It all started with a little black notebook.
A few years before Boho Fabrics existed — before fabric rolls completely took over my life, before retail build-outs, inventory systems, and now Janome sewing machines — there was that notebook.
While cleaning out the office and converting it into classroom space, I FOUND it again.
Inside was a handwritten goals list from 2015. Long before I had kids. Long before I opened the store. Back when I had just gotten REALLY into sewing.
At that point there was no business, no classroom, no real plan. Just someone who discovered sewing and immediately knew this was becoming much bigger than a hobby.
On that list was a goal to ONE DAY have a fabric store with:
- vintage sewing machines
- sewing classes
- kids classes
- a creative community
- a welcoming place where people could learn and make things
While rereading this list, I did something I never do — I got weepy.
You see… I rarely slow down long enough to even process a moment because I’m usually too busy managing it. Finding that notebook felt like a reminder from the universe to slow down for a second and enjoy this one.
This past year, I’ve beat myself up a lot trying to get these classes launched.
Nearly everyone has asked for them, but there was just no way I could do everything at once. (Trust me, I tried VERY hard.) So I really felt like I was letting everyone down.
This whole “launching a classroom” chapter has made me excited and terrified at the same time. Maybe because I have this huge goal in my head for this place to feel creative, welcoming, and safe.
Lately my brain has also been occupied by curriculum writing. Not just WHAT to teach, but HOW to teach in a way that makes it CLICK and gets people excited to keep sewing once they get home.
And teaching kids how to sew? SUCH a cool thing to experience.
There’s this point during our Youth Machine Basics workshop where the seams are sewn, the corners are clipped, and suddenly they turn the bag right side out for the FIRST time.
If you sew, you KNOW that moment.
But watching someone experience it for the first time is such a high. You can literally see the excitement and pride hit them all at once when they realize THEY made this.
Not bought it.
Not clicked “add to cart.”
Actually MADE it.
That’s what this classroom was always supposed to be about. For people to feel inspired to learn, make things, and be brave enough to trying something new.
And while I may have accidentally launched a gazillion classes all at once 😅 it’s important to me that this space also exists for community.
So for the first few months, Community Sew Hours are going to be FREE.
You do need to RESERVE A SPOT so we know how many people are coming, but beyond that? Just come hang out.
Feel the fabrics. Sit down at a table. Meet a new friend. Sew your heart out.
