Do you have kids, tweens, or teens interested in learning to sew? Rancho Cucamonga is now home to a beautiful sewing studio that specializes in teaching kids 9 years of age and up how to sew, Bumblebunch Sewing Studio!
A couple of months ago, my 11-year-old daughter, Kate, mentioned how much fun it would be to learn to sew. We signed up last month at Bumblebunch to give the weekly sewing classes a try. I spoke with the owner, Yvonne Dill-Cruz, ahead of time to let her know how excited, but super nervous my daughter was to take the class. We had no idea what to expect and she didn't know much about sewing. Yvonne assured me she would do great, even as a beginner.
We arrived at her first class early and walked into the cutest "Pinterest-like" sewing studio I have ever seen! Yvonne greeted us and showed us to Kate's sewing station. She explained that her first sewing project was going to be a reversible tote bag. Her assistant, Samantha, took Kate to the back of the studio to select her fabric. We stood in awe in front of a wall filled with beautiful folded fabrics, as she helped Kate select her favorite fabrics.
I was subtly given the tween stare that it was time for me to go, which also let me know she was feeling more confident about being there by herself. I happily rushed next door to Target, for an hour and a half to myself -- complete with Starbucks in hand. Another perk for sending your kids to this class.
I came back a few minutes early to check in on Kate and saw the biggest smile on her face while using the sewing machine. All by herself! I quietly entered the class to see her fabric patterns cut out and the beginning stages of sewing her tote together. How they did that much in one class I will never know. I was amazed. Kate talked non-stop all the way home about everything she learned - how to thread the machine, all different types of stitching, how to trace and cut out a pattern, controlling the speed of the machine, sewing must-haves on hand, and how to use the machine to stitch fabric together.
She asked, "Mom, am I going back next week?" That's a BIG YES from me! It took only 3 classes to finish that cute reversible tote. One side for Halloween and the other side for everyday use. We couldn't stop the classes now, she was hooked! Since then, she has made a curvy pillow, flannel sleep shorts, and just finished a cute, Del Mar skirt!
That's FOUR amazing projects in 2 months!
At home, the best part has been seeing her dust off my sewing machine and showing me how to use it. She grabs scraps of fabric and quilted batting (stuffing) I have lying around to make pillows and sleeping bags for her dolls, without any help from me. The skills she is learning now will be more than just a fun class she took when she was 11. It will also be a wonderful life skill for years to come.
If you have kids 9+, I highly recommend getting them a seat at one of Bumblebunch's sewing machines as soon as possible! There are weekly classes Monday-Saturday (starting at $115/month), Sew Saturday Camps (starting at $50 per session), seasonal camps (starting at $210/week). The LAST CHANCE TO SIGN UP FOR WINTER CAMP IS 12/17 - Don't miss out!
Bumblebunch Sewing Studio is located at 10570 Foothill Blvd., Suite 230, Rancho Cucamonga - above Big 5 in the Terra Vista Shopping Center.
