Make It Workshop in West Seattle makes it sew easy to get crafty

I'm addicted to "Project Runway." This season, the Pacific Northwest is represented by two of the show's most colorful and talented designers: Blayne, a West Seattle barista, and Leanne, a designer from Portland.

But my favorite member of the show is mentor Tim Gunn, who not only has an impeccable sense of style, but also a phenomenal vocabulary, dropping big-ticket words like "egregious" and "consternation" with panache. If you're a fan, though, then you already know that the phrase that made Gunn famous is, "Make it work."

That's what "Project Runway" fan Joey Shearer-Harvey does at her West Seattle sewing studio, Make It Workshop. Open since this past May in the former Gatewood Baptist school building (recently converted to artist studios), Make It Workshop offers classes for those of us long on creative inspiration but short on sewing skills.

With a background in clothing design, Shearer-Harvey is an experienced sewer and a patient teacher. She has set up the studio with large tables, a row of sewing machines in front of big windows, and plenty of light-filled space to stretch out and get those creative juices flowing.

Make It Workshop offers classes for all levels of experience. If you're new to sewing, or need a refresher course, sign up for Sew 101, which offers three two-hour classes for $80 (Sept. 20-Oct. 4, 3-5 p.m.; and Sept. 29-Oct. 11, 7-9 p.m.). You'll learn how to make a tote bag and pajama bottoms made from the fabric of your choice. Bring your own, or choose from the small, but awesome options sold on site. There are sewing machines available, but you're welcome to bring your own to class.

Other class offerings include the Basics of Mending ($24), the Saturday Night Hat Workshop ($30), the Market Bag Workshop ($30) and Easy Pillow Covers ($30). More advanced classes include Second Hand Fashion: De-Consruct/Re-Construct ($30) and Crash Course: Zippers! ($35). Open, drop-in studio time and private lessons are also available. Check out the Web site for class times and more information.

With Halloween and the holidays just around the corner, fall is the perfect time to hone your crafty skills. Once you ace pajama pants, you can make everyone in your family a pair this holiday season. Who doesn't appreciate a handmade gift?

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