WORKSHOPS
We started planning our workshops and classes in 2017, but the Covid pandemic has changed the landscape forever. 2020 has shown us how desperate the sewing community is for both knowledge and skilled technicians - for all machines, not just new ones. Sewing Doc Academy is dedicated to offering a wide range of workshops and experience-building programs ranging from hobby to professional. Expect to see the majority of these workshops available in 2021.
available & Upcoming Workshops
Free Class
Vintage Machine Cleaning Workshop
This workshop will lead through cleaning and lubricating ALL vintage and antique sewing machines, not just the one you'll be working on in the class! Save machines that are your family heirlooms, found in basements and attics, acquired at a yard sale or thrift store. This class will get them moving again!
On Demand Coming Soon
Which format works best for you?
On Demand
With On Demand, you are purchasing a streaming workshop that is available to you for life, and you have access to at any time you need it. The workshop is 'self-led', meaning you work at a pace that's suitable for you. You won't have the instructor available to you live during the workshop, but there are options if you run into issues and need assistance.
LIVE on Zoom
LIVE on Zoom classes are virtual classes with a live instructor. You will log on to Zoom using a link, and through camera, we will guide you through the class. This is just like a regular class you would have in-person, just virtual! You are welcome to take notes throughout the workshop, and handouts and other materials will be available to you.
workshops coming in 2021
Vintage Machine CLEANING
Sometimes old machines need repairs, but most of them just need proper cleaning and lubrication to get them running and stay running. This class will teach you the same procedures used daily in the Sewing Doc service shop!
Vintage Machine Advanced Repair
Go one step further and learn how to adjust timing and make more involved repairs on older machines. This class will help you rescue just about any sewing machine! VM Cleaning Class should be a prerequisite.
Modern Machine
Maintenance
Learn everything you need to know about proper cleaning and lubrication of your modern sewing machine (some models excluded). We'll take off the covers, clean computer boards and internal parts, lubricate properly, and address common issues.
Modern Machine
Advanced Adjustments
Take your machine maintenance one step further and learn how to adjust timing (needle bar, feed dogs, hook), and other basics in machine service and repair. This is an advanced class and perfect for those looking to machine service as a career. The Machine Maintenance class is a prerequisite.
Potted Motor
Service & Repair
External Motor
Service & Rewiring
Viking 6000
Series Repair
Singer Touch & Sew
Gears & Repair
These workhorse machines are high value and about as good as it gets. But most of them have bare external wires at the motor. This class will walk you through complete rewiring and motor care for these potted motors.
Serger
Maintenance
Whether to care for your own or to add to your growing professional skills, this class will teach you everything you need to know about fully cleaning and lubricating your serger, which should be done rather frequently.
Old motors were built to last, but sometimes they need a little extra loving care. This class will teach you how to clean and lubricate external motors, and rewire them into machines if needed. This could save you a bundle!
Serger Advanced Adjustments
Take your Serger or coverlock maintenance one step further and learn how to adjust timing and upper and lower looper positioning. We'll teach you about the common issues that arise with sergers and how to correct them. The Serger Maintenance class is a prerequisite.
Not many repair shops will address specific issues with the Viking 6000 series, and many have been discarded due to lack of knowledge. This class will make a seized machine work again, as we remove the buttonholer and stitch selector mechanisms and get things moving again. This is an Advanced class.
Treadle Machine
Restoration
This class will specifically cover cast iron lock stitch machines (Singer, White, New Home, etc.) and address restoration and care and maintenance of treadle components, including belt installation. Please note - this will not cover wood cabinet restoration or repainting of machines.
Those Touch & Sew machines were a brilliant concept, but the gears commonly break and shred. Once replaced, you’ll get another 50+ years of use. This is extremely involved but will save many machines. Also covers the Athena, TouchTronic, Stylist, FashionMate, Merritt and other machines with nylon gears.
Kenmore
Advanced Repairs
While Kenmore machines are covered in other classes, there are specific known issues that are common among most Kenmore machines. This class will fix just about any Kenmore machine you have.
private & Group workshops
Yes, we are still offering one-on-one and private group workshops! Due to the pandemic, all classes have been moved to a virtual format indefinitely. But this is great! I promise, you will learn as much or more virtually than you would live in our classroom.
This is the best option if you really want to handle routine maintenance (not major repairs) on your own and don't want to wait for an opening in a class to come available. Private group workshops are great for friends, as it's a very social setting, plenty of time for catching up!
For more information about private or group workshops, please contact us and we'll be in touch!
