so many sample projects ready to go and more will constantly be added. We hope to work up to seeing students increase their skills year after year and eventually be able to create their own designs.
The adult classes will also be very customized to the student's abilities. We will meet you on your skill level and help you progress. You won't have to worry about trying to keep up with everyone else or making projects that don't interest you.
How were you able to finance the school and the equipment you need? My husband has been a general contractor for over 30 years. He has built and remodeled countless homes. So, while remodeling this older house to become our beautiful new sewing school took a certain amount of effort and resources, we were able to accomplish it because of his wonderful skills.
Tell me a bit about your background. My husband and I both grew up in small Utah towns and lived in Salt Lake City until we moved to Arizona in 2005, and that's when I learned long-arm quilting and made it a business. I started sewing and quilting around 1994 with my sisters-in-law, and we still get together with our daughters and daughters-in-law every spring for a wonderful family quilting retreat. I remember what it was like to be a complete beginner with so much to learn at first. But over the years sewing has become a great love!
The first semester classes start the week of Feb. 8, however, if there is space in a class, new students can start at any time. Costs range depending on the class from $60 for a Wednesday Night Workshop for more independent sewers to $200 for a 10-week class for both kids and adults.
Each student canwork at their own pace on their own sewing projects and the school will have a mix of skill levels in every class. To learn more or to register, visit ThatSewingPlaceAZ.com or call 480-597-5281.
Janet Perez News Editor | Queen Creek &
San Tan Valley @AzNewsmedia
Meet Janet Janet Perez joined Independent Newsmedia as editor of the Queen Creek Independent and Florence Independent in 2020. She started her career in 1989 with the Gannett-owned El Paso Times. In 1992, she moved to Tempe and has worked in newspapers, magazines, radio and television. She left Arizona for three years to work at New Mexico State University and Baylor University before returning to work at Arizona State University. Missing the business, she went back to journalism in 2017.
Community: A long-time pet owner, she supports animal welfare causes.
Education: University of Texas at El Paso with a BA in journalism and a minor in political science.
Random Fact: She had a head full of random facts.
Hobbies: Reading, watching documentaries, cooking and playing with her dogs.
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